The XENA camera library incorporates a solution that is optimal for every possible application.  Cameras from all leading camera manufacturers have been evaluated, and we have selected the best overall cameras for quality, flexibility and cost benefit.  We regularly test and evaluate new camera systems as they become available, and will periodically add support to keep XENA current with imaging technology.

For customers who prefer a different camera, XENA includes a camera SDK, allowing you to add support for any camera available on the market, with any communication protocol (Cameralink, Ethernet, USB, Coax Xpress, or any other method devised in the future).  Xena supports any machine vision camera with an area panel sensor, both color and black and white.  Truesense sparse pattern sensors are not supported.

An Important Word About Frame Rates:

Many scanner data sheets quote unbelievable, too-good-to-be true frames rates, based on theoretical conditons and rediculous hardware benchmarks.  These rates are often achieved at the cost of excessive noise and poor edge focus.  Systems incorporating halogen or xenon lamps reduce exposure times at the cost of frequent re-calibration, periodic lamp replacement, and high energy cost.

Other systems use trilinear linescan cameras, which yield improved speed.  We do not support linescan cameras  because of the problems they can cause, including distorted images caused by scanning motion spatial time inconsistencies, and vertical streaking caused by miscalibrated or aging sensor pixels.

XENA’s built-in software supports the following camera selection:

CMOS CAMERAS – Recommended for continuous motion datacine scanning for mastering, dailies and archival work at high frame rates.

• Imperx  Cheetah  –  Cheetah series is currently available in resolutions up to 25MP (5120 x 5120).

• JAI Spark  –  JAI has a popular 20MP camera (5120×3840), for up to 4K resolution.

CCD CAMERAS – Recommended for flatbed-style intermittent scanning for restoration and digital intermediate operation at the highest possible quality.

• Imperx  Bobcat.  This camera library offers CCD cameras up to 29MP (6600×4400), for unprecedented 6K and Super 4K scanning at 14 bit color depth.  A great camera library offering a large selection of resolutions from HD to 6K capture, monochrome or color.

• Illunis RMV.  Another fine CCD series offering cameras up to 29MP. Unlike most CCD cameras, Illunis offers tap output selection, making them very versatile.  Their cameras are also a little more cost effective.

LENS SELECTIONS

Schneider Makro-Symmar 5.6/80MM – This is an excellent all around lens for datacine scanning.  Field of view covers 35mm 8-Perf image, and the magnification covers 35mm down to 8mm on all DCS systems.  It easily resolves 4K resolution and has very sharp edges at wide open aperture.  Retail price is $1391.00.

Schneider Micro-Symmar 2.8/50MM.  Best lens for highest resolution datacine scanning, with a 60mm field and 100 lp/mm resolution, making it suitable for up to 8K scanning.  The f2.8 maximum aperture allows for low exposure times without motion smear, yielding very high frame rates without loss of quality.  Retail price is $2933.00.

Schneider Xenon-Sapphire 3.9/95MM.  Highest resolution scanning lens on the market.  Designed for up to 16K scanning with a 62mm sensor image circle.  Recommended for large format scanning using monochrome sensors, up to 65mm Imax and 35mm original negative scanning for digital intermediate and restoration.  Retail price is $5397.00.

Edmund Optics Large Format Lenses.  Surprisingly high quality large format lenses, with 62mm image circle, and over 100 lp/mm resolution, making them suitable for 35mm camera negative at up to 12K scanning.  Also very cost effective at $1,195.00.

      Printing Nikkor Lenses.  No longer manufactured, but still one of most popular scanning lenses on the market, they were made for motion picture optical printing.  They are still the standard for 35mm color negative scanning.  They were released in 95mm, 105mm, and 150mm focal lengths.  These lenses are sold based on market availability and priced accordingly.