ATOMOS Connect Cloud Review

In a recent article from ProNews, Runa gives us her review of the ATOMOS Cloud and SHOGUN CONNECT after using the two to shoot a film. She states that it is a recording & preview tool that optimizes the new era cloud workflows.

What is ATOMOS CONNECT?

The ATOMOS CONNECT module is a revolutionary accessory designed to enhance ATOMOS recording monitors for cloud-based workflows. It can be attached to the existing NINJA V and NINJA V+ monitors or come as a built-in feature in the SHOGUN CONNECT model.

With the ATOMOS CONNECT module, users gain the ability to connect to the network via Wi-Fi, opening up a range of possibilities for cloud-based collaboration. One of the key features is the integration with Adobe's "Frame.io" cloud collaboration tool. By linking the ATOMOS CONNECT module with Frame.io, project members can easily share freshly shot footage with colleagues or clients anywhere in the world.

Even prior to Adobe's acquisition of Frame.io, editors and professionals involved in cloud workflows were already familiar with the platform. Many found it particularly useful for remote grading feedback work, especially during the period when remote work was more prevalent. Frame.io provides a secure environment where users can easily share content only with specific individuals or groups. It also offers the capability to create folder hierarchies for organizing and storing materials. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to add annotations, such as text or handwriting, directly onto the shared videos. This feature greatly facilitates communication and collaboration among team members.

Additionally, Frame.io includes a seek bar that displays the timecode when the mouse is moved over it. This functionality is greatly appreciated in certain situations where precise timing and synchronization are crucial.

The combination of ATOMOS CONNECT and Frame.io provides a powerful solution for cloud-based workflows, allowing professionals to efficiently collaborate, share, and review footage regardless of their geographical locations.

For this review, MEDIAEDGE, which handles ATOMOS products in Japan, especially those linked to such a convenient collaboration tool “Frame.io Camera to Cloud (hereinafter: C2C),” graciously lent Ranu “SHOGUN CONNECT.” She decided to review the ease of use based on a real workflow based on an actual video project site.

Trials

She was granted access to the SHOGUN CONNECT for the SHOOTING of a specific short film. Ranu then questioned how difficult it would be to launch it and whether the team could sustain its operation and use over the medium to long term. She checked it by gently placing the SHOGUN CONNECT on it.

Here’s what the actual organization chart looks like:

Basic Organizational Chart:

• Director
• Producer
• Production Department
• Editing Department
• Design and Decoration Department
• Stylist
• Hair and Makeup
• Cinematography Department

The director challenged himself to attempt to limit the number of employees in each department to a minimum, which resulted in a significant decrease in the number of employees in each department. Ranu believes that the organizational chart itself ended up feeling more substantial than initially anticipated because there would unavoidably be many people involved in a video shoot.

It was determined from the start that they would mostly employ AF without a focus puller in the shooting department Ranu oversaw. They essentially always had two cameras, an A-cam and a B-cam, and they filmed using Slog3 and Sony FX3 body recording. There was essentially one chief for the full-time assistant post. It's comparable to a pinch-hitting situation or something along those lines. In order to avoid any unfortunate data-related situations involving backups, they secured a DIT (Data Imaging Technician) even though mayhem was anticipated. They determined that installing SHOGUN CONNECT at the base of DIT would be practical given the confined space.

In a typical data management flow for video production, the camera's video files are wirelessly transferred to the DIT booth. At the booth, the DIT creates proxy data using a capture device or software, generating lower-resolution versions of the original files for easier handling and quick sharing. Meanwhile, the camera assistant delivers the raw media to the DIT booth during reel changes or at designated intervals. Upon receiving the raw media, the DIT backs up the important footage by transferring it from the camera's storage media to their storage system using a card reader or similar devices. This ensures the safety and integrity of the data. The DIT then verifies the copied files for any potential errors or corruption and performs quality checks on the footage. The backed-up raw media is organized, labeled, and stored in a structured manner, allowing for easy retrieval and future reference. This data management workflow may vary based on specific production requirements and equipment preferences, but these steps provide a general outline of the process involved in transferring and managing video files from the camera to the DIT booth.

It was essentially the same this time. From the perspective of accident prevention, Ranu specifically assumed that SHOGUN CONNECT would be left as a supplemental existence and that she would assess the usability after cooling down because it was a site where there was no presumption regarding verification. The position, though, presented itself at an odd time.

When do you need C2C, and in what kind of field is it effective?

Ranu was quite aback by the fact that SHOGUN CONNECT was still able to upload files quickly over mobile Wi-Fi. The HD proxy data could be transferred without pausing at all, despite the fact that it was operating for a very long time and producing a lot of heat.

For example,

If it’s something like that, C2C will definitely work. The same is true for film projects where a large amount of short material is shot and it is difficult to extract the data for editing without using a capture board.

Differences between ATOMOS CONNECT/SHOGUN CONNECT/ZATO CONNECT

SHOGUN CONNECT: The SHOGUN CONNECT is a variant of the SHOGUN, a 7-inch recording monitor, with built-in C2C (camera-to-cloud) functionality. It combines the standard monitoring features of the SHOGUN with the ability to connect to the cloud for streamlined workflows and collaboration.

ATOMOS CONNECT: ATOMOS CONNECT is designed to enhance NINJA V and NINJA V+ recording monitors. It adds cloud tool functions to these 5-inch monitors, enabling cloud-based workflows and integration with tools like Adobe's Frame.io for sharing and collaboration on freshly shot footage.

ZATO CONNECT: ZATO CONNECT is a built-in model specialized in streaming distribution. This 5-inch recording monitor can be connected to a network, allowing it to function as a preview monitor for platforms like YouTube, live streaming services, and webcams. It provides a standalone solution for streaming and content creation.

All three products, SHOGUN CONNECT, ATOMOS CONNECT, and ZATO CONNECT, offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling them to connect to a network when a suitable environment is available. They can function as standalone devices for playback and recording, making them versatile tools for various video production and streaming scenarios.

These devices offer different features and cater to specific use cases, such as cloud-based collaboration, streaming, and recording. Depending on your specific needs and the nature of your project, you can choose the product that best aligns with your requirements and workflow.

In Conclusion

Ranu believes that the ATOMOS products were employed effortlessly across departments in the filming site where she tested everything this time, defying her expectations. In order to access the files uploaded by C2C, she didn't want to add to the workload of the on-site installation support, but since the confirmation URL was well-known, it was as simple as giving someone a YouTube link. Her concerns came to nothing because she was accepted. And she believes that by avoiding the distraction of consciousness, she was able to focus on the subject matter of the shot and maybe save time.

Read the full article from ProNews HERE