| CION1
www.aja.com
Introduction
Aesthetic; denition –
Science of the beautiful
CION; definition – a descendant or offspring, esp. of an illustrious family
CIONTM represents a new direction for AJA but one that is rmly
rooted in everything we’ve learned over the last 21 years.
Our foundation has always been to introduce ground breaking
products that combine high quality engineering and passion.
CION fullls these core values but adds a new creative vision for
the demanding needs of production for both today and tomorrow.
CION is the culmination of years of development; from it’s
foundation as an extension of our revolutionary Ki Pro range,
we’ve used a considered process to create a true production camera
with a feature set and form fac tor that offers the user a wide variety
of options both in the eld and the studio. The design of the camera
allows complete exibility for the user to adapt to any environment.
We believe CION is a union of great design and func tionality,
an engineered aesthetic that we are proud to describe as the
Science of the Beautiful.
| CION3
Operational Features Overview
Sensor
CION features a 4K APS-C sized CMOS
sensor with an electronic global shutter
and 12 stops of dynamic range. Lenses
designed for Super 35mm cover the
sensor imaging area and the global
shutter eliminates the undesirable
qualities associated with rolling
shutter-based sensors.
Optical Low Pass Filter
and IR Cut Filter
An integrated OLPF (Optical Low-Pass
Filter) reduces unwanted moiré effects
while still retaining vital image detail.
The Infra-red cut lter produces high
quality colors within the image by
blocking unwanted light wavelengths.
Recording Formats
CION can record at 4K (4096x2160),
UltraHD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080) and
HD (1920x1080), 2K and HD are hardware
scaled from the full 4K sensor, resulting in
beautiful over-sampled images, which also
retain your lens’ focal length at any desired
resolution. Frame rates up to 50 and 60p
are supported - even at full 4K resolution.
Back Focus Adjustment
The inclusion of a mechanical back focus
adjustment allows the proper calibration
of the distance between lens and sensor.
By making nely tuned adjustments,
the sharpest image quality is assured.
Pak Media
CION uses AJA’s proven SSD-based Pak
storage. The robust high speed compact
storage mounts directly in-camera and
allows recording of 4K/UHD and 2K/HD as
ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 (HQ), ProRes 422,
ProRes 422 (LT) and ProRes (Proxy). Choose
from generous 256GB or 512GB capacities
and by utilizing the AJA Pak Dock (sold
separately) you can transfer your footage
over high-speed Thunderbolt™ or USB3.
Chassis
CION’s sleek chassis is formed of gravity
molded magnesium which is lightweight
but extremely strong. Integrated steel
rosettes allow you to mount industr y
standard accessories including hand grips
and handle extensions directly to the
camera body.
PL Lens Mount
PL mount lenses are the industry standard
for cinema and professional production
cameras, and are widely available the
world-over. In addition, CION’s lens mount
has been designed to be removable so
third parties may develop mounts for other
lens types.
Mounting
Aluminum cheese plates are tted to both
the top and the bottom of the chassis to
provide easy mounting of accessories from
both AJA and third par ties, with standard
thread sizes to offer the widest range of
compatibility.
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User Interface
User Interface and Ergonomics
All interface controls are found on the side of the
camera facing the operator to provide easy single user
functionality. The menu structure itself is elegant and
free of cumbersome sub-menu navigation. Condently
dial settings with a robust selection knob that gives clear
mechanical feedback as you adjust.
A set of dedicated menu buttons offer direct access to
vital camera settings including device status (STATUS),
conguration (CONFIG), media management (MEDIA),
format and frames per second (FPS), exposure index (EI)
and white balance (WB). Easy to access and with a clear
and consistent layout, you’ll nd the key controls at your
ngertips, including play, fast-forward, rewind and stop.
The integrated condence monitor not only displays the menu
information but also previews your real-time image, allowing
independent operation.
CION also offers powerful network-based control. Via the LAN
connec tion, a web-browser UI allows for remote conguration
of the camera. Your CION is completely controllable whether
it’s on a crane, jib or car mount from virtually any web browser.
LED VU meters are placed for easy and accurate audio
monitoring. Control knobs for each audio channel allow
adjustment of the input level. A headphone monitoring output
and a headphone volume control knob are also provided.
Ergonomics
CION was designed to be comfortable, convenient and
totally exible for any shooting environment. A contoured
shoulder pad ts comfortably to your shoulder for hand
held use. An included top handle made of high grade
aluminum and wood features an integrated LANC start/
stop button. The handle base itself uses a standard 15mm
rod and through hole to allow the additional mounting of
third party accessories.
| CION5
Open Connectivity
All of the audio and video connections used on CION are industry-standard and thoughtfully positioned.
Audio and video connectors have been placed where they are unobtrusive to the operator.
3G-SDI and HDMI monitor outputs, as well as a power output, make monitor and viewnder additions to
CION easy to implement. Utilizing CION’s high-quality scaling capabilities, these dedicated monitoring
outputs are always active even when working with 4K or Ultra HD.
CION was designed as
an open camera, with no
proprietary connectors.
www.aja.com
Connections
4x 3G-SDI main outputs
1
6
for 4K/UHD and 2K/HD
In addition to baseband 4K/UHD and 2K/HD
output AJA Raw via 3G-SDI at up to 4K 120 fps
LTC connector
2
For timecode input
Rear Side
of CION
Top of CION
8
7
2
1
3
4
9
10
11
12
1210 11
13
813 14
5
6
14 15
Reference connector
3
15
7
15
For connecting genlock /sync
USB connector
4
For connecting USB powered accessories
such as assistant lights
2x XLR balanced analog audio inputs
5
Featuring independent selections for line,
mic and phantom power
2x LANC ports
6
For start /stop triggering via A JA LANC Collars
or third-party LANC controllers
2x 3G-SDI monitor outputs for 2K/HD
7
Outputs can be congured to display
superimposed information
2x HDMI monitor outputs
8
Features an option for superimposed camera
data information (in 2K/HD); rear HDMI monitor
output may additionally be congured for 4K up
to 24 fps and Ultra HD up to 30 fps
2-pin input power connector
9
For connecting to third-party battery plates
Thunderbolt™
connector
Output AJA Raw via
Thunderbolt up to
4K 30 fps
4-pin XLR power
connector
LAN connector
For net work
conguration and
control
Mini TRS
headphone jack
and volume
control knob
2-pin output
power connector
For powering
accessories like
elec tronic viewnder s
Sensor plane post
Two positions are
available for the sensor
plane post
| CION7
Open Connectivity
CION is designed to create an open approach to accessorizing the camera.
This open system gives you immense exibility no matter the shooting environment, both indoors and
outdoors. From shoulder to tripod and from dolly to crane, CION keeps all of your options open.
Lenses
PL mount lenses are offered in standard focal lengths
as well as zoom options. Manufacturers continue to
release new and improved lenses designed for the
demands of 4K resolution. Because the PL mount
system is rmly established in production, you can
choose the right lens to suit your creative needs.
Electronic Viewfinders
The open system approach allows you to choose from
a wide range of electronic viewnders and connect
them directly via CION’s HDMI or 3G-SDI. Dedicated
monitoring outputs are even conveniently placed at the
front of the camera. A convenient power connector near
the front can also provide power for many electronic
viewnders.
Monitors
CION is a monitoring powerhouse. In addition to the
front 3G-SDI and HDMI monitor outputs, additional
rear 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs may also be used for
monitoring. 4K and Ultra HD monitoring is possible via
the 4x 3G-SDI main outputs and the rear HDMI output
(when appropriately congured). You can congure
CION so that everyone can see what’s happening.
Microphones
Two balanced analog audio XLR inputs are built into
CION allowing compatibility with a huge range of
professional audio gear. You can choose to mount a
shotgun microphone to the cold shoe found on the top
handle or run longer cable from external mixers to CION.
Independent switches for mic or line level as well as
phantom power are provided meaning you’re ready
for any audio situation.
Rods and On-Camera Rigging
Removable cheese plates on the top and bottom of the
camera make attaching accessories easy. The bottom
cheese plate features 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threaded holes.
The AJA-provided top handle attaches to the top cheese
plate via 1/4-20 screws for example. CION’s top handle
is based on standard 15mm rods, allowing compatibility
with third-party accessories and endless possible
congurations. Standard-sized rosettes on either side of
the camera allow easy and dependable mounting points
for handles and grips. By design, it’s incredibly easy to
add a wealth of accessories to CION to enhance your
shooting experience.
| CION9
Open Connectivity
Production Operation
and Workow
CION’s considered design brings ease of operation to both eld and studio based productions. For single users, set up and
operation is intuitive and straightforward. For more complex productions camera operators, camera assistants and digital
imaging technicians may all interact with CION without conict. In such a scenario, the camera operator can use one monitor
output for framing, the camera assistant another monitor output for judging focus and the digital imaging technician can use
yet another monitor output as well as the web UI to congure the unit.
| CION10
Workf low
AJA Pak
Dock
LAN Cable
3G-SDI
RAID Storage / Archive
LAN Cable
HDMI
4K Monitor
HD Monitor
On-Set Backup and Monitoring Workflow Multicam Gang Control
Ethernet
Switch
CION provides a multitude of on-set monitoring options for 4K/UHD and 2K/HD
including a hardware dedicated down convert for 4K/UHD to 2K/HD. CION’s outputs
are simultaneously live allowing great exibility in any scenario independent of resolution.
The AJA Pak Dock and Pak media are designed for eld use, featuring a rugged and
reliable form factor; unlike a bare SSD drive, AJA Pak media features a multi-insertion
rated connector. Connecting to CION via the LAN connector provides real time
information regarding the Pak currently in use and by utilizing a Thunderbolt enabled
RAID storage drive you can quickly back up your Pak media as you shoot.
CION multicam shoots are straightforward to implement and manage by using a
laptop with a simple ethernet switch and LAN cables. The web UI allows complete
and independent set up of multiple CION cameras; you may name each camera and
consolidate control of the cameras from within a web browser using the unique gang
recording feature. The web UI will also allow realtime monitoring of the capacity of
the Pak media used in each CION.
File naming options are easily accessed in CION’s menu structure. There is even an
option to create custom names for clips as well.
| CION
11
Post Production
Production and Post Unified
CION elegantly connects production and post with
support for the Apple ProRes family of codecs. In 20 07
AJA introduced the Io HD. It was the first device to offer
hardware-based encoding of Apple ProRes. In 2009,
AJA introduced the Ki Pro tapeless video recorder, the
first camera-connected recorder to offer Apple ProRes
encoding. CION draws on this
distinguished history of support
for Apple ProRes capturing vivid
and detailed images that are easily
manipulated in professional
video editing and finishing
applications.
Editing Software Compatibility
Native codec handling enhances your editorial experience, resulting
in fast and responsive playback with no compromise in quality. Apple
ProRes offers pristine image quality at extremely manageable le sizes.
Using the latest generation of Apple Mac Pro and the AJA Io 4K along
with Apple ProRes les from CION makes even 4K and Ultra HD editing
a smooth experience.
www.aja.com
AJA Raw Workflows
High Frame Rate Workflow
CION is fully capable of outputting frame rates up to 120 fps
as either 4K or UHD from its 4 x 3G-SDI outputs as AJA Raw.
AJA’s Corvid Ultra in conjunction with TruZoom software
can take the AJA Raw output and replay it at up to 60 fps.
4x 3G-SDI
AJA Raw
TM
AJA TruZoom
with HD region of interest selection
AJA Corvid Ultra Final Output
Software
Ingest and Playout
Apple ProRes files also provide great compatibility with
many of the leading playout tools from Gallery, Softron
and Tools on Air to name but a few.
VFX and Finishing Applications
Whether you’re manipulating complex visual effects
sequences or creating beautiful looks in your preferred
grading application, 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 and 12-bit
Apple ProRes 4444 codecs maintain quality throughout
the post production pipeline.
13
| CION
Accessories
Front Baseplate
This accessory attaches to the bottom
front cheese plate of CION. It features
LWS spaced 15mm rod clamps. It is ideal
for attaching follow focus units, lens
supports and matteboxes.
Rear Baseplate
This piece is attached to the AJA-supplied
Battery Adapter Plate and the heel of
CION. The Rear Baseplate features LWS
spaced 15mm rod clamps allowing you to
attach accessories to the rear of CION.
Handle Grip
One Handle Grip is included with every
CION; additional Handle Grips are
available to purchase.
Upper Rod Clamps
In some situations, you may want to attach
accessories to LWS spaced 15mm rods
above the lens instead of below it. The
Upper Rod Clamps accessory makes this
possible.
LANC Collar
A simple start/stop trigger that may be
connec ted to either of CION’s two LANC
ports. The LANC Collar attaches to AJA
handles or any 15mm rod. (One LANC
Collar is included with CION.)
Viewfinder Mount
You may congure this accessory to
support electronic viewnders or even
lightweight on-board monitors. Nearly
innite adjustments are possible via sliding
15mm rods and the L-shaped bracket.
Rod to Rosette Adapter
This piece allows you to connect handles
or other rosette attached accessories to
15mm rods.
www.aja.com
Tech Specs
User Interface
• 6x Dedicated Menu But tons
(STATUS, CONFIG, MEDIA, FPS, EI and WB)
• 4x Transport Buttons
(Play, Fast Forward, Reverse Playback, Stop)
• 1x Media Unmount Button
• 1x Record Button
• 1x User Interface Control Knob
• 1x User Interface Screen, 320 x240 LCD
Sensor Type
• CMOS, Electronic global shutter, 12 stops of dynamic range
Sensor Size
• 4K APS-C sized, 22.5mm x 11.9mm
Lens Mount
• PL (positive lock)
Filtration
• Optic al Low Pass Filter (OLPF) and IR Cut Filter (combined)
Removable Storage
• AJA Pak media
Video Outputs
• 4x 3G-SDI Main Output s
(4x BNC connectors, 3G/1.485Gbps)
• 2x 3G-SDI Monitor Outputs
(1x front mounted BNC connector,
1x rear mounted BNC connec tor, 3G/1.485Gbps)
• 2x HDMI Outputs
(1x front mounted HDMI v1.3 Type A connector,
1x rear mounted HDMI v1.4 Type A connector)
Audio Inputs
• 2x Balanced Analog Audio Inputs
(2x 3-pin XLR connectors with dedicated line/mic/48v
selec tion switch per input)
Audio Output
• 1x Headphone Jack
(3.5mm stereo mini TRS)
Reference Input
• 1x Reference Input
(BNC connector, analog color black)
Timecode
• 1x LTC
(BNC connector, 0.5 to 4.5Vpp)
Start/Stop Trigger
• 2x LANC
(1x 2.5mm top connector and 1x 2.5mm side connector)
Network Interface
• 1x LAN connector (RJ45 connector, 10/100/1000)
Data Output
• AJA Raw via 3G-SDI up to 120 fps or ThunderboltTM up to 30 fps
Weight
• 6.38 lbs / 2.89 kg (without top handle attached)
• 7.40 lbs / 3.35 kg (with top handle attached)
Power
• AC Range: 10 0-240 VAC 50/60Hz (AC adapter)
• DC Range: 12-18Vdc, 5A maximum
(4-pin XLR connector or 2-pin input connector)
• Consumption: 38- 42W typical, 45- 47W maximum
(Note: does not include power draw from 2-pin output connec tor)
• Ou tp ut: 2-pin power output connector, 10W recommended maximum
Temperature Range
• Safe Operating Temperature Range: 5C to 40C
• Safe Storage Temperature Range (power OFF): -20C to 60C
Format/Frame Rate/Encoding/Output
• 4K
4K (4096x2160) progressive 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/119.88/120
Apple ProRes 4444 or Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) up to/including 30 fps
Apple ProRes 422 (or a lower data rate ProRes version) for 50/59.94/60 fps
SDI output support for 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
(SDI 1-4 YCbCr, SDI 1-4 RGB or SDI 1 Raw)
SDI output support for 50/59.94/60 fps (SDI 1-4 YCbCr or SDI 1-2 Raw)
SDI output support for 119.88/120 fps (SDI 1-4 Raw)
• Ultra HD
Ultra HD (3840x2160) progressive
23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/119.88/120
Apple ProRes 4444 or Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) up to/including 30 fps
Apple ProRes 422 (or a lower data rate ProRes version) for 50/59.94/60 fps
SDI output support for 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
(SDI 1-4 YCbCr, SDI 1-4 RGB or SDI 1 Raw)
SDI output support for 50/59.94/60 fps (SDI 1-4 YCbCr or SDI 1-2 RAW)
SDI output support for 119.88/120 fps (SDI 1-4 Raw)
• 2K
2K (2048x1080) progressive 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60
Apple ProRes 4444 or Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) up to/including 30 fps
Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) for 50/59.94/60 fps
SDI output support for 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
(SDI 1 YCbCr, SDI 1-2 RGB, or SDI 1 RGB)
SDI output support for 50/59.94/60 fps (SDI 1-2 YCbCr or SDI 1 YCbCr)
• 1080 progressive
1080 HD (1920x1080) progressive 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60
Apple ProRes 4444 or Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) up to/including 30 fps
Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) for 50/59.94/60 fps
SDI output support for 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
(SDI 1 YCbCr, SDI 1-2 RGB, or SDI 1 RGB)
SDI output support for 50/59.94/60 fps (SDI 1-2 YCbCr or SDI 1 YCbCr)
• 1080 interlaced
1080 HD (1920x1080) interlaced 25/29.97/30
Apple ProRes 422 (all versions) up to/including 30 fps.
SDI output support up to/including 30 fps (SDI 1 YCbCr)
| CION15
2-year warranty
AJA Video warrants that CION will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two years from the date of purchase.
About AJA Video Systems, Inc.
Since 1993, AJA Video has been a leading
manufacturer of video interface and conversion
solutions, bringing high-quality, cost-effective
digital video products to the professional,
broadcast and post-production markets.
AJA products are designed and manufactured
at our facilities in Grass Valley, California, and
sold through an extensive sales channel of
resellers and systems integrators around the
world. For further information, please see our
website at www.aja.com
AJA Video Systems, Inc.
Grass Valley, California
www.aja.com • sales@aja.com • support@aja.com
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