External recorder specialists Atomos today started shipping their Inferno 4K recorder which we saw in prototype form earlier this year at the NAB show. The headline feature of the Inferno is the ability to do 4K 60P recording using Apple ProRes or AVID DNxHR from selected cameras including the Sony FS7 and F55 and Panasonic DVX200 – with the list expected to grow as time goes on.
Newsshooter at NAB 2016: Atomos Inferno from Dan Chung on Vimeo.
It can also accept 4K 60P FS Raw signals from the Sony FS5, FS700 and FS7 (with XDCA pack) and record them as ProRes or DNxHR, or 4K 30P Canon RAW signals from the C300mkII and C500 and again record them in ProRes or DNxHD. Another new function is the ability to accept DCI 4K 30P from the Panasonic GH4. RAW recording for the Sony FS cameras, Canon, Arri and the Panasonic Varicam LT are due to follow in a future firmware update. High frame rate recording with Sony’s FS5, FS700 and FS7 cameras from 100 to 240 fps in HD will also be added in a future firmware release.
To handle the increased data rates the Inferno does require hard disks and SSDs that are up to the task. Atomos have partnered with G-Technology to create a range of dedicated drives that are guaranteed to work. Other drives may work but you need to check compatibility on the list that Atomos provide.
Newsshooter at IBC 2016: G-Tech shows CFast 2.0 Reader and Atomos Master Caddy for ev Series from Dan Chung on Vimeo.
In other ways the Inferno is similar in specification to the sister Flame series recorders. It has a high brightness 1500 nit daylight viewable screen and uses the AtomHDR function to help users visualise what their images will look like when edited or played back in HDR. The screen can be calibrated using X-rite’s technology.
For more details visit www.atomos.com
This from Atomos:
Melbourne, Australia – 12th October 2016: The award winning Shogun Inferno – the world’s most advanced monitor recorder – is now shipping, ushering in the exciting new era of 4K 60p HDR filmmaking.
Since its inception, Atomos have been famous for redefining what monitors and recorders can do for all types of cameras and all types of filmmakers. The Atomos difference is that we develop cutting edge technology to propel the industry forward but deliver it at a price point and with a user interface that opens the technology up to the entire filmmaking community. Shogun Inferno gives the Atomos treatment to 4K 60p Log/Raw cameras, delivering high frame rate / high resolution recording & high dynamic range / high bright monitoring for under $2,000 USD MSRP.
“We are selling tomorrow’s 4K 60p HDR technology, today – future-proofing productions at price points that every filmmaker can afford”, said Jeromy Young, CEO and Co-founder of Atomos, “We can’t wait to see the wave of creativity that results from the arsenal of technology we’ve assembled in the Inferno”.
Shogun Inferno is shipping in quantity throughout the Atomos global network now. The initial launch firmware will have most of the announced functionality, however there are some features that will be implemented in the weeks to come and other features announced at IBC that were always scheduled for Q4 2016. A summary of the features ready now and those still to come with free firmware updates are summarized below;
Shogun Inferno now shipping with the following functionality;
• 4K60p video recording over HDMI and 12G SDI in pristine Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHR. Perfect for the ever increasing 4K 60p model list (Sony FS7, F55, AX1 & Panasonic DVX-200, HCX1000, UX180)
• Capture HDR Log / Raw as ProRes or DNxHR and use the 10+ stops of the AtomHDR monitor to set perfect exposure using the log from Arri, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, JVC and Red cameras
• The increased processing power of Inferno allows us to add 4K 30p DCI recording over HDMI. A huge feature request from GH4 users, it opens up the camera to cinema applications
• The high resolution 7″ calibrated monitor boasts 1500 nit brightness making it perfect for hood-free outdoor monitoring.
• With FS Raw to ProRes / DNxHR recording up to 4K 60p Sony FS5, FS700 and FS7 users unlock high resolution, high frame rate recording
• With Canon to ProRes / DNxHR recording up to 4K 30p Canon C300MKII and C500 users unlock high resolution 4K recording
This initial release will be updated 4-5 weeks later with free firmware to add high frame rate recording for Sony FS5, FS700, FS7 cameras. These users will already be able to record Raw to ProRes/DNxHR up to 4K 60p in the initial firmware but will additionally add HD/2K 100/120/200/240p recording capability.
Following this update, we will continue to release OS updates every 4-5 weeks to add in the remaining features including those announced at IBC scheduled for Q4 2016. In order of priority these will be;
• Raw recording for Sony FS series, Canon, Arri & Panasonic LT
• HLG in/out to broaden compatibility with playback on HDR screens and as a HDR input for mobile grading
• QuadLink SDI for connection with cameras that have multiple 1.5/3G or single 6/12G without the need for converters
• Scheduled playlist to schedule playout for live events, instore demonstration etc.
The above list shows the complete array of functionality gained with Shogun Inferno, but in no way defines the complete value you get buying into the Atomos world. The Inferno shares the core Atomos functionality that separates us from all others in the market;
• Our Master Caddy system delivers an affordable, non-proprietary recording media solution
• We include hundreds of dollars’ worth of accessories in the price you pay for the main unit
• We don’t charge users license fees on Raw recording
• We include Avid DNxHR / DNxHD recording in addition to Apple ProRes and pay for the Avid license
• We are the only sub $2,000 monitor that can be calibrated, partnering with calibration leader X-Rite.
• We pay for ExFat licensing to enable recording lengths beyond a 4GB limit
• High performance audio monitoring with balanced XLR input/output and 48V phantom power
• A 3rd party accessory eco system developed by our brand partners to further enhance the use of Atomos product. This includes the ev series from G-Technology that utilizes the Atomos Master Caddy, tailored underwater housings by Nauticam & calibration hardware by X-Rite.
The 4K 60p HDR world created by the launch of Shogun Inferno also adds new considerations for the recording media and HDMI cables used;
• Atomos have developed a range of 4K 60p HDMI cables to support the high frame rates. Featuring rugged die cast connectors & coiled cables to keep clutter to a minimum they are compatible with the latest HDMI 2.0 standard and ready for both 4K 60p HDR recording and playback. 6 models are available; Full to Full HDMI, Micro to Full HDMI and Mini to Full HDMI in 2 lengths, 30cm coiled (60cm extended) and 40cm (80cm extended)
• In terms of media only the highest speed SSD’s are capable of recording 4K 60p. There are already multiple models available from Samsung and Sandisk that are compatible with 4K 60p recording, with more models from Angelbird and other brands expected soon. The new Atomos website has been overhauled to make choosing the right media much easier. Visit www.atomos.com/drives and filter for Shogun Inferno to see the full list of approved drives for every model in the Atomos range.
