Rig building guide
Camera monitors
External monitors offer several advantages over the built-in ones on cameras, even for models like the GH7. The biggest benefit is the freedom to place the monitor wherever you need it, improving your flexibility for dynamic shots. You can mount it on the camera, a handle, or even hand it to a crew member, making complex setups easier. Monitors are typically larger, brighter, and more color-accurate, crucial for outdoor shoots or situations where clarity is essential. An external monitor also helps extend camera battery life, as you can switch off the built-in screen, and it provides advanced features like focus peaking, false color, zebras, and histograms, making shot setup faster and more precise. While cheap monitors may seem appealing, they tend to drag down the overall quality of your setup, regardless of the camera. Investing in a high-end monitor ensures better image accuracy and longevity in your workflow, and it will remain useful even as you upgrade your camera gear. While a cheap monitor might work temporarily, it won't keep up as you advance. So it’s better to invest in a reliable one from the start to avoid limiting your creative and technical potential.
The Atomos Ninja V 5.2" is a compact, versatile external monitor and recorder, highly regarded among indie filmmakers for its balance of performance and portability. It offers a 5-inch display with 1000 nits brightness, making it suitable for outdoor shoots, and features 4K HDR recording up to 60p. The Ninja V supports Apple ProRes and DNxHR formats, ensuring high-quality footage for editing workflows. One of its standout features is its robust ProRes RAW support, allowing filmmakers to capture 12-bit RAW data from compatible cameras. This, combined with the Ninja V's ability to output 4K HDR, provides filmmakers with detailed, color-accurate monitoring on set, critical for ensuring exposure, focus, and framing are on point. It also doubles as an external recorder, lightening the load on internal camera storage and enabling longer recording times with no compromise on quality. While the Atomos Ninja V Ultra adds higher frame rates and better RAW flexibility, the Ninja V is more than capable for most small-to-mid-range productions. Its compact size, 5-inch form factor, and weight make it a go-to for run-and-gun setups, while its compatibility with a wide range of cameras (via HDMI) ensures it works across different systems without a hitch. In short, the Ninja V remains a top choice for filmmakers who need reliable performance, flexibility in recording formats, and a robust monitoring experience.
The Atomos Ninja V 5.2 Ultra builds on the original Ninja V with enhanced features, making it ideal for filmmakers seeking greater flexibility and advanced recording options. The Ultra model offers 10-bit 4K 120p and 8K 30p recording capabilities, a significant upgrade for capturing high-resolution, high-frame-rate footage. Like its predecessor, it supports Apple ProRes RAW and DNxHR, ensuring high-quality, editable video files but with more RAW flexibility and frame rates. In terms of monitoring, the Ultra maintains the same 1000-nit brightness and 5-inch screen, giving you great visibility in daylight conditions. What really sets the Ultra apart is its expanded codec support and faster frame rates, allowing for smoother slow-motion shots at 4K, which is a massive advantage for action-packed scenes or creative B-roll footage. Additionally, the Ultra is compatible with HDMI 2.0, offering faster data transfer and enhanced compatibility with newer camera systems. For filmmakers who need to push their footage quality further and want to future-proof their setups with 8K recording options, the Ninja V Ultra is a worthy upgrade. However, if you don’t specifically require 8K or 120p recording, the standard Ninja V might still be the better value.
The Atomos Shogun series is a step up from the Ninja V series, offering more advanced features that cater to filmmakers who need higher-end recording and monitoring tools. The Shogun provides a 7-inch HDR screen with 2000 nits of brightness, making it ideal for outdoor shoots where sunlight could otherwise be a problem. This higher brightness, compared to the Ninja V’s 1000 nits, offers better visibility in bright environments and a larger display, which can be a major plus for directors and cinematographers working in fast-paced settings. One key difference between the Shogun and Ninja V is the inclusion of 12G-SDI ports in the Shogun models. This opens up more advanced connection options, especially useful when working with professional-grade cinema cameras that often rely on SDI rather than HDMI. In terms of recording capabilities, both the Shogun and Ninja V support ProRes RAW and DNxHR, but the Shogun’s hardware allows it to handle 4K 120p and 8K recording, making it excellent for high-frame-rate projects and future-proofed for 8K workflows.
The Shogun Ultra takes these features even further, similar to the Ultra version of the Ninja, but with the added benefit of SDI, making it more versatile for those working in a professional production environment. The Shogun's HDR recording and monitoring features are also more advanced, offering 14+ stops of dynamic range, providing you with more flexibility in post-production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the Atomos Ninja V, Ninja V Ultra, and Shogun series, your decision should be based on your specific needs, the type of production, and the camera setup. The Ninja V is perfect for compact rigs, offering a 5-inch screen, which is ideal for run-and-gun filming or lighter rigs, especially with its 360g weight and 1000-nit brightness. The Ninja V Ultra adds advanced codec support and higher frame rates, making it suitable for more demanding shoots, while maintaining the same compact form factor. The Shogun series, on the other hand, steps up with its 7-inch display and 2000-nit brightness, offering better outdoor visibility and SDI connectivity for professional setups. However, its larger size (709g) and bulkier form factor may feel too heavy or oversized for smaller, lighter rigs unless mounted securely. The Shogun Ultra adds even more professional-grade features, such as 8K recording and further HDR capabilities, making it the go-to choice for larger productions that need full-featured monitoring solutions. For those looking for full versatility, the 5-inch monitors like the Ninja V and V Ultra may be a better choice to maintain balance and avoid weight issues, especially when moving fast on set. Additionally, remember that many retailers offer bundle deals for these monitors, which often include batteries, SSDs, and other accessories, giving you a complete setup at a better value. Always check for these when purchasing.
Accessories
When it comes to purchasing accessories for your Atomos monitor, it’s always best to go with the brand itself. Atomos offers a wide range of proprietary accessories that are specifically designed for their monitors, ensuring the highest level of compatibility and performance. This is especially important since there are many third-party options available, but most are not as thoroughly reviewed or tested. By sticking with Atomos products, you reduce the risk of encountering issues with fit, quality, or reliability. Before buying any accessories, it’s always a good idea to check if the product is available as part of a bundle deal, as these can save you time and money by including the necessary accessories upfront. If a bundle isn’t available, or doesn’t meet your needs, head directly to the Atomos site to search for the accessories you require. This guarantees that you’ll be getting accessories that have been thoroughly vetted for your specific monitor model.
Monitors
Batteries
While mounting a battery directly onto a monitor can sometimes make it feel unbalanced due to the added weight, having extra monitor batteries is still critical for uninterrupted shooting. Just like having spare camera batteries even when using a V-mount setup, keeping spare monitor batteries on hand ensures flexibility during long shoots. There are different sizes and capacities to choose from, with larger batteries offering more runtime but being bulkier, and smaller batteries providing lighter alternatives at the cost of shorter usage times. This allows filmmakers to balance weight and runtime based on their needs and preferences.
batteries
NP-F750 2-Pack
The Neewer NP-750 battery is a solid mid-tier option for powering monitors, offering a good balance between weight, price, and capacity. It weighs 0.54 kg and has a 5600mAh capacity, translating to 41.4Wh. Since most monitors won’t exceed 20W of power consumption, you can expect approximately 2 hours of continuous usage from a single fully charged battery, although this can vary depending on the monitor’s settings and additional accessories attached. The battery outputs 7.4V with a 2.1A current rating and accepts a 5V input. There are two versions available: a more budget-friendly option with a basic charger, and a slightly more expensive one that includes a more advanced charger, providing a bit more charging reliability for about $10 extra.
batteries
NP-F970 2-Pack
The NP-F970 battery offers a higher capacity of 7800mAh (56.16Wh) at 7.2V, making it ideal for power-hungry devices like the Atomos Ninja V. With this battery, you can expect nearly 3 hours of continuous operation on the Ninja V. Having two of these batteries will provide ample power for a day of filming. While Neewer offers a slightly cheaper alternative with a 6800mAh capacity, which sits between the NP-F970 and their NP-750, the NP-F970 would be a better investment if you need longer runtime without frequent swaps. Similarly, SmallRig offers an identical 7800mAh NP-F battery, so choosing between brands comes down to preference or existing setups. For those needing a bit more capacity than the NP-750 but not as much as the NP-F970, the 6800mAh version from Neewer provides a good middle ground for about $10 less, making it a good option for those looking to strike a balance between price and performance.
batteries
The NP-F970 battery with a battery check LED is a reliable and practical option for filmmakers or anyone using external monitors like the Atomos Ninja V. Its 7800mAh capacity gives you a runtime of around three hours on a monitor, providing a good balance between size and longevity. The battery check LED allows you to instantly see the charge level, which saves time on set, especially when managing multiple batteries and trying to avoid mix-ups between charged and depleted ones. Additionally, this battery offers built-in USB-C and USB-A ports, making it multifunctional—you can either charge the battery itself or power other devices like your smartphone or camera accessories, which can be helpful when you’re in a pinch and forgot to bring a dedicated portable charger. However, a downside is that it does not come with a dedicated charger, so you may need to invest in a separate charging solution if you don't have one already. Overall, this battery is a well-rounded option with extra features that provide flexibility and convenience for busy shoots.
Conclusion
When choosing a battery for your monitor, it boils down to one key question: do you prioritize weight or capacity? If you value portability and a lighter setup, go for smaller capacity batteries, which will still give you around two hours of continuous use each. If you're looking for extended monitor runtime and are fine with a bit of extra weight, then opt for larger capacity batteries, which will stretch your shoot time significantly. For those wanting a middle ground, purchasing four smaller batteries provides a good balance, allowing you to swap them out without adding too much bulk at once. Alternatively, if you want to streamline your rig and reduce the hassle of managing multiple batteries, you can connect everything to a V-mount battery and skip monitor-specific batteries altogether. This way, your entire setup runs off one power source, simplifying the workflow.
Monitors
Mounts
Most monitors come with a basic mount, but these are often limited in terms of durability, stability, and practical use. While Atomos excels in creating high-quality monitors and accessories specifically tailored for their products, monitor mounts are a different story. A mount is essentially a universal accessory, and third-party brands like SmallRig often excel in this category. SmallRig has a reputation for creating durable, well-built mounts that are versatile, with more customizable options that offer better support and functionality for various rigs. This makes third-party mounts a great upgrade for those seeking a more secure, adaptable solution that can handle the weight and position of their monitor better than the stock options provided by the monitor manufacturers.
Mounts
The SmallRig 2905B monitor mount is a budget-friendly option, designed with a cold shoe base for easy installation and fast mounting. It features a single Arri locating pin, which prevents the monitor from twisting during use, adding a layer of security for your equipment. However, the cold shoe base is not the most reliable option for extended or heavy-duty filmmaking, especially with heavier monitors or intense movements during shoots. It's suitable for smaller projects but may need to be replaced with a sturdier option for larger productions. For increased stability, investing in a more robust mount can prevent wear over time. Regarding load capacities: 90° load capacity: supports up to 4.2kg 45° tilt load capacity: holds up to 2.5kg 30° tilt load capacity: can handle 2.3kg These capacities are consistent across other SmallRig monitor mounts, giving you versatility depending on the angle and the monitor's weight.
Mounts
The SmallRig 2903B monitor mount is almost identical to the 2905B, with the key difference being its connection method. It uses a 3/8" screw with two locating pins, which ensures a stronger and more durable mount compared to the cold shoe variant. This configuration is ideal for larger, heavier setups or more rigorous filming conditions, as it provides a more secure and stable attachment. The downside is that unmounting requires unscrewing, making it less convenient for fast setups or quick relocations. For this reason, many users will leave the mount in place once attached to minimize wear on the threads and to save time on set. In terms of weight capacity, like other SmallRig mounts: 90° load capacity: up to 4.2kg 45° tilt load capacity: up to 2.5kg 30° tilt load capacity: up to 2.3kg Overall, it's a great option for users who prioritize long-term durability and stability, especially for medium to large setups where secure mounting is essential.
Mounts
The SmallRig 2906B monitor mount features a quick-release NATO clamp, which offers a middle ground between the ease of use found in cold shoe mounts and the secure strength provided by screw mounts. This NATO-based system still provides sufficient durability and ensures quick installation and removal. It's faster to work with compared to a screw mount but more secure than a cold shoe mount, making it a great balance between speed and strength. It shares the same load capacities: 90° load capacity: up to 4.2kg 45° tilt load capacity: up to 2.5kg 30° tilt load capacity: up to 2.3kg This balance makes the SmallRig 2906B ideal for filmmakers who want faster setup times without compromising on stability and security. Note that it does not come with a NATO rail, which will need to be purchased separately for proper use.