We measure our dynamic range with a practical test at over 10 stops, which is nearly as good as most film stocks, and better than most digital cameras.
The D-21 has a 3k sensor with a Bayer color filter array that is designed to produce uncompromised 2k or HD pictures. We call it a really good 2k camera. But you really must look at pictures. The D-21 pictures are sharper and cleaner than other cameras claiming 4k resolution due to uncompressed workflow.
We have conservatively rated the D-21 at ISO200. Our customers are pleased by its performance in low light situations having achieved great results at ISO 400 and 500, and have even pushed it as far as ISO 800. As with film, the grain increases with ISO rating.
Both formats store the raw data from a Bayer pattern sensor. The big difference is that the REDRAW format is compressed and ARRIRAW is not. This compression factor is from 8:1 to 12:1.
The D-21 sensor is a full 35mm frame size, with a full 1.33:1 aspect ratio, so you can use the full height and width of the 2:1 anamorphic image at full resolution. Compared to a digital camera with a native 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the D-21 delivers 33% more resolution.
