I read in the user manual that my GY-HD251 can output a 1080i signal from the HD-SDI connector , with embedded audio ; I know it won't record this to tape nor output via the Firewire terminal , so I can't record it onto my Firestores either .

Would something like an Atomos Samurai , or some other external recorder , work with this signal - and has anyone tried it ?

Hi, I remember using a Covergent Design recorder via HDSDI- a film shoot many years back, using this cam with 16mm converter and Zeiss primes. Recorder worked fine after a few set-up problems were solved. The customer service was most helpful via skype.
One drawback I seem to remember is that it was not equipped to sync rec/stby.
Had much better sampling though, was it 4:2:2 ?

Thanks for the info - I’ll read up on it .