Atomos Shinobi II With Brighter HDR Display and Smaller Footprint

Atomos has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge monitoring and recording technology for over a decade. Today, Atomos is introducing its latest offering: the Shinobi II. A revolution of Atomos’ much-loved 5″ on-camera monitor. The Shinobi II features a sleek, slimline housing that’s a third smaller than its predecessor. As well as a stunning HDR touchscreen that’s 50% brighter. Despite its compact form factor, the Shinobi II still packs in all of Atomos’ renowned screen processing technology and professional monitoring tools.

Additionally, it boasts exciting new hardware features. Including camera control capabilities for Canon, Panasonic, Sony, and Z CAM cameras. Support for other cameras planned in future firmware releases. Remarkably, the Shinobi II’s efficient hardware and low power consumption allow it to operate all day on just a single battery charge. Advanced exposure tools like false color, zebras, histograms, waveforms, and vectorscopes help you expose your shots accurately, while the multi-tool analysis view provides essential information at a glance. There’s even a Selfie Mirror Mode that vloggers will surely appreciate. Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, the Shinobi II is the ultimate accessory to elevate your productions to new heights.

Key Specs of the Atomos Shinobi II

• Low-profile design with a much slimmer body (1/3 thinner compared to the original Shinobi)
• 151 mm x 91.5 mm x 20.8 mm (28.5 mm with locking cable adaptor attached)
• Weighs just 210 g / 7.4 oz
• 1500 nit 5-inch high-resolution HDR touchscreen (50% brighter than the original)
• Camera control via USB-C for Canon, Panasonic, and Sony cameras. Available for Z CAM cameras using optional USB-C to Serial cable)
• On-screen camera status indicators show the connected camera’s internal record settings, battery status, & remaining record time
• Newly redesigned AtomOS 11 features a refreshed, modernized user interface. As well as more responsive operation, and provides easy access to frequently-used monitoring tools
• Powered by industry-standard NP-F style batteries or via USB-C PD (10W input)
• Low power consumption – Shinobi II can run all day off a single battery charge
• Can also charge/power the connected camera via USB-C PD (13W output)
• Included HDMI & USB-C locking adapter allows you to use Atomos’ new line of locking cables for rock-solid connectivity
• Unique Analysis Mode can simultaneously display waveform, histogram, & vectorscope tools
• Get the perfect framing and composition with the help of included on-screen frame guides and 9-grid

Biggest Features of the Atomos Shinobi II

Camera Control

Addressing the requests from users of the original Shinobi, Atomos has designed a brand new camera control interface for the Shinobi II. This new interface focuses on common settings that often need to be adjusted on a shot-by-shot basis, such as Aperture, ISO, Shutter Angle, and White Balance. When connected via USB-C, the Atomos Shinobi II can control most mirrorless cameras from Canon, Panasonic, and Sony, along with all E2 series models from Z CAM at launch. Atomos also plans to support cameras from Fujifilm, Nikon, OM System, and SIGMA in the future through firmware updates.

Brand New AtomOS 11

Powering the Shinobi II is the latest version of Atomos’ cutting-edge operating system, AtomOS 11. One of the most noticeable improvements in AtomOS 11 is the enhanced visibility of tools and icons, allowing users to easily identify and select the appropriate tools without getting bogged down by a confusing or cluttered interface. In addition to the stunning visual overhaul, AtomOS 11 also introduces a plethora of groundbreaking features that enhance the overall user experience. The touchscreen interface on the Shinobi II is logically laid out, simple to navigate, and more user-friendly than ever.

See the Bigger Picture

Shinobi II features a 5″ high-resolution HDR touchscreen with a peak brightness of 1500 nits, 50% brighter than its predecessor, allowing you to work under any lighting conditions. In addition, the Shinobi II’s on-screen camera status indicator allows users to easily keep tabs on the connected camera’s internal record settings, battery status, and remaining record time. There’s even a red edge recording indicator to show when the camera is recording internally, regardless of whether the recording is triggered by the camera or from the Shinobi II. There are also built-in exposure tools such as false color, waveforms, zebras, and histogram to help you achieve perfect exposure on every shot.

Flexible HDR Monitoring and LUT Support

Equipped with an HDMI 1.4 port, the Atomos Shinobi II allows you to monitor signals in a multitude of resolutions and frame rates ranging from 4K DCI and 4K UHD at up to 30p and 1080p HD signals at up to 60p. Using the Shinobi II’s built-in HDR HLG and HDR PQ monitoring modes, you can preview what your camera’s LOG footage will look like in HDR. You can also install up to 8 LUTs onto the Shinobi II’s built-in storage to preview your footage using your favorite looks via the integrated SD card slot.

Atomos Shinobi II vs Atomos Shinobi

Who Should Use the Atomos Shinobi II?

The Atomos Shinobi II is a fantastic solution for filmmakers, photographers, vloggers, and other content creators on the go in need of an affordable, compact, lightweight, and feature-rich external monitor to complement their cameras. With the Shinobi II, Atomos has improved upon the popular original by incorporating a host of upgrades: a 50% brighter HDR touchscreen, a lighter and more compact body, a streamlined interface, advanced monitoring tools, all-day battery life, as well as camera control capabilities with support for many of today’s top camera brands (and support for more to come via future firmware updates.) No matter what or where you’re filming, the Atomos Shinobi II will ensure that you get a perfect shot every time.

Pauleth Ip

Pauleth Ip is a photographer, consultant, and educator based in New York City. He currently serves on the board of American Photographic Artists's New York chapter and was previously the Reviews Editor for The Phoblographer. When not creating client work, developing content for industry outlets, or teaching private photography seminars, Paul can be seen photographing personal projects around NYC or traveling the world with his cameras in tow. He's overjoyed to be able to catch up on all the frequent flyer miles that he missed out on during this past year. You can find Paul’s latest work on his website or Instagram.