2017Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Using Atomos Ninja Star recorder with SDI cameras via HDMI converter and SDI record trigger
What the thread found
- The Atomos Ninja Star can record triggered by SDI record signals from ARRI and RED cameras when connected through an SDI to HDMI converter such as the Atomos S2H
- To enable SDI trigger functionality on ARRI cameras, internal audio recording must be switched on in the camera settings, which results in empty audio tracks in the recorder output
- The Atomos S2H converter requires manual button activation to convert 23.98psf to progressive format, and this setting may need reactivation after power cycling
- Alternative SDI to HDMI converters like the Decimator MD-HX and AJA Hi-5 Plus perform automatic frame rate conversion without manual intervention
- RED Dragon, RED Helium, Sony F55, and Panasonic Varicam cameras can work with SDI triggering to the Ninja Star, though specific menu settings vary by model
- The Atomos S2H converter experienced build quality issues including switch failure and battery contact soldering problems
- Atomos discontinued production of the S2H and H2S converter models
- The Ninja Star records in 1920x1080 ProRes 422 format which is suitable for demo reels and tolerates color grading
Depends on
- Experience documented with 24fps and 25fps frame rates in European production, not tested with 23.98fps
- Specific setup and menu settings for some camera models not fully documented due to user memory limitations
- HDMI connectors are less suitable for professional on-set use compared to SDI
- Atomos S2H and H2S converters are no longer in production