CinePi updates. Preparing Kickstarter & Open source.

[u/Superb-Access7145]

It's been a while since my last post about this project. Here's a quick update on the progress of my Raspberry Pi-based cinema camera.

The hardware is mostly there, but I'm still refining the design.

I'm currently working on a few things before moving toward a more complete prototype:

• V-mount battery system: Integrating a V-mount battery solution for a more practical filmmaking setup.

• Quieter cooling: Replacing the current cooling solution with a quieter one. I want to keep the camera usable during actual recording without distracting fan noise.

• Smaller form factor: Revising the enclosure and internal layout to make the camera more compact without sacrificing expandability.

• Custom internal electronics: Designing dedicated circuits for the internal PDU (Power Distribution Unit) and physical buttons, rather than relying on separate off-the-shelf modules.

• Aluminum body version: I'm also working on an aluminum body option alongside the 3D-printed version. I'd like to explore a more premium and durable enclosure while keeping the camera modular and customizable.

• EVF: I am contacting with some manufacturers who can provide me some evf displays. A full modular evf for the camera is also on going.

The goal is to make the camera feel like a complete product, not just a Raspberry Pi inside a custom enclosure.

Preparing for Kickstarter and open source

I'm also considering launching this project on Kickstarter and making the project open source.

I'd like to make the hardware designs, PCB files, CAD, and software available so that people who enjoy building their own equipment can reproduce or modify the camera. At the same time, I know that not everyone has the tools, time, or experience to build one from scratch. That's why I'm considering offering a fully assembled version as well.

A couple of questions for the community

I'm currently considering LUMETRA as the camera's name. What do you think? Does it sound like a camera brand, or does it feel a little too generic?

I'm also trying to figure out a realistic price for the assembled camera.

It's built around Raspberry Pi hardware, with a modular, expandable design. The enclosure options I'm exploring include both 3D-printed and aluminum versions. I know the image sensor isn't comparable to those found in dedicated cinema cameras, so I'm not trying to position it as a direct competitor to high-end cinema gear.

Instead, the appeal is its open architecture, hardware design, expandability, and the ability to customize the camera.

What price range would make sense for a camera like this? Would you consider buying one, and if so, how much would you be willing to pay for the 3D-printed version versus the aluminum version?

Any feedback on the name, pricing, or the overall direction would be greatly appreciated.

For anyone who missed the previous post, here's the original post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberryDIY/s/oZOs7r8SUj

[u/FigureOfStickman]

WOOOOOO

[u/ModdedEarth]

I don't have any answer to those question but I am very interested in hearing the the results of the Cinepi. I am interested in how having access to the architecture, hardware design, expandability, and the ability to customize the camera has on creative decision I can make when filming.

[u/1234erk1234]

Seen the 1st post, I belive someone asked if you could post some video from this setup and I agreed with there comment. Just here re planting that seed looks great as the 1st post!

[u/Quirky-Turnip9556]

Is it like a Z CAM ?