Apertus Open Source Hardware and Software Targets HD Video Cam Market

The success of a consumer-grade open-source HD video camcorder may not sound as appealing today due the declining costs and prices of consumer camcorders from Canon, Panasonic, Sony, JVC, and others over the years, but the prospect of a geek-oriented model makes the Apertus stand out in the crowd. The Apertus camera uses the open source Elphel software along with an open source hardware reference design, combining the Aptina CMOS sensor to accommodate C-mount and CS-lenses and a range of shooting modes, including RAW image files.

The camera includes several hardware components, including a small dictator LCD screen for navigating through menus, a rod or chassis support structure to combine all the various components into a portable system, a battery pack that supports a 2000 mAh battery, and viewfinder.

With the final tag of the camera over $3,000–not including lenses yet, it may not be the most economic setup, but the DIY option is still something cool for geeks to accomplish.