A Tablet for Your Camera
The Ninja’s basic design doesn’t differ much from a small tablet—it’s a big slate with a touch screen. It’s notably thicker than any iPad, though. It measures 3.6 by 5.9 by 1.2 inches (HWD) and weighs about 11.3 ounces without a battery or SSD loaded. It’s very sturdy—the frame is aluminum.
Full-size HDMI input and output ports are located on the left side, while you get 3.5mm headphone and microphone inputs, along with a 2.5mm remote control connector and the power button on the right. Standard quarter-twenty tripod threads are on both the top and bottom plate—helpful as some cameras put HDMI output on the right side.
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The 5-inch touch screen dominates the front. It’s a bright panel, 1000 nits at maximum, which improves viewing quality under bright light. It features a crisp 1080p resolution, and can be set to display waveforms, zebras, and focus peaking, as well as to apply a LUT preview when capturing with a Log profile.
Touch input is very responsive. The menus and functions are well laid out, with an interface that lets you switch between usage as a recorder, monitor, or for playback. You can even set in and out points and add other metadata to clips to help speed the editing process. There’s a screen lock function too—you can toggle touch input with a short tap of the power button.
Think About Some Accessories
Regardless of how you plan to use the Ninja, you’ll want to think about some add-ons. A battery is one. Atomos doesn’t include one; instead you just get a power supply so you can plug the Ninja into a wall outlet. That’s fine for use in a studio, but you’ll need a battery to work with it in the field. The contents of the standard edition, without the accessory kit, are shown below.
Atomos offers a kitted version for $894, which is what we received for review. It includes two big NP-F750 5,200mAh batteries and a charger, a hood to prevent glare, and a travel case.
Even if you buy the kit, there are other things you need to add. An SSD is one—and video footage gets big, so you’ll want one with a lot of space. You can buy a standard one from SanDisk or the like and use the included caddy.
The downside is that the SSD extends about half an inch beyond the edge of the recorder. If you’d like a more elegant solution, consider an AtomX SSDmini, custom-designed to work with the Ninja V.
You’ll also want to get an HDMI cable, and you’ll need to figure the best way to mount the recorder to your camera system. Atomos sells some coiled options, which cost a bit more than generic cables, but are worth it for the convenience and guarantee that they can handle the same quality video the Ninja is capable of recording.
If you’re used to building out a big rig for cinema projects you’ll certainly have some strategies in mind. For basic screen recording, I opted for a small ballhead, designed to lock into a camera’s hot shoe. But your mounitng requirements may be more stringent.
Part 4. Performance of Atomos Ninja V
The stunning add-on monitor has a massive range of features that facilitate the user amazingly. The latest video recorder has proved itself very useful and beneficial to users within a small span of time. Talking about its performance, Atomos Ninja V has allowed its user to unlock uncompressed video to 10 bit of color depth depending on the camera in use.
For example, for a camera like Nikon Z7, Atomos Ninja V is almost essential so that it can unlock the full video performance of the camera.
Atomos Ninja V 5 4k HDMI recording monitor performs really well, and it does an excellent job of staying cool. For this reason, if the user ever plans to mount a mic, then he should know that the fan runs pretty loud. So, remember this and do not mount your microphone near the fan.
Atomos Ninja V offers a huge benefit because the output via HDMI can be 4:2:2 in 8 or 10-bit, whereas other cameras record 4:2:0 in 8-bit internally. This gives a lot more color information and is very beneficial for the user if they are shooting Log footage to maximize dynamic range.
The extra data recorded by Ninja V makes a huge difference in its performance, and this factor makes Log shooting a sensible option on a mirrorless camera. Whereas if you try to shoot 8-bit in Log on a mirrorless camera, it can be tough because the color information is missing.
No doubt, the file size increases compared to the standard footage recorded internally, but the results are worth it. The price you pay for the Ninja V recorder will be returned in terms of your satisfaction as the boost in the quality will amaze you. Much ease can be achieved in changing white balance, altering colors, rescuing highlights and shadows from the ProRes files.
Another fantastic performance factor about Atomos Ninja V is that it allows a large dynamic range to be viewed on the monitor, and for this reason, it works as an ideal HDR monitor. Also, the LUT support means that the user can either view what the finished footage will look like, or else the user can also bake it in or even apply a look to the footage.
Audio Inputs/Outputs
The Ninja V audio inputs are limited to embedded 2- or 8-channel HDMI or 3.5mm line or mic-in options. Headphone monitoring is via a 3.5mm output. I go back and forth if I would have preferred to see a mini-XLR input option as full-size XLR is part of my standard workflow but considering both options would require me to use an adapter I don’t think it matters much. The 3.5mm input doesn’t support phantom power but that too doesn’t affect my workflows this far down the line as I would typically add microphones earlier in the workflow.
I have always appreciated how Atomos recorders allow me to select which audio inputs to monitor and record, VU meters to show me the levels, and level controls on my analog inputs (Figure 2, below).
Figure 2. The audio meters menu on the Ninja V allow you to record and monitor analog and embedded HDMI audio.
Monitoring Tools
Navigating the Ninja V menu system is done via touchscreen (Figure 4, below). The menu system has a different look than what I am used to seeing on my other Atomos monitors, but it is still very intuitive. In addition to focus peaking and zebras, you can activate luma waveform, RGB parade, Vectorscope, Vectorscope Zoom, False Color, and Blue Only settings. I rely on these tools when I am matching cameras on multicamera shoots, and often I use my Atomos recorders to record the program output of my live-switched and webcast productions.
Figure 4. The Ninja V with Luma Waveform, focus, and peaking tools enabled.
What It Does
What exactly the Ninja V can do for you depends on which specific camera you use. If you have something like the Sony a7 III, you’ll get 8-bit 4:2:2 4K at up to 30fps. If you have the Panasonic S1, the video quality jumps to 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 60fps.
Most mirrorless cameras record internally using H.264 or H.265 compression. The Ninja V uses higher-quality codecs—your choice of DNxHD or ProRes, with various levels of compression available. With DNxHD, you have the ability to adjust the level of compression; with ProRes you can choose between the LT, HQ, and 422 formats.
ProRes RAW is available, though camera support is limited. Nikon has announced plans for a paid upgrade for owners of the Z 6 and Z 7, and it will also be an option with the video-first Panasonic S1H.
Recording video at higher quality nets better-looking footage with less visible compression artifacts. And when you pair it with a flat profile, now an expected feature in mirrorless cameras, you get more leeway when color correcting footage. It’s not unlike the difference between shooting in the lossy JPG format versus Raw for still capture.
You can also do some other cool things. I use the Ninja V as a tool for reviewing cameras. It’s able to record the overlay information on the camera’s screen, which lets you really review how an autofocus system works in the field, or take screenshots of menus. If you’re an aspiring tech vlogger, you may find these features handy. The clip embedded above, which shows off the animal eye detection feature found in recent Sony cameras, was recorded using the Ninja V.
Part 3. Key features of Atomos Ninja V
Generally, if something is new, they don’t risk using it unless they get good reviews about it, but have you ever noticed that something that has brilliant features could attract users without even any reviews. Ninja Atomos V has the same case.
The add-on monitor has some brilliant features that cannot be ignored, and thus, the user gets attracted to the recorder. Talking about its features, let’s openly discuss them.
Recording Quality
Users can record a video that is up to 4Kp60 10-bit HDR directly from the user’s camera sensor over HDMI 2.0. On affordable SSD drives, it can store edit-ready ProRes or DNxHR and bypass the camera’s internal compression and record time limits.
The SSDmini
The 1TB AtomX mini-SSD allows the user to work for 2.5hours with 4K recording. The SSDmini is very tiny, over ¼ Inches tall and 3″ long. Amazingly, it is also 20% shorter than other SSDs. The slimline SSDs are a true innovation as they are compatible with previous Atomos drives by just adding a clever extension handle.
The Broadcast Monitor
Not just for the purpose of recording but for viewing as well, Atomos Ninja V has proved itself as the best monitor in today’s world. It does not matter if the production is large or small; everyone needs high-quality viewing.
Audio can be added directly from the camera digitally via HDMI, or else, it can also be fed in analog via a stereo 3.5mm line or mic socket.
HDR Game Recording
Ever given a thought to record your gaming skills? If not, consider this a great chance and show off your skills to the world by using the most stunning video recorder ever built.
Just place your Ninja V in-between your TV and unit, and you can record for hours to SSD drives. 4Kp60 or HDp240 Game Recording now just became so simple and so much fun from the HDMI gaming unit.
Compact Excellence
The sleek 1″ aluminum body of Atomos Ninja V weighs just 11oz. It is crafted for maximum durability and can easily attach to any camera rig. The bright and stunning 5.2 inches 10-bit HDR monitor has an astounding 1000nits of output.
Capabilities
An extraordinary feature of Ninja V is its capability that it can record high-resolution footage of 4K in DCI or UHD formats up to 60 fps. A variety of bit rates are available to fit the project and storage needs.
If the footage is more film-like aesthetic, then it can have 24 and 25 fps. All recordings are stored as high-quality Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHR files with a 10-bit chroma subsampling.
So, is it any good?
In a word, yes. Recording with the Ninja V is almost effortless, and I trust it more than recording to the internal SD cards in my Fujifilm X-T3. It also fixes the main issue I have with the X-T3, the rear screen that doesn’t articulate so you can see it from the front of the camera.
Being able to record above the internal recording quality of my camera means more data to work with during post. I’m no editing whiz but that added data means I can tweak things more, and get a finished look that I’m comfortable with. Sure, the file sizes are larger, but it’s worth paying for the additional storage you’ll need.
Oh, and if you want those anamorphic lens flares but your camera can’t desqueeze the footage? The Ninja V can, which makes it worth the price on its own.
The only real problem it gives you is the number of other accessories you need to buy to use it fully. Those include hoods to shield the screen in brightly lit areas, the batteries, storage, and cables you need to use, and any other connectors you may need for your camera setup. That’s not really Atomos’ issue, as they can’t be expected to pack everything you need into one package as the price would be significantly higher. They do sell accessory packs with everything you need, or you can pick up bundles from third-party sellers fairly cheaply.
The other thing the Ninja V is great at doing? Recording 4K gameplay, especially in HDR. I’ve never seen a computer monitor handle HDR this well, and I feel it’s going to be a while before I actually do.
That’s great for anyone like reviewers or YouTubers that need high-quality gaming footage to make their videos from, even if they don’t have a mirrorless camera to connect to the Ninja V.
Part 1. What does Atomos Ninja V do?
Atomos Ninja V is the latest external monitor or recorder that promises the user the video’s absolute best quality. This is the add-on recorder for digital cameras that open up more video features when recording to some memory card. Ninja V mounts on the camera and connects via HDMI. It unlocks the full potential of your camera.
It can offer 30fps to 60fps, depending on the specific camera in use. Many mirrorless cameras internally record using codec compression. Ninja V Atomos uses higher quality codes with various levels of compression available. It gives the user the ability to adjust the level of compression ProRes, and you can choose between LT, HQ, and 422 formats.
Atomos Ninja V can also be used as a tool to review cameras. It allows you to learn how the autofocus system works in the field by recording the overlay information on the screen or letting you take screenshots of the menu.
Atomos Ninja V 5 4k HDMI recording monitor can capture small and minute details and provide the user with the best result quality; for example, it can even detect an animal’s eye. A video recorded at higher quality has better-looking footage that eventually has less visible compression artifacts.
HDR Settings
The HDMI 2.0 input accepts up to 2160p60 10-bit video. The Ninja V can detect on most cameras if the camera signal is HLG or PQ. This is helpful but the user still needs to select the proper PQ log gamma and gamut format from the available options and flavors of Sony S-Log, Canon C-Log, Arri Log C, Panasonic V-Log, RED LogFilm, FujiFilm F-Log, and Nikon N-Log (Figure 3, below).
Figure 3. The Ninja V set up to display a 4K UHD S-Log3 HDR image from the Sony Z280. The Z280 LCD is showing the flat log image without any gamma assist or LUT’s applied.
Once you have set up your camera input correctly, then you need to select the monitor standard so that you can properly expose your video and preview what it would look like on different types of playback devices. The options are Native (unprocessed), Rec 709 (SDR), HLG, and PQ (HDR).
Monitor Specifications
The Ninja V (Figure 1, below) is a 1920×1080 HD monitor capable of 1,000 nits of brightness. This is bright enough to reproduce 10 stops of exposure latitude and for outdoor use. So while this is not a true HDR monitor and not as bright as the 3,000-nit Shogun 7, it is a marked improvement over using the LCD monitor on a video camera or DSLR or compared to the older Ninja Blade.
Figure 1. The Atomos Ninja V. Swipe to access additional monitoring tools, including the zoom and framing guides.
Do note that this is not a 4K monitor, although it does support displaying 4K resolution inputs in HD, either scaled to show the entire image or in 2:1 or 1:1 zooms to punch-in and check focus. As a monitor, the Ninja V is very similar to the Shinobi, but the Ninja V adds a built-in 4K recorder.
Атомос Ниндзя V: Вердикт
Беззеркальные камеры обеспечивают невероятное качество видео, но, добавив такой монитор, как Atomos Ninja V, вы превратите их в гораздо более удобные видеокамеры. На большем экране гораздо легче увидеть, составить композицию, и на нем есть инструменты, которые помогут вам правильно выставить экспозицию и сфокусироваться.
Сама запись на монитор открывает возможность улучшения фактического отснятого материала вашей камеры, либо увеличивая информацию о цвете, либо позволяя выводить видеофайлы в формате Raw.
А для HDR, журнальной или анаморфотной съемки он предлагает гораздо больший контроль и точность, чем вы когда-либо могли бы получить от самой камеры.
Конечно, внешний монитор увеличивает размер и объем вашей камеры, требует питания и кабелей. Это также увеличивает стоимость, в некоторых случаях довольно значительно. Но это небольшая плата за получение видео высочайшего качества с уже имеющейся у вас камеры.
Лучшие слайдеры камеры
Лучший микрофон для видеоблогов и видеосъемки
Лучшие камеры 4K для видеосъемки
Лучшая камера для видео
Лучшие кинокамеры
Audio Inputs/Outputs
The Ninja V audio inputs are limited to embedded 2- or 8-channel HDMI or 3.5mm line or mic-in options. Headphone monitoring is via a 3.5mm output. I go back and forth if I would have preferred to see a mini-XLR input option as full-size XLR is part of my standard workflow but considering both options would require me to use an adapter I don’t think it matters much. The 3.5mm input doesn’t support phantom power but that too doesn’t affect my workflows this far down the line as I would typically add microphones earlier in the workflow.
I have always appreciated how Atomos recorders allow me to select which audio inputs to monitor and record, VU meters to show me the levels, and level controls on my analog inputs (Figure 2, below).
Figure 2. The audio meters menu on the Ninja V allow you to record and monitor analog and embedded HDMI audio.
So, what’s it all about?
The whole point of the Ninja V is to take the clean, uncompressed HDMI output from your camera, and record it in one of the professional level file formats that the recorder supports. It can record in 6K at 30fps, but only with Apple ProRes RAW. It can also record in Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD, and DNxHR, and you can unlock H.265 recording for a small fee.
That means you can record a 4:2:2 10-bit signal over HDMI, perfect for cameras like the Fujifilm X-T4, Canon EOS R, and others cameras that can output that quality. That’s higher than the internal recording, where you’re recording onto SD cards that have slower transfer speeds than the SSDs that the Ninja V can use for storage. With newer cameras like the Sony A7S III, you can output a RAW signal that the Ninja V can record in Apple ProRes RAW. That’s the higher quality version of the codec that the iPhone 13 is rumored to add as an option.
The point of all this is that the Ninja V unlocks the very best your mirrorless camera can give, in many cases giving better quality source files than the camera can do on its own.
The 5-inch touchscreen has a 1000nit max brightness, which makes it easy to see even in bright conditions. There’s an optional hood if you find you’re filming in bright areas and want to see the screen more clearly.
It’s also packed with all of the professional tools you need to get your shot exposed properly, like waveforms, false colors, HDR monitoring, and LUT support. Your camera might not have these, and they’re important for reducing the number of reshoots you need.
It can also record audio through the HDMI connection or through the 3.5mm jack. You can also monitor your audio, adding a headphone jack that some cameras (like Fujifilm’s) that don’t have a headphone jack without using a USB-C dongle.
Performance
If you shoot a mirrorless camera that has a clean HDMI output, there is often a huge improvement in the quality of the footage if you output to an external drive. Most cameras record 4:2:0 in 8-bit internally, but via HDMI can output 4:2:2 in 8 or 10-bit. That gives a lot more color information and is a huge benefit if you are shooting Log footage to maximize dynamic range.
If you try to grade 4:2:0 8-bit shot in Log on a mirrorless camera then it can be tough as the color information just isn’t there. The extra data recorded by the Atomos Ninja V make a big difference, and make shooting Log on mirrorless cameras a sensible option.
And now many of the latest mirrorless cameras can output a Raw video signal which the Atomos can save as ProRes Raw direct from the camera, the difference is stunning. If you have been brought up shooting Raw on stills camera and are used to the quality and control they give you, then prepare to be amazed as the video version offers exactly the same benefits.
Yes, there is an increase in file sizes over standard footage recorded internally, but it’s a price worth paying for the boost in quality that you can see. Changing white balance, altering colors, rescuing highlights and shadows are all much easier on ProRes files.
The Ninja V also works as an ideal HDR monitor, allowing a large dynamic range to be viewed on the monitor itself. And the LUT support means you can apply a look to the footage and either bake it in, or just use it for viewing to see what the finished footage will look like.
And for fans of anamorphic shooting, aided by the latest affordable anamorphic lenses or adapters, the Ninja V offers anamorphic viewing that the majority of cameras just don’t have. So instead of looking at a squeezed-up image on the camera screen, you apply the right amount of de-squeeze to see what it will actually look like once processed. If you want to shoot anamorphic but your camera doesn’t offer a built-in de-squeeze, it’s worth the price just for that.
Сборка и обработка
Ninja V выглядит прочным и хорошо собранным, и имеет множество входов и выходов. Есть аудиовход, разъем для наушников 3,5 мм и разъем для дистанционного управления, который позволяет подключать удаленные контроллеры LANC в форматах Canon и Sony или устройство калибровки X-Rite i1Display Pro. Есть полноразмерные входные и выходные разъемы HDMI, поэтому вы можете подключить его к другому монитору, если хотите.
Чтобы установить его на камеру или буровую установку, сверху и снизу устройства есть 2-контактные крепления ARRI 3/8 ″, так что вы можете купить подходящий разъем, чтобы устройство не скручивалось.
Сам экран рассчитан на 1000 нит, поэтому остается очень ярким. При разрешении 1920 x 1080 пикселей экран показывает детализированные изображения и намного лучше, чем экран любой стандартной камеры. Однако вы можете купить внешний солнцезащитный козырек для самых ярких дней.
На задней панели устройства есть слот для одной батареи Sony NP-F, батарея емкостью 5200 мАч обеспечит два часа непрерывного мониторинга и записи 4K / 60p. Вы также можете подключить устройство к сети через прилагаемый адаптер.
Ninja V поставляется с операционной системой AtomOS, с которой легко разобраться. Пятидюймовый сенсорный экран очень отзывчивый, и на нем легко перемещаться по настройкам, среди которых много вариантов. Есть несколько очевидных значков, которые помогут вам получить нужные функции.
Одним из самых больших преимуществ являются формы волны, ложный цвет, вектороскоп, пиковая фокусировка, мгновенное масштабирование, а также простота использования собственной функции HDR Atomos, а также просмотр LUT. Вы можете загрузить до восьми таблиц LUT и при желании запечь их.
Вы также можете избавиться от всех пунктов меню, кроме тайм-кода и измерителей звука, во время съемки, чтобы сосредоточиться на композиции.
Ninja V также записывает звук, но не имеет входов XLR. Вы можете записывать звук через вход HDMI с камеры или через входное гнездо 3,5 мм. В то время как большинство беззеркальных камер выводят два канала звука через HDMI, Ninja V может записывать до восьми каналов звука.
Звук можно контролировать через разъем для наушников, что является плюсом, поскольку в некоторых беззеркальных камерах его нет, например в некоторых камерах Fujifilm.
Единственная проблема заключается в том, что вентилятор охлаждения Ninja V издает некоторый шум, так как в тихих комнатах нужно быть осторожным, чтобы не записывать его.
Get More From Your Mirrorless
The Atomos Ninja V is an essential add-on for owners of the latest generation of mirrorless cameras who want to get the best video their camera can manage. It opens up higher-quality formats, with more color data, and offers tools like waveforms that many stills-first cameras omit.
There are certainly some drawbacks in terms of convenience. For starters, you have to mount the Ninja and connect it via HDMI. I worked with it handheld quite a bit, and did have to take extra care when handling the camera, so keep that in mind.
If you’re committed to video work, however, the extra bulk and effort is worth it. It expands what you can do with many of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market today, and is capable enough to pair with some higher-end models as well.
Atomos Ninja V
4.0
See It
$399.00 at Amazon
MSRP $695.00
Pros
- Expands video capabilities of your camera.
- ProRes 4K recording.
- Bright 5-inch touch display.
- HDMI input and output.
- Offers LUT preview when recording.
View More
Cons
- Requires a little DIY effort to mount to your camera.
- Standard SSDs jut out from side.
- Battery and cables aren’t included.
The Bottom Line
The Atomos Ninja V is an add-on recorder for digital cameras that opens up more video features when recording to a memory card, so you can get the absolute best video quality.
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Bits and Sampling
Atomos recorders have always supported 10-bit color space. But how much of a difference is there between 8- and 10-bit color space? The answer to this riddle isn’t 2 bits but rather 64 times more color values. Here is the math behind the numbers: 8-bit color has 256³ values, which means more than 16 million colors; while 10-bit color has 1024³ values, or more than 1 billion colors. Higher color values result in smoother color gradients, and are especially noticeable in scenes with say a big blue sky. In 8-bit, the sky tends to suffer from color banding while the 10-bit gradient is much smoother.
So 10-bit recordings can be a big step up from the typical 8-bit internal recording, but one can’t make assumptions that using an external recorder will always result in a 64x color space improvement. And while we are at it, you also need to consider the level of chroma sampling.
It used to be that video cameras recorded internally with 8-bit color, but some could output 10-bit externally over HDMI or HD-SDI. In two of my own workflows with the Sony FS5 and Sony A7sii, figuring out color space and chroma sampling is challenging. The TL;DR on internal vs. external recording for these workflows is the advantage of the external output compared to the internal recording is that the 4:2:2 external chroma sampling has twice the chroma information as does the 4:2:0 internal sampling. Also, the external intraframe codec with a higher bitrate has less compression and intraframe blur compared to the internal group of pictures codec. Below is the more complicated explanation, if you want additional details.
The FS5 can record HD internally at 10-bit 4:2:2 in XAVC 50Mbps mode, but only 8-bit 4:2:0 for 4K UHD. In HD, the HDMI outputs only 8-bit 4:2:2, but the HD-SDI can output 10-bit 4:2:2. In 4K UHD, there is no 6G HD-SDI option, as the HD-SDI is limited to 3G HD-SDI, so you are limited to the HDMI 8-bit 4:2:2 output if you want an external UHD 4K signal. In HD you can output only from either the HDMI or SDI at the same time and in 4K if you record internally, you have to choose between viewing the signal on your camera LCD or from the HDMI output on an external monitor—but not both at the same time.
The a7sii is simpler to understand but equally frustrating. Everything is 8 bit. 4:2:0 internal recording or 4:2:2 external output from the micro-HDMI port. In 4K, your LCD doesn’t show the video if you connect an external HDMI monitor.
So what is my take away in these workflows? My FS5 can record and output 10-bit color, but only in HD. And ultimately, I may not see much of a difference using an external recorder in this workflow because both the internal and external recordings would benefit from 10-bit 4:2:2 color. The difference between internal and external recordings is greater with cameras that are limited to 8-bit 4:2:0 but can output 10-bit 4:2:2 signals.
Despite there not being as dramatic gap in what my cameras can record internally vs. what it can output externally, I would however benefit from intraframe compression and a higher bitrate ProRes or DNXHD recording on an external recorder. In 4K/UHD, the difference between the internal and external is that my recordings would be the same with 8-bit color spaces, but the external still comes out ahead with better chroma sampling and a higher-bitrate intraframe codec.
Atomos Ninja V: Verdict
Mirrorless cameras offer incredible video quality but by adding a monitor like the Atomos Ninja V, you turn them into far more usable video cameras. The larger screen is much easier to see, compose with and has tools to help you expose and focus correctly.
Recording to the monitor itself unlocks an improvement in the actual footage of your camera, either increasing the color information or allowing it to output Raw video files.
And for HDR, Log shooting or anamorphic, it offers far more control and accuracy than you could ever get out of the camera itself.
Of course, an external monitor increases the size and bulk of your camera, requires power to run and cables too. This also increases cost, in some cases quite significantly. But it’s a small price to pay for getting the ultimate video quality from the camera you already own.
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Monitor Specifications
The Ninja V (Figure 1, below) is a 1920×1080 HD monitor capable of 1,000 nits of brightness. This is bright enough to reproduce 10 stops of exposure latitude and for outdoor use. So while this is not a true HDR monitor and not as bright as the 3,000-nit Shogun 7, it is a marked improvement over using the LCD monitor on a video camera or DSLR or compared to the older Ninja Blade.
Figure 1. The Atomos Ninja V. Swipe to access additional monitoring tools, including the zoom and framing guides.
Do note that this is not a 4K monitor, although it does support displaying 4K resolution inputs in HD, either scaled to show the entire image or in 2:1 or 1:1 zooms to punch-in and check focus. As a monitor, the Ninja V is very similar to the Shinobi, but the Ninja V adds a built-in 4K recorder.