Atomos has unveiled a new device that turns a mobile phone into a powerful video recorder.
The Ninja Phone system combines Atomos processing with the Apple iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max to create an external monitor recorder that can provide 10-bit Apple Pro Res encoding from any professional HDMI camera connection.
The two-piece Ninja Phone system consists of the Atomos Ninja Phone Video Co-Processor and the mounted case. It is targeted toward social media users and is built around a sturdy mounting case and encoding module.
The case has multiple cold shoe mounts for the addition of accessories, and a standard battery to accept the Ninja Phone module.
Users also need to download the Atomos Ninja Phone app, which controls the camera and enables users to select between ProRes and H.265. The Ninja Phone module then takes any camera’s HDMI signal and encodes it into the selected video codec.
The ProRes-encoded video can be saved on the phone as a .mov file and/or transcoded by the iPhone to 10-bit H.265 for workflows like camera-to-cloud.
It is then sent to the iPhone via USB-C to display and record the camera file in real-time for upload or live streaming through the iPhone’s 5G or WiFi 6E connection.
Image Credit – Atomos
The Ninja Phone system is powered by standard NP batteries, a “battery eliminator,” or directly from a USB-C 5V/3A connection.
The module will also keep the iPhone charge topped off while in use, ensuring long phone operation throughout the shooting day. And all with a total weight of under 350 grams (.77 pounds) including the iPhone.
Image Credit – Atomos
Atomos CEO and Co-Founder Jeromy Young commented on the device, saying, “Thanks to the iPhone 15 Pro, this is the first time Ninja users will have access to an OLED monitor screen, which, at 1600 nits, is by far the highest resolution, most capable HDR monitor that’s ever been available to them. It’s the perfect partner for many of the new, smaller format mirrorless cameras coming out of Japan.”
With a 2,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio and support for Dolby Vision HDR10 and HLT, the iPhone’s OLED screen can display up to 11 stops of dynamic range with a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it ideal for shooting out in the wild without needing to carry an extra piece of kit.
Shooters can also choose between traditional horizontal widescreen or 9:16 vertical video for social media. The Ninja Phone can also work with iPadOS, for direct recording to an iPad Pro. There is also a secondary USB-C hub to add other accessories like a wireless microphone or other third-party accessories.
While a module that can turn a mobile phone into an external monitor is nothing new, Atomos takes the concept and turns it up into a professional-grade ProRes behemoth with all the tools needed to handle even the most demanding camera-to-cloud workflow.
Pricing and availability
The Ninja Phone is currently open for preorders. The module is priced at $399 and the Ninja Phone Case is priced at $59, which also includes a locking cable system for secure cable management of both USB-C and HDMI cables. Shipping is expected to commence in June of 2024.
[source: Atomos]
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