NAB: Atomos announces Samurai Blade and Ronin recorders

Atomos Samurai Blade recorder
The Atomos Samurai Blade recorder offers a higher-resolution screen and HD-SDI connections. Picture: Atomos

Atomos is introducing two new field recorders, including the Samurai Blade, a 1280×720 resolution, five-inch monitor-recorder.


Like the slightly smaller Atomos Ninja, the Samurai Blade can record to hard drives or SSDs. But unlike the Ninja, the Blade uses HD-SDI inputs to record ProRes or DNxHD. The unit, which is based around an IPS panel, also has on-board audio monitoring.


The recorder supports higher-end cameras from RED, Arri and Canon, as well as any camera with an HD-SDI input, in up to 10-bit, 422, as well as C-Log (Canon) and S-Log (Sony) recording. The Blade also has the usual focus assist and exposure check features common to other Atomos devices, including peaking and zebras.


Atomos Ronin
The Ronin is aimed at studio applications. Picture: Atomos

The Ronin recorder has a slightly lower resolution screen (800×480, but also five inches) but adds the ability to run off AC power, with a battery back up. The recorder also features XLR audio inputs, and timecode record.


The Ronin, which is targeted at studio use, fits in a half-rack unit, and two units can be installed side by side for installation applications.


The Samurai Blade will cost $1299, and the Ronin $1995, or $3495, with a rack adapter, for two units.