ATOMOS Samurai Reviews?

EndCredits said:
I had a 1st ac pulling focus off it and some shots were not quite right and normaly he is fantastic.
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Its not designed for that function and makes no claim to be suitable for that task.

I would also say ...for a field replay unit it is still capable of showing you if the take was sharp or otherwise but I would give that due consideration for ultra critical analysis.

Its a recorder first and foremost.
 
Shooter said:
Its not designed for that function and makes no claim to be suitable for that task.

I would also say ...for a field replay unit it is still capable of showing you if the take was sharp or otherwise but I would give that due consideration for ultra critical analysis.

Its a recorder first and foremost.
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Totally agree.
 
Shooter said:
Absolutely no reason I can think of why it wont work in the field just as well as the studio.
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Shooter said:
....just needs care that one does not inadvertently change a setting on the touch screen...

...Caution: One needs to be very careful that the drive caddy does not jam in the Samurai. It is too easy to do and its a bad bit of design and engineering ( cheap)
(DO not ram it home with pressure or speed...but ease it in gently and firmly to make the connection)...

...Also bad...the mini sdi connectors ( un necessary use of tiny connector ...
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Shooter,

Should have been more specific. My concern is using it in fast paced documentary-type work in the field, where the mini connectors, touchscreen, & caddy, seem less than robust.

I'll test drive a Samurai to see how it suits me before looking at other options, but probably not until Olof offers a mounting bracket.

Best,
Bern
 
Of those three, my only concern would be the mini connectors and the adapter cables. You can see in my photo how they rigidly jut out from the Samurai.

Just begging to be snagged.

BTW: I dont think I would use one for "fast paced documentary-type work in the field" anyway.
 
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Shooter said:
Of those three, my only concern would be the mini connectors and the adapter cables. You can see in my photo how they rigidly jut out from the Samurai.

Just begging to be snagged.

BTW: I dont think I would use one for "fast paced documentary-type work in the field" anyway.
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You get right angle connectors for that sort of stuff. They exist, even for mini-bnc
 
I just got a Samurai and am really pleased with it. It worked right out of the box (except the batteries were empty) and in matter of minutes I had a Intel 120GB SSD mounted and running. Had a quick try of its functions and played back some of the tested clips on my computer. Looks stunning and plays back smoothly. I liked the fact that everything is in the box but I would have liked regular BNC connectors instead of the adapter cables.
 
Great machine, waiting for the avid dnxhd codec.... now working with prores 422 in AMA for MC. Not suitable for focussing. SSD is a must !
 
Have been using the ATOMOS Ninja for a couple of months now- really excellent piece of kit. I'd expect no less awesomeness from the Samurai.

-Noah
 
I had a chance to do some testing with the Samurai last week (thanks to Texas Media Systems). I actually used it on a client shoot, for redundant recording out of my F3. And as much as I hate to be "that guy," I didn't bother reading the manual before I was ready to shoot with it.

And I didn't have a single issue.

It's unbelievable how intuitive the ATOM-OS interface is, and how well the touchscreen works. I've also used the KiPro Mini, which is a great unit as well, but being able to use the Samurai screen for quick setup and playback really is hard to beat.

The clips look great from the Samurai (wish I could share them, but they're client clips), as expected.

One of my questions was could you use the Samurai monitor for critical focus or exposure. Honestly, I'd have to say no. But when using the F3, the combination of peaking and expanded focus makes having to have an external monitor for focus a bit of overkill. But I do wish the Samurai had false color or some other exposure-assist tools, just for comfort.

All in all, I think the Samurai is probably the best of the current crop of external recorders from a price/performance standpoint.
 
Yep- love my Ninja. My only quibble is that they give you better audio control and monitoring. As it is you have decent level and metering but it's not vvery precise- all bars no numbers. Now that Sound Devices is in this market with really amazing audio monitoring and controls on their PIX units- I'd hope ATOMOS steps it up a bit in their next firmware update...

-Noah
 
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