2010Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Aaton Penelope-D digital 35mm hybrid camera specifications and field experience
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Penelope-D digital magazine uses a CCD sensor with 95% pixel fill ratio in 3-perf size, potentially achieving 13 stops of dynamic range.
- A later version incorporated a 5K sensor for the Penelope.
- The camera operates as a hybrid system, accepting both digital and film magazines on the same 35mm body.
- Field experience indicates the Penelope-D is lightweight and handles well for handheld and mounted work, with accessible 3/8 inch mounting holes on top.
- The camera features a viewfinder and video output capability.
- Operators reported needing to make fore-and-aft adjustments between takes due to film movement through the magazine, with even 200-foot 2-perf magazines requiring attention.
- The on-board batteries demonstrated extended runtime during field use.
- Digital drive compatibility with the magazine allowed potential hot-swappable operation from the rear of the camera body.
Depends on
- The camera body cost approximately 134,000 dollars without the digital magazine attachment, representing significant capital investment.
- At the time of discussion, 720p and 1080p output capabilities were not fully functional in field testing, though technically feasible for 35mm use.
- Magazine design created noticeable vibration feedback to the operator during operation.
- The digital magazine prototype stage meant actual working units were not widely available for comprehensive testing.
- Pricing and feature availability information comes from 2010 timeframe and may not reflect final production specifications.