Atomos launches new Shinobi II monitor

Atomos has launched a new lightweight HDR monitor, the Atomos Shinobi II. It’s the second generation of Atomos’ first monitor-only device, the Shinobi, which was launched back in 2019.

High brightness

The Atomos Shinobi II is a high-brightness monitor with a five-inch 1500 nit panel which is 50% brighter than the original Shinobi. This means it should be easy to see the display, even outdoors on a sunny day. It’s also an HDR monitor, supporting 10-bit HDR video content with zero latency, according to Atomos.  

Compact design

Following the redesign, the body of the Shinobi II monitor is around 30% thinner than its predecessor. It’s also very lightweight at only 7.4 ounces (210 g). Despite its small size, Atomos has still managed to include its innovative locking cable connectors for HDMI and USB ports. This ensures you don’t have to worry about a cable coming loose on a shoot. In addition, you can power your camera from the Shinobi II with PD in and out.

Atomos Shinobi II back view
Image courtesy: Atomos

Additionally, the Shinobi II can control many of the functions of a wide range of popular cameras. At launch, you can control most Canon, Panasonic and Sony mirrorless cameras with the monitor over USB-C. You can also control Z CAM E2 models through a separate serial cable. In addition, Atomos says that it plans to add support for Fujifilm, Nikon, OM System and SIGMA cameras with future firmware updates.

Exposure settings

The Shinobi II offers simple slider controls to adjust your camera’s aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You can also change the white balance in the same way. In addition, the monitor has an arsenal of tools to ensure your video is correctly exposed and in focus. These include histogram, waveform, false color, zebra, focus peaking and zoom. You can trigger your camera to record via the Screen of the Shinobi II as well. When the camera is recording, the monitor screen has a red edge display so you can be confident that you aren’t going to miss a shot.

Atomos Shinobi II
Image courtesy: Atomos

User requests

“The most common requests from Shinobi users have been for camera control and a brighter HDR screen,” commented Atomos CEO Jeromy Young. “Camera control required a USB-C port for the widest possible camera compatibility and a new, brighter screen required a redesign. So, Shinobi II has been rebuilt from the ground up for modern mirrorless/DSLR cameras and HDR or SDR video workflows, as well as amazing HDR photo shooting.”

What we think

Although Atomos is more well-known for its monitor-recorders, the original Shinobi sold more than 100,000 units worldwide. The company has clearly built on the success of that model with the design of the Shinobi II. It’s also good to know that the company has listened to the feature requests from its users. Camera control makes rigging out your camera so much easier. In addition, the Shinobi II is a great way to add advanced exposure tools, such as false color, to your camera. If you are looking for a new external monitor, the Atomos Shinobi II should be at the top of your shortlist.

Pricing and availability

The Atomos Shinobi II monitor is available now. It retails at $349.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

Related Content