Atomos uploads free CDNG update for Shogun range

The Shogun Inferno: Now with added CDNG Raw

Following hot on the heels of the Ninja Inferno release last week, Atomos has made a free download available that allows CDNG Raw recording from select Sony, Canon and Panasonic cameras on the Shogun Inferno, Shogun Flame, and the original Shogun line.

According to the company, this makes them the worlds’ first monitor-recorders to offer CDNG recording on a single SSD, not to mention being the world’s first monitor-recorders to offer CDNG Raw to end users for free.

We’ll hand the next paragraph over to Atomos as the company explains it so succinctly:

“CDNG records Raw images from a camera’s sensor as a sequence of individual frames rather than video, allowing users to recreate a Hollywood post production process allowing custom control over white balance, noise reduction & debayering rather than relying on the camera’s real-time processing. Unlike video, the Raw from each camera brand is different, offering different advantages to the user and requiring bespoke engineering for each Raw format in the recorder itself.”

All of which has meant some bespoke engineering for three different brands, as the new update enables Sony Raw recording from the FS700 / FS7 / FS5, Canon Raw recording from the C300MKII / C500 and Panasonic Raw recording from the Varicam LT.

Raw output from the Sony FS700, FS7 & FS5 enables high frame rate 2K recording along with higher quality 12-bit 4:4:4 images from the sensor. In uncompressed 10-bit video over SDI the maximum frame rate in HD for all 3 cameras is capped at 60p, but the Raw output enables high frame rate slow motion 100/120/200/240p capture to ProRes/DNX. It is worth pointing out though that Raw output from the FS5/FS700 requires a paid update to Sony, while the FS7 needs the addition of the Sony XDCA-FS7 extension unit.

Canon’s Raw output provides 10-bit images with a baked in Log and Gamut, and capturing Raw from the C300MKII and C500 will transform them from HD to 4Kp30 cameras units. Likewise with the Varicam LT, which upgrades the single SDI output from HD only into a 10-bit 4K 30p camera. For this update, only CDNG Raw recording is available, with the Raw to ProRes or DNxHR recording promised in a future firmware update.