Ninja Blade, the new Atomos recorder

A few days ago Atomos, manufacturer of the popular Ninja and Samurai, began distribution of its new engraver Ninja Bladerecorder, aimed primarily at DSLR camera users.

Atomos recorders are capable of capturing 10-bit images directly from the camera sensor to SSD or HDD disks, in many cases being able to increase the quality that would be obtained if internal recording were used.

In the case of the Ninja Blade, the HDMI connection is used to record ProRes or DNxHD files. This type of encoding does not use Long-GOP, unlike the H.264 used in cameras such as the Canon 5D(Need a refresher on codecs?), so it facilitates editing processes in systems such as Media Composer or Final Cut Pro.

One of the issues that users disliked the least when the first Ninja was launched in 2011 was that the quality of the integrated screen did not allow it to be used as an external monitor. The company has been gradually improving its qualities until reaching the current moment, in which the Ninja Blade has a SuperAtom IPS touch screen, with a 1280×720 resolution, 325ppi, 179-degree view, 400 nit brightness and multi-frequency (48/50/60) depending on the video input.

It is calibrated to the SMPTE Rec 709 color space with a D65 white point and integrates an on-the-fly calibration system.

This display can not only be used as a monitor, but also allows file playback and features analysis and help tools, such as a waveform, vectorscope, three-level focus peaking, zebra, false color and blue-only.

The recorder is lighter than its predecessors and comes with a battery mounting system that allows accessories to be attached to them, as well as Atomos’ “Continuous Power”, so you don’t have to switch off during battery changes.

Another advantage of the new Ninja Blade is that it comes to the market for half the expected price, with a cost of 749€ (995$).

In this link you can see a complete list of supported cameras, ranging from the Canon EOS line, GoPro, Nikon D4, Sony F5 to, if necessary, Arri Alexa.

In addition, here you can access a Samurai Blade and Ninja Blade simulator.