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Atomos Shinobi II Monitor Launches

NEWS: 31st July 2024 Atomos Shinobi II Monitor Launches

Atomos has over a decade of experience developing some of the world’s most successful monitoring and recording tools for video productions. The original Atomos Shinobi monitor was a huge success, providing a range of versatile monitoring tools for stills and video creators while being accessibly priced and significantly better than most camera LCDs.

On 31st July 2024, the Atomos Shinobi II Monitor launches, and we explore whether the upgrades to brightness, portability, and new features for creators will increase the popularity of this screen. Discover more in our quick overview of what the all-new 5-inch HDR on-camera monitor brings for vloggers, photographers, and videographers.

How much is the Atomos Shinobi II Monitor?

The Atomos Shinobi II Monitor costs £354.00 in the UK and will be available in August 2024, following its end-of-July release. It arrives five years after the original Shinobi, which is widely regarded as one of the best on-camera monitors you can buy.

Key Atomos Shinobi II features

The first generation has proven extremely successful for Atomos, thanks to its large, clear screen and highly capable features. The second-generation Atomos Shinobi II arrives packed with upgrades, new features, while maintaining a lightweight design, all contributing to its excellent functionality. Key features include:

• 5-inch HDR monitor
• Maximum peak brightness of 1500nits
• 210g weight (without battery)
• Camera control via USB-C for Canon, Panasonic and Sony, with more to follow
• Z CAM camera control via optional USB-C to Serial cable
• Latest AtomOS 11 UX
• Powered by NP-F style batteries, or via USB-C PD (10W input)
• Charge/power the camera via USB-C PD (13W output)
• New locking cables for robust connectivity
• Analysis Mode with waveform, histogram and vectorscope shown simultaneously
• Frame Guides and 9 Grids for the perfect composition and framing for various channels
• Runs all day with a single battery charge

What is an on-camera monitor for?

An on-camera monitor benefits creators of any level by providing a large, bright screen for previewing and composing their shots. The Shinobi II’s 5-inch 1500nit screen outperforms most of today’s cameras and pro video cameras, making it an invaluable tool for photographers, vloggers and videographers.

Aside from providing a brighter and larger screen, the Shinobi II adds useful video tools such as:

1. HDR HLG and HDR PQ monitoring modes
2. LUT support
3. Numerous frame guides for different aspect ratios
4. Camera control for select brands, with more coming soon via firmware
5. Built-in exposure tools such as false colour, waveforms, zebras, and histogram

Where does the Shinobi II fit into the Atomos lineup?

Atomos makes a wide range of video recorders and on-camera monitors including devices such as the Shinobi II, which is a monitor-only capable of 4K DCI and 4K UHD at up to 30p, and 1080p HD signals at up to 60p via the HDMI 1.4 port.

Other devices from Atomos include the well-known Ninja HDR Monitor Recorder, which originally drove the company to popularity. This generation also features AtomOS 11,  but offers recording alongside monitoring, at up to 6K ProRes RAW, ProRes, DNxHD and H.265.

Atomos makes a whole range of recorders, but has also recently added a 10-bit Ninja Phone Video Co-Processor, enabling creators to convert their iPhone 15 Pro/Max into a Pro HDR monitor/recorder. This joins other video accessories such as the Zato Connect for live-streaming amongst other devices, which support content creation.

Which camera brands does Shinobi II support for camera control?

If you have a recent Canon, Panasonic, or Sony camera with USB-C connectivity, you can control the camera. Atomos promises that Fujifilm, Nikon, OM System, and SIGMA cameras will be supported in the future via firmware updates.

What power options does the 2nd-gen screen support?

You can power the Shinobi II with an NP-F battery, over mains with a battery eliminator with a DC barrel to D-Tap cable, or via USB-C PD (10W input). It will even charge your camera via USB-C PD (13W output).

Build and ergonomics

With the latest AtomOS 11, users gain clearer icons, excellent navigation, and quick operation. The tools are very accessible whether using HDR monitoring, exposure tools, custom LUTs, or any other features. The monitor is built to be just as robust as its predecessor, while being up to 50% brighter.

The Atomos Shinobi II is a worthwhile upgrade for creators, offering brighter viewing, more control, and enhanced features compared to the original. It’s a valuable addition to any toolkit, especially for those who need clearer visibility than what’s possible on the small LCDs supplied with many cameras, no matter how premium. Many pro video cameras don’t come with a monitor at all –leaving monitor choice to the user.

The ability to load LUTs for accurate previews, harness exposure control, and utilise multi-tool Analysis View or selfie Mirror Mode ensures that this will be another wildly popular on-camera monitor for vloggers, photographers, and video creators of all levels.

Reserve your Atomos Shinobi II 5-inch 1500nit HDR Monitor today and browse Park Cameras wide range of video recorders and monitors here.

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By Nick Dautlich on 31/07/2024