B&H seems to claim the EA 50 can produce uncompressed HDMI. Can it? If so then I might purchase an external device to store footage and as a backup.
Does anyone know? Does anyone use an external recorder?

I found two references which confirm the output is uncompressed 4:2:2.

On page 25 of the Sony brochure they state that the output of the HDMI terminal is uncompressed.

http://pro.sony-asia.com/product/resources/en_BA/images/Brochure/BCAP/EA50_E_Handbook_web.pdf

From an interview with Sony Europe:

Q: Is the image out of HDMI compressed or uncompressed? 4:2:2 or 4:2:0?
Alvaro Ortiz: HDMI output is 422, standard. Recording is AVCHD H.264 420 8 bit, at a maximum speed of 28 Mbps and maximum quality of 1080/50p, 60p
Anna Doublet: The HDMI output is 4:2:2 8 bits with TC out. You can also send the SD signal with HDMI
Alvaro Ortiz: So, yes, any external recorder with HDMI input can be used

Notes On Video: Sony NEX-EA50 Webchat (http://notesonvideo.blogspot.jp/2012/09/sony-nex-ea50-webchat.html)

http://pro.sony-asia.com/product/resources/en_BA/images/Brochure/BCAP/EA50_E_Handbook_web.pdf


Mark Watson

The output is definitely 8bit.

Colour compression is 4:2:2 instead of 4:2:0 internally.

There is no bitrate as the output must be safed to disk with a bitrate first.
Most people use ProResHQ with around 225 MBit. It's not that much better,
as the numbers tell us. In most situations it's not even better.
It can be better whenever the AVCHD Codec is stressed (fast moving subjects,
lots of fine details).

The extra colour information comes in handy when grading.

If this alone satisfies the extra recorder and money, nobody but you can answer this!

Hi,

I have a Ninja 2 and a Blackmagic Shuttle both give me uncompressed footage, many people may not know that if you use a BM Shuttle it can also be used to convert your signal from HDMI to HD SDI which is a bonus!

Iain J

They can't give you uncompressed footage.

The give you the same footage with better colour information 4:2:2 instaed 4:2:0 internally and bigger codec.
Nothing uncompressed here.
The output of all AVCHD cameras is 8bit only!

Uncompressed is a different story. Therefor you'll need a camera like the RED or the BMCC...

I think it's semantics. Technically the footage going to the ad card is 4:2:2 that is compressed to 4:2:0, so in that sense yes the hdmi is "uncompressed". But there are multiple variations as far as the definition of "uncoompressed" footage. I spoke to one person who said it (in his humble opinion) made the ea50 almost as good in image quality as a c300. His words, not mine. But a lot of people seem to think it makes the footage better. It also improves the bit rate so you can achieve broadcast nitrates if you desire if you believe b&h

I think it's semantics. Technically the footage going to the ad card is 4:2:2 that is compressed to 4:2:0, so in that sense yes the hdmi is "uncompressed". But there are multiple variations as far as the definition of "uncoompressed" footage. I spoke to one person who said it (in his humble opinion) made the ea50 almost as good in image quality as a c300. His words, not mine. But a lot of people seem to think it makes the footage better. It also improves the bit rate so you can achieve broadcast nitrates if you desire if you believe b&h)

Me personaly, I have never seen much positive influence in using external recorders with 8bit output cameras. That might just be me...

Here more on that:

Clipwrap -VS- 5dRGB -VS- BMD shuttle (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?301292-Clipwrap-VS-5dRGB-VS-BMD-shuttle)

I use an external recorder when I shoot green screen with my FS100. I see a difference when I pull the key.

I am so sorry for that double post, I normally use my iPhone when I'm on Dvinfo and maybe I made a mistake. Now not sure how to delete that first one... I was just fixing a few typos.