The CMR M-1, touted as the world’s first AI-powered movie camera, promises to revolutionize filmmaking by transforming footage into AI-generated imagery during filming. This innovative device, developed by SpecialGuestX and 1stAveMachine, utilizes Stable Diffusion's AI image generator to apply creative filters in real-time.
Inspired by the Ciné Kodak, the world’s first 16mm movie camera, the CMR M-1 features a nostalgic, box-like design reminiscent of early 20th-century cameras. Despite its retro appearance, the technology inside is cutting-edge. It includes a FLIR sensor, typically used in thermal and infrared imaging, a Snapdragon CPU, a viewport, and interchangeable lenses. The camera records video at a resolution of 1368x768 pixels and a frame rate of 12 frames per second.
Once recorded, the footage is sent to a cloud computing service, where it undergoes AI processing. Although the CMR M-1 is still in the prototype stage and experiences some latency between recording and processing, developers are confident that future AI video models will enable real-time processing.
A unique feature of the CMR M-1 is its card slot, which allows operators to choose from five different AI image styles, each provided by a Style Card equipped with LoRA (Low-Ranking Adaption). These cards are creative filters, allowing users to customize and fine-tune their AI-generated styles. This is beyond traditional camera filters that merely transform JPEGs; the CMR M-1 enables more profound creative control.
The camera was recently demonstrated at a party in Cannes using the “Snowy Illusion” card. It transformed people and scenes into icy figures, showcasing its potential for creative experimentation.
Miguel Espada, co-founder and executive creative technologist of SpecialGuestX, emphasizes that movie creation remains a physical endeavour. "Filmmakers are used to using cameras, lenses, tripods, and lighting, and AI has to be a new tool that enhances creativity," he explains. Espada believes the CMR M-1 is a physical interface to AI models, making advanced technology accessible to filmmakers.
Aaron Duffy, executive creative director of SpecialGuestX, hopes the prototype will allow creators to "use AI rather than sitting at a keyboard," thus integrating AI seamlessly into the physical filmmaking process.