Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 2, 2014. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
According to AJA, the camera has an APS-C CMOS sensor with a global shutter and a dynamic range of 12 stops. Recording takes place in Apple ProRes format (4444, 422 (HQ), 422, 422 (LT), Proxy), stored on AJA Pak SSD media. Users can choose a 256 GB storage-media version (for 700 dollars) or a 512 GB version (for 1,300 dollars).
For 2K and Full HD recordings, the camera scales the material down from the full sensor image for maximum quality without cropping the image area. In 4K, CION users are intended to be able to film at 50/60 frames per second.
Data can be transferred via USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt using the AJA Pak Dock. According to AJA, RAW data in 4K can be output via 3G-SDI at up to 120 frames per second; via Thunderbolt, the frame rate in 4K is 30 frames per second.
The CION camera is also equipped with a PL mount, an LCD status monitor, an LED VU meter, back focus, and optical low-pass and IR-cut filters for suppressing moiré effects.
Interfaces AJA specifies for the camera:
- 4x 3G-SDI/HD-SDI outputs (4K/Ultra HD/2K/HD)
- 2x 3G/HD-SDI monitor outputs with overlay support
- 1x HDMI output offering support for 4K and Ultra HD or scaled 2K/HD
- 1x HDMI output for 2K/HD
- 2x mic/line/48v XLR analog audio inputs
- 2x LANC control ports
- 1x LTC input connector
- 1x reference connector
- 1x USB connector
- 1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection
- 1x Mini TRS headphone jack
- 1x 4-pin XLR power connector
- 1x input power connector for third-party battery plates
- 1x output power connector
- 1x Thunderbolt connector
The AJA CION is expected to be available from AJA resellers in summer 2014 – at a US market price of 8,995 US dollars. Added to that are the optional costs for AJA Pak SSD media with 256 GB for 700 dollars or 512 GB for 1,300 dollars. The AJA Pak Dock costs 395 US dollars, and additional camera accessories will be available when the camera ships.
All further information is available here.
