Should you buy a $1300 video recorder/monitor? Today we try to figure that out and look into the beastly Atomos Shogun Inferno video recorder! If you’re looking for a solid 4K recorder/monitor with advanced HDR and assist features, this device will intrigue you.
- Atomos Shogun Inferno on Amazon
- Atomos Shogun Inferno on B&H
- G-Tech SSDs on Amazon
- G-Tech SSDs on B&H
- Caddy II SSD Cases on Amazon
- Caddy II SSD Cases on B&H
More info on AtomHDR can be found here.
If you like what you see in the Shogun Inferno but want to save a little cash, you might look into the Atomos Ninja Inferno. At $300 less than the Shogun, the Ninja is perfect for perfect for those looking to shoot 4K/60fps with AtomHDR features.
DISCLAIMERS:
1) Some of these links have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
2) This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
Atomos supplied me with a temporary demo unit and no free gear was given to me.
THE GOOD
- Incredible price considering features
- Records 4K DCI (4096×2160), UHD (3840×2160) and HD
- ProRes LT, 422, HQ
- 4K up to 60fps
- HD up to 240 (check atomos site for compatibility)
- 10-bit
- RAW
- Tons of assist features that work beautifully
- AtomHDR letting you see what your post color options might
- look like for rec709 or HDR finishing
- Great SSD Compatibility
- 1920×1200 touch display
- 1500 nit brightness
THE BAD
- Very loud and hot device especially when recording
- Less the perfect build quality and heavy for being plastic
- V-LOG L recorded slightly differently than in camera
- Can’t view full 4K DCI framing
- Battery life could be better
- Touch can be finicky
Should you buy one and is it worth it?
I purchased my own Atomos Shogun Inferno almost exclusively for the HDR functionality. Obviously my recordings will also be of a higher caliber as well.
If you shoot static footage (interviews, slow moving shots etc) and don’t shoot a lot of 60fps, this unit won’t give you $1300 worth of quality increases. If you also don’t shoot in LOG you’ll be missing out of a lot of this devices features.
Finally, if you want a smoother workflow, ProRes makes things so much easier from an editing standpoint especially if you use Adobe Premiere.