PANAVISION Genesis User Manual
genesis user’ s man ual
(version 1.3)
Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 2
Graphic Conventio ns
Blue decimals indicate sections in format of: chapter.section
20.3 The S (selectable) ranges of speed
= chapter 20 section 3
Green highlights indicate “how to” sections
14.7 To change fixed speed format
Underlined words indicate actions
Pull the latch outwards
Magenta numbers refer to othe r sect ions or chapte rs
see sections 4.2 and 16.2
see chapter 12
Red italics indicate cautions and warnings
Do not use compressed air to clean Lens moun t
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 3
Inspired by the past
Focused on the futu re
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genesis user’ s man ual
by benjamin b
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Copyright Information
Copyright © 2007 Panavision Inc. All rights reserved. This document is not
permi tted to be distributed by anyone other than th e emplo y ees of Panavision o r
its di s tributors. No part of this publication may be re pro duced, tran smitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any
form by any means withou t the prior wr itten consent of Pan av ision. Prior written
approval from Panavision must be obtained for any and all derivative works or
aggregate works incorporating any of the information in this document, except as
provided for under normal copyright law.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is provided solely for the user’s information and,
while tho ught to be accurate, is pro v ided st ric tly “as i s” a nd wi tho ut warranty of
any kind, including li a bili ty or warranties rel ating to fitness for a particular
purpose , me rch a ntabilit y, or i nf ringement of any p atent, co pyright or other
intell ec tu al property right. Panavisio n r eserv es the righ t to revis e th is publi cation
and to make changes from tim e to time in th e conten t hereof wi thout obl ig a tion
to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Specifications are subject to
change without notice.
Panavision’s obligations with respect to the products referenced herein are only
as provided in Panavision’s terms and conditions for rental. In no event shall
Panavision, it’s employees or distributors be liable to you for any damages or
losses, direct or indirect, arising from the use of any information contained in this
document or the use of any products or services referenced within, or the
informatio n contai ned in, this man ua l.
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Preface & thanks
This manual is designed for you to skip around, jumping to the
chapters and sections of interest to you. The table of contents gives
an overview, while each chapter head has a summary of its section
contents. You can also use the find function of your pdf reader to
find a topic, or a referenced section number. In a hurry? Try the
Quick Reference at the back.
This is the first version of the Panavision Genesis manual. We need
your feedback to make future versions better. Feel free to give us
specific corrections, deletions and additions, or more general
remarks. Let us know which topics you think we should expand on
or add to in future versions. Also, we would like to include
production stills in the manual. Let us know if you have some to
offer. Please email your feedback to benjaminb.mail@free.fr.
This manual exists because of Andy Romanoff, who has guided the
project from begi nning to end. A big thank you goes to Andy for hi s
leadership. Thank you also to Scott McDonald, Nolan Murdock and
Andrew Young for all their care ful work reading a n d c orre c t ing
earlier v e rs i ons. For final correct ions, thanks to Dan H amm on d ,
Mike Kovacevich, Laurence Nunn, and to Michael Chambliss, who
also contributed seven photographs. Thank you to Tony Rivetti and
Pierre-H u gues Galien for shari ng their experienc e as AC s wit h t he
Genesis.
Finally, un grand merci to Philippe Valognes an d to the team at
Panavision Alga, and a big cheers to Peter Swarbrick an d Pan avi si on
London for helping with equipment and knowledge.
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Contents
Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 8
10
16
24
30
52
____________________________
Introduction
1. What do you want to know?
2. Shooting Genesis: a production
overview
____________________________
The Genesi s ca me ra system
3. Cases
4. Camera body tour
5. Genesis Vi e wfi nd e r
66
74
90
98
108
120
130
138
148
6. SRW-1 VTR body tour
7. VTR SRWC panel
8. Mounting the SR W-1 & Loa di n g Ta p e
9. Powering the Ge nesis
10. Video Monitoring
____________________________
Camera menus
11. How to use the Camera LCD Menu
12. How to use Camera Viewfinder Menus
13. Six OPERATION Menus To Set
14. Setting the <MULTI FORMAT> Pag e
158
164
15. Setting USER Menus
16. Viewfinder Menus to Check Regularly
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172
176
184
196
210
____________________________
SRW-1 VTR me nus
17. How to use VTR Menus
18. Time Code Settings
19. Audio Settings
____________________________
Special Cases
20. About Variable Speed
21. Camera Separated from VTR
222
232
236
242
244
266
____________________________
Before You Shoot
22. Exposure
23. Panavision recommended settings
____________________________
Reference
24. Genesis te c hnical ove rvi ew
25. Post-production example
26. All the camera menus
27. All the VTR me nus
274
28. Quick Reference
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1. What do you want to know?
1.1 The manual overview
1.2 What do you want to know?
1.3 Panavision support
1.4 Panavision publications
1.5 Other r esource s
In a hurry? Try the Quick Reference at the back of the Manual
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1.1 The manual overview
This manual is broken into seven parts:
Introduction
About the ma nua l , and a production overvie w of t he Genesis
The Genesis camera system
About the hardware: a tour of the Camera and VTR, with
explanation of their controls and functions.
How to power the came ra , and monitor the video im ag e
Basic Camera menus
How to navigate the Genesis LCD and Viewfinder menus.
The basic menus you need to set and check.
SRW-1 menus
How to navigate the menus of the Sony SRW-1 VTR
The basic Audio and Time Code menu settings for the VTR.
Special cases
How to shoot variable speed and how to shoot with the Genesis
camera separated from the SRW-1 VTR.
Before you shoot
About setting exposure for the Genesis
A summary of Panavision’s recommended settings
Reference
A technical overview of the Genesis system
A brief example of post - produ ction workflow
Comprehensive list of all the Camera and VTR menus
Quick reference
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1.2 What do you want to know?
We encourage you to read as much of the manual as you have time
for. However, if you don’t have much time, here are some
suggested starting places.
Camera assistants will need most of this manual, although the
bulk of the final Reference section (chapters 24-27) is not essential.
If you are prepping for a first te st you might want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Genesis Camera System – chapters 3-10
Basic Camera menus – chapters 11-15
Quick Reference – chapter 28
Cinematographers might want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Video Monitoring - chapter 10 –
Exposure - chapter 22
Panavision recommended settings – chapter 23
Genesis technical overview – chapter 24
Post-production overview – chapter 25
Directors might want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Video Monitoring - chapter 10
Panavision recommended settings – chapter 23
Post-production overview – chapter 25
Production managers might want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Panavision recommended settings – chapter 23
Post-production overview – chapter 25
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If you are working in post you might want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Chapter 20 – All about variable speed
Panavision recommended settings – chapter 23
Post-production overview – chapter 25
If you want to get a quick general idea of the Genesis, you might
want to read:
Introduction - chapters 1-2
Genesis technical overview – chapter 24
Quick reference – chapter 28
1.3 Panavision support
Panavision offers support on many levels.
For the DP who is using Genesis for the first time, we offer the
assistance of our technical marketing staff, a group of very
experienced people stationed at Panavision locations around the
world. They have years of experience with digital cameras and can
help you determine what you can accomplish with Genesis. And
just as with a film shoot, we can provide cameras in advance of
your start date so you can do your testing to develop the proje ct ’s
look.
For the assistant, we offer training to ensure that your show will
run smoot hly from day one. F or fi rs t ti me f eature and TV show
users, a technical marketing representative is often available to
accompany you for the first few days of production, to answer any
questions that may arise as you start working with the camera.
Contact Pa navision represe ntatives for more i nformation a bout the
Genesis. A listing of worldwide Panavision offices is available at:
http://panavision.com/
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1.4 Panavision publications
The following publications may be useful for more information about
the Genesis:
Panavision Genesis FAQ
Genes i s Quick referen ce cards
Panavision Gamma and Genesis Display Processor manual
Genesis Menu Simulator (interactive web site)
These and other Panavision publications are available on-line at:
http://www.panavision.com.au/Downloads/Downloads.htm
http://adi.panavisi on .com / gdp
http://ccbenjaminb.free.fr/download/
1.5 Other r esource s
Sony
The brochure for the Sony SRW-1 on-board VTR can be found at the
Panavision Australia web site:
http://www.panavision.com.au/Downloads/DownloadsBrochuresOT
HER.htm
The manual for the Sony SRW-5000 and can be found at the
Panavision Australia web site:
http://www.panavision.com.au/Downloads/DownloadsManualsOTHE
R.htm
Astro
You can download the full manual for the on-board Astro monitor
DM 3005-A at:
http://www.astro-systems-downloads.com
http://www.astro-systems-downloads.com/HD/DM-3005A_v1.pdf
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2. Shooting Genesis:
a production overview
2.1 The Genesis is a film camera that shoots tape
2.2 Menus and maintenance
2.3 The choice of videotape
2.4 50 minute loads
2.5 FPS and progressive
2.6 Separating the Genesis and VTR
2.7 4:4:4 and 4:2:2
2.8 Variable speed
2.9 Shutter a ngles
2.10 Inter cutting Genesis with film
2.11 Exposure Index
2.12 Color reference
2.13 Panalog and GDP
2.14 Pre-vi sua li zing
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2.1 The Genesis is a film camera that records digitally
Genesis was designed to work comfortably within the established
practices of film crews. Genesis cameras take most of the standard
Panavision 35mm accessories. Camera assistants familiar with film
will find the same follow-focus, matte-box, filters and heads that
they already use for 35mm. The SRW-1 VTR is mounted like a
Panavisi on m a gazine either abov e or on th e back of the camera.
Cinematographers and directors can call for the same lenses, and
get the same look and depth of field as standard 35 mm. Man y
directors of photography light for Genesis the same way they would
light for an E.I. 500 Tungsten film stock.
Three key differences from the film experience are that HD monitors
are incomparably sharper than 35mm video assist, that “reloading”
50 minute cassettes ( or a Solid State Recorder) almost
instantaneous, and that there is no delay before dailies are ready.
2.2 Menus and maintenance
Genesis is easy to use. The camera comes loaded with carefully
chosen default settings that will work for most applications. During
prep, the Camera Assistant will access a few menus to define the
project frame rate, monitor frame lines and time code format.
On the set, Genesis is ready to record as soon as it is turned on and
black balanced. The camera’s LCD screen allows for quick access to
basic functions like shutter angle, film speed, film type or variable
speed. When switching cassettes, the Camera Assistant will use a
VTR menu to change time code.
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 18
Beyond normal cleaning there is very little field maintenance to be
done on Genesis. Panavision provides information and training
necessary to do simple field procedures
2.3 Recording
At present , most Genesis productions shoot on videotape using the
on-board Sony SRW1 HDCAM SR recorder. Panavision sees 3
advantages to videotape:
1. Videotape recorders have a proven track record in the extremes
of temperature, humidity and mechanical shock that are
commonplace in today’s productions.
2. The 50 minute duration all ows for length y takes and rapid
reloads.
3. Feature films require hundreds of terabytes of data, and
videotape offers a very practical way to protect all your footage for
the future.
Sony developed the SRW1 field recorder to directly interface to the
Genesis and in that mode the VTR is seamlessly controlled and
configured by the camera.
You also have the option to record the Genesis 4:4:4 Dual Link HDSDI outputs to a Solid State Recorder, a separate hard drive, or
other storage solutions. The Genesis signal can be recorded by any
system that accepts dual link HDSDI.
2.4 HDCAM SR 50 minute load s
At 24 frames per second in standard SQ mode, the SRW-1 VTR
records 50 minutes per HDCAM SR cassette. Just as with a film
camera, you get m ore or les s re c ordi ng time at lower or hi gh e r
speeds. At the top speed of 50 fps, the cassette recording time is
halved.
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2.5 FPS and progressive
The frame rate you choose will depend on the release requirements
of your project. Genesis and SRW-1 offer the following fixed
progressive frame rates: 23.98P – 24P – 25P – 29.97P and 50P.
Most American Genesis features have been shot at 23.98 fps. This
allows for on-set playback of down-converted NTSC video with sync
sound. Most US Genesis TV is shot at 23.98 fps, while European and
Australian TV are shot at 25 fps.
It is also possible to shoot interlaced frame rates of 50I, 59.94I and
60I. The disadvantage of interlace is that the image is captured in
two different moments of time, creating motion artifacts. Most
productions do not shoot interlace unless intercutting with television
cameras is required.
2.6 Separating the Genesis and VTR
If desired, the Genesis camera body an d VTR can be separat e d, for
example for a lighter Steadicam configuration, or inside a car. The
Genesis can also be outfitted with a Solid State Recorder when a
minimum weight and volume are required.
When the VTR is recording the signal from a separate camera,
Panavision recommends that you to shoot in the full color resolution
of 4:4:4. This entails using the “Dual Link” connection using 2 BNC
cables (as opposed to single cable 4:2:2).
2.7 The 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 fo rmats
Panavision recommends that you record 4:4:4 if possible, even for a
4:2:2 finish. Simply put, the difference between 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 is
that 4:4:4 allocates the same amount of information to the color
and to the black and white portions of the image, while 4:2:2
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 20
allocates less information to color than black and white. Historically,
the num be rs 4 and 2 ref e r to the multiples of a reference f re q uency.
The important thing to remember is the ratio of information.
2.8 Variable speed
Genesis cameras can shoot and record at any fixed speed from 1 to
50 f ps. However , the cam era does not ramp between speed s. The
SRW-1 VTR does not record 4:4:4 at speeds over 29.97 fps. In
order to accommodate the immense amount of data generated at
speeds of 30 fps and above, the camera must be switched to 4:2:2.
Panavision recommends that you consult chapter 23 before
recording variable speed. Note that, at present, the SRW-1 cannot
record variable speed correctly when separated from the Genesis
camera body.
2.9 Shutter a ngles
The Genesis shutter can be set at any angle between 3.8 and 360
degrees. Shutter angles above 200 degrees are new territory for the
film cinematograph e r, y iel di n g a different exposu re , an d a differe n t
rendering of motion. At 360 degrees (or “Shutter Off”) the exposure
time is twice as long as it is at 180 degrees. Therefore, the 360
degree shutte r capt u re s more m otion blur, an d m ore ligh t, than 180
degrees.
You can use the shutter for artistic effect or to gain an additional
stop of exposure or bot h. Some cinematographers experim e nt with
a range of shutter angles between 180 and 360 to creatively
modulate the resulti n g exposure gain and motion blur.
The effects of HMI lights are identical on Genesis and film, and
require similar shutter settings. The advantage of Genesis is that
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 21
you can see any pulsing directly on t he monitor. Panavision
recommends testing if you plan to shoot with HMIs at unusual
shutter angles.
2.10 Inter cutting Genesis with film
Genesis and film intercut beautifully. This is partly due to Genesis’
capturing a wider color space than standard vide o. Pan av i sion
recommends that you shoot tests with the emulsion you are
planning to use and work with your post house to develop your
strategy for handling the two materials.
2.11 Exposure Index
As with film, the EI setting is a technical and aesthetic choice made
by the director of photography. Most DPs will set the Genesis
between 500 and 640. However all cinematographers have noted
that the Genesis is considerably more sensitive in the blacks than
film.
In addition the sensitivity of the camera increases with bigger
shutter angles: a 360 degrees shutter will yield twice as much
exposure as 180 (with twice the motion blur).
2.12 Color reference
The Genesis does not use white balance, so it is not necessary to
shoot a wh ite c a rd for proper ope ra tion, as wi th video cameras.
Instead the director of photograph y chooses wheth e r the Genesis is
set for “Tungsten”, “Daylight” or a given color temperature. Some
cinematographers will also shoot a grey card or a chip chart as a
color refere nce for post- production.
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2.13 Panalog and GDP
The Genesis camera signal is transformed by a Panalog transfer
curve designed by Panavisi on to maximize the latitude of the im age
for subsequent fil m or vi de o finish. Simply put, the Panalog
allocates more steps in the darks where the human eye is more
discriminating, and fewer in the whites. Panalog also preserves
Genesis’ wide color gamut, a color space that is close to that of film.
Because of its wide latitude , the Pan alog vi de o output will not be
properly displayed on a video m oni t or. The im a ge may look w a shed
out and underexposed. Some cinematographers simpl y adjust the
brightness and contrast of their monitors to get a rough feel for the
final image. However the Panavision GDP (Genesis Display
Processor) offers a m uch better solution by applying a precise
Viewing LU T (C ol or l ook-up table) to th e si gn a l for viewing on video
monitors on the set or in dailies. This LUT correction can also be
applied to the images going to the edit room.
2.14 Pre-vi sua li zing
One of the ben ef i ts of shooting Gene s is is that the footage doe s n ot
require scanning for DI (digital intermediate) like film does.
Panavision strongly recommends that the cinematographer work
closely with the post-production house at the outset of production
to define the post workflow. Some DPs use Viewing LUTs defined by
post houses and loaded into the Panavision GDP to pre-visualize the
look of the re lea se print on the set, and in HD proje c t ion of dailies.
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3. Cases
3.1 A typical GENESIS CAMERA BODY Case
3.2 A typical GENESIS ACCESSORIES Case
3.3 A typical SONY VTR/PROCESSOR Case
3.4 A typical GENESIS BATTERY case
Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 24
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 25
Note that all case contents may vary slightly in different territories
to reflect different filmmaking cultures
3.1 A typical GENESIS CAMERA BODY Case might contain:
PV code Description
GCB GENESIS CA MERA B ODY
HDCF COLOR VIEWFINDER
HDAP VIEWFINDER PIVOT
GEP EYEPIECE TUBE
GVFM VIEWFINDER MOUNT
GVFE VIEWFINDER EXTENSION
GCH CARRY HANDLE - SHORT
PCOB O’CONNER BASE PLATE 2
PCMU CAMERA M O UNT - UNIVERSAL 2
MFFGB MFF - GEAR BOX 1
MFFSK MFF - SINGLE SPEED KNOB 2
MFFEX MFF - EXTENTION TUBE 1
GPS POWER SUPPLY 1
STORAGE CASE – 14 REAR FILTERS
12 REAR FILTER RETAINER BASES
12 REAR FILTER RETAINERS
GCFT REAR FILTER TOOL
FP1.575 FILTER PUNCH 1.575 (Pull from Existing Stock)
CS-GCP2.5 GENESIS POWER CABLE 2.5 METER
CS-GCP2.5R GENESIS POWER CABLE,, 2.5 METER RIGHT ANGLE
CBLE-IECNA IEC POWER CABLE
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 26
Some Genesis bodies co me equipped with a different Sony viewfinder:
PV code Description
HDSF SONY COLOR VIEWF INDER 1
GVVF VIEWFINDER BRACKET 1
HDFA VIEWFINDER ADAPTER 1
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 27
3.2 A typical GE NESIS ACCESSORIES Case might cont ain:
PV code Description
MB MA TTE BOX
138FR 138mm FILTER RING
FSE SUNSHA D E
M MBD MONI TOR BRACKET
V MB M M ONITOR BALL MOUNT
HDAM ASTRO 6” HD MO NITOR
HDMC-C EVERTZ DOWNCONVERTER
EVPS EVER TZ P OWER SUPPLY
FXHL SPEED CRANK
FF X 12” WHIP
FF X 6 6” WHIP
EPL-M EYEPIECE LEVELER
PDL LENS LIGHT
SCAD STEAD IC AM -REGULAR
GLMB STEADICAM - LOW MODE
MXLSCT STEADICAM TOP PLATE
GRB IRIS ROD BRACKET - LONG
GHH CARRY HANDLE - LONG
GCHB CARRY HANDLE BRACKET
IRISROD SET of 5” 7” 9” IRISRODS
MBM SET of 16X9 MATTE BOX MATTE for 27 35 40 50 75 mm
CBLE-ZLP 2 ZOOM LENS PO W ER CA BLE
CBLE-HDEM 2 ON-BOARD MONITOR POW ER CABLES
CBLE-BNCHS 2 1 METER BNC
CBLE-IECNA IEC POWER CABLE
CBLE-MCGP 2 12 VOLT C AMERA POWE R TO EVE R T Z
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 28
3.3 A typical SONY VTR/PROCESSOR Case might contain:
PV code Description
SRW-1 SRW-1 BASIC VTR
SRWC VTR CONTROL PANEL
SRPC VTR - HD VIDEO PROCESSOR
GPS VTR POWER SUPPLY
CS-SRW CONTROL PANEL CABLE 18”
CS-SRWS CONTROL PANEL CABLE SHORT
CS-SRWL CONTROL PANEL CABLE LONG
CBLE-IECNA IEC POWER CABLE
CBLE-12P 12 VOLT POWER CABLE
CBLE-BNCHS 2 1 METER BNC
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Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 29
3.4 A typical GENESIS BATTERY case might contain:
PV code Description
14NM33 GENESIS BATTERY
GBC GENESIS BATTERY CHARGER
GENESIS BATTERY CHARGER CABLE
CBLE-IECNA IEC POWER CABLE
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4. Camera body tour
4.1 Came ra Left side
4.2 hdrp connector
4.3 assign c ontrols
4.4 record button & red LED
4.5 Image plane i ndicator
4.6 Left side LCD Panel
4.7 alarm indicator
4.8 displa y push button
Panavision Genesis Manual v1.3 – 30
4.9 see chapter 11 for other menu controls
4.10 Came ra Front
4.11 Panavision lens mount
4.12 GRB iris rod bracket
4.13 Camera Right Side conne ctors
4.14 Came ra Top – removi ng the handle
4.15 Camera Top VTR port
4.16 Camera Rear
4.17 GADC on Camera Rear
4.18 GDPL BNC BOX on Cam era Rear
4.19 Camer a Bottom
4.20 PCM U camera mount
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