The 4K era didn’t last very long. Like a pit stop on an interstate highway, camera makers practically breezed by ultra high def and moved quickly to 6K and ultimately 8K processors. Thankfully, Atomos’ new firmware update keeps the Ninja V and Ninja V+ external recorders competitive for the next few years, with the addition of Apple ProRes RAW and a few extra features.

While the 7” Ninja models have featured similar features for quite some time, Atomos has been working on a more compact form factor of the Ninja V, which is both smaller and lighter for more mobile applications. Filmmakers have been clamoring for Apple ProRes RAW to come to a pocket-sized external recorder, and Atomos has responded.

AtomOS 10.71 brings Apple ProRes RAW to Ninja V models, extending their competitive life and giving camera owners of the Sony FS, Canon R5, and Panasonic S1H more useful life in the creative space. On top of that, the update will bring AtomX Cast compatibility to the Ninja V+, making it a valuable tool for livestreaming and broadcast applications.

P-1Credit: Atomos

The updated Ninja V+ Pro now supports recording of ProRes RAW from the Sony FS5, FS5MKII, FS700, and FS700r at up to 2K 240fps, 4K 60fps, and 4K 120fps for 4s bursts. RAW output at 4K 60fps and 2K up to 240fps can also be added to the Sony FS7 or FS7MKII with the addition of the XDCA-FS7 module. Users of the Sony FS5 SDI model will require the optional RAW activation from Sony.

Meanwhile, users of the Canon EOS R5 who add the Ninja V external recorder can now capture recordings of up to 5K RAW with reframing and stabilization. And upgrading to the Ninja V+ will future-proof your R5 with both 8K RAW and reframing of 4K crops. A huge feature boost that squeezes every available pixel of resolution out of Canon’s flagship mirrorless line.

Lastly, the Panasonic S1H will enjoy an extended life thanks to the option of capturing at 5.9K 30fps, 4.1K 60fps, and 3.5K 50fps anamorphic. The LUMIX BS1H full-frame image sensor offers impressive cinematic bokeh, low-light performance, and a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops that the Ninja V platform can take full advantage of in V-Log. By uniting the LUMIX BS1H with the Ninja V/V+, filmmakers can be sure the image they see is the image they record.

P-2Credit: Atomos

Lastly, through Atomos' AtomX Cast module, filmmakers can expand their toolset to include streaming and broadcast applications. Users can “go live” with added new features including picture-in-picture overlays and recording, as well as black/white transitions. Other updates include support for interlaced inputs, an option for audio delay, and several key bug fixes.

Coupled with the Ninja V+, the palm-sized AtomX Cast module provides a mobile live video-switching capability, when a supporting broadcast camera truck is neither practical nor in the budget.

All told, the AtomOS 10.71 firmware update of the Ninja V and Ninja V+ extends the useful life of aging 4K Sony, Canon, and Panasonic platforms through the addition of Apple ProRes RAW and resolutions going all the way up to 8K RAW. Existing Ninja V and Ninja V+ users can update their firmware by going to the Atomos support page here.

And if you’ve been waiting to pick up a Ninja V+, right now is the ideal time thanks to Atomos' Level Up Promotion, which lowers the price of the 5” external monitor recorder to $999. A great Black Friday choice!

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Cinematography & Cameras