By technical editor Matt Allard:
The Atomos Shogun and Odyssey 7/7Q/7Q+ have great displays but you can’t view them in bright outdoor conditions. Below is a collection of currently available sun hood solutions.
NOTE: Atomos have told us that the air flow through the vents on the back of the unit is essential. Any cover that blocks these vents for a period of time may harm the Shogun.
PORTABRACE
The MO-SHGN is a custom-fit rain & dust cover for the Atomos Shogun Recorder. The case is constructed of waterproof & breathable Nylon Taslan material, which provides waterproof protection while also allowing heat from the recorder to escape.
The back cover expands to accommodate the use of two large-cell batteries. The monitor screen is protected from rain and dust by a clear vinyl window that also allows the operator to use the on-screen controls.
Side openings provide access to cables and form a tight seal with Velcro® to help prevent rain and dust from reaching the recorder.
If I was going to choose a solution that would cover me in all environments this would be it. The Shogun has exposed heat vents so using it in adverse weather conditions really requires a full waterproof cover.
It is currently available for $79US from Portabrace
The MO-ODYSSEY Rain & Dust cover provides custom-fit protection for the Convergent Design Odyssey 7 during field-use. The cover can be used while the monitor is mounted to a camera or camera rig. The cover is constructed using waterproof Nylon Taslan, which also has a patented “breathable” design that both prevents water from getting in and allows heat from the monitor to escape to prevent overheating.
Velcro-sealed access panels secure tightly around cables. A large, Velcro-sealed bottom opening makes it easy to slide the MO-ODYSSEY on or off.
There’s a fold-out anti-glare visor that improves screen visibility when filming outdoors or on bright sets. The visor folds down and seals shut with Velcro when the monitor’s not in use, providing extra protection for the screen during transport.
The MO-ODYSSEY retails for $139.00US and is available here.
WESTSIDE AV STUDIOS
A lightweight hood for the Atmos Shogun. The soft fabric hood is designed to comform to your face comfortably. It attaches with velcro to the plastic top and back frames and if used without the fabric it will help to protect the Shogun’s screen. This hood slides on and off the Shogun quickly without removing the thumbscrew.
It attaches to a Noga Arm or swivel mount that you are using to mount the Shogun. There is an included thumbscrew for the top attachment. The hood folds flat to sit in the Shogun carry box. All connections are easily accessible.
The Westside AV Studios Atomos Shogun sun hood is available here for $45.00US
The Odyssey Hood is available in different options. Choose either the 8 inch Sun Hood, the 4 inch Sun Hood, both Hoods or just the plastic moulded Screen Protector.
You must have the plastic moulded hood to use the 4 inch (or 8 inch) fabric Sun Hood.
This is a 2 part system. The first part is a sturdy plastic hood moulded to fit the Odyssey that mounts with 4 4x8mm screws. It covers the top and sides on the Odyssey.
The hood protects your screen and it also makes viewing in strong light much better. The Odyssey screen is vulnerable both on the camera and when transporting.
The second part is a plastic reinforced Velvet hood that velcroes to the small hood. It splits open easily to make the touch screen easy to use. If you use a tablet stylus you don’t need to pop the bottom of this hood open. You can put your face right up to the hood and squeeze it to shape it so there is very little outside light let in, great for critical focus.
The plastic inner hood is $100.00 and the velvet outer hood is $50.00. You need the plastic inner hood to use the velvet outer hood. You can use the plastic screen protector on its own.
You can order here.
HOODMAN
The Convergent Design Odyssey 7 hood greatly improves outdoor viewing. A pierceable bottom panel facilitates glare-free touch screen access. The included rain cape keeps the Odysssey protected from the elements. Adjustable mounting straps quickly accommodate multiple size battery options.
HCD7 features:
Pierceable bottom panel facilitates touch screen access
Rugged nylon over plastic insert construction
Rain cape included
Folds flate for easy storage
Water resistant
Adjustable strap mounting
Dimensions:
7 in x 4.37 in x 5.5 in (177.8 mm x 111.1 mm x 139.7 mm)
It retails for $89.99US and is available here.
Convergent Design
The Convergent Design Odyssey Hood is a flexible three-sided sunshade for the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q. It attaches to the side 1/4″x20 mount sockets on the Odyssey. If there is another item such as a mount that uses these side sockets, the Odyssey Hood’s bolts can be removed and the other item’s bolts can be passed through the Hood into the Odyssey. The Odyssey Hood folds flat for storage and can rest atop the Odyssey within the Odyssey Case. When the Hood is folded the mounting bolts do not protrude long enough to make contact with any surface, so as not to scratch the Odyssey screen in transport. It retails for $80US.
ATOMOS
Atomos have their own sun hood solution available to purchase soon for $79US. Strangely enough it looks to also cover the cooling vents on the back which was something we were told by Atomos that you shouldn’t do for extended periods of time.
BUDGET OPTIONS
The Koolertron 7 inch Sun hood is not designed for either the Atomos Shogun or Odyssey 7Q but it will work with some slight modifications. It can be found on Amazon for $12.95US
