Sony A7s - 1080p30 output over HDMI?

T

The Irish TRex

Well-known member
Hi, two questions...

1) From what I've read I don't think it's possible, but can someone confirm who knows for sure that outputting 1080p30 over HDMI is or is not possible on the Sony A7s?

In the settings I see 24p and 60p as hdmi output settings.

2) My second question is ...What happens if you are shooting in 1080p30 and you leave the output settings on 60p or 24p? What does it show/record externally? Would it record 1080p30 on the SD card and then 60p or 24p on the external recorder or switcher?

Right now I just got a Blackmagic ATEM 4k Switcher and noticed that if I switch the camera to 1080p30 but leave the hdmi output settings at 60p, the switcher which is also set to receive a 1080p60 signal still sees the video. I wonder if that's a 60p signal? If I switch the switcher to 1080p29.97 it does not see any signal coming from the A7s even if I'm set to record at 1080p30 on the card, because the hdmi output settings remain at 60p.

Please feel free to be as descriptive as possible when answering. Thanks so much!
 
i have some similar problems too...

i am trying to record a7s Hdmi output in blackmagic HyperDeck Shuttle 2 (latest firmware).
But when i choose movie mode and 1080 25p output , cant record anything (video led on BM hyper deck is off).
When i choose 1080i output in camera, then i can record from A7s.
i noticed when i connect my A7s in my samsung led tv , that when i choose 1080p output , tv shows that it accepts 1080 50p !
Thats the reason why BM can't see the video from HDMI when o choose 1080p.... but why is this ?

Why A7s can't output 1080 25p ?
Why A7s can't output 1080 25p ?
i am trying to record a7s Hdmi output in blackmagic HyperDeck Shuttle 2 (latest firmware).
​But when i choose movie mode and 1080 25p output , cant record anything (video led on BM hyper deck is off).
When i choose 1080i output in camera, then i can record from A7s.
i noticed when i connect my A7s in my samsung led tv , that when i choose 1080p output , tv shows that it accepts 1080 50p !
​Thats the reason why BM can't see the video from HDMI when o choose 1080p.... but why is this ?

​Why A7s can't output 1080 25p ?

 
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Looks like you will have to consider getting an HDMI to SDI converter that will do frame rate conversion on the fly. As you know, the ATEM needs all the cameras to be issuing the same frame rate or the camera in question will not show on the ATEM output.

I am using an ATOMOS HDMI to SDI converter for my Flanders Monitor. It works like a treat and you are able to switch between various framerate outputs with the press of a button. I stuck some velcro on the side to easily attach it to a cage. I have found it a very useful purchase.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/964935-REG/atomos_atomh2s002_1xh2s_converter_1_2600mah.html

The battery power will last a day but pick up a couple of spare generic batteries to reduce anxiety on shoot day.

AJA makes one of these and I believe Blackmagic does as well but they are not as elegant a solution as the ATOMOS one in my view.

EDIT:

I should state that I have an a7S and can verify the frame rate coming into the Flanders Scientific Monitor. I can get a 1080p29.97 (30) signal and a 1080i59.97 signal from the converter with the push of a button. There is also an internal battery in the unit which allows you to swap out the NP batteries without powering down.
 
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Andrew Stone said:
you are able to switch between various framerate outputs with the press of a button.
Click to expand...

I didn't know that H2S did anything more than just convert HDMI signal to SDI. You mean it can also covert one frame rate to another? Like 60p in and 30p out if I wanted? At the push of a button?
 
Just checked Google. Here is a link to the manual. You want to go to page 7 for the details.

http://www.atomos.com/downloads/connect/manual/Atomos-Connect-Manual-DIGI.pdf

I simply figured it out when I hooked it up to the FSI Monitor and pressed the mode button on the ATOMOS HDMI to HD-SDI converter and it cycled through standard frame rate conversions. But it is all there in the manual. If you read it, you will see it does quite a bit.

The answer to your question is yes.
 
Hmm. Seems like it's more interlaced to progressive converter (60i to 30p or 24p) than progressive to progressive (60p to 30p). Either way, good to know. Thanks!
 
The Atomos H2S does identify and recognize as such progressive and interlaced input in all the standard frames rates up to 60 FPS. It also will once it figures out if a frame rate is progressive or interlaced or PSF be able to select the appropriate pull down removal rates available for the inputted frame rates in question. It also handles PSF (progressive segmented framed) inputs as well and will also you to generate a PSF output, if required. Page 8 and verified by yours truly in use.

I guess for those in the future who are reading this, it is good to know that you have one known choice that will allow you to go from a consumer connector to a professional one and it will allow you to do frame rate conversion so you can line up the a7S with professional monitors, recorders and ATEMs. With the later, unless all of your cameras hooked up to an ATEM are issuing the identical resolution and frame rate, the camera in question WILL NOT be identified and displaying on your ATEM network of cameras.

I got the ATOMOS H2S converter for two main purposes. One was to have an interface to connect the camera to outboard devices that does NOT rely on a flimsy and tentative HDMI connector. Second, was to have all manner of frame rate conversion at my disposal so I wasn't boxed in on a shoot when hooking stuff up. It works as billed.
 
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