Atomos has released the latest AtomOS 10.3 firmware for the Shogun 7 that increases the peak brightness to 3000nit. This was announced last month at IBC 2019.
I recently reviewed the Shogun 7, you can read that review here. I will test the Shogun 7 again with this new firmware update and add my thoughts to that review.
The free firmware upgrade gives the Shogun 7’s panel the ability to display 3000nit peak brightness (+/- 10%) for improved dynamic range on-screen in both HDR and SDR. According to Atomos, the clever part is that this is scene dependent and uses the Shogun 7’s 360 zone backlight system to its fullest capabilities. They also say that it is the best ever image on an Atomos monitor recorder.
Atomos goes on to say that this is a substantial improvement that is clearly visible if you compare the unit before and after the AtomOS upgrade. Now with 15+ stops shown on-screen (dependant on the camera’s capabilities), there is much more range, especially in the highlights.
The 3000nit peak brightness is automatically applied in PQ and HLG modes. In Rec.709 and ‘native’ modes 3000nit peak brightness can also be engaged but must be manually turned on.
Whilst the 3000nit peak brightness modes provide much more insight into the image, it is worth noting that this does not mean it will provide the most viewable image in extremely bright conditions outside. For this type of use, Atomos recommends using the existing 1500nit ‘daylight’ mode for Rec.709 or ‘native’ viewing, with the brightness adjustment set to maximum.
Customers may be expecting that daylight viewability will massively increase and you should be aware that this is not universally the case. Standard high brightness edge-lit monitors simply increase the brightness across the whole screen and raise the black level often causing it to be milky grey. Instead, Atomos says that the Shogun 7 uses all available brightness combined with the dynamic backlight control to create deeper blacks and ending with the brightest point at 3000nit (+/- 10%). The clever part is that we analyze how the picture is shown on a scene-by-scene basis guaranteeing an optimal result every time.
Utilizing this scene based analysis the firmware is also able to offer the new Dolby Vision live output. When engaged in the AtomHDR menu this output enables Log inputs, or playback, to tunnel-out real-time live Dolby Vision HDR over HDMI to a compatible Dolby Vision Television (currently support if available for selected LG models including the C8 and E8 series).
High frame rate functionality has also been enabled to support the 2kp240 RAW outputs via SDI from the Sony FS700 (with RAW update), FS5 (with RAW update), FS5 MkII, FS7 MkI/II (with XDCA-FS7 expansion pack), Panasonic Varicam LT and EVA-1. This gives the Shogun 7 the ability to capture these formats to a variety of formats including ProRes RAW, plus play them back live on the unit at retimed frame rates.
What is still missing and not part of this firmware update is the quad recording and switching functionality.
To update the Shogun 7 firmware visit www.atomos.com/firmware/shogun-7 and follow the instructions.
