Field Recorder - Ki-pro alternative

From what I've read (mostly on this site) is that the big tradeoff is recording time. Because it compresses in the codec a kipro can record 2 to 14 hours depending on the resolution and quality settings on a 250 gb drive. That same drive might get you 12 minutes on the blackmagic.
 
I think it boils down to how much record time do you need and archive methods.
On the key pro you have battery system/weight
On the hyper deck you have uncompressed footage/SSD prices per gig
 
So coming out of an AF100 uncompressed footage is 10bit RGB right? So according to my AJA iPhone app (awesome app BTW if you don't have it, get it) I could get about 42 minutes of footage per 512gb drive... does that sound about right?
 
Yes, it records 10 bit, 4:2:2. I use 128 Gbyte SSDs and swap at about 12 minutes. I'm very happy with the hyperdeck. I shoot only narrative, so the short record time fits my workflow just fine in cases where I want better quality than the SD cards.
 
kenwilx1016 said:
So coming out of an AF100 uncompressed footage is 10bit RGB right? So according to my AJA iPhone app (awesome app BTW if you don't have it, get it) I could get about 42 minutes of footage per 512gb drive... does that sound about right?
Click to expand...

KiPro records 10 bit but it's 8bit coming off the Af100.
 
kenwilx1016 said:
has anybody tried one of these http://www.amazon.com/Blackmagic-Design-HyperDeck-Shuttle-Recorder/dp/B005B3G2EE

Seems like a much more affordable solution than ki-pro to me. Would it work though?
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kenwilx1016 said:
has anybody tried one of these http://www.amazon.com/Blackmagic-Design-HyperDeck-Shuttle-Recorder/dp/B005B3G2EE

Seems like a much more affordable solution than ki-pro to me. Would it work though?
Click to expand...

The recorder is cheaper. BUt you have to make sure you get the right drives. Some are better than others. They have a list of supported drives on their website. I'm using the Vertex 240GB series 3. 4 of those drives is $us 2k.

The SSD's are pretty expensive, especially if you need a few to hold you over while you download those honking bit uncompressed quick times. And yes, remember that even though it's recording 10 bit, it's only 8 bit coming out of the camera.

jb
 
Hi Stephen,
Someone here said that Panasonic does record only 8bit. So if it is uncompressed can we get 10bit color gam?? And another thing, can you please tell me how can I edit in premier pro CS5.5 that footage. Is it going to be okay with such files or do we need to convert those files. Sorry am asking maybe silly questions but I am new with filming and editing. I do have the AF101 as well and I am thinking to buy the BM and or only the Samurai. Is the quality far superior the AVCHD codec capture on camera with the SD carts? Thanking you in advance Costas Kyriakides FMPA, FSINWIP

That is my first post here in DVXUSER and thanks everyone for their help so far
 
My 10 bit comment was in reference to the file size discussion. Yes, the AF100 only outputs 8 bit. That 8 bit stream is recorded into an uncompressed 10 bit file and stored on the SSD. So from a quality perspective the video is 8 bit, but from a size/storage perspective the file is 10 bit.

As to visual quality of the video there are no compression codec issues, as there is no compression at all. But, AVCHD is remarkably good and the visual difference is very minor or nil in most situations. And the other compressed outboard recorders should fall somewhere between the two. I have not compared them.

If you need better quality than AVCHD can provide, or a higher bit rate for compliance reasons, the Hyperdeck is a great choice if your shooting style is such that huge files are acceptable. It is less expensive to purchase than other recorders and the quality is as good as it can get. I shoot narrative and have found that 2 x 128 Gbyte SSDs are plenty for me. For other types of shooting, the cost of multiple large SSDs will change the cost equation. The Hyperdeck is also harder to mount on the camera and requires special SDI cables.
 
Thanks Stephen,
I was thinking to make my second film for film festivals. The first was made with Canon 5d and now having the chance to get an external recorder to AF101 I thought to ask you for best results for what do you suggest. I will go ahead and buy the MB Hyperdeck and hope to see the difference for theatrical use. The only worries it is to remember to start both camera and MB Hyp. at the same time and not to forget that at serious scenes.
 
Seems very exciting as it probably will remedy the highlight handling issues of the codec. That is my only real complaint of compression.

I'm sure SSD prices will fall and drives will become larger just as SDXC cards will become faster and larger as well so that recording uncompressed will be doable.
 
StephenM said:
As to visual quality of the video there are no compression codec issues, as there is no compression at all. But, AVCHD is remarkably good and the visual difference is very minor or nil in most situations. And the other compressed outboard recorders should fall somewhere between the two. I have not compared them..
Click to expand...

So there's next to no benefit to shooting uncompressed unless say you're doing some kind of special effect work or many green screen?
 
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