Atomos has just revealed its latest generation of monitor/recorders, the Ninja and Ninja Ultra. This marks a significant update since the original Ninja’s debut in 2010. Back then, having a monitor/recorder that could capture ProRes to a removable SSD was groundbreaking for DSLR shooters.
Although many cameras can now internally record in 4:2:2 10-bit and decent codecs, there remains a demand for external recorders/monitors, especially among mirrorless hybrids and budget digital cinema cameras lacking internal RAW recording capability.
The new Ninja and Ninja Ultra sport a distinctive ‘camo’ color polycarbonate body. They both offer 6K ProRes RAW, ProRes, DNxHD, and H.265 codecs. Notably, H.265 was formerly a paid option, but it’s now included. Oddly, there’s only a camo color option, and regular black isn’t available.
Despite the same screen and body design as their predecessors, the real changes are under the hood. The new Ninja targets mirrorless hybrid owners, while the Ninja Ultra focuses on optimizing camera-to-cloud tech and Atomos Connect workflows.
Out of the box, the Apple ProRes codec is ready for immediate use. To activate H.265 and DNx codecs, visit my.atomos.com, register your product, and follow simple online steps. For Apple ProRes RAW, go to the portal and plug in your RAW-compatible camera—this step is needed only once.
With an updated OS, HDR monitoring, and RAW recording capabilities, the Atomos Ninja 5.2″ 4K HDMI Recording Monitor supports DCI 4K HDMI and ProRes RAW up to 6K. It retains compatibility with existing Atomos monitor accessories.
Highlighted Features:
– 1920 x 1080 Touchscreen Display
– 10-Bit Exterior Viewable Monitor
– 4K HDMI 2.0 Input/Output
– 6K30 ProRes RAW (select cameras)
– AtomOS 11 Operating System
– 1000 cd/m² Brightness
– Supports Various Log Formats
– ProRes and DNxHR/HD Recording
– Record to Master Caddy II/III Hard Drive
– L-Series Battery Slot, USB-C Port
The RecordAssist function schedules recordings, ideal for pre-arranged events. Multiple Ninjas can even record in different locations simultaneously.
The Ninja Ultra’s HDMI supports up to DCI 4K at 60 fps in various modes, with select cameras handling 3.5K RAW at 60 fps. Over 55 cameras support RAW recording over HDMI with the Ninja Ultra, reaching up to 8K at 30 fps.
The Atomos Ninja Ultra 5.2″ 4K HDMI Recording Monitor maintains the form factor of its predecessors, compatible with most Atomos monitor accessories. It records ProRes RAW up to 4K 60p while simultaneously recording HD 60p to H.265. It supports automatic matching filenames, timecodes, and works with ARRI, Canon, and RED cameras, with more to come.
Curiously, there’s an image of an Atomos Ninja Ultra on an ARRI Alexa Mini, even though the Alexa Mini lacks an HDMI output.
Ninja Ultra’s new 4K camera-to-cloud mode lets you upload higher quality, higher bitrate H.265 video with better framerates. These smaller H.265 files are ideal for camera-to-cloud workflows and quick use on social media, sports, or news.
By adding an Atomos Connect module to a Ninja or Ninja Ultra, you enable Atomos RemoteView. This groundbreaking tech lets you share live views from your Atomos screen wirelessly with other Atomos monitors, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs. RemoteView transforms remote production with innovative features.
For the Ninja Ultra, the Atomos Connect module offers lower latency, higher throughput, and a more stable Wi-Fi 6E connection. Atomos leads by incorporating this advanced Wi-Fi standard into cloud-enabled products.
Atomos introduces an overhauled operating system, AtomOS 11. It’s cleaner, faster, and fresher thanks to hardware optimizations. Notably, AtomOS 11 introduces new features like EL Zone exposure referenced colorized image, ARRI False Color, and new scheduled playback & recording tools—a welcome addition after 13 years of waiting for standardized false color.
