Apertus develops an open source camera

Apertus is working on the development of a fully modular 4K camera using open source software, also trying to make the hardware on which it runs as open as possible.

This project arose out of the frustration of many professionals with locked firmware, which restricts certain functions for which a camera is actually capable. This idea also gave rise to the popular Magic Larntern, which allows you to run your own software together with the camera’s firmware and thus add new features.

Apertus’ goal would be to achieve an affordable camera hardware, with the option to upgrade it whenever new features are released and keep it up to date with the latest workflows. To achieve this they have started with Axiom Alpha, a prototype of the complete camera (Axiom) that features the same sensor (a CMV 1200, from Cmosis) but downscaled to 1080p 4:4:4:4, instead of 4K resolution with RAW recording capability (in Cinema DNG). Axiom Alpha, like the full model, is based on FGPA technology, so the idea is to use this prototype to get the basic software before moving on to the final camera.

Although Apertus has not revealed all the details of the Axiom 4K at this time, they have stated that it will be priced under $10,000 and will feature a Super 35mm sensor, Global Shutter, up to 15 F-stops of dynamic range, capable of 150fps in full 4K, interchangeable lens mount (the prototype will be Nikon F-mount) and will be fully modular.

These modules provide the opportunity to make your own designs, being able to disassemble the camera down to the basic functionality when you need a light and small camera, removing a module such as the sound module when it is not required, or placing all the available modules to enjoy all the options.

Logically, covering this project is neither easy nor cheap, so Apertus is looking for new developers to help carry it forward and has started a Crowd Funding campaign. Donations can be made from this page.

We’ll see how the idea progresses and whether it’s really feasible, but are we looking at one of the biggest camera breakthroughs of the decade?