The AJA CION 4K/UHD and 2K/HD Production Camera features an APS-C sized 4K image sensor capable of capturing both DCI and UHD 4K as well as 2K and HD resolution video. Video is recorded using Apple ProRes 4444 and 422 codecs up to DCI 4K (4096x2160) at 60 fps to AJA Pak media. The camera can also output AJA Raw video at up to DCI 4K at 120 fps via quad-link 3G-SDI output, and up to 30 fps over Thunderbolt. With an ergonomic yet flexible design and industry-standard connections, the CION is ready for professional use in the field or in the studio.
The 4K APS-C sized CMOS image sensor provides 12 stops of dynamic range and utilizes an electronic global shutter to eliminate motion skew associated with rolling shutters. An integrated Optical Low-Pass and IR cut filter serves to reduce moiré while yielding sharp images with high quality colors. The camera uses a PL lens mount for use with industry standard cinema lenses. And because APS-C is very similar in size to that of Super 35mm, your Super 35mm PL lenses will cover the imaging area of the sensor. Mechanical back focus adjustment has been included for fine-tuning the distance between the lens and the sensor for optimum image sharpness.
The CION is designed to be user friendly in form and operation. A contoured shoulder pad provides comfortable shoulder-mounted operation, and the included top handle features an integrated LANC start/top button. All of the audio and video connections are industry-standard and have been placed so not to interfere with camera operation. Camera interface controls are located on the side of the camera facing the operator for easy access in single-user setups. The menu is also easy to navigate using a dial knob. The integrated monitor displays the menu information as well as a preview of your real-time image. The camera can also be controlled remotely via a LAN connection, and even ganged with other CION cameras for multicam shoots.
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Key Features
- 4K APS-C CMOS Image Sensor
- Internal DCI 4K/UHD & 2K/HD Recording
- ProRes 4444 & 422 to AJA Pak Media Cards
- AJA Raw via 3G-SDI Output up to 4K 120p
The AJA CION 4K/UHD and 2K/HD Production Camera features an APS-C sized 4K image sensor capable of capturing both DCI and UHD 4K as well as 2K and HD resolution video. Video is recorded using Apple ProRes 4444 and 422 codecs up to DCI 4K (4096x2160) at 60 fps to AJA Pak media. The camera can also output AJA Raw video at up to DCI 4K at 120 fps via quad-link 3G-SDI output, and up to 30 fps over Thunderbolt. With an ergonomic yet flexible design and industry-standard connections, the CION is ready for professional use in the field or in the studio.
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AJA CION Overview
4K APS-C Sensor
CION features a 4K APS-C sized CMOS sensor with an electronic global shutter and 12 stops of dynamic range. Super 35mm lenses cover the imaging area of the sensor, while the global shutter eliminates the negative effects associated with rolling shutter-based sensors.
Recording Formats
CION can record at DCI 4K (4096x2160), UltraHD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080), and Full HD (1920x1080). 2K and HD resolutions are hardware scaled from the full 4K sensor, resulting in over-sampled images, which retain your lens' angle of view at any desired resolution. Frame rates up to 50 and 60 fps can be recorded to AJA Pak media, while outputting AJA Raw in frame rates up to 120 fps via 4x 3G-SDI outputs.
AJA Pak Media
The camera records to AJA's SSD-based Pak storage. The robust high-speed compact storage slots directly into the camera and allows recording of both DCI 4K and UHD 4K in addition to 2K and HD as ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 (HQ), ProRes 422, ProRes 422 (LT), and ProRes (Proxy). Pak media is available in 256GB or 512GB capacities and by utilizing the optional AJA Pak Dock, you can transfer your footage over high-speed Thunderbolt or USB 3.0. AJA Pak media features a multi-insertion rated connector. Connecting to CION via the LAN connector provides real time information regarding the Pak currently in use and by utilizing a Thunderbolt enabled RAID storage drive you can quickly back up your Pak media as you shoot.
AJA Raw Workflows
CION can output frame rates up to 120 fps as either DCI 4K or UHD 4K from its 4 x 3G-SDI outputs as AJA Raw. You can also output AJA Raw up to 30 fps via the camera's Thunderbolt connector. With the use of AJA's Corvid Ultra in conjunction with TruZoom software (both sold separately), you can even take the AJA Raw output and replay it at up to 60 fps, for live broadcast applications.
PL Lens Mount
The camera uses PL mount lenses that are the industry standard for professional cinema cameras. Additionally, the lens mount has been designed to be removable so third parties may develop mounts for other lens types.
Optical Low Pass Filter and IR Cut Filter
An integrated Optical Low-Pass Filter reduces unwanted moiré effects while still retaining image detail. The infra-red cut filter helps produce high quality colors within the image by blocking unwanted light wavelengths.
Back Focus Adjustment
The inclusion of a mechanical back focus adjustment allows for proper calibration of the distance between lens and sensor. By making finely tuned adjustments, the sharpest image quality is assured.
Connectivity
CION is designed to let you customize the camera to suit your shooting style and needs. All of the audio and video connections are industry-standard and audio and video connectors have been placed where they will not interfere with camera operation. 3G-SDI and HDMI monitor outputs, as well as a power output, make it easy to add a monitor or viewfinder to the camera and, utilizing internal scaling, these dedicated monitoring outputs are always active even when shooting at DCI 4K and UHD resolutions.
User Interface
All the interface controls are found on the side of the camera facing the operator for easy single user functionality. The menu structure is designed for ease of use, without cumbersome sub-menu navigation. Settings can be adjusted confidently using a selection knob. The integrated monitor displays the menu information as well as a preview of your real-time image. CION also offers powerful network-based control. Via the LAN connection, a web-browser UI allows for remote configuration of the camera, making it completely controllable whether it's on a crane, jib, or other mount.
Multicam Gang Control
CION makes multicam shoots easier to manage by using a laptop with a simple Ethernet switch and LAN cables. The web UI allows complete and independent set up of multiple CION cameras; you may name each camera and consolidate control of the cameras from within a web browser using the unique gang recording feature. The web UI will also allow real-time monitoring of the capacity of the Pak media used in each CION.
Chassis
The sleek chassis is formed of gravity molded magnesium which is lightweight but strong. Integrated steel rosettes allow you to mount industry standard accessories including hand grips and handle extensions directly to the camera body.
Mounting
Aluminum cheese plates are fitted to both the top and bottom of the chassis to provide easy mounting of accessories from both AJA and third parties, with standard thread sizes to offer a wide range of compatibility.
Ergonomics
CION is designed to be comfortable, convenient, and flexible for a variety of shooting environments. A contoured shoulder pad fits comfortably to your shoulder for hand held use. An included top handle made of high grade aluminum and wood features an integrated LANC start/stop button. The handle base itself uses a LWS 15mm rod and through hole to allow you to mount additional third part accessories.
AJA CION Specs
| Built-In ND Filter | |
| Advertised Dynamic Range | |
| Audio Recording | |
| Video I/O | |
| Audio I/O | |
| Power I/O | |
| Other I/O | |
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| Accessory Mounting Thread |
Packaging Info
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AJA CION Reviews
See any errors on this page?
I was under the impression 3G-SDI cannot carry ...
I was under the impression 3G-SDI cannot carry 4K. Is it dual Link 3G-SDI or? I will more than likely need to hook this up to a switcher at least once as part of an in studio multi-cam and it will have to output 4K to it as that is what we will switch in.
This camera has a Quad 3G-SDI Output, that is how it can send out a signal up to 4K60.
Date published: 2019-05-06
question
what is this camera used for? documentaries or films or others?
This camera and it's superb image quality can be used on narrative films, documentaries, business, commercials or whatever you wish. It should, however, be used by skilled cinematographers so that it can produce all the quality it is capable of.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
Is there an option to crop the image in camera so i can use super16 lenses or 2/3 zoom lenses?
No, there is no such cropping in this camera. The different resolutions available with the camera all retain the Super35 sensor size and are instead down sampled.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
So when shooting in 2k, does the frame size change to an image size of 11.25mm X 5.95mm?
On the AJA CION, scaling is utilized rather than cropping. The result is the lens produces the same size image whether shooting in 4K, 2K or HD.
Date published: 2018-11-05
question
Will the Tokina Cinema 50-135 T 3.0 PL lens work with The AJA Cion 4K and 2K Production Camera?
Yes, it will work. Both are for Super35 PL mount filmmaking and are made for each other.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
So now that is't 2017, does anyone finally know what the native ISO is?
According to AJA, the Cion exposure index ratings are: 320, 500, 800, 1000. No mention of native. Personally, I look for the cleanest ISO settings and choose one for the native. Some shooters are saying for the Cion it is 320 while others are saying 500.
Date published: 2018-11-05
question
On overall performance,which is better,aia cion or black magic design Ursa 4k camera for feature film shoot,dr asok
In the case of two similar competing devices, which is better depends on what your production needs, style, and budget are. Both cameras are big steps up from DSLRs yet are not full-fledged cinema cameras. The URSA Mini is very affordable and is perhaps Blackmagic Design's finest camera, while the CION comes from a very reliable manufacturer with everyone one who uses it saying its image can be very lovely and cinematic. Both have limitations, both have advantages. While the CION sensor is dynamic and ISO limited, personally I would be inclined to consider it for a feature since I would want the picture to look as good as possible. This would be viable as long as I knew I could control the lighting so that highlights would not be lost nor darks too noisy. I also would consider it a relief that the AJA video workflow is bullet proof. The security of knowing your images are safe is immeasurable. The URSA Mini has the advantage of affordability plus the DaVinci Resolve software, an industry standard that is an incredibly powerful tool in making your feature look its best.
Date published: 2018-08-25
question
Any feature film shot on the aja cion,dr asok,India
Here are two examples: http://bit.ly/2fFaAeX and http://bit.ly/2fFfd8R.
Date published: 2018-08-25