The brand new “World Class” 8K camera sensor developed by Atomos, has won ‘Innovation of the Year’ at the “Lucie Technical Awards”. The sensor is named Sapphire F8 and offers impressive capabilities: Full frame, 8K resolution at 60p, and 15 stops of dynamic range with 12-bit capture across all capture modes. But where’s the footage?
Atomos Sapphire F8: FF, 8K, and 15 Stops of DR
Announced in November last year, the Sapphire 8K Global Shutter Sensor is a full-frame sensor that goes by the informal name Sapphire 8K, although some publications confirmed that the name is Sapphire F8. The sensor offers DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) global shutter recording up to 60fps. At 4K, the frame rate quadruples to 240fps, and at 1080 it delivers 360fps. The Sapphire F8 has up to 15 stops of dynamic range with 12-bit capture across all capture modes. Atomos stated that the Sapphire F8 provides “World Class” performances, which were achieved by the finest engineers at Atomos. The company has utilized its knowledge regarding camera technologies in order to develop a groundbreaking sensor. According to Atomos, major camera manufacturers have shown a decent interest to implement the sensor into their devices. Furthermore, Atomos stated that the sensor was developed as a byproduct. In fact, the company’s goal was to develop a cinema camera, however, it pivoted from the Sapphire F8. Moreover, Atomos said that it has a significant advantage in becoming a sensor company since it’s much more logical and easier for a non-camera company to sell sensors to other camera companies.
Atomos needs a new direction
The decision Atomos made for developing a high-end sensor is valid. It’s no secret that Atomos needs that pivot since the external recorders business is fading. For instance, a lot can be learned by examining Atomos stock which has been rapidly declining during the past year. Furthermore, one of the leading businesses that Atomos relies on, is ProRes RAW as stated: “Atomos was the first to implement the professional Apple ProRes RAW format for recording with cinema cameras and continues to push the boundaries of innovation with RAW recording over HDMI…”. However, this might be changed as well, as more companies find a technology bypass (DJI) or fight RED Digital Cinema to allow shooters to record ProRes RAW internally without the need for an external Atomos recorder (Nikon). Hence, we’ll not be surprised if Atomos changes dramatically his business, transferring to a sensor/camera company.
Atomos Awarded “Innovation of the Year”
As for the Sapphire F8, it was awarded ‘Innovation of the Year’ at the Lucie Technical Awards. The Lucie Technical Awards aim to honor the large and small companies, as well as the individuals, who have advanced the photographic industry in a given year. All-inclusive, these awards intend to encompass such things as cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories, to software, storage, and more. As stated by Atomos: “Atomos is proud to announce that the Sapphire 8K Global Shutter Sensor has been awarded the “Innovation of the Year 2022” Lucie Technical Award. These awards honor the most innovative products from the past year and the innovators who have shaped the industry. The other company that won the award is Sony, with its two-layer transistor pixel CMOS sensor.
Closing thoughts
The dramatic fall of Atomos stock, together with the new industry trends, justifies the smart move Atomos made in order to enter a completely new business. Indeed, the new Sapphire F8 seems like an impressive piece of an image sensor, which has been formally awarded a prestige prize. However, it must be noted that it’s a bit strange we haven’t seen anything new regarding the Sapphire F8. Atomos should update on that matter ASAP.
Post Game Questions
- Do you agree with the new pivot Atomos made to enter into the image sensor world?
- Do you think camera manufacturers will use Sapphire F8?
- What are the chances Atomos will succeed in the new direction?
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It will be interesting to see if Atomos finds a partner to build a camera with the Grass Valley 8k GS sensor. They’ve budgeted a million dollars to market it. Looking at the potential clients…
Arri is doing well with the ON Semiconductor ALEV, despite it being a rolling shutter type.
Sony already makes their own decent GS sensor, the Pregius, which was used in the PMW-F55 and the sports arena HDC-F5500.
RED uses a Sharp 6k GS sensor in their Komodo.
Blackmagic is “already on 12k” 🙄
Perhaps we’ll see this weekend if Canon is on their second generation GS sensor with the C700 Mark II.
None of those are 8k though, but…
Besides NHK, no one seems to be in a hurry to jump up to 8k. A lot of directors are still choosing the Alexa, which is 4k. Some movies and TV shows are being shot on the Venice 8k, but mainly for future-proof archival data if they ever want to re-release it. The EU passed power efficiency regulations that effectively outlaw new 8k TV sales. The internet monopoly in the US barely lets enough data squeeze through for people to watch 4k.
Something else to consider is the pixel size, sure image processing has improved, but physically, with 4μm pixels, you will start seeing diffraction after f/8.
I could see this in an 8K full-frame BMD box-style camera (for when 6K is too little and 12K is too much) or even a GS version of the Z CAM E2-F8.
Atomos have worked with Z CAM before on the RAW over HDMI to the Ninja V, but wouldn’t Z CAM get better pricing from Gpixel?
I suppose it would depend on Atomos’s pricing and whether Gpixel had a comparable product at a better price.