How to record 4K from the Sony A7s and what’s the cheapest way?
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Sony A7s Guide

How to record 4K from the Sony A7s and what’s the cheapest way?

There are currently four ways to record 4K from the Sony A7s: Atomos Shogun ($1,995+) Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q+ ($2,295+) Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio 4K ($945.25) Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K ($199) The most inconvenient way for field use is the Ultrastudio 4K, which needs a rack system. The best bang for the buck is the […]

There are currently four ways to record 4K from the Sony A7s:

  • Atomos Shogun ($1,995+)
  • Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q+ ($2,295+)
  • Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio 4K ($945.25)
  • Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K ($199)

The most inconvenient way for field use is the Ultrastudio 4K, which needs a rack system. The best bang for the buck is the Atomos Shogun.

The cheapest is the newly launched Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K:

Blackmagic Intensity Pro 4K

Obviously, you need a computer with this thing, because it is a PCI-Express card. To work in the field, you can either use a Windows machine that houses this, or use an expansion chassis, like the Akitio Thunder2 PCIe Expansion Chassis ($219.99), for Macs (also sold rebranded as OWC):

AkitioThunderQuad

It’s not small, but you can connect it to a Macbook Pro, iMac or Mac Pro in the field. So, if you already have a laptop, the cheapest way to record 4K is to use an Intensity Pro 4K card ($199) and an Akitio expansion chassis ($219.99) = $419.

The smallest footprint would be to use a small Windows machine or Hackintosh in an HTPC enclosure like the hec Black Media Center with 300W power supply ($60). You will need to build your PC with a Micro ATX motherboard (like the ASUS Q87M-E/CSM ($123), an i7 processor, RAM, etc.

What are the main disadvantages of going this cheap route?

The main disadvantages are:

  • They are bulky and difficult to travel with
  • They need cables and computers to run
  • Your camera is always tethered to your laptop
  • You need an external AC power outlet always

If you’re in an indoor-always studio environment, this solution is perfect.

What are the main advantages of the Shogun or 7Q+?

  • You get a full 100% Rec. 709 field monitor
  • You get 3D LUTs
  • You get to record in Prores or DNxHD
  • Your system is totally portable and small
  • You can power the device using a small battery or one power solution for your rig
  • You have scopes and other important reference tools
  • You can record and monitor audio as well