In April, Atomos announced the Ninja Phone, and it is now available for purchase along with its app.
The release was unusual because while the Ninja Phone was available in early July, the app was not yet accessible.
Features of the Ninja Phone
The Ninja Phone is a 10-bit video co-processor for smartphones and tablets, designed to enable professional HDMI camera recordings on these devices. It is specifically made for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, transforming them into professional monitor-recorders capable of capturing 10-bit ProRes or H.265 footage from any professional camera with an HDMI output.
Recording Limitations
The Ninja Phone supports input and recording of 1080p at 60 / 59.94 / 50 / 30 / 29.97 / 25 / 24 / 23.98fps and 720p at 60 / 59.94 / 50fps. However, it does not support 4K recording. The supported recording formats include ProRes HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes LT, ProRes Proxy, H.265 Main 10, H.265 8b, and H.264 8b.
Connection and Power
The encoded video is transferred via Ninja Phone’s USB-C output to the iPhone’s USB-C port, where the iPhone’s A17 chip decodes it to display on the screen. The device is powered by Atomos’ AtomIC 5 silicon, ensuring low power consumption and silent operation. It draws just 2.4W. Video recorded in ProRes can be stored on the phone and/or transcoded to 10-bit H.265 for workflows like cloud storage or live streaming via the iPhone’s 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Display Advantages
The iPhone’s display, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG support, 11 stops of dynamic range, and peak brightness of 1600 nits, provides a superior monitoring experience compared to most camera screens.
App Functionality
The Ninja Phone app, available on the App Store, controls both the Ninja Phone and the iPhone. It supports 9:16 portrait mode for social media creators and runs on iOS and iPadOS.
Design and Compatibility
Weighing 95g, and 335g when combined with an iPhone 15 Pro, the Ninja Phone includes a video co-processor and an iPhone case that securely mounts the device to the phone. The case also accommodates future iPhone models. An integrated USB-C hub allows for additional accessories like wireless microphones.
Powering Options
The Ninja Phone can be powered by standard NP series batteries, a battery eliminator, or a USB-C 5V/3A input, and it charges the iPhone during use.
Locking System
Atomos has developed a locking system for HDMI and USB-C cables to prevent accidental disconnections. Conventional cables can still be used, but an additional iPhone case is required to utilize the locking system fully.
Cloud Services Integration
The iPhone 15 Pro’s connectivity enables full use of Atomos’ Cloud Services (ACS), including Camera to Cloud workflows, remote live production, and cloud editing, allowing quick social media publishing and fast post-production workflows.
Price and Availability
The Ninja Phone is priced at $399 USD.
The Ninja Phone is a valuable addition for filmmakers, offering Atomos ProRes expertise, professional monitoring features, and mobile connectivity for remote editing. However, the inability to record 4K video and the direct recording to the phone’s storage might be drawbacks for some users.
Specifications and Thoughts
While the Ninja Phone offers a practical solution, its HD recording limitation might be a deal-breaker for some. The integration of a removable NVMe drive could have been a beneficial addition to avoid occupying the iPhone’s storage space. This device marks the first solution for recording ProRes on an iPhone from an HDMI camera, though similar interfaces have been available before.
About Atomos
Atomos is an Australian company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing video equipment, particularly known for its 4K and HD Apple ProRes monitor-recorders. Founded in 2010 by Jeromy Young, the company has made significant advancements in video production technology, including the introduction of ProRes RAW recording via HDMI, wireless timecode, and multi-camera setups.
News source: Atomos
