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12 bit RAW capture ARRI, Panasonic, Sony, Canon and other cameras using Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ RAW Recorder

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This article explains how 12 bit RAW capture of ARRI, Panasonic, Sony, Canon and other cameras is possible using the Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ RAW Recorder.

We all know that capturing linear images in a native codec does not give the same range of dynamic contrast as shooting in a Log format, or better still, a RAW format.  However RAW files are so HUGE and the data is so unwieldy that until now, this hasn’t really been practical, as only few high-end cameras, such as ARRI Alexa XT (and now also Alexa Mini with optional licence) were capable of on-board RAW acquisition and storage was pricey.

However, the Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ has changed all of this with the release of the new Titan HD extract firmware release to make a cost-effective RAW capture device compatible with the RAW outputs of many currently available 4K cameras.

VMI has for a long time championed the Odyssey 7Q to record the ARRI RAW output of ARRI Alexa Plus and Alexa Classics with the RAW-licenced Odyssey 7Q recorders but now the exceptional 14+ stops capability of such cameras as Panasonic VLT, Canon C300 Mk II, Canon C500, Sony FS-7, Sony FS-700 and others are available to capture in full 12 bit CinemaDNG files.

Most specifically, this new release allows 12 bit 4K RAW capture of the new Panasonic VLT with its Varicam colour palate for the first time.

Storage is no longer too much of a consideration, as the 512GB SSDs are cost-effective reliable record devices and as the Odyssey is an external capture device, it means that you can also use the camera’s internal record capability to parallel record for safety, though using the standard camera codecs, rather than at RAW quality.

Also, an excellent quality 7″ OLED display built into the Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ means that not only are you recording an external RAW stream but also able to monitor with an external LCD as well.

ARRI Alexa

Anamorphic 2:1 capture from Alexa 4:3 is now supported with Odyssey 7Q/7Q+

The ARRIRAW recording option will record .ARI files, deBayer the RAW data and convert it to a 1920×1080 video signal for viewing on the Odyssey OLED panel, output over SDI and HDMI, and playback recorded ARRIRAW files. The Odyssey LUT Routing allows switching between an ARRI LOG-C and REC709 image, or LUT of your choice.

Record ARRIRAW from the following ARRI ALEXA camera models: ALEXA (original model, aka ALEXA Classic), ALEXA Plus, ALEXA 4:3, ALEXA Plus 4:3, ALEXA M, and ALEXA Studio.

  • 16:9
  • 2:1 anamorphic
  • 2K, 60fps
  • .ARI
  • 3D-LUTs
  • ARRIRAW data is recorded as .ari files.
  • ARRIRAW 16:9 / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 48*, 50*, 59.97*, 60*
  • ARRIRAW 4:3 / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 48
    *NOTE: ARRIRAW above 30fps requires two SSDs to simultaneously record. In a future firmware update only
    one SSD will be required for all frame rates.

Panasonic VLT

The Panasonic VLT will capture 4K on board with Panasonic V-Log Gamma but to capture 4K Raw, this requiring the use of the Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7Q+ recorders which will capture the 12 bit output output over SDI.

The Odyssey7Q LUT control allows switching between a Panasonic V-log and Rec709 image, or LUT of your choice.

  • Panasonic RAW data is recorded as .DNG files.
  • 4K RAW / 12-Bit / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97
  • UHD RAW / 12-Bit / 23.98, 25, 29.97
  • 4K RAW / 10-Bit / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • UHD RAW / 10-Bit / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • VariFrame frame rates from 2-60p available, spread over standard frame rates for post removal

*NOTE: Panasonic RAW 10-Bit 50-59.94p requires two SSDs to simultaneously record

Canon C300 Mk II/C500

Both the Canon C300 Mk II PL, Canon C300 Mk II EOS and Canon C500 are both compatible with Odyssey 7Q RAW package to capture increased dynamic range and audio, and XAVC internal recording.

While it is capable of 4K Raw, this requiring the use of an external recorder. Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7Q+ will record to edit-ready Apple ProRes and, with the RAW Bundle Upgrade, allows you to capture its .RMF RAW files, output over SDI and HDMI ports and playback. The Odyssey7Q LUT control allows switching between a Canon C-log and Rec709 image, or LUT of your choice.

Supported Recording Formats

The Canon C300 MKII camera can output Canon RAW in 4096×2160 (4K) or 3840×2160 (Quad HD). Frame rates in either mode are up to 29.97p. Canon RAW is recorded by the Odyssey in the native 10-bit .RMF files and is readable in any post program capable of reading Canon RAW. The Odyssey can also accept 4K/QHD RAW up to 30fps, debayer it and turn it into high quality 4K/UHD Apple ProRes video. C300MKII can also output 2K or HD 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 video. The RAW Bundle Upgrade is not required for this as the Odyssey7Q/7Q+ can record these formats in uncompressed video DPX files.

  •  Prores and RAW record
  • 3D-LUT support
  • CANON Cinema RAW data is recorded as .RMF files.
  • 4K RAW to 4K Apple ProRes / 10-Bit / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • QHD RAW to UHD Apple ProRes / 10-Bit / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • 4K/QHD RAW / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • 2K/1080p 12-bit/10-bit 4:4:4 support / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97

Sony FS7, FS5, FS-700

The full range of Sony FS7* FS5 & FS700 4K cameras are also now compatible with Odyssey 7Q RAW capture. * note FS-7 requires to be used with prores extender for prores and RAW capability.

The Sony FS7 camera can output Sony RAW in 4096×2160 (4K) or 2048×1080 (2K). Frame rates in 4K are up to 60p and in 2K up to 240p. Sony RAW is recorded by the Odyssey7Q/Odyssey7Q+ in 12-bit .DNG files and is readable in any post program capable of reading Cinema DNG files.

The Sony FS RAW Record Option features a unique RAW-to-video mode, where the 4K RAW data is deBayered and turned into high quality video, which is then captured in Apple ProRes. Although all formats are derived from the 4K RAW data, recordings are available in 4K and UHD up to 30fps as well as 2K and HD up to 60fps.

The Sony FS RAW Record Option (included with the Odyssey RAW Bundle) will debayer the RAW data and convert it to a 1920×1080 video signal for viewing on the Odyssey’s OLED panel as well as output over the Odyssey’s SDI and HDMI ports. The Odyssey will also playback recorded Sony FS RAW files, and allow switching between Sony S-log2, REC709 and REC709 (800%) images.

Supported Recording Formats

The Sony FS RAW Record Option (included with the Odyssey RAW Bundle) will debayer the RAW data and convert it to a 1920×1080 video signal for viewing on the Odyssey’s OLED panel as well as output over the Odyssey’s SDI and HDMI ports. The Odyssey will also playback recorded Sony FS RAW files, and allow switching between Sony S-log2, REC709 and REC709 (800%) images.

Apple ProResCinemaDNG RAW Recording

  • RAW Recording (FS 4K/2K RAW recorded as .DNG files)
  • FS 4K RAW / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50*, 59.94*
  • FS 2K RAW / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 119.88, 200*, 239.76*
  • Apple ProRes Recording (derived from RAW camera output)
  • FS 4K RAW -> 4K Apple ProRes / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • FS 4K RAW -> UHD Apple ProRes / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • FS 4K RAW -> 2K Apple ProRes / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • FS 4K RAW -> HD Apple ProRes / 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
  • FS2K RAW High Speed -> 2K Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88, 200, 239.76
  • FS 2K RAW High Speed -> HD Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88, 200, 239.76
  • 440 Frame Burst Mode (FS5/FS700)
  • FS 4K RAW 440 Frame Burst / 100*, 119.88*
  • FS 4K RAW Burst -> 4K Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88
  • FS 4K RAW Burst -> UHD Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88
  • FS 4K RAW Burst -> 2K Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88
  • FS 4K RAW Burst -> HD Apple ProRes / 100, 119.88
    * NOTE: High data rate of RAW at 4 K50p, 4K59.94p, 4K100, 4K119.88p Burst, 2K200p and 2K239.76p require recording to two SSDs simultaneously

IO/Indiecam

Tiny POV cameras from IO Industries and Indiecam make it possible to place high quality imaging tools in cars, off boom poles, on body mounts or in hazardous shooting environments and though VMI don’t currently stock these cameras, the Odyssey 7Q offers RAW compatibility with them..

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