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Inside the ZEISS CinCraft and Nano Primes
In 2023 ZEISS introduced the CinCraft Scenario, a camera tracking system designed for virtual production.
In this episode of VP Land we spoke with Nick Hayes and Tanner Grimshaw from ZEISS to discuss how CinCraft works and its potential impact on filmmaking workflows.
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Episode Summary
Flexible Tracking Options
CinCraft offers three different tracking methods: natural features, reflective markers, and digital markers on LED walls. Nick explains, "Our main differentiator is that we don't require markers, but that doesn't mean that we can't use markers."
This flexibility allows filmmakers to choose the tracking method that best suits their needs. Tanner notes, "If you're outside [you can use] natural features. People aren't sticking markers down." However, in studio environments with changing lighting conditions, reflective markers can provide more stable and repeatable tracking.
Lens Integration
CinCraft integrates with ZEISS lenses, reducing the need for lens calibration. Nick says, "Calibrating a lens is a very time-consuming, cumbersome process. It can take an entire day in some cases." With CinCraft, ZEISS lenses are pre-calibrated, simplifying this process.
For non-ZEISS lenses, CinCraft plans to offer calibration and fine-tuning tools within its software. This integration aims to streamline the virtual production workflow.
Omnidirectional Sensor Placement
CinCraft's omnidirectional sensor, the Cam Bar, can be placed on or near the camera for tracking.
"Because our sensor tracks natural features, you may want to place it or orient it in a different position or area, depending on what you want it to see," explains Nick. This versatility allows filmmakers to adapt to various shooting situations.
Looking Ahead
As virtual production continues to be adopted, tools like CinCraft may help filmmakers realize their creative visions.
ZEISS is also offering its Nano Prime series, which provides optical quality at a lower price point than its other cinema lenses.
Nick and Tanner believe that AI can be useful in the film industry for content management and automating repetitive tasks.
However, they emphasize that human creativity should drive storytelling. Tanner says, "You have a ZEISS lens, I have a ZEISS lens. We're all not shooting the same thing. Sure, I can use AI, you can use AI, but we all have different ways in which we can use that technology to achieve what we're trying to achieve."
ZEISS aims to provide tools like CinCraft to support filmmakers in virtual production and the film industry.
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