Peter,
So I can be 100% certain about the included cables, can you clairfy something? There are 2 cables (very short) and these are mini BNC on both ends? I obviously have a full sized BNC connector on my camera and I need to know exactly what I will need when my Samurai arrives. I have no SDI or BNC cables currently, so I am trying to make sure I have what I need, no surprises.

I looked at your photo closely and the cable seems pretty short so I am guessing that I will need a coupler along with another standard bnc cable perhaps?

I wish the PDF file on the Samurai stated or showed the exact cables so that I would not have to bug you!

Thanks for any insight you have.

Just connect a standard SDI cable (with standard BNC connectors) into the full-size end of the supplied mini-BNC to BNC cable. You don't need to to buy any special cables, just a standard shortish BNC-to-BNC SDI cable. Any Tandy, or Radioshack-style shop will sell them.

Sorry, no idea for sure James. However, I suspect that if there's a problem with a component in one location that is probably going to be the same in other locations and thus affect worldwide distribution. D

I just received my Samurai this morning.

Peter,
Any initial impressions? How's the screen resolution? Does it just record what the camera is putting out or can you convert by changing the record settings in the Samurai? Thanks!

I haven't been able to test much becasue I'm flat out on edits. It appears to just record the output resolution/frame rate of the camera as received from the SDI. The screen rez and colour is okay, but becasue it is touch-screen technology it doesn't come close to the sharpness of my TV Logic 056. But I wasn't expecting it to. One worrying point is the mount spigot appears to be M6 metric and not imperial 1/4", so I haven't been able to mount it to anything I own.

Screw thread size sounds odd! How did you get it onto the F3 in your photo? I can't imagine they changed it from the Ninja, as the basic bodies are identical. Maybe that's part of the delay? D

that is a bizarre thread size. you may need something like this: http://www.noga.com/nogaProducts.php?prdID=AD6010 also is there a way to power it via a d tap or do you have to use the batteries? how long do the batteries power the unit for?

Screw thread size sounds odd! How did you get it onto the F3 in your photo? I can't imagine they changed it from the Ninja, as the basic bodies are identical. Maybe that's part of the delay? D

I could just screw it in a little to take the photo, but it wasn't stable enough to shoot with. I hope to hear from Atomos this week about it.

that is a bizarre thread size. you may need something like this: AD6010 - 1/4" X M6 Adaptor By NOGA (http://www.noga.com/nogaProducts.php?prdID=AD6010) also is there a way to power it via a d tap or do you have to use the batteries? how long do the batteries power the unit for?

It comes with a D-tap adaptor which works alongside the batteries or one of the converters (it slots into one of the battery ports). D

Hey Peter...you can get a 'prize' from TapeWorks Texas, Inc., a 'supporter' of DVinfo, if you show them you've actually received an Atomos 'Samurai'. I think it's kind of a 'bounty'. Heh, heh!

Give it a shot and get back with the group.

J.

I'll send them an email. Cheers!

Peter...no worries, mate!

J.

Has anyone heard anything about the u.s. market receiving these? I've stopped nagging my vendor everyday so I need a new source to tie me over!

Marty...I believe that's why TapeWorks Texas, Inc. have offered a prize to the first person who can prove they've 'actually' received one.

I've done the same as you and stopped asking my vendor when I can expect delivery. What really aggravates me is I was told, by the Atomos CEO himself, Jeromy Young, "Production is complete and the first units which were ordered form Europe have shipped. The US will be receiving its first units Mid next week realistically depending on shipping and customs clearances. You will have it in the next 1 week, the product is performing very well." That statement was emailed to me on 11/04/2011 and, as you can see, no hardware.

I don't know what the deal is, but Atomos isn't helping their cause by 'promising' availability and then missing those dates. Even worse, they're not keeping their 'Distribution/Vendor' network 'in the loop'. I'm sure once the hardware is in the hands of those people who have been waiting for it (myself included), 'all will be forgiven', that is, of course, if it works as advertised.

I'm over it for now. If it arrives, fine. If not, that's fine, too. There's always the Gemini 4:4:4.

Regards,

J.

James,

For my budget, the Gemini 4:4:4 is not an option at this point. Heck, I am lucky that the boss man hasn't put the kabash on the Samurai at this point. The "big" job that I needed it for has come and past, and we built the Samurai into that budget. Fortunately the client was okay with HDV quality material. I see the lack of detail and the limitations that HDV compression serves....the boss, not so much. I'm just patiently waiting as I see this as a very affordable opportunity to step up to a better codec at a very reasonable price. And....theoretically it should have a decent lifespan as it can move to a new camera when the time comes.

"Patience.....grasshopper.." I keep telling myself.

Marty...I believe that's why TapeWorks Texas, Inc. have offered a prize to the first person who can prove they've 'actually' received one.
.

Damn. Got pipped at the post by another Aussie. Thanks for the tip though.

Peter...story of my life. 'Day late, and a dollar short.'. Heh, heh!

J.

Latest from my supplier regarding UK shipping of the Samurai:

I have been liaising with our supplier and i'm sorry to say, that the Atomos Samurai has been delayed further.

The cables for the Samurai will be with our supplier on 25/11. Meaning, we should be in position to ship your order on 28/11.

Ho hum! D

well guys, had my samurai for a week and so far it has been good, still some issues with analogue audio to sort out, and had to make lanc cable to run remote ( using it on a cannon xlh1), tommorrow is the big test - spending 10 hours in a small chopper (r44) filming a river system where we need to mark parts with a gps, so it will be a test in long form recording ( of course also recording tape - incase), will let you all know how it handles, will set the unit up in front so the pilot can see what we are shooting, wish me luck!
greg

Good luck, Greg

well guys, had my samurai for a week and so far it has been good, still some issues with analogue audio to sort out, and had to make lanc cable to run remote ( using it on a cannon xlh1),greg

Greg,
I am also going to be using this with and XLh1 so I'd be interested in hearing what kind of issues you are currently dealing with. I intend on using the analog audio input also so I am hoping to avoid any pitfalls that you are aware.

Thanks.

There is a new firmware being released for the Samurai which I'm told should be up on the Atomos website tomorrow whuch will address any audio issues and other tech fixes. I'm getting my M6-thread Samurai corrected tomorrow at Atomos. As I understand this only affected a few of the early units.

What kind of issues are you experiencing with audio?

Peter Corbett...any reports on using the 'Samurai'? Since you are one of the few people who actually have the device, how do you like it, mate?

J.

I haven't had a chance to use it on a real shoot yet James. My DOP friend Tony Brennan has been testing the unit with S-log for the past week, and is pretty impressed. He said for what it does, it is hard to justify the extra expense of the PIX240. Once you add all the extras, the PIX is nearly twice the price. All said, the PIX240 is beautifully made, has a better screen and more features.

But for me, I just want a simple, lightweight solid 10-bit recording option out of the F3. I did some low light motion (panning) tests last week and the 10-bit samurai footage was clearly better than the internal XDCAM codec. The Samurai starts recording automatically once you start on the F3 record button and the pictures are VERY clean. I'm flying to Perth tomorrow for a day trip - 8 hours round trip :( to do a presenter piece to camera so I will shoot on the Samurai. On the weekend I'm shooting another TVC on S-log so I will be able to report back next week.

Overall the bang per buck is excellent with the Samurai. You get a nice case, batts, docking station, SSD cartridges, cables, charger, etc in the standard kit. Not many manufacturers do that.

Atomos do need to get their website and firmware support up to speed with the Samurai. I'd also like to see the unit ship with male/male SDI cables instead of the two included male/female leads. But it's looking promising.

Peter C. ...thanks for your usual thoughtful and timely response. I look forward to your 'real world' field trials with the 'Samurai' as I eagerly await the receipt of my unit (can you hear me Jeromy?). I hope my 'faith' is not misplaced, I've already invested in two (2) W-D 320GB HDD, one (1) W-D 500GB HDD, and one (1) Intel 160GB SSD in preps of receiving my 'Samurai'.

As luck would have it, I received a call from a friend of mine about a week ago and he wants me to collaborate with him on a Documentary product for Sundance. So, my urgency for this bit of kit has just increased by an 'order of magnitude'.

Keep us informed with your notional thoughts about the 'Samurai'. BTW, if you've got any 'pull' with the Atomos folks, tell them they've got people in the 'Colonies' wanting their equipment. Heh, heh!

Good luck with your 'shoots', mate!


J.

No pull with the colonies I'm afraid! I have been using the WD 500gb spinner which has been excellent and has exhibited no issues or dropped frames when swishing the camera around. I also have the 160gb Intel SSD on order, but it won't arrive before I head off to location.

For what it's worth, my months old order at B&H went from "pending" to "sent to warehouse" today. I like that change. We'll see if I get a shipping notification soon.

To all...I saw a YouTube review of the 'Ninja' from the UK. It was a 'field' review, I was particularly impressed with how the gentleman turned off the recorder, kicked up the 'mid-level spreader' with his foot and moved-on to his next location. The fellow was using a Hitachi 'spinning disc' hard drive. Apparently 'spinning discs' are fairly robust.

J.

Looks like they are in stock at B&H this morning. I really wish it had 1080p 29.97 setting and I would be ordering one this week.

My Samurai is on its way. I got a call from my supplier this afternoon. I should have it by Wednesday next!
Phil

well guys, have been using my samurai for a bit now:
did not work well in chopper - i think to much vibration... had it sitting on seat, but it was a small chopper so not a gereat test, it was dropping out of record after 10 - 15 sec. have used to shoot some commercials and a concert - vision is great, a little bit of difference in levels from tape and samurai.. still looking into that one. long form recording was good - longest clip was about 90 mins...but i can not get any analogue audio to record, going from audio out on my xlh1 to analogue audio in, can moniter audio, but it does not record...... have passed problem to atmos - lets see what happens...
also win xp (service pack 2) does not see the drive... am informed you need service pack 3... have not done that as yet.....
is anyone else using with an xlh1?
greg

Greg...great news! Thanks for the 'field report'. Got a question. Were you using a 'spinning disc' HDD or a solid state SSD? If it was dropping out using an SSD, that's a bit disappointing, but there are limitations to everything.

Since I can only live vicariously through others, until my vendor gets it 'in-stock', please keep those 'field reports' coming.

J.

using spinning disk... i think a solid stae will be needed for some shoots....hopefully price will come down on them soon....
greg

Will it record at 29.97??

Thanks Greg! I suspect using an SSD in that application, i.e., high vibration environment, would have been a better choice. I bought an Intel X25 160GB SSD in preps for receiving my 'Samurai', just for those occasions where vibration is a problem.

Thanks for the timely response.

J.

Will it record at 29.97??

No recording at 29.97 is not an option for me. If they don't provide this option I will have to go with the nanoflash.

No recording at 29.97 is not an option for me. If they don't provide this option I will have to go with the nanoflash.
I will too.

Jerry/Bob...since I'm a 'video Newbie', I don't understand why 29.97 frame-rate is so important. This question is probably really stupid, but I'm trying to understand why certain 'specific' frame-rates, like 29.97, are so desirable.

Thanks,

J.

I need to be able to record in whatever format my client requires whether that is 24p,30p or 60i. Nearly all broadcast clients want footage supplied in a 1080 30p format. Therefore I need to be able to record at 29.97 to have the ability to offer my clients what they need.

29.97 is broadcast standard.

Here are the recording rates, taken from the Samurai specs sheet from Atomos:

Supported Formats
(In/Out)
HD 1080i60, 1080i59.94, 1080i50, 1080p30, 1080p25, 1080p24,
1080p23.98, 1080pSF23.98, 1080pSF24, 1080pSF25, 1080pSF30, 720p60,
720p59.94, 720p50, SD 480i, 486i, 576i

Certainly does 1080p30.I hope that helps?
Dominic

I'm hoping it's just a typo that they left 29.97 off the spec sheet. That's why I was asking people that have their hands on one if it does actually record at that frame rate.

Jerry/Bob...thanks for the info.

J.

I'm hoping it's just a typo that they left 29.97 off the spec sheet. That's why I was asking people that have their hands on one if it does actually record at that frame rate.

1080i 59.94 is the same as 1080i 29.97. Just nomenclature. One is specifying fields per second, one is specifying frames. Same thing.

1080i 59.94 is the same as 1080i 29.97. Just nomenclature. One is specifying fields per second, one is specifying frames. Same thing.

Hence the EBU notation using frames only, i.e. 1080i/29.97. Everybody knows that interlacing produces twice as many fields as frames, and as we don't have analogue scanning of displays, the field rate is largely irrelevant.

Steve

1080i 59.94 is the same as 1080i 29.97. Just nomenclature. One is specifying fields per second, one is specifying frames. Same thing.

If they are going to list 1080p 23.97, why not 1080p 29.97?
1080p 30 is not necessarily the same.

This is the very reason I get confused. I guess we have to be very precise in 'nomenclature' when discussing 'Fields/s' vs. 'Frames/s'.

J.

Anywhere on the west coast (LA/OC/San Diego, specifically) I could pick one of these up in person?

Well, I'm told my Atomos Samurai will 'ship' NLT 11/29/11. 'I'm elated!' TapeWorks Texas is my vendor of choice and I believe Mr. Scott Cantrell must have worked some kind of 'miracle' to get it for me. Truthfully, I'd decided to 'cancel' the order, figuring they (TapeWorks) weren't going to get the item in-time to support an upcoming project. In all fairness to Scott, I originally didn't have a 'real' need for the 'Samurai', at least nothing pending at the time when I ordered it. That all changed with one phone call from my oldest friend and a 'meeting' with a Producer and Director. The next thing I know, I'm 'committed' to begin 'B-Roll' shooting the first week of December and a completion date of February. Actually, I'm going out this week to do some testing with my new NX5.

Kudos to TapeWorks Texas, and more specifically Scott 'The Miracle Worker' Cantrell. I guess the stars aligned, satellites in space linked-up, and Sun spots caused EM interference. Or, something...

J.

James,

Thank you for the kind words! Your Atomos Samurai is in route and scheduled to be delivered to you on Thursday 12/01/11!

If anyone else is interested, TapeWorks Texas Inc does have the Samurai available to ship and you can simply place your order via our website
TapeWorks Texas | Atomos Samurai SSD / HHD Recorder Call us 866-TAPEGUY (http://www.tapeworkstexas.com/professional-video/players-recorders-duplicators/ssd-hdd-recorders/atomos-samurai.html)

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
TapeWorks Texas Inc - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net