Video Devices PIX-E5 Basic Setup with Leica SL

[bryanlawler]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Can anyone share with be some basic setups for using the Video Devices PIX-E5 to record 4k with the Leica SL. I think I have the SL setup correctly, just struggling with the Video Devices PIX-E5.

Thanks.

[BernardC]

I can't help you with the PIX-E5, but this Atomos video shows the settings that you need to enable on the SL:

https://vimeo.com/180687684

Some users have reported that not all HDMI cables are good enough for 10-bit 4K (DCI or UHD). Technically, any HDMI 1.4b or 2.0 cable will work, but you should try swapping cables if you can't get a signal from the camera to the recorder.

[bryanlawler]

Thanks BernardC. The Atomos looks really straight forward to setup. I am getting a signal from the hdmi. There are several options for timecode, trigger start, and other features on the PIX-E5 that I was hoping someone here is using it with the SL and could offer some best practices. 

[scott kirkpatrick]

Leica Store Miami used to carry the PixE5 and still carries the E7.  I think they did some videos on how to set up and use it.  The Pix-E series are designed to be used with a particular Sound Designs pre-amp and mixer that bolts right onto the recorder, and has balanced inputs.  Both products have evolved since then.  In particular the Sound Devices Mix-Pre3 adds audio recording to a separate chip, and is smaller and less expensive than the earlier units. It clamps on the base of the camera and gives a big improvement in sound regardless of whether you record the video internally in 8 bit or externally in 10 bit.  External audio also helps to cover the 29.9 minute cutoff if you are shooting plays or concerts -- you cutoff the video for a second during a moment of darkness, and restart, leaving the sound recorder running throughout as a baseline.

[Agent M10]

On 2/26/2019 at 8:40 PM, bryanlawler said:

Thanks BernardC. The Atomos looks really straight forward to setup. I am getting a signal from the hdmi. There are several options for timecode, trigger start, and other features on the PIX-E5 that I was hoping someone here is using it with the SL and could offer some best practices. 

Just bought the Atomos after watching the video (happy coincidence). I can let you know how it is this weekend.

[Enbee]

Just wondering - How has your experience been with Atomos?

[BernardC]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My experience with Atomos has been quite positive, with a few minor issues.

First, the Atomos is a power hog. You can use Sony video batteries, but you'll be swapping them often. Your best bet is to get a larger D-Tap battery. The Shogun accessory kit comes with a D-Tap cable.

Second, audio connections are a pain. You have to use a mini-XLR-to-XLR breakout cable which gets in the way. There's no easy way to adapt any TRS-type microphone cable. The SL also requires the use of a dangling microphone adapter, so you will be dealing with a snake pit of cables.

I haven't had any issues with SSDs, but that's probably because I use drives that are officially supported.

On the positive side, it has been rock-solid and very reliable. The display is amazingly good; fully usable in daylight with a shade.

In other words, it's a solid, reliable, high-performing unit, but it's not something you will use spontaneously. The size, weight, and complexity mean that it's at the limit of what I consider to be a "single person" kit.

 

I would consider buying the Panasonic S1 instead of using an external recorder with the SL. It records 10-bit onboard, and Panasonic sells a nice little hotshoe-mounted XLR adapter.

[scott kirkpatrick]

Doesn't the S1 have a video upgrade to internal 10-bit 4:2;2 that is to be available for purchase this month?  For careful work, an external recorder and video display are nice, but for casual shooting, just a good external mike, and maybe external sound capture would seem sufficient to me.

[Enbee]

 

Thank You so much for your responses - I was thinking of getting the Zoom H4N - Zoom H4n Pro Digital Multi-Track Recorder . 

Any thoughts on using an external Mic and then using the atomos?

 

[BernardC]

5 hours ago, scott kirkpatrick said:

Doesn't the S1 have a video upgrade to internal 10-bit 4:2;2 that is to be available for purchase this month? 

Someone will correct me, but I believe it does 4:2:2 10-bit internally even without the paid upgrade, but only in cropped mode. The upgrade brings lots of other goodies, like V-Log and full-frame 10-bit. I could be wrong, there are different interpretations of the specs out there.

One thing to note is that the bit rate is limited when recording internally, so the video is more compressed, compared to an Atomos or similar external recorder.

4 hours ago, Enbee said:

Any thoughts on using an external Mic and then using the atomos?

Most video editing packages can automatically sync external audio with the on-camera audio. That's especially useful in situations where you don't want the sound to change when you move the camera: musical performances, conferences, ceremonies, etc. You can also use this technique to do fast/cheap multicam by setting-up a few cameras and syncing them all to the main audio track.

[Enbee]

I recorded on SL today. The camera would stop recording after 29 minutes. I couldn't go and restart until the session was done. Each file is about 5 minutes. I was wondering if Atomos will do the same - will it create multiple files, which I will need to combine? I have bought an Atomos today btw!

[tommydom]

22 hours ago, Enbee said:

I recorded on SL today. The camera would stop recording after 29 minutes. I couldn't go and restart until the session was done. Each file is about 5 minutes. I was wondering if Atomos will do the same - will it create multiple files, which I will need to combine? I have bought an Atomos today btw!

No, the Atomos will go beyond the 30 minute limit for on camera recording. It will be limited to the recording resolution and SSD disk space, and to power in both the SL and the Atomos unit.

Tommy.

[scott kirkpatrick]

It's an old protectionist tariff problem.  When the best new video equipment can only from Japan tariffs were slapped on them.  A still camera could avoid the tariffs by never recording more than 30 mins.  External recording is the solution, although some of the newest hybrid cameras are starting to ignore the rule.  External recording of the audio and stopping the camera when there is a blackout is a workaround.

[Enbee]

Perfect!

Atomos is on the way and so is zoom h4n. Looking forward to doing some nice recording. I wish I had some TL lenses - maybe that's for the future.

Any thoughts on which gimbal to use? - I saw options for crane and ronin - would appreciate some thoughts on that.

[scott kirkpatrick]

I struggled to master the Steadicam a few years ago, and found that only my CL with a 23mm CL prime could be balanced consistently.  So balance, even on a gimbal with a gyro to help you, will be a problem. especially with a heavy camera like the SL. CL/TL lenses (which cover the super35/APS area that is actually used) will be a big help.  I've seen inexpensive gimbals used effectively with much smaller DSLRs, but have no recommendation.  If you can try some at a shop, that would be valuable.

[Guest]

I respectfully disagree with the thought that the SL is too heavy for a gimbal ... might stress the person holding it if you mount a tele zoom ...

I have had a Canon 5DMkIV and Zeiss ZF.2 lens on a Devin Graham Signature glidecam balance perfectly ... but the DGS may have

more counterweights than a normal. Many video folks are having no trouble balancing a Canon C200 and lens on the Ronin S ...

you may need to use the accessory plate but the load limit of the Ronin S is about 8 pounds. One suggestion is to mount the Atomos

on the gimbal not the camera ... no change in weight you need to lift ... just a better balance point for the motors. But ... you should

consider an optional two handed handle ... one hand holding in excess of 6 pounds will be an exercise of frustration. 

The whole flying video thing will get old fairly quickly ... you may want to look at Wooden Camera should mount solutions ... balance on your

shoulder with a more natural look to the footage.

One additional suggestion is to get the best 4K compatible HDMI cable that you can afford ... the ones from Atomos are great ... and a sun hood

if you are outside ... glare will make you wish for a selfcontained EVF with eyecup.

Best to do this slowly ... or you will find yourself with a lot of unusable extraneous parts that were almost good enough.

Edited July 10, 2019 by docmoore