Atomos has announced the latest addition to its Shinobi range. The Atomos Shinobi 7 II is a 7-inch HDR monitor with 2,800 nits of brightness, making it the brightest Shinobi yet.
HDR display
The Shinobi 7 II keeps things small. It measures 7.4 x 4.7 x 0.9 inches (188 x 120 x 23mm) and weighs 14.1 ounces (401 g) without a battery. Atomos says that’s 40% smaller than the first-generation Shinobi 7.
The display didn’t shrink with it. You still get a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 HDR panel rated at 2,800 nits, which should stay readable in direct sunlight. It also covers more than 10 stops of dynamic range, with support for Rec. 709, PQ and HLG monitoring for HDR and Log workflows.
Resolutions and frame rates
The monitor handles 4K DCI and 4K UHD up to 60 fps. Drop to 1080p HD, and it accepts up to 120 fps. It also supports 2K DCI at 2048 x 1080. Legacy formats are covered too, including 1080i at 50i or 60i alongside 720p at 50p or 60p.
Monitoring tools
For focus, you get peaking along with zoom. Exposure tools include zebras plus EL Zone false color, backed by waveforms, an RGB parade and a vectorscope. Frame guides, SMPTE safe areas and grid markers handle composition.
An SD card slot lets you load your own LUTs. Anamorphic de-squeeze options round out the set for anamorphic shooters.
Inputs and outputs
Video comes in over HDMI 2.0, with a matching HDMI 2.0 output for pass-through. There’s one USB-C input along with two USB-C outputs.
That USB-C connection does double duty. It carries camera control on compatible bodies and supports 36W PD to power the monitor or your camera. You can also run it from an NP-F battery using the built-in plate, or from DC power.
Rounding out the ports are LANC remote, Ethernet and a 3.5 mm jack for audio line in and headphone out.
Camera control
Atomos says the Shinobi 7 II can control most Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic and Sony mirrorless cameras over USB-C. Z CAM E2 series models are supported as well, though those require a LANC cable sold separately.
On-screen sliders adjust white balance, aperture, shutter speed or angle and ISO. A red edge display shows when the camera is rolling, which is easier to catch than a small tally light. Touch-to-focus and focus tracking are also on board.
Color calibration
The Shinobi 7 II calibrates on-device using compatible probes, sold separately. No computer needed, which keeps the monitor accurate without pulling it off set.
What we think
The screen on most mirrorless cameras is too small for critical focus. It’s also hard to see outdoors and rarely offers false color or waveforms. A 7-inch panel solves all three problems at once.
Brightness is where this one earns its keep. At 2,800 nits, you can judge exposure on a sunny day without a hood. Camera control is a bonus, letting you adjust settings without reaching around to the body, which helps on a gimbal or in a cage.
The Shinobi line doesn’t record, so if you need ProRes or a backup file, look at the Ninja instead. For monitoring alone, this is a strong pick at the price.
Pricing and availability
Atomos says the Atomos Shinobi 7 II arrives this month at $499.
