The utilitarian AMP II camera can capture a huge 20 stops of dynamic range
Great news, at least for filmmakers who like the candy-colored, eye-searing effects of HDR photography. The AMP II is a triple-sensor camera which will shoot high dynamic range video in real time.
In principle, the AMP II works like a high-tech Technicolor rig. The light coming through the lens is split into three beams and each is sent to a different image sensor. These sensors record highlights, mid-tones and shadows, and the three outputs are combined to make an HDR image. This is then “tone-mapped” to shrink the HDR data into an range that can be displayed on screen. It is this tone-mapping stage where the horribly bright colors can be introduced.
The prototype AMP records up to 17 stops of dynamic range, and the new AMP II 20 stops. This compares to 9 stops for a typical digital SLR sensor. The images are also recorded in full-resolution RAW format and processed in real-time, so you could shoot live TV in HDR if you wanted to (the signal is output through HDMI). These RAW streams can also be accessed separately for post-production tweaking.
The camera is due to be ready for commercial use in at the end of summer 2011, but you won’t be able to buy one. These boxy cameras are more like advanced experiments than finished products, but it’s possible that AMP’s patented tech could be licensed to other manufacturers. Imagine a super-high-res RED camera with AMP tech inside. Also, the name RED AMP is plain awesome.
AMP FAQ [AMP via Photography Bay and PetaPixel]
See Also:
- Creepy HDR Video Shot with Two DSLRs
- New Gigapan Shoots HDR Images, Works with Bigger Cameras
- How To: HDR Photography
- Review: Sony HD Camcorder is a Gift From the Video Gods
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