The 3D camera rigs co-developed by veteran cinematographer and 3D technology expert Vince Pace for “Avatar” use Sony HD digital cinematography cameras specially modified for the movie’s requirements for stereoscopic image capture and production.
“Avatar” used eight Sony HDC-F950 cameras for primary acquisition. Additionally, Sony HDC-1500 cameras captured speed shots during live action, with the then recently available F23 camera also used for specific shots.
“It was important that the actual shooting of the movie wasn’t impacted by the fact we were doing it in 3D, and these cameras allowed us to do that,” said Pace. “They allowed us to create a unique and completely immersive 3-D experience. I don’t think it could have been done any other way.”
Pace, noting the performance of Sony’s CineAlta brand, said his goal was to create a shooting system that could do both 2D and 3D without impacting the creative direction of the film or disrupting the actors’ performances.