Atomos has announced the Ninja TX, a 5″ monitor recorder that features SDI/HDMI, CFexpress, and integrated cloud features.
The Ninja TX features both 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs, along with integrated Wi-Fi and AirGlu timecode technology. It introduces a brand-new industrial design that is claimed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce weight.
Key features
- Encode to Apple ProRes/RAW, Avid DNx or H.265/H.264
- Record up to 8Kp30 RAW
- Capture to CFexpress* Type B or USB-C* storage
- Super-bright, 1500nit 5-inch touchscreen display
- HDMI 2.0, 12G-SDI input and output & Wi-Fi 6E
- Includes NDI 6 / HX3 TX/RX streaming
- AtomOS Linux-based operating system
- Direct upload to ATOMOSphere, Frame.io**, Dropbox** and more
- Timecode sync over RF or Bluetooth
- Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
- Powered by USB-C, NP-F battery or AC adaptor
(* Storage media not included. **Separate purchase or subscription may be required.)
The Ninja TX adds support for ultra-fast CFexpress Type B media and recording to USB-C external drives. Along with these additions, there is a brand new AtomOS Linux-based operating system that is claimed to provide faster performance, over-the-air updates, and a streamlined user experience.
With the addition of high-performance CFexpress media, users can capture RAW video straight to a card, while the high-speed USB-C adds the flexibility to record directly to external storage. Its dual USB-C ports allow simultaneous connection of external drives, accessories, or calibration devices, while 12G-SDI and HDMI connectivity ensures compatibility with virtually any camera or workflow.
You can attach an external USB-C drive or a calibration device (eg Calibrite). Over time, Atomos expects to support other devices too, for example, audio, and possibly networking.
The new Ninja TX’s 5-inch 1500 nit screen is 50% brighter than other Ninjas, and it has monitoring assist features including EL ZONE false color, focus peaking, waveform, RGB parade, vectorscope, etc.
Unlike other Ninja models, the Ninja TX comes with all major codecs pre-activated. Out of the box, the Ninja TX supports Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, Avid DNx, and H.265/H.264. It can handle a wide range of resolutions and frame rates too, depending on the output of the camera: up to 120fps at HD resolution, up to 60fps at 4K UHD/DCI and up to 30fps at 8K UHD/DCI resolution.
Ninja TX features integrated Wi-Fi and AirGlu; and it ships ready for cloud workflows, including 20GB of free ATOMOSphere storage. Users can upload footage directly to Frame.io, Dropbox, or other camera-to-cloud services, or stream via NDI 6/HX3, enabling real-time collaboration and faster delivery from anywhere.
Camera to Cloud
Camera to Cloud (C2C) is a workflow that allows you to upload your video files directly from your Atomos monitor-recorder to the cloud, right from wherever you’re shooting. There’s no time lost transporting and copying drives. Ninja TX has everything you need to do C2C built in. Atomos supports direct progressive upload to our own cloud platform – ATOMOSphere – as well as Adobe Frame.io and Dropbox.
NDI 6 HX3 over Wi-Fi
NDI is a way to send and receive video over ordinary networks (including Wi-Fi and mobile) in high quality, but with remarkably low bandwidth requirements. It’s increasingly used in live production and events. Ninja TX can be fully integrated into an NDI environment, either as an NDI source, visible to all other authorized devices on the network, or as an NDI receiver, with all the professional monitoring functionality you expect from an Atomos field monitor.
Timecode
Ninja TX includes AirGlu timecode sync over RF or Bluetooth to act as a timecode hub.
Like previous Ninja models, you can power it from an NP-F battery, Lockable AC Battery Eliminator, or through USB-C.
Atomos has developed a rugged locking system to maintain a secure grip on connected HDMI and USB-C cables, and Ninja TX is supplied with special brackets to facilitate this. There is a USB-C locking cable included (HDMI locking cables can be purchased separately).
Above you can see how it compares to the existing Ninja Ultra.
Pricing & Availability
The Ninja TX will ship at the end of August for $999 USD / EUR €999 / GBP £835 / AUD $1625 (excluding local sales taxes/VAT).
Above, you can see what is included in the optional 5-inch Ceator Kit and Universal Power Kit.
Specifications
Thoughts
It is good to see Atomos announce a new product, and the implementation of CFexpress Type B recording is a nice feature. With so many cameras now able to record high-quality codecs internally, the need for external recorders is not as great as it once was. However, the ability to capture a backup recording to a CFexpress Type B card or an attached USB-C device will appeal to some users. As Atomos is now selling its own Atomos TX 4K/HD Wireless Video Transmitter & Receiver Set, it would have arguably been good to see integrated support for turning the Ninja TX into a wireless video transmitter.
The Ninja TX is bound to face stiff competition from products like the new Accsoon CineView M7 & M7 Pro Monitors.
