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The Genesis is Panavision's high-end digital movie camera, which uses a proprietary, full frame 35mm-width, 1.78:1 (16:9) aspect ratio, 12.4-megapixel RGB non-Bayer filtered CCD. It was first used by a feature crew to shoot Bryan Singer's Superman Returns and was shortly followed up thereafter by the World War I film Flyboys. However, the CGI-heavy nature of these two movies meant that ultimately the comedy Scary Movie 4 was the first theatrically released feature sourced primarily from the Genesis camera. Genesis has since been used by cinematographer Dean Semler for shooting Click and Apocalypto.

Unlike the 2/3" 3-CCD RGB imaging system used in the CineAlta HD-900F (used in Attack of the Clones), the Genesis uses a single 12.4 megapixel CCD chip with the exact same dimensions as a Super 35mm film frame. The "Panavized" CineAltas presented a number of unwelcome compromises, as the holy grail had always been to produce an electronic camera that could utilize Panavision's existing range of film-type lenses for 35mm that their customers were already familiar with, producing similar on-screen images with an equivalent depth-of-field characteristic.

The result of many years of close collaboration with its technology partner Sony,
Genesis®™ combines high performance electronic imaging with world-renowned Primo® cine optics for unprecedented imaging versatility. 



Finally, for the cinematographer, “shooting digital” means no compromise on depth of field control, portability, sensitivity, dynamic range or color. Because
Genesis®™ was designed from the beginning to be an integral part of the Panavision system, cinematographers have at their fingertips the vast array of Panavision’s Academy Award® winning 35mm lenses and proprietary Panaflex® accessories that they have come to expect from Panavision. 



Genesis®™ was designed with an “electronic intermediate” in mind, utilizing a unique gamma and colorimetry that enables seamless intercutting with most 35mm film emulsions. The nominal ISO T400 sensitivity can readily be extended to ISO 1600 for low light situations. Shutter angles from 0.8 to 360° and frame rates from 1 to 50fps will enable further compatibility with Panavision’s family of film cameras. 



Genesis®™ docks directly (top or rear) to the latest Sony HDCAM-SR™ digital field recorder, ensuring a totally portable package without cables to external recording or power. 



By cutting the cable, Genesis®™ allows you the freedom to shoot 35mm digital cinematography anywhere your imagination takes
you—Steadicam™, Technocrane™, hand held, underwater housings, car mounts, etc.