Overview
The AJA Ki Pro Mini Compact Field Recorder was designed as a miniature field recorder for creating ready-to-edit professional digital video and audio files. The Ki Pro Mini supports all (4) types of Apple ProRes 422 (including HQ, LT and Proxy) and records to Compact Flash (CF) media. It simplifies the link between production and post by fitting in small spaces and recording ProRes 422, from your SDI or HDMI camera, regardless of format.
The unit is operated by familiar VTR-like buttons. It can also be controlled via ethernet or WiFi from a laptop or iPhone. It features a 3-line character LCD display with dedicated buttons.
An optional Ki Pro Mini mounting plate offers a wide variety of bolt patterns for mating either side of the unit with virtually any camera accessory bracket.
Features:
- Ki Pro Mini is small enough to be mounted to a camera in a variety of ways
- 10-bit full raster recording to Apple ProRes 422 SD and HD formats
- Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
- Apple ProRes 422
- Apple ProRes (LT)
- Apple ProRes (Proxy)
- Record Edit-Ready SD/HD files from any camera to Compact Flash (CF) cards
- Skip log and capture with instant mounting of native OSX media
- Professional connectivity through SD/HD SDI and HDMI I/O
- Ki Pro Mini can also accept audio via:
- Embedded SDI
- Embedded HDMI - 2x balanced analog audio inputs
- Ki Pro Mini features timecode input via SDI embedded timecode as well as via LTC input
10-Bit, Full Raster Recording
Recording 10-bit, full raster files, Ki Pro Mini offers high-quality images that stand up to post processing requirements and client scrutiny.
Compared to 8-bit recording devices, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording (when supported by the CODEC) provides better quantization, delivering a superior representation of the original scene and allowing for more flexibility in post production when adjusting color and balance.
By utilizing efficient ProRes codecs, file sizes are kept in check so you won't need to blow your production budget on extra storage.
Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD
While many cameras record directly to digital files, most native camera formats aren't designed for efficient non-linear editorial work. Ki Pro Mini solves this problem by recording direct to the formats you edit in, using a variety of Apple ProRes 422 or Avid DNxHD codecs.
Different cameras each record to their own native formats, which can lead to inefficiencies in the editing process. Recording each camera to a Ki Pro Mini unifies production to a single file format, streamlining the edit process.
Familiar Controls & Operation
With simple controls and an intuitive operation, Ki Pro Mini is easy to incorporate into your existing camera configuration, without worrying about a learning curve. Just like a traditional tape deck, Ki Pro Mini features straightforward and dedicated transport buttons - record, play, stop, rewind, fast forward - making the device easy to operate with minimal training time.
The current status of the system and key configuration information is clearly displayed on the built-in screen. Additional operational information can be found in the STATUS menu which can be accessed even when recording or playing back.
The Ki Pro Mini operating system offers users a flat menu structure that is easy to navigate with menu parameters presented in clear and understandable language.
Connectivity
- 1x SDI In
- 1x SDI Out
- 1x HDMI In
- 1x HDMI Out
- 1x Timecode LTC In - BNC
- 2x LANC Loop
- 1x Ethernet 10/100/1000/RJ45
- 2x XLR Mic/Line Audio In (L/R) - Analog
- 1x Power 4-Pin XLR (on base)
- 2x CF Card Slots (on top)
- 1x Headphone Output (on front panel)
Front Panel Details
The front panel of the Ki Pro Mini offers a small LCD Alphanumeric/Graphics display, Level Meters 2-Channel, Transport and Menu Buttons (Status, Config, Media, Delete Clip, Slot, plus standard play, record, stop, forward, reverse, and arrow buttons to select and adjust details as you navigate the menu. There are also Audio Input L/R level adjustment dials and a Headphone volume dial.
Ready for Action
Compact but rugged, Ki Pro Mini is designed to withstand the rigors of real world use, shoot after shoot, day after day. AJA used the highest quality components to ensure it's ready to go to work every time you are.
It may be small, but Ki Pro Mini is made of lightweight, strong aluminum, with a robust construction that allows it to support the growing amount of extra gear that is attached to today's cameras.
Playback and Edit On Set
Ki Pro Mini vastly extends on-set capabilities for smaller productions and fast-moving shoots. Recorded shots can be played immediately without the need for separate video assist equipment.
If you're using a mobile editing system, footage from Ki Pro Mini can be edited while you're still on the set, letting you make sure you have the right shots and allowing the talent to see their performances in context to give them better insight into the scene.
Flexible Mounting Options
Because no two setups are ever the same, you need the flexibility to adapt to the circumstances of any shoot. The optional Mini Mounting Plate attaches to the sides of the Ki Pro Mini and provides almost endless mounting possibilities when used in combination with battery plates, hot shoe mounts, articulated arms and more.
Giving you more options for mounting, camera balance and weight distribution can be carefully controlled instead of just adding another device to the body.
Broadcast-Quality Video & Audio I/O
Ki Pro Mini is designed for optimum performance whether your system uses SDI, HDMI or a combination of both. And because the SDI and HDMI outputs are both always active, the Ki Pro Mini is not just a recorder/player but a converter as well.
In addition to support for embedded SDI or HDMI audio, the two XLR analog audio inputs allow audio from mixers and microphones, including support for phantom power, to be recorded directly into the files created by Ki Pro Mini.
Remote Configuration & Operation
The area around a camera can be a crowded place on set. Ki Pro Mini is a favorite of DITs because it is uniquely equipped for advanced remote control and configuration. With a standard Ethernet LAN connection to a host computer and any web browser, all Ki Pro Mini parameter settings, clip selection and transport controls can be controlled; no additional or special software installation is required on the host computer.
Multiple Ki Pro Mini units can even be controlled from a single web interface making Ki Pro Mini an ideal solution for multi-camera recordings. Complete developer tools are also available allowing advanced users to script and automate Ki Pro Mini for custom applications.
Automatic Camera Control
Using the Camera Data menu parameter, record start/stop operation can be trigged automatically with select cameras - including unique HDMI support for Sony, Canon (HDMI timecode) and Nikon (DSLR support). Even file names can be reproduced on the Ki Pro Mini to match the camera native recordings. Automated start/stop can also be accomplished via LANC when connected to properly equipped cameras.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Actual contents of rental kits are variable, based on client requirements and availability. Please contact your AbelCine Rental Agent for details, or to request a specific configuration.
What's in the Box
- 1 x AJA Ki Pro Mini Digital CF Recorder with Apple ProRes 4:2:2.
Specifications
Key Highlights
- Compact Flash (CF) Media
- 3-Line Character LCD Display
- Records edit-ready SD/HD files
- Similar button controls as Ki Pro Quad
- Great for on-board camera use