External HDD recorder

[Benjamin Doyle]

We have a Ninja but we don’t typically record direct from the camera (mostly used for program record from a switcher). It does work; you can take the HDMI out of the camera into the Ninja. You also have the option of using the Atomos Samurai and taking the NX5’s SDI output.

https://www.atomos.com/samurai/

[David Eaks]

I had a Samurai for a short time. Like Ben, I was recording the output of a switcher, a Panasonic AWHS-50 switching a couple Sony NX5s. I ended up returning it and getting an AJA KiPro instead. Not that I had any problems with the Samurai (I really didnt like the mini-SDI connection though), it just wasn’t the right solution for me. I just needed the I/O flexibility and up/down/cross conversion capabilities.

Are you doing anything that really requires the increase in quality/convenience of recording Prores? I ask because, in my experience, the quality of the NX5s internal recording is virtually visibly indistinguishable from feeding the SDI to my KiPro. My test being NX5 clip L&T into FCP7, layed on V2 over the same KiPro clip, then keyframe some crops on V2, export and inspect playback from KiPro on an HDTV for visual differences. Of course if your shooting for green screen work, color grading or something, that’s a different story.

The Ninja might be perfect for you but it really depends on your needs.

[Carlo Ferraro]

That is a good advise, thanks.

Imac 27 Quad 2.93, 8GB Ram, 1GB Graphics, FW800 external + Raid
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[Richard Hall]

We use the Samurai… its super value for money. It’s true that small SDI is a little fiddly but its such a compact unit for location work where size and weight are important factors.
In post it’s hooked via its HDSDI to our Kona Card/HDcam – Like the Ninja can set it to record run of TC so it looks after itself and also acts as a small reference monitor by the VTR.
The prores files it produces have all passed broadcast tech-specs with Sky and BBC so its good enough for me!

Your imagination is the limitation.

[Charles Meadows]

We’re using the Ninja 2 with our FS100 and I’ve been blown away at the added quality we’re getting. Remember, you won’t see the difference directly from the video file but you will see a huge difference in post where you end up with a ton of extra colour space.

“There’s no point in filming if you don’t have fun”
Charles Meadows
Creative Director
Incubate Productions South Africa
http://www.incubatevideo.co.za