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Measuring and Communicating

Sensitivity and Contrast Range

In our extensive discussions with cinematographers it has become clear that the cameras sensitivity and contrast range are far more important than having even more pixels. Unfortunately, there is neither a standard method for measuring sensitivity and contrast range, nor is there a standard across different industries for how to express those photometric performance characteristics in product literature. For instance, while in cinematography and still photography sensitivity is normally measured in EI or ASA, broadcast cameras are measured according to the aperture number f, which is necessary to avoid clipping at an 89% reflection of 2000 Lux. This broadcast method, however, is difficult to reproduce and values from different manufacturers are hardly comparable. This poses an even greater problem, as professional moving image productions now use camera systems of all types, including cell phones, still cameras with HD output, pro-sumer video cameras, professional video cameras and top of the line single chip large format digital cameras. To tackle the first issue, the missing standard for measuring sensitivity and contrast range of a camera system, the ARRI Central Quality Management department has developed a Dynamic Range Test Chart (DRTC). The DRTC is a new testing method, which can show up to 15 stops in one frame. A detailed description of the issues concerning the exact measurement of sensitivity and contrast range will be made available later and will appear in the SMPTE Journal. At IBC there will be a setup demonstrating how the new method works. Until a broad consensus has been found regarding how to express sensitivity and contrast range, it seems best to use the very pragmatic approach to provide the data in all currently used forms common in still photography, broadcast and cinematography, at least as long as they are reproducible and without too many variables. Contrast range in f-stops, measured with the DRTC Sensitivity in ASA (relative to a known standard i.e. 500 ASA Vision 3) Sensitivity based on Exposure Index Signal to noise ration (SNR) for a 5%, 50% and 90% y-signal level Below are the measurements of the new ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype compared with a leading competitor.
Dr. Hans Kiening
first field with Modulation is just before clipping Gamma 0.6
0.42 0 1.47 3.16 2.94 1.25 0.65 0.42 0 0 0.94 0.72 1.95 2.18 5.7 4.47 4.16 4.39 6.51 6.28 5.74 5.96 8.2 7.98

Dynamic Range 12.1 [f-stops]

6.99

7.22

10.71 10.48

9.23

9.45

11.5 11.28 13.27 13.05 15.8 15.58 14.28 14.5 12.08 12.08 12.31

10.84 11.06

12.31

darkest field above noise level Gamma 3

The new ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart provides more than 15 f-stops dynamic in one test chart. An overlay with spatial content clearly shows the clipping points of a camera system.

photometry comparison ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype / competitor

signalpath: log with offset corr. 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 luminance scaled to 1 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 16.0 15.0 14.0 13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 f-stops 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0
0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.00 13.0 12.1

dynamic range

800 ASA

400 ASA 1 f-stop

11.3 10.0

New ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype Dynamic Range: 12.1 f-stops SNR 5%, 50% 90%: 26.88; 49.58 dB sensitivity: 800+ ASA sensitivity: 1000+ ASA

with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart based on Exposure Index relative to 500 ASA Vision III

new ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype Competitor

Competitor Dynamic Range: 11.3 f-stops with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart SNR 5%, 50%, 90%: 20.67; 49.60 dB with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart sensitivity: 400 ASA based on Exposure Index
signalpath log / T2