FAQ of KINERAW-MINI

KineRAW-MINI is lightweight and solid digital cinema camera, while remains being powerful and versatile tool for 35mm like Cinematography. With more professional accessories, KineRAW-MINI can be configured as full function cinema tool easily.

Note: KineRAW-MINI is previous model of KineMINI 4K. Please find more information about new KineMINI 4K

Key Parameters, Basic Config about KineRAW-MINI™

KineRAW-MINI™ Records video as CinemaDNG online. Using KineStation, it can transcode footages into Cineform RAW mov offline.

Both codecs are very high RAW images; for RAW clips, there is no color sampling at all, equivalent to RGB444.

Bit depth of Both codecs are 12bits.

Yes, the Latitude of  KineRAW-MINI is same with KineRAW-S35: > 13 f-stops.

Yes. KineRAW-MINI is capable of slow motion capture (overcrank). As of overcrank/slow-mo, it supports high fps up to 100fps @ 720p when in S35 framing mode; and fps up to 48fps @2K and 50fps@1080p when in S16 crop framing mode. Recording time is limited up to around 10 seconds when you use KineMAG SSD when record Slow-Mo.

Yes. KineRAW-MINI is capable of quick motion capture (undercrank). As of undercrank/Quick-Mo, the lowest fps is down to 6fps under current firmware. You can set any custom sensor fps between lowest and highest fps, the accuracy is 0.001fps, while recording fps is set by project fps in the camera. It provides much more possibilities over fixed fps like 24, 25, 30fps.

KineRAW-MINI employs a state-of-art 4K S35mm CMOS sensor. It does suffer from some rolling effect. But it shows less rolling effect compared to DSLR cameras. If you want to take action shots, KineRAW-MINI features sport mode which reduces rolling effect greatly, seems like global shutter.

Sport Mode is designed to alleviate the rolling greatly, and make KineRAW-MINI handle quick movement shootings, like handheld, shots on shoulder, documentary style. The footages would be turned into Cineform RGB444 mov after KineStation transcoding.

It is a S35mm frame size, same with KineRAW-S35, like most mainstream S35 Cinema cameras. Its active frame size is close to APS-C, so its conversion ratio is close to APS-C camera too.

Not exactly.

KineRAW cameras have two working modes for different resolutions creatively.

  • Full size, means S35mm framing, there are 2K/1080p/720p resolution, and 720 100fps can be used in S35mm framing;
  • Cropping, means S16mm framing, there also are 2K/1080p/720p; in this case, 720p@S16mm mode, is crop from 2K@S35mm.

KineRAW-MINI features two high definition display ports with industry standard: 720p.

No SDI output. We recommend using professional wireless HDMI system to replace SDI monitoring.

KineRAW-MINI™ has two options on Mount:

  • Native Active EF, supports in-camera Iris control over majority of EF/EF-S lens; display Iris number and tune Iris number electronically.
  • KineMOUNT™ same with KineRAW-S35, KineMOUNT™ is a mount with short FFD, actually omni-mount like other short FFD mount:

Note:EF mounting adapter support Iris control, while Nikon F mounting adapter not. Besides, mounting adapters are independent accessories, not included in machine body.

 

It CAN playback based on your project fps setting, typically it runs as 25fps. Color shown when playback is based on LUT you chosen: LOG or Rec709, or KineColor. Generally, it records in LUT of REC709.

KineRAW-MINI supports MIC-IN, but not MIC with phantom 48V. It will generate two independent uncompressed wave files. Now it is mono, not stereo.

KineStation will integrate the wave files with CinemaDNG sequence into Cineform RAW mov if sensor fps equals to project fps.

Yes, it has fan inside. KineRAW-MINI has in-camera fan to cool the camera itself and make camera work well in stable condition.

Fan generates noise. You can choose Record Stop in Fan setting to make FAN stop works temporarily: Fan works when live view; Stops when recording begins so that it is totally quiet when recording. It is very important in quiet environment, and sensitive to any audible noise.

About accessories of KineRAW-MINI™

As long as general accessories with 15mm rod, they could work with KineRAW-MINI probably, like Matt-box, follow-focus, etc.

There are many ways to power KineRAW-MINI™:

  1. Handhold: you could use small off-the-shelf battery like 14Wh Li+ battery (EN-EL15) or 21Wh Li+ battery(EN-EL15A) if you purchase the KineGrip. KineGrip is a combination of battery holder and controller; battery can be changed quickly if it is drained. A 21wh battery can sustain around 90 mins for KineRAW-MINI.
  2. Studio, Use external broadcasting battery like V-mount SONY battery to power KineRAW-MINI by a special D-Tap cord. KineRAW-MINI has a push-pull port with 2-PIN, wide voltage range input, from 6V~18V. For a 14.4V broadcasting battery with 130Wh, it can power KineRAW-MINI TEN hours. Also there is AC-DC adapter to power KineRAW-MINI directly.
  3. Steadicam, KR-MINI can be powered directly from Movcam Steadicam by a special power cable.
  4. Customized, Even you could DIY a power cable to power KR-MINI based our power cord with open ended.

In-camera options, means they are built-in before shipment. You need to return camera body to Kinefinity for later purchase. It may take 3~5 working days for it.

  1. KineStation: cross-platform transcoding software, MAC OS & Windows 7; It can transcode into Cineform RAW mov and more codecs (in near future, Prores422HQ, Cineform RGB444).
  2. 3D SYNC Option: KineRAW-MINI can take real 3D shots. Just one SYNC cable to connect two KineRAW-MINI SYNC port, set up Master and Slave instantly. 3D SYNC means: Scan sync, frame sync and time code sync, less than 5uS of mismatch!
  3. WIFI Control Option: Control camera by wifi control app (KineRemote) on iPad now. Download App directly from Apple App Store.

There are many available accessories for KineRAW-MINI camera: not only from Kinefinity, but also from third-party companies, off-the-shelf, qualified and measured by Kinefinity:

  1. High-speed, reliable and professional KineMAG SSD;
  2. Multi-function control and battery holder: KineGrip;
  3. Movcam basic KIT, specially for KineRAW-MINI: KineKIT;
  4. Maybe best third-party EVF: Alphatron EVF;
  5. High performance-to-price ratio EVF: Cineroid EVF4C ;
  6. KR-MINI power cord: D-Tap to MINI Power Cord;

There are more accessories as follows:

  1. More KineRAW-MINI Accessories from Kinefinity,including cables, solid cases, etc.;
  2. More Movcam General Accessories, including follow-focus, Matte-box, quick plate, power plate, etc. ;
  3. More Third-party high quality accessories,like professional wireless monitoring solution, De-noise software, Resolve Tutorials, etc. ;

KineRAW cameras do not prohibit users from using third-party SSD. Users could try to use third-party SSD, but generally speaking, third-party SSD are consumer-type, often using MLC flash memory chip even TLC memory chip. As known, MLC and TLC suffers from stability and much lower durance, compared to SLC Flash. KineMAG employs high quality SLC flash memory chip. Only KineMAG SSD is recommended.

Note: Performance on data spec are guarantied by KineMAG SSD. There is no technical support or help on recording issues such as frame drop or data loss if using third-party SSD. 

 

The camera body itself does not have EVF nor LCD Monitor, but you can choose to buy any EVF or LCD from one hundred USD to thousand USD based on your budget.

Alphatron EVF (iPhone Retina LCD, HDMI&SDI) and Cineroid EVF4C are recommended.

 

KineGrip provides not only power to KineRAW-MINI, but also provides full control. The battery inside of handgrip is changeable, and provides around 90 minutes of powering KineRAW-MINI. KineRAW-MINI can switch handgrip battery and external power like broadcast battery or DC IN, smoothly and hot-swap, like UPS. The dials and buttons on KineGrip can control Iris (if EF lens), ISO directly, and other camera parameters.

Typically, Knight D100 From Movcam is OK.

KineKIT is designed, made specifically for KineRAW-MINI by Movcam. It is a basic KIT, that means do NOT including Matt-box nor Follow-Focus. It features lightweight and robustness, and is compatible with any accessories with 15mm rod system.

It includes:

  1. Foldable Upper Handgrip: x1;
  2. Side Support Rig: x2;
  3. Detachable Bottom Riser: x1;
  4. Al Rod of 15mm diameter, 300mm Length: x2;
  5. Al Rod of 15mm diameter, 200mm Length: x1;

Its price is just US$ 459.

About Workflow of KineRAW-MINI™

CinemaDNG is uncompressed RAW format, frame-based, just like Film. In terms of motion pictures, it is a frame sequence of 24 uncompressed 2K  RAW images if recording 2K @24fps by KineRAW-MINI. Adobe software including AE, Speedgrade, and other DI software like Davinci Resolve can grade CinemaDNG natively, and latest Premiere CC, Resolve can edit CinemaDNG sequences.

There is no any compressed, nor color sampling over CinemaDNG at all. It holds native whole range of sensor output and so remains maximum room for grading work.

KineRAW-MINI records only CinemaDNG online. KineStation running on Windows and MAC OS platform can transcode CinemaDNG/KNG sequence, timecode, audio and LUT into Cineform RAW mov/Cineform RGB 444 mov so that you can use Cineform workflow. It will integrate ProRes encoding in near future. So that you can get popular intermediate codec for your familiar workflow, and remains maximum flexibility for post-workflow.

Cineform RAW mov features high efficiency, much less bitrate, and is compatible with nearly all NLE software and DI software.

KineStation works with KineRAW-MINI or KineRAW-S35 only. That means KineStation only process the footages from KineRAW-MINI or KineRAW-S35, no other cameras any more. It can transcode from CinemaDNG or KNG to Cineform RAW mov/Cineform RGB444 or other codecs.

It is downloaded free from Kinefinity website, but it only works with KineRAW-MINI with KineStation Option and KineRAW-S35. KineStation can recognise the clips whether they are made by a KineRAW cameras, but also a KineRAW-MINI with or without KineStation license. KineRAW-S35 users can use KineStation for free, but KineRAW-MINI not. Only KineRAW-MINI users who bought KineStation option can use KineStation to do transcoding work.

For KineRAW-MINI, there will be a hardware fingerprint in the KineRAW-MINI if KineStation option is bought. Then every clip from KineRAW-MINI has the fingerprint so that KineStation can recognise it when transcoding. To get to know more information of KineStation, take a look on FAQ of KineStation.

Around 12 minutes if recording 24K @24fps. Its bitrate is around 660Mb/s.

KineMAG SSD employs HFS as file system. HFS is native file system for MAC OS. Always format SSD in-camera, not on a MAC computer.

For reading clips from KineMAG SSD, there is no any obstacles on MAC OS; but you may have to install HFS+ or Macdrive, or other system plugin in Windows.

Hardware level, you may use any SATA to USB 3.0 cable to connect KineMAG SSD to your computers.

KineRAW-S35KineRAW-MINI
Image SensorS35mm 4K CMOSS35mm 4K CMOS
MountKineMountNative EF Mount or KineMount
CodecsCinemaDNG
Cineform RAW(Online)
CinemaDNG
Cineform RAW(Offline)
Power SystemExternal Broadcasting BatteryExternal Broadcasting Battery or Battery handgrip (interchangeable)
HD Monitoring Port12
SDI Monitoring Port2N/A
SSD Slots21
Audio InterfaceLINE-INMIC
Audio PortDual 3-PIN XLR3.5mm Jack
Body ColorBlackBlack or Titanium
Suitable forSerious filmmaking, Quick Workflow;
Online Cineform RAW;
Direct Shoot and Edit;
More recording time on SSD;
Double Record Mode for more secure recording.
Simple Job, Entry, B camera for tight budget;
Lightweight, small for tight space.
You can configure your KineRAW-MINI based on your current Lens, Accessories, monitors and Budget, because KineRAW-MINI adapts general display ports, wide range input voltage, and mounting options.

“1.

Recommend following packages to save money and time:

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2. Color and Mount OptionsCheck Available Mounting adapters

For the color of camera body, you could choose Black or Titanium Grey. Attention, The exterior color of mount  is black or steel anyway.

For the choice of mount, it depends on your lens resources and consideration of future usage.

  1. Body with Native Active EF mount: support iris-control for majority of EF lens.  KineRAW displays Iris number and tune it directly. Also you can just disable electronic active EF mounting adapter so that protects it from all-metal lens backend. It is an economical choice if your all lens are EF lens. Check the compatible lens white list
  2. Body with KineMOUNT: can be regarded as omni-mount system. If you have EF lens, and PL mount lens, or may rent PL mount lens in future, your best choice is to buy body of KineMOUNT. KineRAW-MINI with PL mount may be most economical PL cinema camera so far.

As long as you choose KineMOUNT camera body, you could get max freedom for lens choice: you may be able to use all kinds of lens for S35mm:

  1. If you use Canon EF lens, need to buy Active EF mounting adapter (Active K2EF);
  2. If you use Nikon len, need to buy Nikon mounting adapter (K2F);
  3. If you use PL cine lens, need to buy PL mounting adapter (K2PL);
  4. If you use B4 mount lens, need to buy B4 mounting adapter (K2B4);
  5. If you have OCT-19 lens, need to buy OCT-19 mounting adapter (K2OCT19).

Every mounting adapter or mount from Kinefinity is all lock-type mount, like cinema PL mounting lock way. It provides much better stability; fits very well in professional way when video shots using follow-focus gear.

3. In-camera OptionsCheck In-camera Options

In-camera options, means they are built-in before shipment. You need to return camera body to Kinefinity for later purchase. It may take 3~5 working days for it.

  1. RAW/4K Output Option: KineRAW-MINI can output 4K RAW data to external KineDECK to record 2K Cineform RAW or 4K DNG.
  2. 3D SYNC Option: KineMINI can take real 3D shots. Just one SYNC cable to connect two KineMINI SYNC port, set up Master and Slave instantly. 3D SYNC means: Scan sync, frame sync and time code sync, less than 5uS of mismatch!
  3. WIFI Control Option: Control camera by wifi control app (KineRemote) on iPad now. Download App directly from Apple App Store.

There are many available accessories for KineRAW-MINI camera: not only from Kinefinity, but also from third-party companies, off-the-shelf, qualified and measured by Kinefinity:

  1. High-speed, reliable and professional KineMAG SSD;
  2. Multi-function control and battery holder: KineGrip;
  3. Movcam basic KIT, specially for KineRAW-MINI: KineKIT;
  4. Maybe best third-party EVF: Alphatron EVF;
  5. High performance-to-price ratio EVF: Cineroid EVF4C ;
  6. KR-MINI power cord: D-Tap to MINI Power Cord;

There are more accessories as follows:

  1. More KineRAW-MINI Accessories from Kinefinity,including cables, solid cases, etc.;
  2. More Movcam General Accessories, including follow-focus, Matte-box, quick plate, power plate, etc. ;
  3. More Third-party high quality accessories,like professional wireless monitoring solution, De-noise software, Resolve Tutorials, etc. ;