Atomos has just announced RAW recording support for the Sony PXW-FX9 camcorder with full-frame sensor, which will soon output RAW over SDI in a variety of frame rates up to DCI 4Kp60 and up to DCI 2Kp180. Initially, the Atomos Shogun 7 will record Apple ProRes RAW images at up to DCI 4Kp60, or in 2K up to DCI 2Kp180 continuous for slow-motion video from the FX9 and XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit. The resulting images allow the maximum latitude for post-production, optimal for HDR finishing or to give greater flexibility in SDR (Rec.709), according to Atomos.

Recording over SDI from the FX9 with the Shogun 7 extends the performance of the camcorder by taking RAW data from its sensor and recording it in the flexible and efficient ProRes RAW format. The FX9 with XDCA-FX9 joins the existing Sony RAW capable line-up of FS7*, FS7 II*, FS5** and FS5 II, which all work with the Shogun 7 to record in ProRes RAW.

The FX9 camera’s RAW output (via XDCA-FX9) will be enabled via V2.0 firmware update for the FX9 from Sony planned in October 2020. At the same time, there will be a free AtomOS firmware download for the Shogun 7 to allow FX9 RAW recording.

Creators are granted creative control of their video images in post-production as ProRes RAW combines the flexibility of RAW video with the real-time performance of ProRes. The format gives filmmakers latitude when adjusting the look of their images and extending brightness and shadow detail — making ProRes RAW ideal for HDR and SDR (Rec.709) workflows.

Apple ProRes RAW files are smaller than other RAW files, which simplifies and accelerates file transfer, media management and archiving. ProRes RAW files recorded to the Shogun 7 from the FX9’s RAW output can easily be edited on the Mac. The format is fully supported in Final Cut Pro X along with a collection of other apps including ASSIMILATE SCRATCH, Colorfront, FilmLight Baselight and Grass Valley Edius. Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer are also set to support ProRes RAW in 2020.

Each frame recorded in ProRes RAW has metadata supplied by the FX9. Apple’s Final Cut Pro X and other NLEs will automatically recognize ProRes RAW files recorded by the Shogun 7 from the FX9’s RAW output and set them up for editing and display in either SDR or HDR projects automatically. Additional information will also allow other software to perform extensive parameter adjustments

Here are the details on RAW recording with the Shogun 7.