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Panavision DXL2
Camera · Equipment

Panavision DXL2

Panavision
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Panavision camera with RED MONSTRO 8K sensor, records at 8192×4320, weighs 3.4kg, available only through rental.

Technical Details

The core is the MONSTRO 8K VV CMOS sensor with 35.4 megapixels and a base ISO of 800. The DXL2 records in various resolutions: 8K (8192×4320), 7K (7168×3784), 6K (6144×3240), and 4K (4096×2160). The body weighs 3.4 kg and features a PL mount for Panavision lenses. Internal storage is on RED MINI-MAGs with capacities up to 1.6TB. The camera offers REDCODE RAW and ProRes recording in various quality levels.

History & Development

Panavision introduced the DXL2 in February 2018 as the successor to the DXL, which was launched in 2016. Development was an exclusive partnership between Panavision and RED, with RED contributing sensor technology and Panavision providing the housing design and color science. In 2019, the DXL2 received a firmware update that enabled recording at higher frame rates. The camera is exclusively distributed through Panavision's rental network, not as a purchase model.

Practical Use in Film

Cinematographer Roger Deakins used the DXL2 on "1917" (2019), leveraging its low-light capabilities for the nighttime trench scenes. "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) was partially shot with the DXL2, with the 8K resolution allowing for subsequent reframing for IMAX formats. The large sensor area produces natural depth of field, which is particularly valued in wide-angle shots. Typical workflows utilize R3D files for color grading in DaVinci Resolve or REDCINE-X PRO.

Comparison & Alternatives

Compared to the ARRI ALEXA LF, the DXL2 offers higher resolution (8K vs. 4.5K), while the ALEXA excels with its proven color science. The Sony VENICE competes with a similar 6K resolution and full-frame sensor but is available for purchase. RED's own DSMC2 cameras share the sensor technology but do not offer Panavision's specialized color calibration and integrated rental support system. For high-end productions with complex post-production, the DXL2 is suitable, while the ALEXA dominates classic cinema productions.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die DXL2 gibt mir durch den großen Sensor und 17 Stops Dynamikbereich enorme Flexibilität bei schwierigen Lichtverhältnissen – ich kann Details in Schatten und Lichtern gleichzeitig halten, ohne aufwendige Lichtsetups. Die 8K-Auflösung erlaubt mir nachträgliche Bildausschnitte ohne Qualitätsverlust, was bei spontanen Reframings für verschiedene Formate essentiell ist.

Director

Mit der DXL2 kann ich intimere Schauspielerführung praktizieren, da die hohe Auflösung digitale Zooms in der Post ermöglicht – ich brauche weniger Coverage-Einstellungen und kann längere Takes fahren. Die natürliche Tiefenschärfe des großen Sensors unterstützt meine visuelle Dramaturgie, indem sie Fokus-Pulls organischer wirken lässt als bei kleineren Sensoren.

Producer

Die DXL2 kostet etwa 2.500 Euro pro Drehtag über Panavision-Rental, bringt aber durch 8K-Future-Proofing und reduzierten Coverage-Bedarf Einsparungen bei Drehzeit. Das exklusive Rental-Modell bedeutet garantierten technischen Support, aber auch Abhängigkeit von Panavision-Standorten – ich muss Transport und Backup-Equipment entsprechend kalkulieren.

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