Experience the future of on-set production with the all-new Ninja and Ninja Ultra external monitors from Atomos. You can now have everyone in different departments, from production design to lighting, seeing the same frame simultaneously thanks to the Atomos Connect screen-sharing feature.
On-set workflows can be streamlined with everyone capable of seeing the same footage from their computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Teams can view and kick-start live edits the moment recording stops thanks to Wi-Fi 6E (available on the Ninja Ultra), which allows for lightning-fast transmissions and ultra-low latency. Read on for more about these new external monitors from Atomos….
Key Features of the Atomos Ninja Monitors
- Revamped interface
- AtomOS 11 with improved memory management
- Records in Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD, H.265 (HEVC), and Apple ProRes RAW
- Wireless screen sharing capabilities via Atomos Connect worldwide
- Advanced monitoring tools like SegmentPro, EL Zone, and ARRI False Color
- Integrated AtomX expansion port
- SDI Cine feature for seamless syncing with cinematic cameras
- Enhanced connectivity using Wi-Fi 6 (Ninja) or Wi-Fi 6E (Ninja Ultra)
- Consistent form factor ensuring compatibility with Ninja V accessories
What’s New About the Ninja and Ninja Ultra?
AtomOS 11
The revamped operating system isn’t just a face-lift. It’s a substantial upgrade, engineered to offer a cleaner, more responsive user experience. With AtomOS 11, filmmakers can navigate intuitive tools like EL Zone exposure referenced colorized images and ARRI False Color, marrying functionality with user experience.
New Codecs
The integration of diverse codecs signifies Atomos’ commitment to versatile and efficient filmmaking. It’s a testament to the brand’s understanding of cinematographers’ evolving needs. The Atomos Ninja is capable of up to 6K30p in Apple ProRes RAW, 4K60p in Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD, and now H.265 (HEVC). Meanwhile, the Atomos Ultra offers ProRes RAW reaching up to 8k30p, along with options in ProRes, Avid DNxHD and H.265 as well. Atomos has bridged the gap between professional cinematography and efficient encoding, allowing for streamlined post-production workflows.
Cloud Integration
The Ninja and Ninja Ultra can also be integrated into cloud-based applications with ease. Its ability to capture and upload high-quality H.265 videos makes it a frontrunner for real-time broadcasting, from sports to news programming and live streaming. This feature is instrumental for creators who need to produce footage in real-time or those that need their content uploaded directly to social media in an instant. The Ninja Ultra also allows for dual recording in ProRes RAW and H.265.
Atomos RemoteView
Whether you’re on the other side of the studio or across the globe, innovative RemoteView technology ensures you’re never out of touch. By allowing real-time views from Atomos screens to be shared across multiple devices, Atomos has transformed filmmaking collaboration, making distances irrelevant. This feature is available in both the Ninja and Ninja Ultra.
Enhanced Connectivity
Reliable and speedy connections are non-negotiable. The Ninja’s cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 standard integration ensures seamless uploads and uninterrupted workflows. And for the Ninja Ultra, this includes Wi-Fi 6E. In a world where every second counts, this feature is an invaluable asset for those who want to utilize Ninja’s cloud functionalities, attaining both exceptional speed and stability.
Who Should Buy an Atomos Ninja or Ninja Ultra?
The newly released Atomos Ninja series speaks to diverse users. Individual content creators, YouTubers, small production companies, and freelancers will find the Ninja and Ninja Ultra to be robust companions, with its vast compatibility with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. If you find yourself looking for a reliable, advanced recorder, you will find the Ninja ideal. With its compatibility with numerous DSLR and mirrorless cameras, it’s a flexible addition to any setup.
However, the Ninja Ultra promises to be the true game-changer. The meticulous integration with cinema cameras and dual recording capability ensures the device is not an add-on, but rather an intrinsic part of the filmmaking workflow, especially for those who incorporate cloud technology into their processes.
Moreover, with the Atomos CONNECT module, particularly with Ninja Ultra, the device’s potential is amplified. It allows for real-time transmission and makes it indispensable for studios and broadcasting hubs.
Comparable Atomos Products
Ninja external monitors draw inspiration from Atomos’ own Ninja V and Ninja V+ legacy. While maintaining the same form factor for accessory compatibility, this new series offers advanced features, cleaner OS, and enhanced connectivity capabilities.
From uncompressed videos captured on the first-generation Ninja to 6K ProRes RAW, Atomos has never stopped innovating. In addition to advancements, future compatibility has been carefully considered to ensure users don’t have to abandon their trusted accessories.
The Ninja V, a trusted tool for many, allowed 4Kp60 10-bit HDR recording through HDMI 2.0, showcased on a 5.2-inch 10-bit HDR monitor. A defining feature was its mini SSD, compact but powerful. Its successor, Ninja V+, upped the ante with 8Kp30 ProRes RAW recording, H.265 codec pre-activation, and a hint at future ‘PLUS’ functionalities.
These latest announcements, the Ninja and Ninja Ultra, offer the integration of AtomOS 11 and capability for 6K ProRes RAW recording, presenting an undeniable advancement.
Ninja vs Ninja Ultra
A key distinction between them lies in the Ninja Ultra’s Wi-Fi 6E and dual recording capabilities.
| Ninja | Ninja Ultra | |
| Atomos 11 | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Apple ProRes | up to 4K60p | up to 4K60p |
| Apple ProRes RAW | up to 6K30p | up to 8K30p |
| H.265 4K | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Recording (RAW + H.265) | No | Yes |
| RecordAssist and Playback Assist | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
The revamped Ninja series is Atomos’ pledge to filmmakers and creatives around the globe. By addressing past concerns and infusing future-centric functionalities, Atomos showcases its dedication, proving why it’s a staple in every serious creators’ toolkit.
Both Ninja and Ninja Ultra will ship in early September 2023, priced at $599 and $799.
