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AJA is no Johnny-come-lately to the 4K game. The Ki Pro quad 4K recorder/player has been on the market for a while now, so the release of a 4K camera shouldn't surprise anyone. What might be a surprise, however, is the attention to detail that went into the design of this camera. From the 4K complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) Global Shutter Sensor, to the native Apple ProRes workflow, down to the professional mounting rosettes, there is a lot to like about this camera.
Recording
One thing that really grabbed my attention about the recording formats on this camera is the fact that AJA differentiates between True 4K (4096x2160) and Ultra HD (3840x2160) and gives you the option to record at either. Plus, if you are not ready to make the jump to those high resolutions yet (2048x1080) 2K and (1920X1080) HD are also available. These lower resolutions are hardware scaled from the full 4k sensor as opposed to a crop of the sensor, resulting in super sampled images. If the resolutions don't get you excited, the recording format should. The Cion uses ProRes, in all of it's flavors; 444, 422, 422(HQ), 422(LT), and 422 (Proxy). If that isn't enough, the frame rate selection is also really interesting, running the gamut from 23.98 fps to an impressive 60 fps to its in-camera media, and up to 120 fps for Raw output, with the option of pretty much everything in between. Needless to say, the available recoding matrix for possible combinations of format, frame rate, and codec is huge and would consume the rest of the article if I explored it anymore. Once you have selected the format, next comes the media itself. The Cion records to AJA Pak media. Pak Media are robust high speed SSDs that can be inserted into an AJA Pak Dock and allow you to migrate your footage over Thunderbolt or USB3 to your Mac or PC.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the Cion has lots of options and a few surprises. As expected, it has all the standards; XLR for audio, 2x2.5mm LANC ports for control, and 4x3G-SDI for a single 4K/UltraHD output or when working in HD, 4 simultaneous HD outputs, with additional 2x3G-SDI for always on downscaled HD monitoring one front and one rear whether working in 4K or HD. In addition the CION also has 2xHDMI outs, again front and rear with the rear HDMI also offering 4K output, giving it up to eight simultaneous monitors in 2K/HD. While HDMI and SDI ports have become standard there are also a few non-standard ports; an RJ45 LAN port, which allows for camera control and multi-cam gang control, a two-pin power connector which can be used to power peripherals, and a Thunderbolt port for AJA Raw data transfer. That just covers A/V connectivity; the Cion also has a plethora of connection points for hardware and camera rigging. For example, the removable cheese plates, located top and bottom of the camera with industry standard 1/4-20 threaded holes. The bottom also has 3/8-16 threads for tripod mounting. On the front of the camera are two Hirth tooth rosettes mounted directly into the camera's chassis, perfect for stabilizing accessories. The last aspect of connectivity and certainly the most interesting is the lens mount. The Cion comes standard with a PL mount, which is preferred for cinematic lenses. However, the lens mount is removable and a quick web-search reveals third party manufactures have made replacement mounts for: ENG style B4, Canon EF, Canon FD, Nikon F/G and Panavision lenses. This makes it possible to use virtually any lens with this camera, meaning the Cion could be pressed into service in any possible environment.
Like many large sensor cameras on the market, the introductory price of $8,995 gets you little more than the camera itself. In the box you will find the body, handle, LANC collar, LANC cable, battery plate, and power supply. However, there are some significant pieces that are still needed before this camera will function. A third-party viewfinder, Pak media, and a lens could raise the cost another $6,000 minimum bringing the introductory cost up to more like $14,995. The camera is very modular. Like most large sensor cameras, there are lots of optional accessories that could dramatically change the actual cost of this camera. For example, some of the PL mounted cinema zoom lenses from Canon, which range in price from $20,000-$40,000, could easily multiply the overall cost of the camera. But AJA says good PL lenses from other manufacturers are available for well under ten grand. The optional third-party lens adaptors open up the possibility of using cheaper EF style lenses, and they range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars. I hesitate to use the term “buyer beware” because I think this really is a good camera, but I would say “buyer be warned” the advertised price is only going to get you the camera body. Due to the modular nature of many 4K cameras, if you are in the market for one, be sure to do your research. Make sure you know all the pieces you are going to need to make it work, and budget accordingly. That said, if you are in the market for a 4K camera, or are looking for a high quality HD camera with an eye to your 4K future, consider AJA. With its selection of recording options, range of connectivity, and optional accessories the Cion seems to be the real deal.
