OCTOPUS16 Super16 Sensor Camera Prototype Announced – Raw 4K Video and More

Camera News

by Jakub HanFebruary 2^nd, 2024

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OCTOPUS16 is a prototype camera with a 4K Super16 CMOS sensor developed by the self-funded UK-based OCTOPUS CINEMA. The camera should offer dual-gain 16-bit readout, CinemaDNG, CFexpress recording, native CS mount, aluminum body, low power draw with NP-F battery plate, and more for well under $1000.

You might remember the OCTOPUS CAMERA project from the UK-based self-funded company OCTOPUS CINEMA (further as OC). Years ago, I started following the project and wrote a few articles about the progress. Interestingly, my last update article on the OCTOPUS CAMERA LF with an 8K global shutter sensor came out almost exactly three years ago. Since then, the self-funded company has unfortunately not managed to start the production of the camera, as they evaluated the project to not be feasible under the current circumstances. Therefore, OC is now focusing on bringing a different camera to the market.

…it has been quite a journey but we are entirely self-funded (for now) which does mean slower progress than other technology companies. Unfortunately, the economics of our expensive larger sensor camera development wasn’t feasible enough consumer facing – about a year ago we pivoted to a consumer facing highly-affordable Super 16mm design. We are positive given the prototype’s progress that we can deliver the camera within a timeframe that is relevant and competitive for this feature set and price point.

OCTOPUS CINEMA on January 29, 2024

OCTOPUS16 camera project

The new OC project is a much smaller, but really interesting Super16 box-style camera called OCTOPUS16. This is still in the development phase, but OC has working prototypes and there is already some sample footage which you can find further in the article.

I contacted Russell Newman from OC to tell me more about it, and he sent me a list of the prototype unit specs and features as well as a list of planned final features and capabilities.

Prototype unit specifications and implemented features

• Super 16mm format UHD-4K CMOS sensor: 3856 x 2180 at 2.9µm pixel pitch, rolling shutter
• Dual gain sensor architecture with 16-bit readout mode for improved dynamic range and latitude
• Internal 4K logarithmically-encoded 12-bit CinemaDNG recording to CFexpress type B cards – prototype bandwidth maxes out at 24fps 4K or 300MB/sec (higher frame rates may be possible – TBC)
• Internal binned no-crop 1080p CinemaDNG recording up to 90 fps
• Interchangeable lens mount with native CS-mount thread (CS flange distance of 12.526mm supports Micro Four Thirds adapters)
• The prototype unit measures 8 x 8 x 5cm and it features an aluminum frame which helps with heat dissipation
• The brain is built around the open architecture Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 embedded processor (with integrated WiFi/Bluetooth)
• Integrated 2.8″ Rec709 calibrated 285 PPI display running at 72Hz (Precise 24fps monitoring with smooth 72fps user interface) with capacitive touchscreen for easy operation
• Extremely low power draw – 5W while recording RAW at 300MBytes/sec – a 25Wh NP-F battery powers the camera for around 5 hours. Additionally, it can be powered by any 5V USB-C source
• USB digital audio recording with any USB audio class device

Planned final features and capabilities

• 48fps 4K slow motion to internal 8GB ram buffer (TBC)
• Full-size HDMI port (max 1080p)
• 35mm analog mic input and headphone jacks
• Dedicated 3.5mm LTC timecode input
• ⁠Integrated 6-axis IMU for stabilization metadata
• Integrated NP-F battery plate
• Locking USB-C power input
• Dimensions similar to prototype, possibly wider but less depth to accommodate battery plate
• On-board gyro electronics that will be compatible with Gyroflow

The reasons why OC has decided to create an S16 camera are the affordability and low physical footprint of the device. As Russell told me, the current Super16 crop modes on larger sensor cameras often result in sub-4K resolutions which is not optimal. Furthermore, the digital Super16 market segment is currently underserved and some filmmakers want to utilize existing S16 lenses. With modern CMOS technology, sensor sizes as small as Super16 no longer need to compromise on sensitivity or latitude, as Russell states.

OCTOPUS16 sample footage

So far, the company published two sample videos shot with the OCTOPUS16 prototype. The first one from September 2023 includes a few clips from NYC shot in 12-bit lossless 4K CinemaDNG with an affordable Cosmicar 12.5mm lens.

The second sample video from 27th January 2024 features a clip shot in a (probably London) public transport bus which, according to OCTOPUS CINEMA, tests a true 16-bit sensor readout mode in 4K for improved dynamic range and latitude. The lens used for this one was the Laowa 7.5mm T2.1

Price and availability

As I mentioned, the OCTOPUS16 is still a prototype. Given the history of other camera projects from OCTOPUS CINEMA, one might get skeptical about this camera ever reaching the production phase, but I would like to believe it will be different this time. The smaller sensor camera design makes it somewhat easier and more realistic to reach the production phase, in my opinion. OC claims they are rapidly approaching the stage where all features in the prototype are complete. As Russell told me, they are confident they can deliver the camera within a relevant timeframe for the feature set and price point.

When it comes to price, OC claims they want to get the final retail price to stay well under €1000/$1000. I think if they succeed and get the ergonomics right as well, the OCTOPUS16 could be an interesting, affordable, pocket-sized Super16 camera.

What do you think about the OCTOPUS16 camera? Do you like the look of Super16? Do you still have some Super16 lenses lying around? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.