Atomos and Panasonic have announced updates to the Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder and Panasonic LUMIX S1H enabling the ability to record 5.9K Apple ProRes RAW files direct from the S1H’s sensor to the Ninja V.
You can read more about the May 25, 2020 firmware ver. 2.0 update for the Panasonic Lumix S1H in our blog post here.
Atomos Ninja V firmware update ver. 10.5 Features – From Atomos News Release
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.” – Jeromy Young, CEO of Atomos
12-bit RAW
The Ninja V captures highly detailed 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 extremely clean, preserving the maximum dynamic range, color accuracy and every detail from the S1H. The resulting ProRes RAW files allow for greater creativity in post production with perfect skin tones and easily matched colors, ideal for both HDR and SDR (Rec.709) workflows.
Anamorphic RAW
More and more cinematographers are now choosing to shoot with anamorphic lenses and the Ninja V and S1H combination caters to them with the new 3.5K Super 35mm Anamorphic 4:3 RAW mode. An even bigger world of cinematic opportunities opens up 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
Mirrorless advantage
The combination of S1H and Ninja V has unique advantages that other systems cannot match. Panasonic’s years of experience in mirrorless camera design give the camera a state-of-the-art image stabilised sensor with dual Native ISO technology, superior ergonomics, electronic viewfinder, good battery life, audio options and multiple lens options thanks to the versatile L-mount. Combined with the Ninja V, the camera is perfectly suited to handheld, shoulder-mounted, gimbal, Steadicam, in-vehicle or even underwater setups.
Ninja V advantage
The Ninja V allows users to accurately monitor the RAW signal on its daylight-viewable 5” 1000nit brightness HDR screen. Setup is simple when the camera is attached with perfectly tuned color 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, allowing them to perfect their RAW video. 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 the new standard
In addition to their groundbreaking combination of flexibility and performance, Apple ProRes RAW files are smaller than other RAW files – simplifying and accelerating file transfer, media management, and archiving. Even with the new higher 5.9K resolution, ProRes RAW files from the S1H can easily be edited on most modern Macs. ProRes RAW is fully supported in Final Cut Pro X along with a collection of other apps including ASSIMILATE SCRATCH, Colorfront, 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
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.” – Krzysztof Sieniawski
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 amazing results that talented creators can deliver to screen without a Hollywood budget using this setup.
The firmware update will be available on Atomos Support website starting on May 25, 2020.
Atomos Ninja V 5″ HDR Monitor – 4K60P ProRes Recorder – Vistek Canada
Record up to 4Kp60 10-bit HDR video direct from your camera’s sensor, over HDMI 2.0. Store edit-ready ProRes or DNxHR on affordable SSD drives and bypass your camera’s internal compression and record time limits. A tiny 1TB AtomX SSDmini will give you 2.5 hrs of 4K recording.