ARRI Imaging Technology
Each component of the D-21 has been purpose-built with one goal in mind: to create the most gorgeous cinematic images possible. Those images are the result of a custom designed CMOS sensor, a carefully crafted optical low pass filter, a powerful imaging hardware engine and advanced image processing algorithms. Having full control of the D-21's imaging chain down to the smallest detail allows an optimization of the whole system far beyond what would be possible with off-the-shelf components. The smart orchestration of all these proprietary components is ARRI Imaging Technology (AIT).
AIT, which is in constant development, combines ground-breaking research and development with knowledge, feedback and suggestions gleaned from an on-going dia- logue with professional filmmakers. AIT provides super sharp, alias-free images through over sampling, a finely tuned optical low pass filter and advanced image reconstruction algorithms.
Image processing advances incorporated into the D-21 include increased sensitiv- ity, with 'linear' HD output ranging between EI 100 and EI 800 equivalent, as well as optimized sharpness and enhanced, film-like color reproduction.
AIT also ensures that crews can concentrate on the creative aspects of making images, by automating many of the technical aspects. The D-21 has, for instance, an automated black balancing circuit (Correlated Double Sampling - CDS), which continu- ously calibrates the black level of each pixel in each frame without any user interven- tion. In addition, an automated Defect Pixel Correction (DPC) guarantees that no single defective pixel will ever be visible. DPC is a highly sophisticated process that analyzes every pixel plus a surrounding pixel field in every frame (for a staggering total of 2.5 billion pixels analyzed each second) in real-time as the camera is running.
Through AIT, the D-21 produces outstanding images with a cinematic look and feel, high contrast, the highest dynamic range and the most film-like color reproduction of any digital motion picture camera.
