Ultra High Definition
Posted on Nov 30, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker
The latest Atomos Ninja not only unlocks the full resolution of your camera, but also opens the door to cloud-based workflows
Take the popular Atomos Ninja V+ monitor-recorder, overhaul its operating system, add new features and codecs and turn it into a gateway for easy camera-to-cloud workflows – these are the bones of the latest Ninja Ultra.
No wonder it’s the winner of the monitor/recorder category in the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards, as voted for by filmmakers globally.
The Ninja model has been a mainstay of indie production since its launch, seeing several upgrades. The latest Ultra model sets a new standard thanks to features like ARRI false colour and EL ZONE exposure system, plus new playback and recording tools. It’s also compatible with 8K ProRes RAW, ProRes, DNxHD and H.265.
The Ninja Ultra can be used on-camera as a conventional monitor/recorder, or with Atomos Connect to provide an efficient path to cloud workflows, allowing projects to be edited in the cloud and published to social media within minutes. The 4K camera-to-cloud mode allows recording and uploading of much higher-quality H.265 video with higher frame rates.
These files are around half the size of H.264 media, and the quality is plenty for immediate use on social media or for ENG.
Inside the Ninja Ultra is the latest AtomOS 11, which is faster than ever and packed with more features. It also includes dual recording, allowing simultaneous 4K/60p ProRes RAW and proxy recording for use offline or in the cloud.
With the Atomos Connect module, Remoteview enables you to share live views from the screen over the internet. The small module fits behind the Ninja Ultra, allowing SDI camera connections, SDI-to-HDMI conversion and access to Wi-Fi 6E and 1Gb Ethernet. It includes AirGlu wireless sync and supports the AtomRemote app, making it ideal for streaming, transferring and editing in the cloud. Wireless sharing to iPads, Macs and Apple TVs is also possible.
The bright five-inch HDR touchscreen works with a huge range of HDMI cameras – from mirrorless and DSLR to cinema models. It supports automatic filename and timecode matching and can trigger recording on most ARRI, Canon and RED cinema cameras, with support for more being added regularly.
Beyond cloud functionality, it’s the key accessory for filmmakers aiming for high-quality results. The screen offers a larger, brighter view as well as monitoring tools like waveform, false colour, time-lapse and anamorphic options.
Atomos tech makes it possible to record even higher-quality footage from many cameras. With RAW recording capability, the Ninja Ultra allows cameras to output over HDMI to record 8K/30p or 4K at 120fps for super slow-motion. It unlocks 10-bit performance from many HDMI cameras and extends recording times, too. In fact, The Creator used the Ninja to capture VFX-ready footage, demonstrating its value for even big-budget productions.
An external monitor is crucial for anyone looking to maximise their kit’s potential, ensuring perfect focus and exposure on every shot. If you’re planning a cloud-based workflow, it becomes indispensable. The Ninja Ultra is a must-have for creators sharing media, collaborating remotely or elevating production value in new ways.
