Sound Devices PIX240 - A Camera's Best Friend

By David Jeffries
DP/Technical Specialist
Ohio HD Video & Cine Rental

Often times cameras' internal recorders limit the amount of information you can take from your shoot. More often than not, you will end the day without using the full capabilities of your camera. 


SoundDevices is making the post-production process easier while retaining the most information from the camera with their PIX 240.  This outboard recorder with a built-in monitor allows a user to record directly to an SSD drive or Compact Flash media in very high qualities and direct-to-edit formats.

The PIX-CADDY allows for triple-interface connectivity to the SSD drive including USB 3.0, Firewire 800, and eSATAp; all of which are bus powered making them very versatile for offloading.

The PIX currently supports two codecs: 

-Apple ProRes (Proxy/LT/422/422HQ 10-bit)
-Avid DNxHD 36, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8- and 10-bit

Video inputs include both HD-SDI and HDMI and will cross convert to one another and will output to both simultaneously.  This is a great feature when using a camera that only supports HDMI and you need to feed multiple monitors.  The unit will also Up, Down and Cross Convert 480i 525i, 720p, 1080i and 1080p signals.


In the latest firmware, SoundDevices added more controls including False Color, Zebra Stripes, 1:1 Pixel Mapping, and a Peaking Filter to further allow these recorders to double as camera monitors.

Pros:
-Direct-to-edit, 10-bit files.
-Record triggering using timecode, or through SDI flags for a variety of camera systems.
-Clear identification of when the unit is recording.
-Monitor picture controls and features to assist with exposure and focus.
-Can support up to 8 channels of audio over an SDI line.
-Unit includes two analog XLR inputs.
-Will serve as a highly accurate timecode and genlock generator.
-Powered through Sony L-Series batteries, D-Tap, or AC power supply.

Drawbacks:
-Screen resolution is only 800x480
  -While the resolution is less than that of an HD monitor, it still has an excellent picture.
-If mounting to a camera, the unit can be a bit heavy.
  -When using (2) Sony InfoLithium L-Series batteries the weight comes to about four pounds.

There are not many functions this outboard video recorder cannot do (and they keep expanding its functions).  It will be sure to speed up your production and post-production times, while utilizing the maximum output capabilities of your camera.


For more information about the Sound Devices PIX240 or to inquire about a rental please contact Ohio HD Video & Cine Rental.

Another 1st: The Arri Alexa comes to Central Ohio!

Another 1st:
The Arri Alexa comes to Central Ohio!

I have never seen an avalanche of cameras like the one I have witnessed this year.  At Ohio HD Video we have added 9 new cameras to the inventory since the beginning of the year! From the  Panasonic’s AF-100,  Sony’s new PMW F3 CineAlta, Sony  FS100 and now the cherry on the top the Arri ALEXA.  Once again Ohio HD Video is proud to bring the most relevant gear in our industry to our local market.  The Arri ALEXA is becoming the most widely accepted camera used to acquire high-end digital images for commercials and features.  In addition to it’s amazing image quality, we are most excited about it’s potential to streamline the post-production workflow.  The ALEXA has three main post paths: Shoot to Edit (ProRes), Uncompressed HD and Uncompressed RAW. Each has its virtues and each is well supported today.


Perhaps most compelling for our market is its ability to shoot to SXS cards using two slots internal to the camera.  ALEXA calls it a Shoot to Edit workflow, which in the language of ARRI means finished video already compiled into a codec that can be loaded directly into an edit system for post. Currently, ALEXA uses ProRes in both 422 and 444 varieties. In compression quality, it is second only to master-level formats such as HDCAM SR. ProRes is a native format for Apple’s Final Cut Pro and can now also be used natively on the latest version of Avid Media Composer.

ALEXA records ProRes onto Sony SxS cards, the same compact and reliable media Sony uses for its XDCAM EX cameras. A 32GB SxS Pro card can hold about 20 minutes of ProRes 422 or 15 minutes of ProRes 4444.  Recording in ProRes, ALEXA is a compact and self-contained camera. The SxS cards can move directly from the camera to an edit system, and post work can begin immediately with no capturing or recompression.  This can cut hours from your post workflow and make the ALEXA a very affordable option for your next shoot.  Call us to arrange a time when we can show you all that this impressive camera has to offer or check out the Arri ALEXA web resources to learn more.  You can also check out Andy Shipsides, Able Cine blog on an ALEXA/FCP workflow.

ENG Powered Zoom!

ENG Powered Zoom!

B4 to 35mm PL Adapter & Sony F3 viewfinder adapter: One of the big challenges we face today is trying to shoot "ENG Style" with all the new 35mm sensor cameras.  Sure these cameras make great images working off dollies, sliders and tripods, but it gets a little trickier when trying to follow live action and shooting off the shoulder.  One of the cooler items we picked up this year can help greatly with this.  It's an optical B4 2/3" lens to PL adapter which lets you make use of some great 2/3" HD lenses from Canon or Fujinon that have an integrated powered zoom motor.  This adapter only uses two stops of light and makes ENG shooting a breeze.  Viewfinders have also been a challenge in the brave new world of large sensor cameras.  One of the most popular of these cameras is the Sony F3.  Our latest adaptive solution will let you use a traditional Panasonic HD viewfinder with the F3 to ensure crisp focus and a more ergonomic way to work with the camera.

Fast, Lightweight Zooms!

Fast, Lightweight Zooms!

Angenieux Optimo DP: In a ongoing effort to bring great glass to our market we have added two new premium Angenieux lenses.  The first is the Optimo DP 16-42.  The Optimo DP 16-42 with an aperture of T2.8 is a lightweight and compact PL mount zoom lens and delivers the superior zoom optics, functionality and ergonomics that DP’s demand.  The Optimo DP 30-80 has an aperture of T2.8 and brings the very best of film to the new world of large format digital production.  These lenses compliment each other very well.

WiFi Video to your Ipad!

WiFi Video to your Ipad!

Teradek Cube Encoder/Decoder: Last year Ohio HD learned about the Teradek Cube and bought one to try.  At that point the technology was very new and we had to return it because the video latency was too long to be useful on set.  This year we gave the Teradek another try and it has proven to be amazing.  The Teradek is a box about the size of a deck of cards that mounts to the camera and connects to the SDI output.  It then encodes the signal and generates its own WiFi network.  In this configuration it can send a wireless signal to up to three Ipads with less than a 1/2 second delay.  It can also be setup to stream the video to clients in another part of the building or across the country.  We see all kinds of cool aplications for this device on the set.  The gaffer or the art director can have their own monitors for making quick lighting adjustments, and directors and clients are no longer stuck in video village.

Seasons Greetings from Ohio HD!

   Building a Full Service Rental in Central Ohio: Three years ago when we added the RED One to our inventory I was unaware that we were taking the first steps on a path to becoming the first full service camera rental house in central Ohio.  Today with much support from the local production community we are well on our way to providing that much needed resource right here in Columbus.  Our goal has been and will continue to be to bring the latest production gear into market and back it up with technical knowledge and educational support.  This year we added 14 new cameras to our inventory including the much-coveted Arri Alexa, Sony's F3, FS-100 and F800 XDCam optical disc camera. We were also proud to make Casey Hunter the full time rental equipment manager at Ohio HD Video & Cine this year.  For those those of you who have had the chance to work with Casey, either on the set or in our shop, it's easy to recognize his commitment to excellence.  Casey and I strive to make sure our gear is tested before each rental to ensure every shoot is free of costly technical issues and delays.

           This year we will continue to invest in new gear, so the tools you need to create top notch content for your clients is always well maintained and available close to home.  We will also continue our education and work with other members of the community to make sure there are trained resources in the market who know how to get the most out of these new technologies.  In addition the open house events we have had this past year, we are looking to develop hands-on workshops and bring in experts from other markets to gain from their experience.

          I would like to personally thank you for all of your support in the past.  We love hearing your feedback and we look forward to serving your camera, lensing, and technical needs in 2012 and beyond.

Scott Handel

Founder

Ohio HD Video & Cine