BMD RGBW Sensor in Global Shutter

I am curious to know what would happen if Blackmagic Design incorporated their RGBW sensor into the global shutter technology. It is well-known that global shutter typically results in a reduction in dynamic range. Considering the 12K S35 and 12K VV as reference points, we can infer that increasing the pixel size leads to an enhancement in dynamic range.

If the 12K S35 and 12K VV resulted in a two-stop increase in dynamic range, as claimed, and the 12K VV has a 9K window equivalent to the 12K S35, we can speculate that reducing the resolution to a lower level while maintaining larger pixels can also yield a comparable dynamic range improvement.

Therefore, let us assume that Blackmagic Design opts for an 8K VV global shutter and successfully mitigates the dynamic range loss associated with global shutter using the larger pixels. In this scenario, if the dynamic range is still claimed to be 16 stops despite the reduction caused by global shutter, wouldn’t this be the most desirable outcome?

Furthermore, wouldn’t the majority of individuals prefer 8K resolution over 12K for acquisition in VistaVision with a 6K Super 35 Window?

Ultimately, this entire process eliminates artifacts from rolling shutter sensors, resulting in unadulterated gains.

Let’s say your 8K RGBW sensor is 8192x6144 photosites (2.9 micron pitch). That would give you a Super35 diagonal of 29.696mm. If that was global shutter with 13-14 stops dynamic range, it would find a market and would be well-suited to anamorphic shooting. And most everyone would be able to use existing Super35 prime lenses and zooms.

But as we’ve noticed lately BMD seems to want to promote shooting full-frame, breaking away from the slavish devotion to HD and Super35. The Cine 12K for example using 2.9 micron photosites. The full-frame 6K sensors don’t include a BMD RGBW colour array but have much fatter electron wells. It may be that an 8K RGBW solution could go full-frame with 4.39 micron photosites. That might achieve your goal of 14 stops global shutter and 14+ stops dynamic range. That too would attract a market. Downside would be the same as the other full-frame sensors in that new lenses may be required. Zooms are very expensive if they cover the full sensor, but a 6K window approximately could work (like the 9K 6:5 window on another camera.)

Well Rick, VistaVision offers a comprehensive solution that combines the advantages of large format and Super 35.

In summary, my aspiration is that Blackmagic will develop a VistaVision global shutter sensor capable of recording 8K footage with a dynamic range of 15-16 stops. While RED asserted that their Raptor X sensor exhibited no dynamic range difference compared to the Raptor, Cine D tests revealed a slight reduction in dynamic range for the X sensor, approximately 1 stop less than the non-X variant. Therefore, I would be delighted if Blackmagic could achieve the same dynamic range as the URSA Cine 12K LF with an URSA Cine 8K LF Global sensor.

Apologies, I think I misinterpreted what you originally suggested. Am I correct you are asking for an 8K RGBW sensor that satisfies VistaVision (and full-frame) and being able to shoot a Super35 window as well. Then we’re thinking of the same thing and the photosites would be 4.39 microns to help achieve significantly high dynamic range.

Exactly Rick. VistaVision with the option to window in to S35. Make it 8K to enhance dynamic range in global shutter.