Atomos announces the development of Apple ProRes RAW support on the Ninja V for Sony’s Alpha 1. That will allow recording 12-bit RAW up to 4.3Kp60 via Atomos external recorder.
Sony Alpha 1: A spec’d out mirrorless
The Alpha 1 is the new mirrorless flagship by Sony, which is armed with a new 50MP full-frame sensor that is capable of 8K 30FPS and 15+ Stops of dynamic range. The camera was announced over a month ago, and it’s dedicated to capturing gorgeous ultra-high-resolution imagery. The camera is designed for filmmakers and allows the privilege of shooting 8K constantly without any overheating issues. The maximum video recording capability is 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [200 to 400 Mb/s] on H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit codec. Also, the camera can record slow motion as well (up to 4K 120FPS).
ProRes RAW recording: In development
Recently, Atomos announced the development of Apple ProRes RAW support on the Ninja V for Sony’s Alpha 1. That means you will able to shoot 12-bit RAW straight out of this little beast via the Atomos Ninja V recorder, at a maximum resolution of 4.3Kp60. It’s important to note, that, according to Atomos, the camera will output 16-bit RAW, which is then compressed and recorded in the Ninja V as 12-bit ProRes RAW. There will be no ability to record ProRes RAW in 8K resolution though.
Final insights
Till now, they’re about 20 cameras that can support ProRes RAW via Atomos recorders. Indeed, the Apple ProRes RAW codec is recognized as the new standard for RAW, however, it seems to be unleashed only by Atomos. Take, for example, the elimination of ProRes RAW from the anticipated Kinefinity MAVO Edge, which was supposed to be recorded internally. The rumors in the industry indicate a conflict with RED Digital Cinema patents. Thus, the way to overcome this limitation is by an external recorder (Atomos). Allow us to throw an idea. Why not Atomos will develop a ProRes RAW solution for the MAVO Edge? I’m pretty sure it’s doable from engineering perspectives. What’re your thoughts about this? Comment below.
Just make a docking bay that snug fit each camera to mount the Ninja V onto, more or less like a V-mount battery on certain camera bodies. Use electronic contact points instead of a cable and use the camera battery to power the Ninja V. That way, it becomes an integral part of the camera and yet remains an “external recorder”. I hope this legal loophole will let camera manufacturers get away with the patent issue, hahaha.
The a1 could become the very first Sony to offer WB and ISO adjustments in FCP with PRR. “Users will benefit from the full flexibility offered by the ProRes RAW format as Atomos ensures that all the camera White Balance and ISO/Exposure Offset adjustments will be available within Final Cut Pro to the user.” – Atomos
An updated ninja star would be magical. Prores RAW onto Cfast 2 or nvme.
I’m really at a loss. I only want to use the Ninja V to monitor my Sony A7iii to expose it correctly in SLog3 and help me focus.