Initial statement: We’re not getting paid for writing this. We just want to share some thoughts with you. If you find this review more or less useful, please do not hesitate to share it. We’ll be more than happy to read some feedback from you. That being said, let’s begin.

We'll keep it short. The Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q+ is an OLED monitor with tools, RAW and video recorder for HD thru 4K, multi-stream monitor/switcher. You need it to upgrade your great Sony FS700 camera to an amazing one.

What’s in the box?

Odyssey 7Q+

The Odyssey 7Q+ comes with a Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable and AC Adapter. We’ve ordered an optional Nanuk 910 Carry Case with a custom cut interior to store and transport the 7Q+ and a sun hood securely.
If you’re lucky enough to get the promo pack, you will have an extra SSD or two. It depends on the availability. Our came with one 512GB server class SSD. It wasn’t the best option while we wanted to record Super Slow Motion in 240fps which requires two SSDs in RAID to handle the amount of data it produces. But after purchasing the second 512GB SSD, we were ready to shoot.

Now, how to connect it to the camera?

Of course with a 3G-SDI cable. Which one should you choose? It depends on your needs. The primary goal was to work with something that will fit not only our casual workflow based on a tripod and slider but also a DJI Ronin gimbal. That is why the cable should be both robust and flexible. Some manufacturers are offering such reliable solutions. Wooden Camera was our first and only choice. But you can stick with the brand you like the most and the one that fits your casual workflow.

Sony FS700R Super Slow Motion rig

How to power your Odyssey?

There are many solutions available on the market. Although the device doesn’t especially care about the voltage (it varies from 6.5V to 34V), it initially requires a lot of power (8W to 15W). You will either need a battery plate or a power cord of your choice ended with a Neutrik pin to deliver power to it. We decided to go dual in a case of draining one of the energy sources. The first option was a Nabtek NP-F to Neutrik battery plate capable of working with standard Sony batteries. There are some cons to this one; the Odyssey gains weight with it, and you should have at least a couple of batteries charged in your case while 7Q+ needs a lot of power, especially in the Super Slow Motion RAW mode. When you’re on the spot shooting some live action, remembering about having another set of batteries on you is a real pain in the ass.

Switronix PB70-B Battery pack was the main battery powering our camera. We decided to stick with it and find a reliable, cheap and convenient power solution to power not only the Sony FS700, Odyssey 7Q+ but also leave some power to additional devices like the Tascam DR-60R MkII recorder (we are using this one to record sound in Super Slow Motion mode). That’s why we decided to add a D-TAP power splitter to it. The idea was to use the already purchased Nabtek plate and use the Switronix PTC-NPF Coiled PowerTap both with the FS700 and 7Q+.

Switronix is delivering power to the whole rig

That was awesome until trying to record 2K RAW Super Slow Motion in 240fps. The initial amount of power needed to record the footage is huge. The Odyssey 7Q+ was switching off when we hit the record button. Boom! There goes the first idea.

We’ve tried to power this set with two separate Switronix Battery packs. Nope. It didn’t solve the problem. We’ve tried powering the 7Q+ with an NP-F battery, and it worked. So the Odyssey wasn’t causing the problem. Something else was.

We’ve asked Switronix if they put some fuse in the PowerTap to prevent it from any power surge. They replied that it had one. We’ve contacted Convergent Design as well to gain some knowledge about what’s going on inside the 7Q+ when it starts recording in 240fps. After putting this feedback together, we decided to try another solution.

We thought about adding a Switronix Jetpack to the rig, but there wasn’t any Lemo-Neutrik 12V cable available. We decided to stick with our Switronix PTM-3PTF Powertap Breakout Adapter. So we had to find a cable to fit this setup. Anton Bauer D-TAP to Neutrik power cord. This one is as simple as it can be but a solid cord without any additional surge protection. And guess what? It worked! Our setup was finally capable of recording Super Slow Motion in 240fps without any disturbance. Awesome!

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Now that we have power and image it’s time to see what the 7Q+ has to offer. Let’s power this thing on and browse through the menu. The first thing you will notice is the activation prompt. You will need to register your device with the Convergent Design website. After successfully activating your device you are offered to buy some recording options.

Recording options? What's this?

Convergent Design wanted to keep the Odyssey an affordable solution (especially compared to the one offered by Sony – R5 raw module plus an HXR-IRF5 interface unit). That is why they decided to sell the 7Q+ with only the essential features. You can use 7Q+ as a monitor, or you can add SSDs, buy the recording options and use it as a monitor/recorder. Seems fair and is priced reasonable.

Stay tuned for part 2!

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