This is exciting news for any slightly more professional shoots who are either using multiple cameras and/or an external audio recorder, as Atomos is partnering with TCS to use their :blink network with their AtomX Sync module.

https://www.timecodesystems.com/products-home/blink/

Now all your stills cameras (such as the Nikon Z6) that are recording 10bit externally will have flawlessly done timecode (without needing to do any Aux LTC to TC conversion in post).

I'm personally especially happy about this news, because Timecode Systems is one of the two brands I'm invested in! Thus the Atomos Ninja V will be compatible with my existing kit.

Levels issues

Our interview

Atomos Ninja V offers 4k 10-bit 422 HDR recording with the Panasonic LUMIX S1

Atomos is delighted to announce that as soon as it ships, the new Panasonic LUMIX S1 full-frame mirrorless camera will immediately be able to record 4k (3840×2160) 10-bit 422 HDR footage to the Atomos Ninja V and Inferno monitor/recorders. Recording over HDMI to one of these Atomos recorders will allow recording direct to Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs at up to 4kp30 in the HLG HDR format. HDR metadata passed over HDMI from the Panasonic LUMIX S1 to the Ninja V or Inferno allows the HLG signal to be correctly displayed, giving the users an instant and accurate HDR image they can expose and trust. The metadata triggers auto-setup of the Atomos recorders, and the same data is written into the ProRes or DNx file for instant playout to compatible HDR televisions and monitors, or upload to YouTube.

Panasonic will also add 10-bit 422 HDMI output in V-Log gamma via a paid firmware update to the camera in the future. This version of the gamma curve will be the full V-Log, rather than the V-Log L variant found on the GH5 and GH5S. Atomos will record this and are working with Panasonic to fully support the additional options that the upcoming firmware will bring. L-rumors.com

The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is the latest in a growing number of large sensor mirrorless cameras to support 4k 10-bit 422 recording via HDMI. The increased image quality brings greater flexibility in post-production for better HDR or SDR images. Stepping up to 10-bit offers greater accuracy with billions of color combinations. This is massively beneficial when utilising computer processing for finishing. Typically, users will see smoother color gradients, eliminating the commonly seen banding in areas with gradual tone change such as blue skies. Recording to an Atomos recorder perfectly preserves this information in the ultimate way possible, combining Panasonic and Atomos technology.

The Panasonic LUMIX S1 has an ergonomic body design that is perfectly partnered with the 5” Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor/recorder. The Ninja V weighs 360g and sits perfectly on top of the camera. When the two are used together they balance well in the hand, forming an easy to operate camera setup that rivals some traditional cinema cameras.

High bright 1000nit or 1500nit monitoring

Seeing the built-in screen of all mirrorless cameras is difficult in bright conditions. The Ninja V screen has 1000nit of brightness when in SDR mode, allowing it to be used effectively, even when outside. The Ninja Inferno and Shogun Inferno each offer an incredible 1500nit brightness and are well suited to productions where a larger 7” screen is required.

Why external recording makes sense

External recording via HDMI from mirrorless cameras is perfect for users wanting to get the best possible image quality from cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX S1. Until this year users needed to invest in a high-end cinema camera costing ten of thousands of dollars to get a larger than Super35 sized sensor that offered 4K 10-bit 422 recording. Now, with the advent of cameras like the LUMIX S1 combined with the Ninja V, users can have access to just that but at amazing price points – in this case less than $2500 US MSRP for the LUMIX S1 body and $695 MSRP for the Ninja V.

In addition, by moving recording to an external Atomos recorder like the Ninja V, mirrorless cameras are freed of many of their key video limitations. Record time limits are lifted and easy-to-edit Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs recorded, instead of harder to edit H.264 or H.265. When recording video with the Panasonic LUMIX S1 and Ninja V you can shoot to the new generation of Atomos AtomX SSDmini drives or Atomos Master Caddy II drives. These are developed with leading brands and offer high speed and high reliability in a compact metal chassis at a highly affordable cost per GB.

The Atomos Ninja V, Ninja Inferno and Shogun Inferno are available now from all Atomos approved resellers.

AtomX SDI Module

• Adds Two 12G-SDI Ports to Ninja V
• SDI Ports Are User Configurable
• Supports 4K60p and 2K240p
• Numerous Playback Options, Including HDR
• Provides Power Passthrough
• $199, really overpriced, a lot

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1471487-REG/atomos_atomxsdi01_atomx_sdi_module_for.html

This makes the FS700 even more appealing with a cheap and compact SDI recorder!

Just wish this SDI module had the features of the AtomX Sync in it as well! Would fix the biggest problem of the FS700: no timecode!

So, really. Do you get a visible benefit from external recording?

The theory: An external recorder allows one to record at higher bitrates and with better color - usually 422 sampling at 10bits versus 420 sampling at 8 bits. But can you actually see any difference?

The Sony RX0 ii outputs 4K 422 10bit video from its HDM port (according to Atomos). And you can simultaneously record to the sd card and externally - with the Ninja V you just use the record button on the camera and you get two recordings.

The internal codec is XAVC S, 100 Mbps, 420 8bit. The recorder uses ProRes at 422 10bit 850 Mbps!

I shot using Slog2, so all the footage is graded - which is what the high-bitrate, high-bit codec is good for. And yes, some scenes stress the codec: lots of detail, moving tree leaves, joggers.

In the video you see the internal followed by the external version for each scene. Clearly labeled.

Can anyone tell me if I get 10bit 422 1080 50p on Ninja V from GH4 and from Z6 ???? 4k 50p I think non of this camera but 1080 green screen for slow mo?

Thanks @davedv Looks like like you have same experience.

Would you know which one would be better in 1080 50p for slower mo green screen on Ninja V?. Them both have mach better 4k but I need 50p and looking for most affordable solution. Have both cameras so its probably good time to gat Ninja as it was the plan when I got Z6 instead of GH5. If I order now will not have time for tests to comper so I need to trast internet :)