Apertus have release details about the latest Beta development on their Axiom open source 4K camera. Crowdfunding is on the cards for the Axiom Beta and it means you could be the owner of one of the cheapest 4K cameras on the market.
It looks like the Axiom Beta is about to become the cheapest 4K camera in existence, not that our primary goal is being the cheapest but for our main target audience for this prototype stage: early adopters and developers we are happy to go that extra mile. Sebastian Pichelhofer apertus association Chairman and Product Manager
Axiom Beta’s planned features include:
HDMI Full HD (4:4:4) output at up to 60 FPS
4K raw output via experimental HDMI formats
Capture full resolution, full bitdepth raw still images to MicroSD card
Remote control of all camera functions from smartphone, tablet, laptop
Power management and monitoring (e.g. voltage, current, temperature)
Highly customizable via modular I/O addons (e.g. SDI)
Accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope e.g. for image stabilization
Different lens mount options (e.g. Nikon F-mount, EF and M4/3)
Wide input voltage range (5-40V)
Very lightweight and compact ~110x60x50mm
Embedded Linux (e.g. Raspian, ArchLinux)
LUTs, matrix color conversion, FPN compensation, false color display, overlays, dead pixel compensation
Using Microzed board (instead of Zedboard used in Axiom Alpha)
Here is the rest of the Apertus Press Release:
What will the Axiom Beta cost?
Backers who support the Axiom Beta development in the crowd funding campaign with a minimum amount of 350 EUR / 485 USD or more will receive the Axiom Beta (including all the necessary I/O modules) for manufacturing costs only (i.e. material and assembly), at approximately 550 EUR / $760 USD (without image sensor, see table below).
But rest assured, no matter what hardware options you choose, you will only pay for the materials, assembly and shipping. Naturally, if we manage to attract more backers than initially planned, the cost of production per unit will be reduced and everyone will get to pay less. The main focus of this campaign is to find early adopters and get the hardware into the hands of hackers and developers. Once our product matures, you can expect the Axiom camera to grow in complexity along with its feature set and price. For this reason, it is unlikely that future Axiom models will be as affordable as what we are offering in the Axiom Beta crowd funding campaign.
Upgrade Path
If you decide to upgrade your Axiom Beta to a successive product (e.g., say, the Axiom Gamma, if we continue using the greek alphabet naming scheme), the main (and most expensive) component, the sensor, can very likely be reused. The Microzed is also an independent product and can be utilized for other projects or resold again.
Image Sensor Choice
In the beginning, we will create an Axiom Beta using the Truesense KAC12040, as we would like to gain experience with another image sensor than the one featured in the Axiom Alpha. Once this is working, we’ll start adding additional image sensor options based upon what the majority of people in our community are interested in. This sensor may come from Cmosis, Truesense or a different manufacturer, as long as they provide datasheets and use compatible interfaces. Please cast your vote below to give us an idea of which options would be preferred.
The following prices are indicative of these image sensors in single quantities. In higher volumes, their cost is slightly reduced. Add the approximately 550 EUR / $760 USD base cost of the Axiom Beta to the cost of the image sensor to get an idea of the total price. Another possibility might be purchasing engineering grade sensors (containing defects as they did not pass quality assurance) at further reduced prices for developers.
Which image sensor would you get in your Axiom Beta camera?
When will the crowd funding campaign start
Soon, so stay tuned, as we will share further details about the Axiom Beta once we have finished the EU Horizon 2020 grant application. At present, we need all of our eyes, minds and energy focused on completing the documents for this program.
Please see Apertus for more information.