Atomos recently announced
, It allows you to record RAW on SDI from the selected camera. The Ninja V Pro kit also comes with a series of accessories for enhanced functionality.
For clarity, this is not the new Ninja V, it is just the current Ninja V with AtomX SDI and some accessories. I think it's worth studying this kit carefully, because I haven't seen the AtomX SDI module yet.
I have reviewed "Ninja V" before, if you want to learn more about it, you can
. So let's get a deep understanding of whether the Ninja V Pro Kit meets all the expectations promised on the paper.
According to Atomos, the Ninja V Pro Kit is designed to
'. Ninja V Pro Kit is not just a device for recording RAW video. Ninja V has the ability to input or output HDMI and SDI, as well as the ability to cross covert signals, so it has become a more versatile tool.
The professional package includes the following items:
The kit I'm testing comes with
, This
,
, And a few HDMI cables. I'm not sure if they really intend to sell such a kit, but it makes a lot of sense.
After adding the AtomX SDI module, users can not only record traditional ProRes through SDI, but also record ProRes RAW. This allows you to use Ninja V with various cameras. Between RAW on HDMI and RAW on SDI, the Ninja V Pro toolkit is for you.
You can also record Sony FX6 RAW to NinjaV via SDI.
Even though setting RAW output from FX6 is more complicated than it should be, once it is done, everything will be fine.
With FX6, to record RAW via SDI, you previously needed to use Atomos Shogun7. In my opinion, this monitor is too big for the camera. I am sorry for anyone who recently rushed out and bought Shogun 7 and used it with FX6. The size of the Ninja V makes it more suitable for use with smaller cameras such as FX6.
Ninja V Pro Kit can also record RAW via SDI with other cameras such as Panasonic EVA-1, Varicam LT, Canon C500, Canon C300 Mark II, etc.
Now, you need to be very clear that the RAW output of Sony's FS series (FS700, FS5, FS7) is
Use AtomX SDI module and RAW upgrade on Ninja V. These cameras are only supported on Shogun 7.
The Ninja V Pro toolkit is pre-installed with SDI RAW and ProRes RAW activation.
By adding the AtomX SDI module, Ninja V becomes a more versatile product that can be used with a wider range of cameras. The AtomX SDI module adds dual 12G SDI connections. Even if your camera records a good codec internally, you can use Ninja V to record backed up 10-bit 422 records in a ready-to-use codec, or use it to record proxy files for RED or ARRI cameras.
Once you connect the AtomX SDI module, Ninja V can communicate directly with the module.
The module supports 4K (up to 60p) and 2K (up to 240p).
Of course, Ninja V can still pass many mirrorless cameras (such as Sony Alpha 7S III, Z CAM E-2 series, Nikon Z series, Lumix S series, Olympus OM-D EM-1X and Olympus OM-D M1 MkIII.
By adding the SDI module to Ninja V, you can effectively double its I/O capabilities. HDMI or SDI connection can be cross-converted. In this way, you can down-convert 4K to HD format so that you can use EVF or wireless TX/RX without additional converters.
This was previously missing from the AtomX SDI module. I am not sure why it took so long to enable cross conversion.
Now, if you want to input UHD signals to Ninja V through HDMI, and then output the signals through SDI to a device with only 3G SDI input, you need to make sure to turn it on
And choose 4K to 2K output.
If you don't turn
Then you will not see the image on the output device.
If you leave
When set to HDMI Auto, Ninja V will output 6G SDI signals instead of 3G HD signals.
If you are inputting RAW signals from a compatible camera via HDMI, you can still perform cross-conversion and get HD SDI signals from Ninja V. If you want to input the signal into the SDI wireless video transmitter or even the signal, it is very convenient for EVF.
If I input the SDI signal, there is no problem with the HDMI signal output.
Even better is that the AtomX SDI module has two SDI ports, if you input HDMI sources, you can use them both as outputs. This is really convenient, it allows you to send the signal to multiple attachments at the same time. I can output two signals from Ninja V, one to SmallHD 502 and the other to Accsoon CineEyes 2S.
If you use Ninja V with AtomX SDI module on a small mirrorless camera, you can flexibly output SDI signals at the same time, such as EVF and wireless video transmitters.
The AtomX SDI module will definitely make the Ninja V much wider, especially after adding batteries. However, the weight of the module is only 4.2 ounces/119.07 grams, so there is not much difference.
The biggest problem I found is that since the module and battery are located on the side of Ninja V, the weight distribution is very uneven. This is not a big problem, but if you use this monitor with a monitor stand or monitor arm, it does attract attention.
In addition to the Ninja V Pro suite, Atomos also released AtomOS 10.61, which adds the following features:
In playback mode, Ninja V's 2 x 12G SDI and 1 x HDMI 2.0 allow simultaneous output of up to 4K 60p.
RAW input can also cancel Bayer in real time and process non-standard high-resolution into SMPTE standard output format. It can also be applied to the conversion of HLG, PQ or 3D LUT of your choice, so that you can correctly use the artistic intent to view the RAW or LOG content.
The AtomX 5" Sunhood is included in the Pro Kit. The screen of the Ninja V is quite bright, but it is not bright enough to be used outdoors in full sunlight. The user can simply clip on the mounting frame and insert the sun hood when needed to use the sun hood.
There is enough sunlight, which will definitely help when shooting in a bright environment.
Pro Kit provides users with three ways to power Ninja V
Even if you do not intend to record ProRes RAW, Ninja V Pro Kit will suddenly make Ninja V a more versatile product. Even if you just want to use it as an SDI or HDMI monitor or as an interface for cross-conversion signals, having these features allows Ninja V to work with a wider range of cameras and equipment.
My main camera does not have an HDMI output, but by adding the AtomX SDI module, I can now use it and can also send signals via HDMI.
Ninja V suddenly became more attractive to me because I can now interchange it and use it on any camera I own. Previously, I only used it for mirrorless mixers with HDMI output.
Existing users of Ninja V can purchase the AtomX SDI module for $199, and can also add the new RAW over SDI and HDMI RAW to SDI video functions to Ninja V for $99 with a separate activation key. Existing AtomX SDI module owners will get SDI⬄HDMI cross-conversion for 422 video inputs in the 10.61 firmware update of Ninja V, and can purchase RAW over SDI activation keys from the Atomos website.
Ninja V Pro Kit can now be purchased from local distributors at a retail price of
/€949. As part of the launch promotion, Ninja V Pro Kit users will get free Atomos Connect in the box.
Does it represent value for money? Well, let's see how much the individual items in the kit cost:
A total of US$1,064, so if you buy the Ninja V Pro Kit, it will definitely be cheaper than buying everything separately.
It is great to see that Atomos has enabled RAW over SDI on Ninja V by adding this new toolkit. Existing Ninja V owners will also breathe a sigh of relief, as they only need to purchase the AtomX SDI module and the RAW over SDI activation key separately.
This Ninja V Pro kit greatly expands the versatility and functions of Ninja V, and I think more people may regard it as a viable option now.
Although there are many things that like this new product, I can't help but ask why Atomos has not released the SDI version of Ninja V, so you don't need to attach other modules. Having said that, Atomos may have taken the right path and has not disturbed all existing Ninja V users. It would have been nice to launch a brand new product, but it also brought warnings that bothered the broad user base.
I like what Atomos does with this kit. Considering the features and functions that Ninja V brings, it is worth the money.
Matthew Allard is an award-winning, ACS-certified freelance photography director with 30 years of work experience in more than 50 countries/regions around the world.
He is the editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing articles on the site since 2010.
Matthew has won 41 ACS awards, including four prestigious golden tripods. In 2016, he won the Best Photography Award at the 21st Asian Television Awards.
Matthew can be hired as a DP in Japan or work anywhere else in the world.
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