Multicam Video Recorder, Switcher and Monitor All In One! - Convergent Design Apollo Recorder Review

[@EionSmith]

Not sure if you're getting hate for reviewing an expensive product, but this is great for those of us running budding production companies. This device alone pretty much adds an entire service package to your offerings. Keep it up, man.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Eion! I agree. Wildly useful tool!

[@speaknsee]

You had me at "hello".. You lost me at $3,500

[@derrickdavis9357]

I literally DIED

[@TechLineHD]

I love multi-angle shots, Caleb! I know it takes a lot more work but the video looks so much better overall.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I agree!

[@OpenDGuitar]

We put one in our college studio to run alongside a traditional switcher so we can teach different work flows. Very nice.

[@lachopakapura]

Amazing product but wow... Price is a bit high... BUT...this is great because a year or so price of similar products will drop down. Great video as always, thanks for sharing

[@bimadereq4070]

Watching you all the way from Uganda. this is so awesome a product for broadcaster, wow...cool next level stuff though not in anyway low budget. You are a great you tuber and teacher.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you for the kind words!!!

[@SauceStache]

DAAAAAANGGGGGG this thing is sick!! I would love that to shoot my videos!

[@AveMcree]

You're looking more like Phil Collins these days :)

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Haha! True.

[@jamesowen8446]

Would have loved to have know about this on my last commercial job. Editing a 3 day multi cam is a bit of a job. This would have made it a breeze!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Wow, this thing is A BEAST !

[@datalaforge]

For a second, I thought you were going to have the horn thing for, "Let's hop over to the computer..."

[@nathanbrutal4183]

Ohhhh yeah!!! Dang!!! I just need a solid budget end camera at the moment though so definitely not for me... But if I did have it I'd use it to record 4 individual facecams that I could cut and move around for 4 people in the same room.

[@maxsworld8287]

Your videos r amazing your definitely one of my favorite KZbinrs.This video was very informative.I hope I can make videos like this one day.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Max! Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@maxsworld8287]

DSLR Video Shooter u replied to my comment 😱 that mean so much to me

[@theweeklyonline]

Impressive tool and very clever set up/implementation. Multicam live switching and master recording with a mix of dslm and other digital camera or video sources just became easier and not too cost prohibitive for 1080 productions.

[@SRMsuperrandommoments]

For the budget option guys, have a squiz at the blackmagic tame series, the original blackmagic atem switcher can be found for around $500 on eBay.

[@GarethCroft]

We use this all the time for recording conferences. You can also export the multicam xml file so in Premiere you can import the live switch cuts and move them for any times you messed up

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Indeed! Super dope.

[@DylanSaliba]

Good job Caleb! My odyssey7 has been a rock star for me for a couple years now. Solid hardware! I've been running it off of 18650 in a 4s2p and I can record for over 5 hours at a time.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Nice Dylan! I forgot to mention how power efficient Apollo is as well. So great!

[@mytruckinlifeace4047]

this is way more than I need at this time but it was cool to check out thanks.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Truckinlife!

[@JerseyMediaNetwork]

Do you need dslr cameras for this or could you use cell phones?

[@comptetravail6216]

Good mornig, i have big problem with apollo, the xml and edl don’t open in davinci , thank you for your help in advance ❤

[@jerseesjourney2911]

Do you need three different sdi converters

[@GagasRasa]

this is what i looking for, but maybe later someday i will buy something like this. for now days, still too expensive for me. thanks for the review.

[@shem44]

Able to add time code to each recording? Great for syncing for interview etc.

[@NatesStudioDesk]

Does this work with audio

[@livestreamtonga8414]

After having this for an extended time now it the time to do an update review.

[@RegemarkFP]

Thanks for the video Caleb I just started looking into multicam

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks for watching Regemark!

[@RegemarkFP]

DSLR Video Shooter No problem Caleb but really you can just call me Ruan

[@dgstudioLLC]

That was awesome my search is over you are a blessing to me. I been looking for a device like this that record everything to one card. Other switchers you have to upload 4 memory cards to the computer for editing I hate that

[@lestherruiz]

Can this be use for live stream simultaneously or would I need another piece of gear.

[@DaKoin]

Hi Caleb, not sure if you will be seeing this. However, do you know if there is something like this on the market right now but much more affordable. maybe less powerful?

[@jtdiddy3160]

would an alternative less expensive setup be an atem mini pro + atomos ninja v combo?

[@elchache21]

can I use that to record a music live band ,at the same time record audio From the main console so audio would be sync to all four cameras?

[@tjdesignproduction2090]

Hi thanks for the great video, I need to connect 3 Cameras to the Apollo, i was wondering where i could purchase the SDI cables and how long the cables are for your setup? I need connection for a studio setup of about 5x5 metre square. Thank you.

[@jameskowns]

I know this is a bit old, but any cheaper models out now?

[@danielvanberendonck9519]

Can i use two videosplitters on the same time, exampl when te studio and presentator has to switch

[@Voicewav]

Im commenting on an older video... I know the Yololiv is mostly for live broadcasts, but after the archived videos are completed, is it possible to remix the video editing later with past footage on the unit?

[@dyande11]

So if I want to shoot/record a wedding, can I go wireless with the cameras?

[@megamusicministry]

THE GH4 AND THE GH5, WHICH ONE IS GREAT FOR CHURCH LIVE STREAMING AND FILM MAKING???

[@EVunedited]

Mmm I have problems finding good SDI cables for 3g. Any recommendations? Those look nice

[@jamessterling897]

Would be great for head to head camera and equipment reviews also!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

For sure!

[@neobx2]

For a one person video recording a live concert, which cameras would you recommend that I can set up on a stand and won’t over heat

[@NelsonsReview1]

Are there any other cheaper options, that can record two Sony A7iii DSLRs, along with an external audio channel?

[@djazz0]

How do you sync cameras with different delays? And audio sync?

[@KentonYoung]

So if you had to choose, Odyssey or Inferno?

[@AntonPrint]

Nice one very good 👍👍👍 videos

[@FLOODOFSINS]

WOW $2,995! Looks very cool, but outta my price range. I need to pump out more content so they will send me one to check out.

[@danaross]

This thing is awesome. Good review. Thanks.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Dana!

[@jamesduffield8335]

How much money would it be for this complete package the Apollo, 4 cameras, tripods cords everything? What cameras are you using ?

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Exactly what I need, at exactly the price I don't!… sigh

[@jerica5425]

😆

[@sumeetaiims]

hello can we record from two cameras simultaneously and put then side to side

[@lemmonsinmyeyes]

If I was doing a live stream, can I over-ride the audio with an audio input so no matter what camera I switched to, it would use my boom mic and not the onboard microphones of the cameras?

[@coondogtheman]

I'm looking for a device like this but it must be able to record composite video from any source to SD cards. I don't need multi cameras, I just want to record from VCRs, DVD players, game systems and other video sources. I've seen devices like this on some ghost hunting TV shows, they use them to record the footage from the cameras. They look like they are self contained like having a built-in battery, basically a portable DVR.

[@botvidsson]

Hi Caleb, I will upgrade my Odyssey7Q to Apollo option $1795. Just have one question you might have the answer to. I will have my Sony FS7 Mk2 as the main camera and 2 Sony A6300 as the 2nd and 3rd, now to my question: Will the A6300 cameras record longer then 30 minutes when connected to the Odyssey? Thanks for a great YT channel.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

As long as the camera is powered on and connected via HDMI, you won't have any recording limits on the 7Q that I know of.

[@botvidsson]

Ok thanks a lot! Also... just run into the Sony 'hack' that turns off the 30 min limit for A6300, totally mind blowing! How could I miss this.

[@WarrenHenry]

Great video bro.

[@denzelvanlent7031]

Im using the Odyssey Q7+ on filmset, but its stupid that you can not output A & B on replay on two monitors individualy. I'd rather choose for other options

[@tricarnevali]

Really nice to know about this device. Do you know if there's any way to send a wireless signal from any camera sdi or hdmi output?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I'm sure you could Teradek would be a good place to start.

[@tricarnevali]

Nice, thanks.

[@polinastolyar7865]

Hello, I need your help. Maybe you know this. Where do you think I can find these discontinued SSD Handles for my boss? Maybe you know who would have them. The full name is: Convergent Design SSD Handle and Mounting Screw Pack for Odyssey7, 7Q, and 7Q+ (5-Pack)

[@tarungoyal9279]

Thanks for the video sir Please tell me is this thing done by atom ! If yes Which product in atom & how it can be done ??

[@4tonyg4]

Caleb, thanks, what does this record to? Is it a plug in SSD or is another cable required?

[@benbakaar2]

Is there a cheaper, hdmi only, 1080p device that records multiple cameras?

[@PaulHarwood856]

Is it possible to do wireless SDI?

[@fiermanmuch]

do you have cheaper alternative for something like this? around $1000

[@opponency]

I want this iteam but here (India) no available, what I do sir

[@NelsonsReview1]

I’m planning to get two Sony A7III, and would like to record 4K video off them simultaneously. Is there a recorder that can start and stop both cameras at the same time that is cheaper than the unit in your video?

[@davidfonseca2004]

Hi. Nice vídeo ;) i have one question. Is it true that this device create a XML file of your edite during record, so it can be edited on premiere ir final cut?

[@Beardedbraceface]

So obviously there is some latency between live and what's on the Apollo recorder (and a bit of variation between the Sony and Panasonic cameras). I'm curious how much latency is due to the cameras/hdmi to SDI converters and how much (if any) is due to the Apollo recorder. I do live events with IMAG stuff and if this would work as a live switcher for an IMAG setup with good cameras that output SDI with no latency this could be worth looking into for me. It would combine SO many pieces of live gear into one small unit, plus give me all the recordings at the end. Is there anyway you could do some latency tests between types of cameras and the video output on this thing?

[@CinePhil101]

I would also like to know if it's usable for live events with IMAG stuff, or is the latency to high?

[@raffaelenocerino2198]

What codec does it record to?

[@Awesome_Force]

Is there anything similar but cheaper that records just 1080p HD with up to 4 HDMI inputs and records all 4 shots as one video?

[@lumpsumshitzu]

Caleb - I'm currently a sony shooter, but looking to switch to a similar 4 cam setup using GH5s and GH4s. I'm wondering if you can tell me if the GH5 would be able to record 4k60p internal and send 1080 60 out via hdmi/sdi at the same time to the apollo? We'd be using the 4k60 for delivery to clients after the event and the 1080 via the apollo for live switching and feed to youtube. Thanks for this video, your last hdmi to sdi video and this one couldn't have been timed more perfectly!! Keep em coming

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Hey Kris! I think you should be able to do that. I'd double check here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJWUmolnj5arhtU

[@lumpsumshitzu]

Thanks Caleb. Did some more research last night, came across the atomos sumo which seems like it will have the same switch functionality in a future release and that the shogun may as well. Fortunately we don't need to buy this soon, so we can wait and see how the sumo/shogun update performs compared to the apollo. Each has their pros and cons, but the FAT32 file system on the apollo is almost a deal breaker for me- adding the stitching step to the workflow when they could just swap to FATx and allow larger than 2gb file size seems silly, so for the time being we're just going to rent the apollo as needed. Thanks again for the vid and the response. Cheers

[@TheBasicPilot]

Does the sdi converter introduce a delay? I notice you seem to be out of sync on the a6500. If so can you adjust the delay per input on the recorder?

[@Beardedbraceface]

I mentioned this on another one of his videos about video monitors. All of the DSLR cameras tend to have a delay when going HDMI out and they aren't consistent. Panasonic and Sony each vary so if you are trying to do multicam on something like this you'd really need to have the same camera setup on each input otherwise they will all be different.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Nope. The Sony didn't want to play as nicely, and I may have moved it a little to much in the multicam.

[@ctvtme1805]

are there any portable monitor(not recorder) that can input multi cam signal ?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

You can find some computer monitors with this or a converter box, but you probably won't find a 7-10 monitor with this built in.

[@yajae26]

so this could be a very dumb question, but why do you use the g85 as your main camera instead of the gh5. Isn't the gh5 way better in terms of quality ?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I use the G85 because I'm working on some GH5 training, so I need to camera free for that reason.

[@GaryCruz]

In watching the view with 4 angles, it looks like the HDMI to SDI is adding latency so your videos will not be in perfect sync with sources with true SDI. It's obvious with the hand movements (the bottom left angle being late)

[@Beardedbraceface]

Not sure if it's the HDMI to SDI or just the different cameras. All the Panasonics seem to have really close latency but the Sony is much more out of sync. I've tried using my GH4 and GH5 for live event IMAG stuff and it just doesn't cut it. WAAAYY too much delay.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

They sony was a bit off yes. Amongst the Panasonic cameras things were great.

[@ehuurre]

The problem might be that $30 converter. Convergent Design suggests the following which comes at a whopping $595/ converter.....We recommend the AJA brand, Model HA5-4K Converter - cheaper converters have many more customer complaints about video tearing, and discoloring. Also, the Black Magic Converters may use 6G connectivity, which the Odyssey 7Q does not support.

[@Ry311GP]

Whooohiooooo thanks Caleb.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Ry!

[@ryclarkmediaarts8845]

Also liking and re watching on my 2nd account. You are such an important and huge influence to many of us. I don't have a need for a multicam recorder but it was very interesting. I shared it will my network. Again thank you for everything

[@ciudadanosdelcosmos]

Hello, i will buy two usb identical cameras , i want to record with this software two identical cameras with same framework and synchorism at same time easily. i want to have side by side mp4 video and after make a 3d video. . wich soft do you recomend me? Thanks! sorry for my english-

[@microdoulo2250]

Hello the Apollo or odyssey 7q+ work with gh5s? Can I recording 4k 60P?

[@fuzzripear]

so is it one channel at 4k 60p and 2 channels at 4k 30p?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I believe so yes. Haven't worked with dual 4K as I only have a single SSD.

[@lipe_lemes]

hi friend, could you please let me know if this odyssey 7q + monitor / recorder allows me to have output from this multicam .. i intend to make lives for facebook with 3 cameras and use the monitor as swither. could you take that doubt? thank you man

[@istopen]

Is there any budget 5" 4K recorders?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Not that I know of right now :-(

[@eventsunlimitedsfba]

thanks for this video. how can i send out put to a projector for live events? can you do PnP

[@brandoncharley3070]

Can you record in 4k on your camera's SD card and have this record the same cam at 1080?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yep!

[@SpaceAgeConsulting]

Is it really good, or really, REALLY good? :-) Great video. I just need to find out where I can rent these and cut down on having to get a full video switcher for some projects.

[@BenChamberland]

Is your B&H link affiliate? If yes, I’ll buy through your link! BTW, do you still like/use it? Great video 👌

[@patrick1992]

Hi I Love your Videos! :) I found you some days ago because of your Zoom h1 Video and wow it would be really great if you can do more Videos about older cameras from years ago which are still really nice but cheap for nice Videos :) Like the 350 usw Vlogging camera. Greets fr Germany :) Which Microphones you use now still the zoom h1?

[@JimboSkinner]

Does it record audio? You mentioned you used a separate audio recorder. Also, great video!!!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I completely skipped audio, but yes it does! Records both left and right channels from each camera.

[@Schlaughter]

Does the out put for the live stream send one stereo audio channel or all 4 audio channels?

[@marshallandroxy]

@@Schlaughter Would love to know this as well.

[@jas_bataille]

No, price is not a bit high. Generally you'd have to buy a switcher, a monitor, and a recorder separately. I work in broadcast, so I know what I'm talking about. Video Capture Devices make a recorder/switcher/monitor like that for 4K. The only thing that could do all this for around 400$ is the YoloBox streaming station, which is looking fantastic but is not yet available...

[@ziyad2552]

titels add option ?!

[@digitalcyclopsvideoproduct867]

Very cool!!!

[@blomproductions]

Thats the purfect streaming setup for ex. small Tv productions

[@evildeedsproductions2802]

I want one!

[@moykumir]

Если бы это был пульт, чтобы переключать камеры в прямом эфире, тогда цену еще как-то можно было бы объяснить. А так - два или четыре рекордера можно и подешевле найти.

[@remektekmedia6641]

This awesome! (Rather pricey, but makes sense.)

[@opinions8587]

Brilliant video thanks.hoping to follow you.

[@TheRealtorBill]

If latency is different on each canera how does composite recording actually work? Doesn't the latency difference show up in live or composite out making it just a four channel recorder? Or can you adjust input sync?

[@TheFilmLook]

Wow that is a powerful bit of kit! Never thought a multi-cam setup would be so accessible, especially considering you can use that converter box to use your existing kit. Did you have any hiccups when setting it up or was this pretty much the first plug in and go?

[@GeneWaddle]

Pretty slick unit there. I probably don't need one for my single cam a6000 shoots though. 😃 Just a suggestion from a truly bald person. Grow it while you can. 🙂

[@Shakudance]

OMG when I thought this is it, no Audio track split???

[@valcinemaweddings]

Check out the new SUMO its super cool! :D

[@qadrir]

Covegent switcher is awesome but very expensive. Better option in my opinion is Sling Studio which basically is more affordable and allow for more then 4 simultaneous recording. I personally think Sling Studio just make more sense and is more production ready then this 3K plus with just 4 inputs. Blackmajic Design is also coming out with upgraded 4K Studio recorder. Convergent needs to reduce price if they want to compete with Sling Studio.

[@KevinLe]

I spent the entire day looking at options with the Odyssey7q+ and after realizing that a complete setup is going to run me about $2500-$3000, I saw your comment. Have you had any luck or known anyone who has used the Sling Studio?

[@chrisw443]

while this is nice, i use production truck on my mac to live edit, and record. Then I can just pop in the sd cards from my cameras. Its a little bit more involved yea, but its like 400 bucks. However if you want a small setup this is cool, if the file sizes arent to big though. lol

[@andivax]

wow

[@derrickdavis9357]

Any other devices similar but not as expensive???😁