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New Ninja recorder for ProRes
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[Michael Gissing] “Thanks Steve for the hands on info. If I was Canon or Nikon, I would be making sure that a clean HDMI signal was going to be available to externals like this as it solves many of the inherent problems with DSLRs of shot length limitation, overheating etc.”
Michael,
That’ is to the reach of a Firmware update, but manufacturer, first they don’t want to do it (will Canon want to shut his video department?), and second because I don’t think they can do it just like that.There are more things involved on all this than just “a full size/full quality” video signal out of the HDMI.
If an HDSLR put out that signal. is not anymore an HDSLR but a “professional video camera”.
This have many implications on taxes, exports, industrial standards and regulations, royalties, licenses and whatever.The first generation of MiniDV camcorders had only FW OUT. Putting an FW IN meant that was not just a camera anymore, but a Digital Recorder. Was not just up to the manufacturer putting the FW OUT or not. Sure they made a lot of paperwork before all camcorders had it.
rafael -
If I remember correctly most of the consumer DV cameras in Europe had the firewire in inhibited, but not elsewhere in the world
There were software and hardware “fixes” to enable the interface.
Steve
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[steve knattress] “If I remember correctly most of the consumer DV cameras in Europe had the firewire in inhibited, but not elsewhere in the world”
Right.
The first European users couldn’t “Print to tape” because European Community regulations, patents, etc.
rafael -
I have been using one for over a year now. I have recorded from many video cameras including Panasonic and Sony, and have also recorded program out from the ATEM 1. It has performed flawlessly.
Here is an email that I sent to their Business Development Manager back in August of 2011:
Matt,
We decided to purchase one Ninja and see how it would perform and integrate into our workflow. I thought that I would share with you some initial thoughts.
1. We noticed that it is possible to record the HDMI audio AND the analog audio at the same time – all on separate tracks! This is an excellent feature and should be more prominently advertised on the website. We were able to take the stereo camera mic on tracks 3&4 for nat sound, while recording 2 talent mics on 1&2. Great setup!
2. While researching this product, we saw a post somewhere on the internet that complained of very tight fitting between the batteries and the ninja. We also did initially experience this too. However, after a few inserts and removals, it fits quite nicely. The first time we tried to remove the battery it was extremely difficult, almost scary how much force was needed to get it off. I do appreciate the snug fit and I wouldn’t change those specs at all. Maybe though when the unit is QC tested before it leaves the shop, it would be powered with the included batteries and they insert and remove them a couple of times to break them in. (I don’t think it will be a problem, but hopefully after a few hundred inserts and removals the fitting doesn’t become too loose.)
3. The release button on the ninja for the HDD/SDD is in an awkward position. It too was a bit tight on the first few uses.
4. We haven’t had time to do any formal comparisons yet, but the initial reaction is the quality is really quite nice. It is super convenient to already have a good quality editing codec on the footage to immediately start editing. When adding lower thirds or any other compositing, the renders and exporting are much faster than when using an HDV timeline.
5. We have some firewire 800 docks for raw drives. We initially thought that we would just use these when transferring footage. When the enclosure that is needed for the ninja is added, it prevents the drive from fitting into the docks. It is greatly appreciated that the atomos drive dock is included along with a second drive caddy! However, this is slightly inconvenient in a multi system facility, as the dock needs to travel with the drive from computer to computer. If the enclosure could somehow only be half as long, leaving the connector end exposed, then the drive would still fit into generic docks.
6. While I understand the need to have the ability to change connectors on the AC plug for the battery charger in order to sell to different countries, the fact that the prong connectors needs to be removed in order to fit in the case is not desirable. We simply modified the foam in the case to accommodate the entire plug, intact. Having another piece removed after each use just adds to the possibility of it being lost.
7. It would be very appreciated if you were to include or, at least, sell an AC adaptor so the ninja does not have to be powered by batteries. So far, we have only found one item for sale which looks like it might do the job. Unfortunately, it is an entire charging system with battery charger and costs about $110.00. Not ideal and we are still looking.
8. Love the build quality of all of the components and the great case that is included!Tech-T Productions
http://www.tech-t.com
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