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| Image: Atomos |
In late 2022, Atomos told investors that it had " completed Development of an industry-leading 8K video sensor has been initiated, and they are actively seeking commercialization opportunities. They are also engaged in discussions with camera manufacturers who have shown significant interest. an interview with PetaPixel Subsequently that year, the firm stated it was a full-frame, global shutter sensor capable of recording 8K at 60 frames per second with an impressive dynamic range of up to 15 stops, all while consuming only 2 watts of power.
We haven’t received much information about the project since then, but PetaPixel has just reported It has been discontinued, as mentioned in a discussion with the company’s Chief Operating Officer. At present, there are no additional specifics regarding when the notification to halt the sensor took place or what prompted that choice. We have contacted Atomos and will provide an update should we receive a response.
Although there hasn't been much information revealed regarding the sensor— dubbed the 'Sapphire F8' - Starting from 2022, this appeared as an intriguing option. Global shutters are particularly advantageous for video use cases because they prevent the distortions that typically occur with rolling shutters when capturing fast-moving objects or during rapid camera shifts.
In 2022, the Sapphire would have been at the forefront.
Although numerous movie-oriented cameras have employed this technology for some time, it has only recently been incorporated into cameras featuring larger sensors (such as full-frame or bigger). Upon announcing the V-Raptor X in early 2024, Red claimed it to be the " initially offered big size global shutter movie camera. Around the same period, Sony's a9 III was the initial full-frame mirrorless camera to include a global shutter. In 2022, Atomix's Sapphire initiative, which was initiated following their acquisition of rights and specialists from broadcast gear firm Grass Valley in 2017, could have set trends.
Regardless of what led the firm to abandon the initiative, it's regrettable that we won’t see increased rivalry within the premium sensor sector. Developing a sensor is quite an undertaking, not to mention integrating one into a final item—knowledgeAtomos was well aware of this challenge from the outset. Work commenced on the Sapphire project began During a project aimed at developing a cinema camera, which ultimately got canceled.