AJA CION 4K Cinema Camera
The AJA CION is a 4K (4096 x 2160) Super 35 cinema camera — with 4K video. Used copies start from $1,300 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
AJA CION 4K Cinema Camera
Used AJA CION Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — AJA CION
Key Features — AJA CION
4K APS-C Sensor: Native 4096 x 2160 resolution Super 35 sensor captures full 4K cinema footage, sized comparably to APS-C with a ~1.5x crop factor for PL-mount cinema glass.
PL Mount: Industry-standard cinema lens mount provides compatibility with professional cinema lenses from ARRI, Zeiss, Cooke, and other major manufacturers.
Apple ProRes Recording: Records Apple ProRes 4444 and ProRes 422 directly to media, producing edit-ready files that integrate seamlessly into standard post-production pipelines.
AJA Raw Capture: Native AJA Raw recording preserves maximum image data from the sensor for the highest-quality grading and VFX workflows.
10-Bit Color Depth: All video is captured at 10-bit, providing richer tonal gradations and greater latitude when color grading in post.
Broad Frame Rate Support: Supports 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60fps to cover cinematic, broadcast, and high-frame-rate production requirements.
Camera Specifications — AJA CION
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Documentary, Video / Cinematography |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | Super 35 |
| Resolution | 4K (4096 x 2160) |
| Processor | AJA Custom Processor |
| ISO Range | 320 – 1000 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| AF Points | Manual Focus Only |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4K (4096 x 2160) |
| Burst Rate | N/A fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| Max Frame Rate | 60fps |
Description — AJA CION
The AJA CION is a professional cinema camera designed for high-end video production, built around an APS-C sensor with a native resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels. Driven by an AJA Custom Processor, it records in three professional color profiles: AJA Raw, Apple ProRes 4444, and Apple ProRes 422, all at 10-bit color depth. Frame rate options include 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 48fps, 50fps, and 60fps, covering both traditional cinematic and high-frame-rate production needs.
The camera uses a PL mount, and storage is handled via AJA Pak Media with CFast card support via adapter. The body is constructed from professional-grade alloy, measures 112 x 318 x 140mm, and weighs 2,900g. Power is supplied externally via 12–18V DC — no internal battery is used.
For on-set monitoring, a 2.4-inch LCD with 320 x 240 pixel resolution is built in, along with an HDMI output and microphone jack. The CION operates at manual focus only and has an ISO range of 320 to 1000.
Pros — AJA CION
- ✓Records in multiple professional formats: AJA Raw, Apple ProRes 4444, and Apple ProRes 422 (videoSpecs.colorProfiles)
- ✓Supports 4K resolution at 4096 x 2160 pixels natively (sensor.resolution)
- ✓Wide frame rate support up to 60fps including 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60fps (videoSpecs.frameRates)
Cons — AJA CION
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system of any kind (autofocus.system)
- ✗No built-in image stabilization of any type (imageStabilization.type)
- ✗Requires external 12–18V DC power; no internal battery option (battery.type)
Reviews — AJA CION
Videos — AJA CION
ABANDONED AJA CION 4K | The Camera RUINED By Blackmagic Design — Frame Voyager














