P+S Technik X35

P+S TECHNIK’s new PS-Cam X35 premiered at Cine Gear Expo 2011 in the ZGC Booth, their US Distributor. Imagine an all-purpose, 35mm digital camera that reminds you of an Arriflex 435, is quiet enough for sync sound (there’s no fan), sits on your shoulder, mounts to tripods, dollies, remote heads, Steadicams, cars and 3D rigs.

The P+S TECHNIK PS-Cam X35 shoots from 1 – 450 fps in HD 4:2:2 10-bit uncompressed, with 4:4:4 RGB planned. (P+S TECHNIK’s Weisscam HS-2 goes up to 4,400 fps in HD resolution.) The PS-Cam X35 will accept popular batteries (Anton/Bauer or V-Lock).

Michael Erkelenz, Product Manager, introduced the camera in a Cine Gear special screening with beautiful slow motion scenes. He also demystified high speed cinematography, breaking it down into three speed ranges: normal speed, high speed to 150 fps (familiar from 16SR and 435 film cameras), higher speed (to 450 fps) and ultra high speed (above 450 fps). For most commercial product shots and dramatic situations, we don’t go over 450 fps, simply because of the math of screen time derived from frame rate. So the X35 might take the reins from the 435 in being called a  “workhorse” camera.

Camera designers and rigging grips take note: Hirth-Toothed Rosettes abound–there are at least 6 of them. The X35 has a helpful, ergonomic design, with a rounded bottom for shoulder-resting, and an extended rear flat base. You don’t have to be right-handed, right-eyed and right-shouldered to be happy with this camera. I didn’t try it, but if you remove the top handle, you should be able to mount the X35 upside down or underslung.

So, when would you use an X35? Certainly on most commercials and as the workhorse camera on TV drama, documentaries, and HD productions. Probably as the B camera on high-end features. When the snowy owl lands in the middle of a dialog scene, cut to the X35 view of the talons touching ground at 450 fps.

Specs

  • CMOS Super35 1920 x 1080 HD Sensor
  • Frame Rates: Standard Speed 24–60 fps
  • All Speed Range: 1-24-150-450 fps (stepless)
  • Recording: HD 4:2:2 10-bit uncompressed
  • 4:4:4 RGB (option planned)
  • Internal Memory: 4:08 min 24 fps/18GB  0:40 min 150 fps /18 GB
  • Output: 2 x 3G/1,5G HD-SDI
  • Timecode: TC In/Out
  • Genlock: In/Out
  • Power: 12V-30V, approx. 90W
  • Accessories 12 V, 30 W and 24 V, 60 W
  • Dimensions: LxWxH 343x157x179 mm
  • Weight: Approx. 8.6 kg
  • HD-SDI recorders, lenses, accessories and camera supports.

 

 

Leave a Comment

3 Responses:

  1. DC Patterson says:

    Looks usefull – but I take from this it’s not designed as a main camera with such short record times – unless coupled with an external recorder?

    Any rough ideas on price?

  2. Jon Fauer says:

    Yes, it is designed as a main camera for normal speed shooting with a variety of on-board recorders.

  3. tom says:

    Indeed, just as Jon mentioned shooting at standard frame rates can simply be recorded to any external HD-SDI capable recorder. Only when shooting under- or over cranking speeds it needs to be buffered first, before plying out the marked footage to the external recorder. A standard and HS camera in one body and easy workflow.

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