Blackmagic H.264 Pro Recorder
 

I'm trying to create my new file-based workflow based on the HD-SDI output of my NX5 (to bypass AVCHD) cheaply, and I came across this new recorder from Blackmagic. The specs say it creates H.264 files in real-time from SDI and outputs them over USB2.0 to a laptop. This would be perfect for me, because the box itself is small and light, and the whole setup is much cheaper than a nanoFlash.

I was just wondering if anyone has tried one out yet (it's just been released), and if so what kind of H.264 profiles and bitrates it supports. I'd be looking at something like 180-200Mbps 4:2:2 10-bit (this is very important as it's the whole reason for bypassing 4:2:0 AVCHD), and an Intra-frame profile would be great (although I doubt that would be included). Anyone have any info on it?

Blackmagic Design: H.264 Pro Recorder

That product looks like it needs to be connected to a computer and simply has a hardware H.264 encoder inside to speed up archiving.

If you can't afford a Nanoflash or Ki Pro Mini how about the Atomos Ninja:

Enter The Ninja

I have no experience of it but worth a look.

I know the laptop is a requirement, because it outputs over USB2.0, but that's something I can live with for most shoots. I've considered the Ninja but it only outputs to ProRes, and I'm a PC user.

This device looks potentially interesting. Unfortunately, I can't find much reference on the encoder specs. Sure would be nice to know what the encoding options are - for goodness sake, at least mention bitrates! Also, it looks like they're talking about encoding 4:2:2 at 12 bits? Sounds pretty slick, but I'm not sure what the heck you would do with that, unless perhaps they are including direct show filters.