These images (download the original 4K file at Vimeo to get even a clue of the full performance of the camera) are rather lovely. I’m also very impressed with the 2K slow-mo at 96fps. It is an improvement on the KineRaw MINI from last year which only shot 96fps at 720p, though there is still some moire and aliasing at the higher frame rate.
The Kinefinity KineRAW MINI I shot with last year was a pretty solid and well featured 2K raw acquisition camera for filmmakers. It was 4K upgradable via an external output but the new model has seemingly taken a big step forward.
The colour science looks like a big improvement as does the sensor which now records very clean 96fps in 2K and very nice looking 4K internally to Cinema DNG raw.
These are big files but Kinefinity offer a software based transcoding solution that very quickly converts the raw ‘negatives’ to ProRes, CineForm or H.264 as you copy them to your working drive ready for editing.
The sensor is Super 35mm sized and dynamic range is 13 stops in 2K, 12 stops in 4K.
Let’s see how the KineMINI fits into the market…
The camera body with a mount (EF or KineMOUNT) is €2799. The KineMOUNT is an interchangeable lens mount and I believe the EF mount is a high quality locking one.
The 4K and high speed slow-mo features are chargeable extras on top of this at €599 each.
That brings the unit to just under €4K (that’s euros not dollars) then you have to add accessories, tax and shipping.
The 2799 and 599 are special pre-order pricing. The camera body alone rises to 3299 on release.
We’re looking at closer to 5000 euros inc. tax for the 4K and slow-mo shooting basic kit.
HD-SDI ports and WiFi are also available at extra cost.
The GH4 has an advantage when it comes to affordability for non-pros though and the much lighter codec for smaller 4K file sizes, that actually grades surprisingly well. 96fps slow-mo on the GH4 does not provide the kind of detailed clean 1080p image that the KineMINI does though.
The KineMAX I hear will be over $6k for a 6K image. This is good pricing for the image quality and specs on offer.
Other factors like usability have been improved over the old models too.
The KineMINI has a faster boot up time of 15 seconds. Let’s hope it has a sleep mode for instant wake too. Very useful for documentary shooters.
I hope to try out the new 4K MINI in a few weeks. Until then here’s my review of last year’s model…
Here is my review of the old KineRAW MINI
And more info on the new cameras is here in my interview with Jihua Zheng
