This 8K organic CMOS sensor from Panasonic seems to be turning into the Duke Nukem of sensors. Basically, vapourware. Every so often, a box with “8K” written on the side of it seems to be trotted out to some show or other, with a promise that it’ll be getting released soon and then it never seems to actually happen. The sensor was first announced in February 2018, boasting an 8K 60fps global shutter. In October 2018 they said it was coming in Autumn 2019 – where we just heard about its development. It didn’t get announced as being available. Well, now it’s been spotted again at the 4K/8K Video Technology Exhibition in Japan.
According to a report on YMCinema, the system was supposed to have been released before the Tokyo Olympics, however, Panasonic says that production issues with the sensor have caused delays and it will take some time to resolve them. The sensor, they say is Super 35mm and captures a much wider dynamic range than any of the traditional CMOS sensors currently available.
At the moment, it’s still unclear exactly when this tech will become available and if or when it’ll come to the Lumix lineup or go towards Panasonic’s higher-end camera systems for broadcast and cinema. But wherever it comes, the global shutter 8K organic CMOS sensor would be highly desirable amongst filmmakers. It would eliminate the “jelly wobble” and slanted rolling shutter artifacts and provide the kind of dynamic range that many of us have only dreamed of. We’ll let you know when we hear more, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. [via YMCinema / Photos Monoist]
