AF100 internal codec vs Samurai

M

Mike@AF

Veteran
I searched but couldn't find any samples of the AF100's internal codec vs ProRes off the Samurai. I know the ProRes from the Samurai will be better, but I'd like to see just how much better it is before I throw down money for it. Can anyone post some footage?
 
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Mike@AF said:
I'd still rather see samples to be sure of that.
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You could rent or borrow a Samurai and do you own test so it has validity to your own circumstances.

Meantime ..I will guarantee that you will not "see" any appreciable difference in "source vs source".

I did tests.
 
I don't do tests. I use it real time day in day out. The difference is huge when it comes to color correction and efx work. HUGE.
 
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mkfotos.com said:
It does start/stop, but apparently when it sees time code rolling, not by using flags, which is why it's possible to record 60p onto it (at 4:2:0), by playing back from the AF100.
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Good :)
What record settings do you use?

The Avid DNxHD 8Bit 145Mbit/s seems like the sweet spot for AF100
 
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FWIW

The full Samurai Operating Manual (28 pages) is now available for download on the Atomos site - along with the latest firmware.

There was no manual available when I got mine.
 
mkfotos.com said:
It does start/stop, but apparently when it sees time code rolling, not by using flags, which is why it's possible to record 60p onto it (at 4:2:0), by playing back from the AF100.
Click to expand...

Well that's a bummer. I like to use free rolling timecode so I can shoot with time of day timecode. So Samurai basically becomes unusable for someone like me.
 
Samurai has free run timecode option.

(See the manual.)

I have not tested to see how the triggering of FR TC works but assume that it exactly the same.

I can not test if for you for a couple of days (holiday) but someone else can maybe.

The HD-SDI TC method probably sends FR TC from the camera if thats what you have selected onboard.


FWIW: Something I am mindful of is that I have exact same TC on the SD card clips as well as the Samurai Clips.
 
Well I am confused then. Does it trigger based on timecode as stated earlier or not? If it's based on running timecode and you're using free run timecode on the camera then the Samurai would always be recording, no?

Freerun timecode is important for jam syncing timecode and syncing sound in post.
 
The manual Pg 10 states:

"When using Free run timecode, depending on the camera trigger record on both camera and Samurai may or may not be supported.
Currently Sony and Canon cameras are supported"

(That is their grammar and punctuation. Make of it what you will.)

Meantime I cant test it for you for a few days.
 
The grammar and punctuation is terrible. That sentence makes zero sense. They should revise the manual. I look forward to hearing the results of your test.
 
Got my Samurai .. and digging it so far. One question with the AF100 ... does it make any sense to
record Prores422? Seems like ProresHQ makes sense because of the 420 feed?

Also .. do you think Olaf's Nano bracket would work with the Samurai?

thanks
jeff
 
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Jeff.

The feed is 4.2.2



From Panasonic:

The AF100 includes essential features you'd expect in a professional camera, including:
  • Built-in optical neutral density filters -- 2 stops, 4 stops and 6 stops. A tremendous time-saver, facilitating many more shots in a production day.
  • 20 Variable Frame Rates for fast-motion or slow-mo work. These are higher-resolution Variable Frame rates in1080P in 20 steps, from 12-60 frames. Variable frame rates in 24P, 30P and 25P in1080, up to 60P or 50p dependent on 60Hz or 50Hz mode.
  • Uncompressed 4:2:2, 8 Bit HD-SDI Output
  • NTSC/PAL Switchable for worldwide use
  • In-Camera microphone
  • Industry-leading 3-year limited warranty (one year plus two extra years upon registration on PASS)
Click to expand...
 
All ProRes codecs are 4:2:2, except for ProRes 4444 which is 4:4:4 plus an alpha channel. The difference between them is the bitrate. ProRes HQ (it's actually called ProRes 422 HQ) is higher bitrate than normal ProRes 422.
 
I have been using ProRes 422 but could just as easily have used HQ and used a bit more space on the SSD.

I would probably do so if I had more dynamic on screen action needing the higher Bitrate.
 
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