Atomos has introduced the Ninja Phone, a 10-bit video co-processor for smartphones and tablets. This device allows you to record from professional HDMI cameras, functioning like a Ninja for your phone.
The Ninja Phone is compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It enables these devices to act as professional monitor-recorders, capturing 10-bit ProRes or H.265 video from any professional camera with HDMI output.
The video can be recorded in several formats including ProRes HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes LT, ProRes Proxy, H.265 Main 10, H.265 8b, and H.264 8b.
The encoded video is transferred through the Ninja Phone’s USB-C output to the USB-C port of the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. The A17 chip in the iPhone processes the camera sensor image to show it on the iPhone’s display.
The Ninja Phone uses AtomIC 5, Atomos’s latest silicon technology, which supports quiet and low-energy operation. It encodes 10-bit ProRes and H.265 videos and connects via USB-C, consuming only 2.4W of power.
The encoded video is transferred through the Ninja Phone’s USB-C output to the USB-C port of the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. The A17 chip in the iPhone processes the camera sensor image to show it on the iPhone’s display. The Ninja Phone uses AtomIC 5, Atomos’s latest silicon technology, which supports quiet and low-energy operation. It encodes 10-bit ProRes and H.265 videos and connects via USB-C, consuming only 2.4W of power.
Atomos states that there is no delay in displaying the camera’s output on the iPhone screen. This is due to Atomos’ ProRes pipeline, which involves encoding on the Ninja Phone and decoding on the iPhone by Apple.
The video encoded in ProRes can be saved on the phone in a .mov format. Additionally, it can be converted by the iPhone into 10-bit H.265 at the same time for processes such as sending the video from the camera to the cloud or live streaming. This is made possible using the iPhone’s 5G and Wi-Fi 6E features.
iPhone displays are excellent and generally surpass the screens built into many cameras. The newest iPhone screens feature a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 and support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. They are capable of showing an impressive 11 stops of dynamic range and reach a peak brightness of 1600 nits. Therefore, using an iPhone as a monitor screen for your camera is a practical option in many cases.
The Ninja Phone iPhone app, available for download from the App Store, manages the functions of both the Ninja Phone and the iPhone.
For social media creators who film in 9:16 portrait mode, the Ninja Phone app can switch between horizontal and vertical video modes. This app will operate on iOS and iPadOS, and will be available for download when the product ships.
Atomos has created a secure locking system for HDMI and USB-C cables used with the Ninja Phone. These new cables lock tightly to prevent accidental disconnections. However, standard non-locking cables can still be used. One important note: Ninja Phone users must buy an extra case for the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to use the locking cable system effectively.
Price & Availability
The Ninja Phone is priced at USD/EUR 399 and will start shipping in June 2024. The cases will be sold separately for USD/EUR 59 each.
In summary, the Ninja Phone is a vital tool for any filmmaker. It merges Atomos’s established ProRes capabilities with a superior screen, reliable professional monitoring functions, and integrated mobile connectivity for collaborative, remote editing.
Specifications
What we think?
I think the Ninja Phone will be a hit with filmmakers who use their smartphones for serious video work. It makes iPhones even better for shooting high-quality videos. The price seems reasonable for what it offers.
The locking cables and extra case are smart ideas to keep everything secure. However, the limitation to 1080p might bother some users who want 4K. Overall, it’s a great tool for mobile filmmakers.
