Codex introduced the Action Cam earlier this month at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. The camera delivers high-definition shooting, capture, transcoding and data management for situations that require a compact form factor and low weight. It comprises a tiny camera head and a Codex Camera Control Recorder that delivers full remote control of the camera, plus the proven workflow of Codex.
Codex Action Cam is capable of shooting RAW at up to 60fps and resolves the common issues of syncing associated with small format camera solutions. Multiple camera heads can be in sync with other main unit cameras like the Arri Alexa.
Wide dynamic range, 14-bit image processing, a 12-bit RAW output and Codex’s industry-leading debayering, Action Cam performs exceptionally well in normal and extreme lighting conditions. It uses a 2⁄3-inch CCD sensor, which provides excellent light sensitivity, low signal-to-noise ratio, temperature stability and no visible fixed-pattern-noise. A global shutter means there is no distortion of fast-moving objects making the camera great for VFX applications.
The Codex Camera Control Recorder can be used to operate the camera head and adjust white balance, exposure index and frame rates. Delivery formats, via Codex media stations or Codex Vault workflows, include Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD, uncompressed and H.264.
For lenses, Action Cam offers C-mount plus EF, PL and B4-mount adaptors, giving cinematographers a wide choice of glass options.
Along with 2D production, Codex Action Cam can also be used in S3D applications. Two camera heads can be connected to the Codex Camera Control Recorder, and the signals undergo identical processing – delivering completely synchronous S3D output and identical image properties, such as white balance and contrast. This makes shooting S3D simple and straightforward, saving time and money in post production. Shutter sync, Genlock and LTC capabilities allow Codex Action Cam s to be easily synchronised with other digital cinema cameras.
“As the name suggests, Codex Action Cam is a simple, no-nonsense, out-of-the-box camera and recoding system,” said Marc Dando, managing director of Codex. “In one compact package the tiny camera shoots exceptional images and, unlike other small cameras, has a rock-solid workflow behind it – allowing cinematographers to shoot with confidence in new and ever more creative ways.”
The Codex Action Cam is scheduled to ship during summer 2014. Pricing was not announced.