Sound Devices Pix240 is rolling out into Retail

I'm on the list for an eval Samurai as well. The last word that I had is that they are in manufacturing so shouldn't be long. I justified the difference for the Pix on the basis of sturdy construction and audio. That will make it a more rentable piece as well. I was also told that the Samsung 470 SSD's will work well with the Pix. The 256gb is now running around $430 (many vendors have a $40 instant rebate until 9/24 bringing the price under $390). If you want HDMI in addition to SDI on the Samurai, you need the additional converter module, which will run about $350.
 
Yea, I'm impressed by the Pix 240. But I figure the Samurai can always be resold down the road... and I still have my eye on the Gemini.
 
Good reasoning. I think many users will reach your conclusion unless Samurai is problematic. Nimja got off to a rough start but Atomos addressed the issues
 
I loved the Pix 240 as well, even cut out a place for it in my case. But after using the AJA mini, I may be headed that way. Also since Avid codec is coming. I just would rather have something small on the the rear rails. No need for extra screen and weight.
I know that the SD 240 would be sweet, but I just don't want to have to fight something that big on the camera. I move too fast and would rather use my DP6 if I need a on cam monitor. Someone needs to make a rear sideways mount where the 240 rides on rails facing the left side of camera and a battery mount behind. (vertical mount rotated 90 degrees) Otherwise hendheld might be a challenge.
 
Very, very interested in the answer to that. And whether it has pixel-to-pixel, or waveform, or all those other fun monitor tools...
 
It's definitely an interesting question, if you can fit your off-camera monitoring and your off-camera recording into a single unit that would certainly help simplify most rigs with these large-sensor/non-broadcast-codec cameras.
 
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None of the monitor/recorders in this price range have waveform or pixel to pixel as best as I can tell. I can confirm that the sideKick HD does not (sitting in front of me now) nor, in fact, does it have any calibration possibilities. Both from limited hands on at NAB and hands on at Abel last week, the Pix does not seem to have any monitor controls. Bet we'll see those features in the next generation of recorder/monitors. That Pix screen, though, is great.

Ned
 
Well, the base price jumped by $150... from $2600 to $2750... incidentally, the Samurai add-on fee for DNxHD is rumored to be $150... I think they just lumped the cost in for everyone.

Just to confirm: the DNxHD option with the Samurai is just that. If you don't want it, you don't pay.

Dave Shapton
Atomos
 
Damn, if it had either or both id probably buy it in a heartbeat

Note that we announced at IBC that the Samurai will be gaining a wide range of Viewfinder abilities. We showed one at the show, just as an example: Blue channel-only. It has a SMPTE-standard 480x800 5" colour screen, and when we roll out the other features (including Peaking, etc) then you will be able to regard the Samurai as a "Recording Monitor" as much as a "Recorder with a screen"; reducing weight, equipment count and power supply complexity.

Dave Shapton
Atomos
 
Good to know, David. Missed that somehow. Your commitment to on-going product development is among the aspects that will propel both Samurai and Ninja.

Ned
 
Dave - me likey. Also that you are on these boards answering questions is great.

I have a PIX 240 on preorder but if your samurai can also do that - I might be sold on the Samurai. What is the weight of your unit and what is the weight of the PIX 240?

Also to Ned - how quick is the boot up and shutdown time on the PIX 240? On the AJA KI Pro Mini - it's about 2 minutes. Its like booting up a computer.
 
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Ok, I'm seriously considering this guy, if it had pixel to pixel I would have already bought it, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to. Just probably wont completely replace my DP6.

I have a few important questions for those of you that may know. One is it easy to edit pro res in Premiere cs5/5.5? How is the work flow? Thus far I have been working mainly with the XDCAM 422 codec and it works beautifully. Second, does it give you the option to dial in the specific bitrates or does it go just based on flavor of pro-res? Lastly, how much better is the audio quality from the quality of the internal camera?

Answers as always, much appreciated.
 
To me, the sound features and the lack of touch screen on the PIX make it very appealing to me, I'm not a big fan of touch screens. Weight is less important to me. I'll just hit the gym more often. Kidding, weight is a bit important, what does the PIX weight?
 
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