Introduction
Atomos has officially released the Ninja Phone, a highly anticipated device announced back in April. Now available along with its app, the Ninja Phone serves as a 10-bit video co-processor for smartphones and tablets, allowing users to record high-quality video directly from professional HDMI cameras.
Initially, the Ninja Phone was available for purchase in early July, but the app was not yet released.
Key Features
Professional Monitor-Recorder
The Ninja Phone is designed specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, transforming these devices into professional monitor-recorders. It enables the capture of 10-bit ProRes or H.265 video from any professional camera with an HDMI output.
Video Recording Capabilities
The device supports video input and recording at the following resolutions and frame rates:
- 1080p: 60 / 59.94 / 50 / 30 / 29.97 / 25 / 24 / 23.98 fps
- 720p: 60 / 59.94 / 50 fps
However, it does not support 4K input or recording. The recorded video can be stored in formats such as ProRes HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes LT, ProRes Proxy, H.265 Main 10, H.265 8b, and H.264 8b.
Connectivity and Power
The encoded video is sent from the Ninja Phone’s USB-C output to the iPhone’s USB-C port. The iPhone’s A17 system-on-a-chip decodes the camera sensor image for display on the iPhone screen.
The Ninja Phone is powered by AtomIC 5 silicon, allowing low power consumption (2.4W) and silent operation while encoding 10-bit ProRes and H.265. It supports power from standard NP series batteries, a battery eliminator, or a USB-C 5V/3A input and charges the iPhone while in use.
Zero Latency Display
According to Atomos, the camera’s output appears on the iPhone screen with zero latency, thanks to Atomos’ ProRes pipeline. This involves encoding on the Ninja Phone and decoding via Apple’s iPhone.
Advanced Display Capabilities
The iPhone 15 Pro’s display offers superior quality, with a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, and the ability to display 11 stops of dynamic range with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. This makes the iPhone an excellent choice for use as a monitoring screen.
The impressive display capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max make them ideal for use as a monitoring screen on set. The high contrast ratio, support for advanced HDR formats, and bright, detailed display ensure that filmmakers can see their footage with exceptional clarity.
App and Software Integration
The Ninja Phone app, available for download from the App Store, controls both the Ninja Phone and the iPhone. It supports 9:16 portrait mode for social media creators and adjusts seamlessly between horizontal and vertical video modes. The app is compatible with both iOS and iPadOS, making it versatile and easy to use.
Versatile Connectivity
The Ninja Phone accommodates external iPhone accessories via a separate USB-C hub. This allows for the integration of professional add-ons like wireless USB-C microphones, ensuring perfectly synchronized video and audio. The Ninja Phone supports third-party accessories, with more being added over time.
Robust and Reliable Design
The Ninja Phone features a locking ecosystem for HDMI and USB-C cables, using new Atomos cables that lock firmly into place to prevent disconnection.
Users can also use conventional, non-locking cables if preferred. Initially, an additional case was required to use the locking cable system, but Atomos has since eliminated this requirement.
Cloud Services and Remote Editing
The iPhone 15 Pro’s connectivity allows Ninja Phone users to fully utilize Atomos’ Cloud Services (ACS), which include Camera to Cloud workflows, remote live production, and cloud editing.
These services enable content creators to publish videos to social media within minutes and allow filmmakers to send footage to their post-production teams quickly.
Specifications
Price and Availability
The Atomos Ninja Phone is priced at $399 USD and is available for purchase through various retailers.
Conclusion
The Atomos Ninja Phone is an essential addition to any filmmaker’s toolkit. Combining Atomos’ expertise in ProRes encoding with the advanced display capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro, it offers professional monitoring features and built-in mobile connectivity for collaborative, remote editing. With its robust design, versatile connectivity, and seamless integration with iPhone, the Ninja Phone is poised to become a valuable asset for both amateur and professional filmmakers.
