The ACHTEL 9X7 camera was paired with XM2 Pursuit using SHOTOVER System, to try and replace an array of 6 (or more) cinema cameras. This unique setup is aimed for high-end VFX, VR, Giant Screen, and IMAX productions. Watch the footage below.
ACHTEL 9X7: A “Mini IMAX”
The ACHTEL 9X7 was invented by Pawel Achtel ASC. First announced in September 2020, the ACHTEL 9×7 digital cinema camera utilizes a new generation 65MP (9.3K resolution) sensor with a global shutter technology. The sensor features dual light pipe technology and correlated double sampling, allowing very low read noise and high dynamic range. The camera is based on the GMAX3265 Gpixel sensor although it was not officially confirmed nor denied. The 9×7 captures a pure and uncompressed RAW format with a recording bandwidth of up to 10 GB/s. All the processing that is usually done on the camera is left to post during conversion to a DNG file format. The file size is approximately 30 times more than traditional digital cinema cameras can achieve. According to Pawel, the 9×7 footage is like a “thick negative” offering superior color range and accuracy even in difficult lighting conditions. The camera was defined as a “Mini IMAX” (not connected to the IMAX brand) and aims to deliver high detailed imagery to giant screens. Pawel claims that the camera “significantly exceeds Large Format 15 perf 70mm IMAX film in all aspects of image quality, from sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity to noise and dynamic range”. Moreover, like IMAX film, 9×7 also offers a 4:3 aspect ratio. The price of the ACHTEL 9X7 is approximately $140,000.
Designed to replace an array of six cinema cameras
The sensor’s real estate of the ACHTEL 9X7 is huge. It’s a square-sized sensor. Take a look at the slide below that compares this sensor to the sensors of Sony VENICE, RED Monstro, and ARRI LF.
However, as stated by Pawel: “The ACHTEL 9×7 is not here to replace ARRI, RED or Sony. It is designed to replace an array of more than six of them stitched together. “The 9X7 is a specialized camera. It is not for shooting your episodic soap opera. There are a lot of other camera choices there. But, when you are shooting VFX, VR, dome theatres, planetariums, 360, 180, or IMAX, what other choices than 9×7 do you have?” says Pawel. “You can’t put six Monstros on a drone or in a SHOTOVER Systems, can you? If you shoot for IMAX there is not even a choice of a 6K camera because, if you crop Monstro to 4:3 aspect ratio, it is not even a 6K camera…you simply cannot compare this camera to anything else on the market today” he adds.
The ACHTEL 9×7 is not here to replace ARRI, RED, or Sony. It is designed to replace an array of more than six of them stitched together.
Pawel Achtel ASC
Cooperation with XM2 Pursuit
Recently, XM2 PURSUIT has been putting the 9×7 camera through intense testing to integrate the one-of-a-kind system into remote head platforms. The goal was to implement this VFX powerhouse into XM2 PURSUIT aerial applications including drone and helicopter systems as well as vehicle mounting options in place of a multi-camera array. XM2 PURSUIT specializes in aerial cinematography, and their solutions were extensively utilized in ‘No Time to Die’ movie. The results are below.
You can’t put six Monstros on a drone or in a SHOTOVER Systems, can you?
Pawel Achtel ASC
Watch the Downtown LA shot at night with ACHTEL 9×7 using ARRI Signature Prime 18mm and SHOTOVER K1 paired with XM2 PURSUIT system:
Summary
The ACHTEL 9X7 aims to replace multi-cinema camera arrays and 70mm film, in order to specifically target high-end VFX, VR, giant screens, and IMAX productions. The main advantages of the 9X7 are the compact form factor and unique aspect ratio. As explained, the camera outputs a pure uncompressed RAW that results in high color fidelity, but in insanely huge file sizes as well. However, it’s a specialized camera for specialized applications. We advise watching the 8K video on a high-end screen to explore all the details.
What do you think about the ACHTEL 9X7? Does it deliver? Do you see yourself using it in your productions?
