Atomos AtomX SDI Module for Ninja V Revealed

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by Olaf von VossApril 3^rd, 2019

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When Atomos released the Ninja V monitor/recorder, they also released a new expansion interface, called AtomX. With that universal port Atomos wants to expand the Ninjas feature set over time. First they announced a Sync module and a NDI module but, and this may come as a pleasant surprise, the first module you can actually purchase is this: An AtomX SDI module.

Atomos Ninja V with AtomX SDI module.

With this AtomX SDI module attached to the popular, yet HDMI 2.0 only, Ninja V monitor/recorder, you get pro level I/O for your precious Ninja. The two standard 75 Ohm BNC connectors are called A and B, not In and Out. And here’s why: You can configure them freely to fit your desired setup! Dual link SDI in? No problem. Two independent SDI inputs for easy A/B switching? Of course. One input and a loop output? Certainly.

Specifications and Video Formats

The AtomX SDI module supports the following video standards: up to 4K60p or up to 2K240p. The two independent 12G/6G/3G SDI inputs/outputs are very flexible but as a word of warning, here is one feature they can’t do (yet?): The Ninja V won’t cross-convert an incoming video stream over HDMI and output it via SDI. Turning it around, an SDI input can’t be routed to a HDMI output. It’s really a question of either SDI or HDMI. However, it is possible to output a (already recorded) video file over SDI and HDMI simultaneously.

Recording from cameras over single or dual link SDI uses your choice of standard Apple ProRes and Avid DNx file formats. Log, HLG and Rec.709 gammas are supported. There is also the option to ‘burn in’ a LUT to the recorded image for quick turnaround productions where there is little or no time for post processing.

Since the question will certainly arise, here is the quick answer: No, ProRes RAW is not (yet?) supported over SDI. The only cameras which currently do ProRes RAW (over HDMI) in conjunction with the Atomos Ninja V is the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7.

The AtomX SDI module is about the size of an NP style battery and fits snugly between the Ninja V and the actual NP battery. It will be available in May 2019 for $US199 / €199 plus taxes.

Other AtomX Modules

The other two already announced AtomX modules, Sync and NDI, are on their way, too but according to Atomos CEO Jeromy Young the SDI became a priority:

When we announced Sync and NDI, user feedback pushed us to make AtomX SDI a priority. So we’ve delivered it first, with NDI and Sync to follow shortly.

Read here for our coverage of the Sync and NDI modules.

Link: Atomos Website

What do you think? Is an SDI fueled Ninja V what you’ve waited for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!