New Convergent Design Update Adds 4K downconvert & More ProRes Options
Today Convergent Design has released a new update for the 7Q+ that enables a few nice features including one I really wanted. More ProRes flavors! Apple ProRes 422 & Apple ProRes 422 (LT) to go along with Apple ProRes 422 (HQ). I like this a lot especially when shooting with a more baked in look.
Another new feature and something no one else has is the ability to now record a downconverted 4K signal from HDMI to 2K or even HD. The 7Q+ does a better job of converting 4K to HD than the GH4 and A7s do internally getting you a better image. Very interesting. More on new features in the press release.
Convergent Design is releasing a new Odyssey firmware update. Highlights include:
– Odyssey7Q+ HDMI 4K->HD Supersampling
Little cameras such as the A7S and GH4 use fairly basic downconverters to output HD. Some cameras such as the Samsung NX1 don’t output HD at all. A new option on the Odyssey7Q+ will take in 4K/UHD over HDMI and use a high quality supersampling to capture excellent 2K & HD video in Apple ProRes. Improved MTF and color depth are apparent in the results.
– Additional Apple ProRes codecs
All three Odyssey monitor/recorders will add Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 (LT) to the Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) already available. In 2K & HD, recordable frame rates go up to 60p. In 4K & UHD (Odyssey7Q/Odyssey7Q+) recordable frame rates go up to 30p.
– Wired Remote Trigger
New accessory for all Odyssey models.
– F35 support
Now record 12-bit RGB DPX files from the Sony F35.
– FS700 100p/120p burst now recordable in 2K & HD ProRes
– For FS7 RAW material, a complete new post workflow with LUTs developed in partnership with Nick Shaw of Antler Post
– Prosoft Engineering now offers Picture Rescue 2 with recovery compatibility with all file types on Odyssey SSDs. The program is just $20.
– WHITE PAPERS:
Why Record Options?
4K->HD Supersampling Explained, with sample footage
Here are some examples of the supersampling on the GH4, A7s and NX1.
Sample Comparisons
In the images below a resolution chart was photographed by each camera outputting HD using its own internal sampling and outputting a native 4K/UHD that is then supersampled to 2K/HD in the Odyssey7Q+ and recorded in Apple ProRes 422(HQ).
Cameras compared include the Panasonic GH4, the Sony a7S and the Samsung NX1. Please note that the NX1 does not offer a clean 1080p output, but it is included here for technical comparison.
Note that on the center target of the resolution chart, the wedge on the lower left marked 5 represents 500 line pairs per screen height. 500 line pairs is very close to 1080 lines of resolution, so this is very close to the theoretical limit for a high-resolving 1080p image.
A lot more detail is pulled out of the image and some moire is also decreased. For more info visit Convergent Design. I also noticed that the free SSD drive offer is ending soon.
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Filed in: Atomos • Convergent Design • Featured Post • Production • Recorders
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