Atomos announces free update for Ninja V
Posted on Apr 23, 2020 by Pro Moviemaker
The free update enables the Ninja V to apply 5.9k Apple ProRes Raw recording for Panasonic Lumix S1h
Atomos and Panasonic have announced updates to the Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder and Panasonic Lumix S1H that together record 5.9K ProRes Raw files direct from the camera’s sensor.
CEO of Atomos, Jeremy Young said:
“We are excited about what the combination of the Ninja V and the Lumix S1H gives to our users. Providing the choice to record 10-bit ProRes video for fast turnaround projects, or stunning full-frame 5.9k 12-bit ProRes Raw for more creative flexibility. It becomes an extraordinary workhorse – especially for delivering the best HDR possible.”
12-bit Raw
The Ninja V captures 12-bit Raw files from the S1H over HDMI at up to 5.9k/29.97p in full-frame, or 4k/59.94p in Super35.
These unprocessed files are clean, preserving dynamic range and colour accuracy from the S1H. The resulting ProRes Raw files allow for variety in post-production, with enhanced skin tones and matched colours, ideal for both HDR and SDR (Rec.709) workflows.
Additional information will also allow other software to perform extensive parameter adjustments
Anamorphic Raw
It’s becoming more common than ever for cinematographers to choose to shoot with anamorphic lenses. The Ninja V and S1H combination caters for this with the 3.5k Super35 Anamorphic 4:3 Raw mode. Cinematic variety is widened, as the Ninja V and S1H can now be used as an A-camera or smaller B-camera on an anamorphic Raw production.
Advanced metadata
Each frame recorded in ProRes Raw has metadata supplied by the S1H. Apple’s Final Cut Pro X and other NLEs will automatically recognise ProRes Raw files as coming from the S1H and set them up for editing and display in either SDR or HDR projects automatically.
Additional information will also allow other software to perform extensive parameter adjustments.
Free updates
Ninja V and S1H owners will gain these new Raw features free of charge. The Ninja V will be able to update by downloading and installing AtomOS 10.5 from the Atomos website.
Panasonic will release a free firmware update on their Lumix Global Customer Support Website. Both updates will be available on 25 May 2020.
Mirrorless advantage
The combination of S1H and Ninja V has multiple advantages. Panasonic provides ergonomic mirrorless design, with a stabilised sensor with dual Native ISO technology, electronic viewfinder and multiple audio and lens options thanks to the L-mount. Combined with the Ninja V, the camera is suited to handheld, shoulder-mounted, gimbal, Steadicam, in-vehicle or underwater setups.
Ninja V advantage
The Ninja V allows users to accurately monitor the Raw signal on its daylight-viewable 5” 1000nit HDR screen.
Setup is simple when the camera is attached with tuned colour settings applied automatically. Users can then view the Raw image accurately in hDR in a choice of HLG and PQ (HDR10) formats. The Ninja V offers touchscreen access to tools like waveforms, 1-1 magnification and focus peaking.
The Ninja V then records the ProRes Raw data onto a removable AtomX SSDmini or other SSD drive. When shooting is complete the drive is removed and connected to a computer via USB for immediate offload and editing.
ProRes Raw for the new standard
In addition, Apple ProRes Raw files are smaller than other Raw files – simplifying file transfer, media management, and archiving.
Despite the higher 5.9k resolution, ProRes Raw files from the S1H can easily be edited on most modern Macs. ProRes Raw is supported in Final Cut Pro X along with a collection of other apps including assimilate scratch, Colourfront, FilmLight, Baselight, and Grass Valley Edius. Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer are also set to support ProRes Raw in 2020.
New short film “Blind Love” shot on S1H and Ninja V in 5.9K ProRes Raw
Polish director of photography Krzysztof Sieniawski – whose latest feature-length historical docudrama recently premiered on the History Channel and was made for just $120,000 – has shot a fast-moving drama to showcase the capabilities of the S1H and Ninja V. “Blind Love” was shot in just one day by his small team of indie filmmakers.
Filmed entirely in 5.9K ProRes RAW, using one camera in basic handheld and gimbal setups, it demonstrates the results that talented creators can deliver to screen without a Hollywood budget using this setup.
Sieniawski said:
“I loved working with the S1H and Ninja; it really suits our style of fast-paced filmmaking. But it was the image quality that blew me away. I was super impressed by the colors and the latitude the 5.9K ProRes RAW files gave me in post. The image is clean even when shooting at high ISO in RAW, unlike other systems I have tried. I’m looking forward to using it on a feature-length production in the near future.”
Blind Love
