Astro Design announced two new 8K global shutter cameras that are capable of shooting 60 FPS, with the goal of strengthening its 8K ecosystem. Meet the AB-4831 and the boxy-style multipurpose AB-4830 cameras. 

Astro: The mother of 8K

Astro Design shortly known as Astro is a Japanese company established in 1977, headquartered in Tokyo, and specializes in the 8K ecosystem. According to Astro, the company was the first to introduce the 8K ecosystem back in 2013 with its compact 8K camera, and with a rumored price tag of $300,000. Although focusing on broadcasting, two years ago, Astro introduced an 8K camera that was designed for cinematographers as well. Now, the company is introducing its two new models, which are the AB-4831 (successor of the 4815), and the 4830 which is a compact, boxy-style multi propose camera. Both cameras are armed with a global shutter sensor. As stated by Astro: “Due to our new global shutter technology, these new cameras can shoot moving subjects without distortion”. Also, the company says that the decision to develop those cameras with global shutter capabilities was made due to market demands.

AB-4831: 8K, 60P and global shutter

The new 8K60p camera (AB-4831) is a camera with an 8K resolution and 60fps live output. As explained, it’s the second generation of AB-4815 that was released last year. The 8K 60Hz portable camera equipped with a camera sensor featuring a global shutter function and image processing function. 8K video can be output in real-time with 4 lines of 12G-SDI for use in live events such as stage performances and sports matches. The camera can be controlled externally by connecting a remote controller (RB-4816-2).

Camera Specifications

1. Image Sensor: Super 35mm CMOS Sensor 24.576mm×13.824mm
2. 8K/4K Output Connector (Select from 8K/8K, 8K/4K, 4K/8K, 4K/4K): 12G-SDI×4- 8K: 50p, 59.94p, 60p | 6G-SDI×4- 8K: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p | 3G-SDI×4- 4K: 50p, 59.94p, 60p
3. Effective Pixels: About 33 million pixels
4. Bit Depth: 12-bit
5. ND Filter Position: Clear, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND
6. CC Filter Position: 3200K, 4400K, 5900K, CAP
7. Lens Mount: PL Mount
8. Latitude: 11 Stop
9. Electronic Shutter: 1/24～1/10000
10. Frame Frequency: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60Hz
11. Color Gamut: BT.2020, BT.709
12. Gamma Curve : SDR （Dynamic Range 100, 200, 400, 600), HLG (Dynamic Range 100, 200,250, 400, Log Gamma
13. Dimensions: 128（W）×150（H）×241（D）mm

Due to our new global shutter technology, these new cameras can shoot moving subjects without distortion.

Astro Design

AB-4830: Fanless and lightweight

The boxy multipurpose 8K camera (AB-4830 / AC-4829) has a camera head that and CCU (camera control unite). According to Astro: “The compact size of camera head is possible to create new demand that original size could not do”. It’s a fanless, lightweight (weight: 340g) and compact 8K camera system equipped with a camera sensor featuring a global shutter function. Astro emphasizes that the size of the camera head enclosure is 65mm×65mm, it is useful for 3D filming in which two cameras are placed side-by-side for shooting. The captured video is output from the CCU in 8K in real-time with 4 lines of 12G-SDI. The camera and CCU can be separated by up to 100 meters, making it possible to shoot from a remote location.

Camera Specifications

1. Image Sensor: Super 35mm CMOS Sensor 24.576mm×13.824mm
2. 8K Video Output: 8K Output 12G-SDI（SMPTE ST 2082-12）×1 (2 output distribution), 8K（7680×4320) YCBCR 4:2:2 59.94p/60p（2SI）
3. Effective Pixels: About 33 million pixels
4. Bit Depth: 12bit
5. Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Mount
6. Latitude: 11 Stop
7. Electronic Shutter: 1/24～1/10000
8. Frame Frequency: 59.94, 60Hz
9. Genlock: Connector 6-pin round connector×1
10. Dimensions: 65（W）×65（H）×80（D）mm
11. Weight: 340g

When and how much

Astro says that the cameras will go on sale in March 2021. There is no info about pricing. Don’t expect it to be cheap though.

Final insights

The company continues to evolve its 8K ecosystem, and those cameras are just a small piece of it. There are plenty more options and solutions offered by Astro Design which you can have a look in their Inter-BEE 2020 page. I assume that the major and most relevant market for these products is the Japanese consumers.

Have you used one of Astro Design 8K cameras before? Let’s know your thoughts in the comments section below.