MELBOURNE, Australia—ATOMOS today introduced a new feature expanding the recording options for Sony’s FX6 full-frame Cinema Line camera.

Sony’s latest FX6 firmware release (Version 2.00) makes it possible to record Apple ProRes RAW over HDMI to the NINJA V and NINJA V+, enabling a single camera package to leverage both SDI and HDMI RAW recording options, the company said. 

The addition of RAW out via HDMI on Sony’s FX6 marks a turning point in camera functionality. To this point, the convention has been for compact cameras to output RAW via SDI only. ATOMOS has developed and introduced the ability to record ProRes RAW via HDMI, the company said.

This creates the opportunity for filmmakers to mix and match ProRes RAW recording between different camera setups across Sony’s Cinema Line. The NINJA V and NINJA V+ provide the entry point for Sony’s FX3 and FX6 to use HDMI with resolutions up to 4.2K and up to 60fps, it said.

Until the update, Sony’s FX6 has only been able to record ProRes RAW when combined with the NINJA V/V+ over SDI. This has required customers to invest in the AtomX SDI expansion module for the NINJA V/V+, it said.

The new feature provides a path for filmmakers to make the most of Sony’s Cinema Line Cameras. In practice, anyone recording ProRes RAW over HDMI with the NINJA V/V+ using Sony’s FX3 will find the experience of recording ProRes RAW with the NINJA V/V+ over HDMI on Sony’s FX6 identical. Then introducing SDI connections represents a much smaller step up that in the past, it said.

The HDMI RAW update requires Sony’s FX6 camera to be updated to firmware version v2.00 and AtomOS firmware v10.72 or above.

ProRes RAW over HDMI with the NINJA V/V+ when combined with Sony’s FX3 and FX6 supports 4.2K up to 60fps. The NINJA V+ Pro Kit/ NINJA V+ and SDI module with SDI RAW Activation further extends support for 4K up to 120fps. Those wishing SDI connectivity will need to add the SDI module to the NINJA V/V+, it said.

For RAW support, including HDMI cross conversion, activation of the supplemental RAW license can be completed online using the my.atomos.com portal.

More information is available on the company’s website.

MELBOURNE, Australia—ATOMOS has announced an update to the AtomRemote App for iOS and macOS for NINJA V and NINJA V+ remote control as well as a firmware update that will manage fan speed on the NINJA V and NINJA V+. 

This latest update now works with the AtomX SYNC expansion module to provide remote control features for the NINJA V/V+. It can be used to set LUTs and activate onscreen tools, including focus peaking; as well as operate recording and playback functions, the company said. 

Use cases include the ability to control the NINJA V/V+ remotely with awkward camera positions  as well as having applications for accessibility and compliance around COVID safety protocols, where touching a NINJA V/V+ might not be straightforward. For smaller productions, remote control can also help onscreen talent work with the camera without the need to step out of the frame and reset. 

With the addition of the AtomX SYNC module to the NINJA V/V+ any device running iOS 12 or later or Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later can easily connect via Bluetooth LE directly via the AtomRemote app. Device pairing is saved in the NINJA, which makes connection as simple as launching the app on the device and activating remote mode on the NINJA.

The AtomX SYNC uses long-range RF transmission patented by Timecode Systems and Bluetooth to link multiple devices. On the iPhone and iPad this includes apps like MetaRecorder audio recorder from Apogee, Mavis Pro camera and MovieSlate8 logging. AtomX SYNC is also compatible with professional audio recorders including the Zoom F6 and F8n and the bodypack recorder Zoom F2 BT. 

The AtomX SYNC system works by appointing one NINJA V and NINJA V+ as the “server” device. It's then able to run as a super accurate clock to supply timecode to unlimited AtomX SYNC and Timecode Systems' devices and up to 6 “client” devices over Bluetooth. When using RF technology, devices can be spaced up to 200m apart and with multiple NINJA V/V+ systems, record functionality can be ganged together, which is a perfect solution for multi-cam productions.

The SYNC module contains its own battery, which can be used to power the NINJA V/V+ for approximately 5 minutes. While this isn’t intended to be a backup battery, it does mean operators can swap the main battery without powering down the device.

In addition, the latest system update includes manual controls for the fan. With several adaptive settings, the fan can be set to a low speed when the device is recording. Screen brightness can also be set to dip to extend record times. Turbo fan mode can be activated between takes to enable rapid cooling of the system.

Existing NINJA V and NINJA V+ users can update their firmware to AtomOS 10.72 here.

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos has released AtomOS 10.71 firmware for the NINJA V and NINJA V+ monitor-recorder devices, bringing Apple ProRes RAW format video recording to filmmakers using legacy Sony FS series, Canon ES R5 and Panasonic LUMIX BS1H cameras.

The latest release also offers new features for AtomX CAST and compatibility with the NINJA V+, the company said.

The NINJA V+ Pro Kit (or NINJA V+ with the AtomX SDI Unit and SDI RAW activation) now supports the recording of ProRes RAW from the FS5, FS5MKII, FS700 and FS700r with continuous output directly from the sensor up to 2K 240fps, 4K 60fps and 4K 120fps for four-second bursts, it said. (A paid RAW upgrade from Sony is required.)

RAW output at 4K 60fps and 2K up to 240fps can also be added to the Sony FS7 or FS7MKII with the XDCA-FS7 module, it said.

Combining the Canon EOS R5 with the Atomos NINJA V supports recording of up to 5K RAW. The camera’s 45 Megapixel full-frame sensor can deliver 5K images that allow high resolution reframing and stabilization. Working with 8K RAW on the NINJA V+ provides a huge canvas from reframing of 4K crops and increased image fidelity, it said.

Adding the NINJA V or the NINJA V+ to a Panasonic LUMIX BS1H rig allows recordings of 5.9K 30fps, 4.1K 60fps and 3.5K 50fps anamorphic. By uniting the LUMIX BS1H with the NINJA V/V+ filmmakers can be sure the image they see is the image they record, the company said.

The company’s new updates for AtomX CAST offer compatibility with the NINJA V+, picture overlays, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) recording and a dip to black/white transition. Others include support for interlaced inputs, an option for audio delay and bug fixes, Atomos said.

The ability to record a clean program feed or one with TX graphics, PiP and transitions directly to SSD makes the AtomX CAST well-suited for fast turnaround live productions, it added.

Existing NINJA V and NINJA V+ users can click the link to update their firmware.

More information is available on the company’s website. 

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos has announced the availability of a firmware update for the Ninja V+ enabling the unit to record 8Kp30 ProRes RAW from the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera.

Apple ProRes RAW 8K provides the combination of real-time, multi-stream editing performance and image quality preservation. The recently announced new features of white balance (WB) and ISO in Final Cut Pro gives creators even greater flexibility and control over their image processing during post-production.

The Atomos Ninja V+ coupled with the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera offers an affordable solution that democratizes 8K without compromising quality, the company said.

Redesigned with a stealth gray bezel and expanded processing power, the Ninja V+ delivers more options for creators. Using the new Atomos Silicon chip, the AtomIC3, and AtomOS 10 technology, the Atomos team re-engineered the Ninja V+ to increase its power to record ProRes RAW at even higher frame rates and resolutions, it said.

ProRes RAW continues to build momentum in 2021 with more than 30 cameras supported by Atomos. The format combines the visual and workflow benefits of RAW video with the real-time performance of ProRes, the company said.

The format gives filmmakers wide latitude when adjusting the look of their images and extending brightness and shadow detail, making it well-suited for HDR workflows. Manageable file sizes speed up and simplify file transfer, media management, and archiving, it said.

ProRes RAW is fully supported in Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer, along with a collection of other applications, including Assimilate Scratch, Colorfront, FilmLight Baselight and Grass Valley Edius.

AtomOS 10.68 for Ninja V+ available online.

PORTO, Portugal—I’ve used a lot of Atomos products in multiple productions over the years, from the Ninja Blade to the Ninja Star, the original Shogun, Shogun Inferno and now Ninja V. In fact, it’s difficult to remember a recent project where I haven’t used an Atomos product somewhere on my camera rigs. 

At the time it came on the market, I thought the Ninja Blade was the best solution to improve the file quality from a DSLR. Then I became a heavy user of the original Shogun, using it not only as a way of getting a better file, but as a very practical way of exposing my shots. My light meter is always with me as a backup, but I don’t remember the last time that I’ve used it.

 Nowadays, I use the Ninja V as my main monitor/recorder and I love it.

MY ATOMOS TOOL BELT

The Ninja V is a very practical way to have all the exposure and focus aid tools that I need on set. I use it in tandem with my Shogun Inferno as a director’s monitor (though I soon hope to swap that for the brand-new Shogun 7, which might be a better match to my Ninja V UI). And I still use the original Shogun, which doesn’t seem to be giving up any time soon. 

These are my key tools on set—I not only use the false color feature as my main exposure aid tool, but the waveform and the peaking tools are second to none too. One of the tools that I love the most is the de-squeeze tool and the masks that let me frame for multiple formats. Unfortunately, a lot of cameras haven’t been integrated with this feature, so this way of using the Atomos Ninja V and Shogun Inferno means I can be much more precise. 

For the future, I’d like to see an easier way to add LUTs to the monitor, perhaps via an extra SD card slot—this would make these recorders even more practical on set than they already are. A way to add more user interchangeable battery plates would be great too. But I currently have my eye on the Shogun 7, which I think with 3,000 nits is going to be very useful in the multiple exterior day sets where I shoot. 

Having a very good monitor with which I can show what my vision is to the director is a valuable asset to have on set; it means I can better manage the visual expectations while changing lights and framing to go towards the director’s view of the scene. 

Recently I’ve been shooting more and more for Instagram content and sometimes there is no time to shoot the same shot in multiple formats. In those situations, the integrated masks in the Ninja V help me better frame for them without the need to always repeat the shot. Time is money, after all, and on set this is even more true.

António Morais is a director of photography and university professor. Since the beginning of his academic career, he has been part of several shooting teams in numerous short films, films, documentaries and TV shows as director of photography. He can be reached at antonio@ golpefilmes.com. 

For more information, visit www.atomos.com 

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos and Panasonic have worked together to bring Apple ProRes RAW recording to Panasonic’s LUMIX BGH1 and LUMIX S1 cameras. Each camera will be able to record in ProRes RAW when working with Atomos’ Ninja V platform.

The LUMIX BGH1 is a Cinema 4K Box style camera. When combined with the Ninja V, it will record up to 4K DCI ProRes RAW and up to 3.7K anamorphic RAW. The Ninja V and LUMIX BHG1 combination can also work in sync for multicamera productions, facilitated by the LTC and Genlock inputs and complemented by the Atomos UltraSync One wireless sync system.

Panasonic’s LUMIX S1 shares the ProRes RAW features of the LUMIX S1H camera, meaning it will record up to 5.9K ProRes RAW when paired with the Ninja V. There is also support for anamorphic RAW. 

The Ninja V allows users to monitor a RAW signal on its 5-inch 1000nit brightness HDR screen. It can also record ProRes RAW data onto a removable AtomX SSDmini or other SSD drives.

According to Atomos CEO Jeromy Young, the new ProRes RAW supported cameras join previous Panasonic S Series cameras, including the LUMIX S1H and LUMIX S5.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos has announced the Ninja V Pro Kit, which Atomos has designed as a bridge between compact cinema and mirrorless cameras that can output Apple ProRes RAW via HDMI or SDI, record up to 12-bit RAW externally on Ninja’s onboard SSD and cross convert signals for monitoring and playout/review.

The Ninja V Pro Kit includes the Ninja V, AtomX SDI with activation for the new RAW functionality, HDMI to SDI cross conversion, DC to DTAP cable and AtomX 5-inch Sunhood. With all of this equipment, users can record RAW via SDI from Panasonic, Canon and Sony cameras.

The Pro Kit adds dual 12G SDI connectivity to the Ninja V, expanding its ability to offboard 10-bit 422 recording in edit-ready codecs or as proxy files. In playback mode, the Ninja V provides a lossless signal distribution with 2x 12G SDI and 1x HDMI 2.0 for simultaneous outputs up to 4K p60.

The addition of the AtomX SDI module to Ninja V more than doubles its I/O functionality. HDMI or SDI connections can be cross converted, DCI cropped and 4K to HD down converts for video signals to bridge equipment without the need for additional converters.

The Pro Kit can be powered in studio with the DC power supply, on-set with the DTAP cable or on-the-go with an optional NPF battery or any four cell NPF.

The Ninja V Pro Kit is now available for $949. Users that already have the Ninja V can add the AtomX and other components of the Pro Kit separately.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos says that its Ninja V 5-inch HDR monitor monitor-recorder can now be combined with Fujifilm’s GFX100S camera to record in Apple ProRes RAW over HDMI. 

The GFX100S is a medium format camera based on Fujifilm’s GFX100 camera. It features a 102MP resolution 43.8x32.9mm BSI CMOS sensor.

When combined with the Ninja V 5-inch 1,000nit HDR brightness display, the GFX100S can record up to 4K30p 12-bit ProRes RAW video. Users can view the GFX100S RAW signal in HDR on the Ninja V, with the ability to access tools that include waveform, magnify or engage peaking. 

It also provides access to the wider Atomos eco-system for on-set HDR and SDR monitoring. A video signal can be output from the Ninja V to the Atomos Sumo19, or Atomos’ line of Neon production monitors, for HDR viewing.

An update to Fujifilm firmware is expected to add support for white balance and ISO. That update is expected in summer 2021.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos and Panasonic have announced they have teamed to bring 5.9K full-frame Apple ProRes RAW recording to Panasonic’s Lumix S5 full-frame mirrorless camera when paired with Atomos’ Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder. This update gives the combo of the Lumix S5 and Ninja V the ability to record up to 5.9Kp30, 4Kp60 and 3Kp50.

Ninja V is able to monitor a RAW signal on its 5-inch 1000nit brightness HDR screen. Users can view the RAW image in HDR in a choice of HLG and PQ (HDR10) formats. There is also touchscreen access to tools like waveform, 1-1 magnification and focus peaking. The Apple ProRes RAW data is recorded onto a removable AtomX SSDmini or other SSD drive.

When working with Ninja V, the Lumix S5 camera can be used for handheld, shoulder-mounted, gimbal, Steadicam and in-vehicle production. The combination can also accommodate a 3.5K Super35Anamorphic 4:3 RAW mode lens.

These new features will be activated by a firmware update for the Lumix S5 and Ninja V by the end of November.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos has updated its Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder to now allow for Apple ProRes RAW recording over HDMI when used with the Sigma fp mirrorless camera. 

This combination of the Ninja V and Sigma fp allows for RAW recording at 4K DCI p24 or 4K UHD up to p30, as well as the ability to record RAW over HDMI video in HD at 120 fps, per Atomos. Footage can be finished for either HDR or SDR.

“With Sigma joining the Atomos RAW over HDMI family, we now have an exciting option for filmmakers to shoot Apple ProRes RAW with a tiny full-frame camera that also excels in 120 fps high frame rate shooting,” said Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO.

Sigma fp, when paired with Ninja V, can be built into a fully rigged cinema-style camera with  the option to use a range of L-mount lenses natively, or PL mount, EF mount and other lenses via the use of adapters. The Ninja V’s 5-inch 1000nit HDR brightness display enables users to view the Sigma fp RAW signal in HDR with either HLG and PQ (HDR10) formats. The monitor also offers touchscreen access to 1-1 magnification and peaking for accurate focus, plus waveform, vectorscope and false color.

Ninja V can also record 422 ProRes and DNx video up to 4Kp29.94 and 120p119.98 from the standard 8-bit HDMI output of the Sigma fp. ProRes RAW or standard video files are recorded to AtomX SSDmini SATA drives in the Ninja V.

The necessary upgrades to achieve RAW recording—Sigma v2.01 firmware and the AtomOS 10.53—are now available for free.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos has announced that RAW recording up to 4Kp60 can now be done via HDMI from Sony’s Alpha 7S III (ILCE-7SM3) full-frame mirrorless camera to the Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder.

This is achieved through the Alpha 7S III’s CMOS image sensor and the Ninja V’s ability to record its full dynamic range in Apple ProRes RAW. The images are recorded directly to AtomX SSDmini or other compatible SSD drives for transferring to editing systems.

With the Alpha and Ninja combination, ProRes RAW video can be recorded as long as there is space on the SSD, bypassing internal record time limitations. RAW video can also be captured on the Ninja V at the same time as compressed video is recorded internally to the memory card on the Alpha 7S III.

Additional features, per Atomos, include the option to record RAW footage in dim conditions; the ability to capture 16-bit linear RAW output as 12-bit ProRes RAW at up to 4Kp60; Ninja V being able to record Alpha 7S III’s 10-bit 422 HDMI video output as 10-bit 422 Log or Rec.709 video at up to 4Kp60 into production ready ProRes or DNx codecs; and the use of the 5-inch 1000nit HDR high brightness display of the Ninja V for viewing Alpha 7S III RAW signal in HDR  in a choice of HLG and PQ formats or view natively in Sony’s S-Log profile.

Ninja V supports ProRes RAW and the higher bandwidth, less compressed ProRes RAW HQ.

“Sony’s engineers have delivered an amazing quality RAW over HDMI output to the Ninja V that will open up countless creative opportunities,” said Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO. “The detail, dynamic range and especially low light performance is outstanding in RAW. The stable operation and long RAW record times that the Ninja V brings to the Alpha 7S III make it a brilliant tool for almost any production.”

Ninja V users will receive a free AtomOS update to enable RAW recording over HDMI from the Alpha 7S III in September.

For more information, visit www.atomos.com.  

MELBOURNE, Australia—Atomos is releasing a free firmware update to its Ninja V monitor recorder. AtomOS 10.51 Ninja V provides updates and refinements to the user interface, as well as providing Z Cam E2 series extended camera control via the Ninja V touchscreen, per Atomos.

With the new firmware, Z Cam E2 and Ninja V users can bring up the Z Cam menu display from the Ninja V touchscreen via the camera control menu; navigate the camera menu with Menu, Arrow and Enter keys directly via the Ninja V touchscreen and on-camera; and access a new function in the Ninja V record menu to force menus to remain active in cases where recording menu and display information is required.

Support has also been added to AtomHDR engine for Z Cam Zlog2 Gamma for recording video output for recording in Apple ProRes or Avid Dnx.

The free AtomOS 10.51 firmware update is available at www.atomos.com.  

TOKYO—Following Atomos’ purchase of Timecode Systems in October, the upcoming Inter BEE exhibition in Japan will be one of the first showings of the two sides integrated technologies.

Part of the presentation will showcase the new AtomoX SYNC accessory for the Ninja V that allows it to be fully integrated with Timecode Systems sync power. This adds wireless sync and remote device control to Ninja V. By attaching the module, the connected camera can lock into a frame-accurate sync with other Ninja Vs, as well as other sound and video devices and compatible camera apps using Timecode Systems products.

The company also has plans to show its Asynchronous switching technology on Sumo19, according to Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO and founder.

Inter BEE 2019 begins today, Nov. 13, and runs through Nov. 15. Atomos’ booth is located in Hall 8, #7520.

MELBOURNE, Australia—In a collaborative effort with Panasonic, Atomos has announced the development of RAW over HDMI to be transmitted from the Lumix S1H camera to the Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR monitor-recorder.

Atomos’ screen technology now allows creators to accurately monitor RAW video in real time, according to Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO. Young says the combination of the Lumix model and the Ninja V “create a dream workflow” for content creators.

The RAW update will be available for free on the Ninja V when released by Panasonic.

Atomos will highlight the capabilities of the two products’ combination at IBC 2019, Sept. 13-17 in Amsterdam, at its stand 11.D25.