Sergi O Maudet
02-13-2007, 10:35 AM
Hi,
Are there any plans to support Arri's LDS technology or at least maybe a future upgrade?
Brook Willard
02-13-2007, 10:52 AM
Could you be more specific? Are you hoping for an LDS interface/transmitter on the body to plug LDS servos into? Or are you seeking more in-depth integration?
RentCam
02-13-2007, 07:52 PM
Just to be clear, the LDS (Lens Data System) from ARRI is comprised of specific (data) lens mounts, which are integrated into the mechanical operations of the lens, as well as the mount on the camera. These electronics do not control the lens, but only allow the lens to communicate its settings (focus, iris, zoom) to various devices, including the camera, as well as LDS & WRS devices.
This communication is via a complimentary mount a specific cameras (ie. ARRICAM's, etc), as well as external lens connectors (see Cooke S4i lenses). Again, the camera does not control the lens, it is able to "read", display and possibly output the data coming from the lens.
The mechanical control of the lenses, via lens motors and follow focus', is accomplished by utilizing lens control devices such as manual follow focus', lens motor, ARRI's WRS, CineTape Measure, Cmotion Wireless Lens Control System, etc. Regardless of how the lens is being controlled, the LDS system will "read and output" its setting accordingly.
A number of ARRI cameras have the radio modems built into them, to communicate with the ARRI WRS & Cmotion LCS systems. (see ARRICAM Light & Studio, 435 Advanced / Extreme, 416 PLUS). Any camera can be configured to work with the above wireless systems, as both ARRI and Cmotion make a standalone radio modem, which can be configured to work with most any camera system, along with the appropriate motors and hardware.
I would assume it would be farely simple for RED to build LDS / "i" intelligence communication into the camera, as it is more the data lens mount and appropriate AKS connectors on the body. However, the built-in radio communication, as found on ARRICAM's, 435's, and 416PLUS's, would be less likely. It would make more sense to use something like the ARRI's existing UMC-3, which takes care of radio communication, as well as lens motor operation.
Below are some links to ARRI's LDS and WRS systems:
(also take a look at ARRI's configuration overviews, as they are a tremendous help in trying to wrap your head around the various systems)
ARRI LDS System (http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/technology_lds.htm)
ARRI Wireless Remote System (WRS) (http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/wrs/wrs.htm)
ARRI Configuration Overviews (http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/configuration_overview/index.htm)
Here are some links to Cmotion's site:
Cmotion LCS System Overview (http://www.pfeifenberger.com/kunden/cmotion.at/fe/_factory/index.php?ps_mid=2_1&ps_lang=en)
Cmotion has a great video presentation, available for download from their site, that is quite helpfull in trying to understand the system.
I hope this helps. The best thing you can do, is talk to you nearest rental house, and try and get some face time with a technician and a LDS/WRS equipped camera, so you can actually see the system in action.
Jim and the team, if you're reading this, maybe this kind of LDS / "i" inteligence integration is something we could look forward to in the next generation of RED cameras...
Regards,
J. Miller
RentCam, Inc.
www.Rent-Cam.com
Evin Grant
02-14-2007, 06:07 AM
I'm sure a mount capable of transmiting this info could be made. It would probably be something a third party would create though, at least in the near term.