Nikon D800 Clean HDMI Out to the Atomos Ninja 2 Video Recorder / Field Monitor
A special thank you goes out to Guy Cochran and the entire team over at the dveStore for making this video happen and for all of their support since the inception of OTech as a blog.
When recording videos to your camera, the information that the sensor is capturing, no matter how amazing of a sensor it is, will always be restricted to the media you’re recording to. In other words, there is a level of compression that occurs when you record to a CF or SD card. A video recorder like the Atomos, on the other hand, gives you the ability to record the uncompressed HDMI video feed onto a hard disk in a ProRes format. The question is, does your camera give you an HDMI out option?
Canon DSLR’s have handicapped the ability for users to record directly from the camera’s sensor. Canon’s higher end cameras have this capability, however in efforts not to cannibalise on their high end products, they’ve not implemented clean uncompressed HDMI out from their prosumer end DSLRs. Nikon and Sony have stepped up to the plate and now provide their customers with DSLR cameras that have the ability to output uncompressed footage directly from the camera’s sensor. This is huge for some shooters who have been looking to record at a higher bit rate.
Cameras that record video in mov, mp4, and mts files, for example, give you a compressed version of what the camera’s sensor originally captured. The Atomos Ninja allows you to bypass those compressions and retain the most information in a ProRes format.
This means you get more latitude to work with and full playback ability as soon as your footage hits the editing suite. There is no batch converting needed.
With the Ninja, you not only have the ability to capture clean HDMI in 1080p at 24fps from your camera’s sensor, you are also working with harddrive storage. This means that you no longer have recording limitations of 10 to 15 minutes per clip. Continuous recording from your camera can be done while using the Ninja so you will not miss a shot. The Ninja units also accept Spinning Disk or Solid State Drive hard drives. Spinning disks are rather inexpensive nowadays and the price of SSDs is coming down. This could be a cheaper alternative to purchasing multiple CF or SD cards for memory storage.
There are some key differences between the Ninja 1 and 2. Both are video recorders, but the 2 has been updated as more of a recording monitor as well, here’s why:
The Ninja 2 has a higher screen resolution, HDMI out and pass thru, focus peaking, zebra, blue only, audio monitoring and recording and with the Ninja 2 you now have the ability to export XTL files directly from the unit. Additionally, you can set in and out points and favorite or reject clips to cut down editing time. This means that by the time the video file arrives in the editing suite, editing time can be cut down immensely. On both units, you still get record, playback, file storing for easier file management and time code to name a few. Keep in mind that the Ninja 2 records in a ProRes codec, this is hugely beneficial for Final Cut editors and the XTL files can be exported to FCPX.
When the Nikon D800 first came out, FStoppers did a video review and weren’t able to produce optimal results (read all the comments about the error here). Keep in mind that was an early review in which there was still much confusion around the correct camera settings needed to achieve desired results with the Nikon D800 and the Atomos Ninja 2 specifically. Atomos and Nikon worked together very closely to not only put out an updated firmware, but also to put together more information about how to configure the Nikon D800 to ensure that their customers know exactly how to achieve clean HDMI out in 1080p. Below is a very detailed interview about this to clear up any confusion around the settings and such.
NAB 2012: Nikon D800 and the Atomos Ninja working in harmony from Dan Chung on Vimeo.
Ron Adair did a wonderful job of showing what the Ninja is able to capture in comparison to the Nikon D800. Below is his Nikon D800 Internal Recording VS. Atomos Ninja video. Video info and comments can be found HERE on his Vimeo page.
Nikon D800 Internal Recording VS. Atomos Ninja from Ron Adair on Vimeo.
Ron Adair’s EXAMPLE IMAGES comparing the Atomos Ninja 2 Recording to the Nikon D800 In-Camera footage.
To find out which popular DSLRs will work with the Ninja and which will produce CLEAN HDMI out, check out info from Atomos HERE.
Steps for recording HDMI 1080p on an Atomos Ninja 2 from a Nikon D800:
First make sure the Menu Settings within the Nikon D800 are correct:
Firmware: Latest version
Wrench –> Firmware Version: A: 1.00/ B: 1.01 (as of current date)
Ninja Firmware 3.22 (as of current date)
Advanced HDMI Output:
Wrench –> HDMI –> Output Resolution –> AUTO
Wrench –> HDMI –> Advanced –> Output Range –> Limited Range or Auto (Auto best, no difference detected)
Wrench –> HDMI –> Advanced –> Live View On-Screen Display –> OFF
Wrench –> HDMI –> Advanced –> Output Display Size –> 100%
Custom Setting Menu –> g Movie –> c4 Monitor Off Delay –> Live View –> No Limit
CF Card MUST be taken out of the camera in order to record HDMI out to the SSD on the Atomos Ninja 2 in 1080p.
Nikon D800 Digital SLR Camera – via Amazon
Nikon D800 DSLR Camera – via B&H Photo Video
Atomos Ninja 2 External HDMI Recorder – via dveStore
Atomos Ninja 2 External HDMI Recorder – via B&H Photo Video
Atomos Ninja 2 HDMI Recorder – via Amazon
Very informative report, with information demystifying the HDMI out recording of DSLR’s. What are the codec selections available to those of us not editing with Final Cut or Avid with the Atamos?
@Marc What editing program are you working with? Adobe will ingest this codec w/o any converting needed.
Sony Vegas 11, but I do have the CS6 collection, mainly for Photoshop and After Affects. If I go the HDMI recording route with an Atamos, I’ll bite the bullet and learn Premiere. The C100 is looking more and more like it will be my next camera, and the 8-bit, 4:4:2 would be my primary codec despite the pitfalls of external recording. Thanks again for a detailed and professional report.
While there’s no denying the fact that HDMI recording gives improved image quality, at what point does it become too cumbersome to bother? The settings you need to change seem to be scattered all over the place. Connecting cables, managing multiple batteries, ensuring secure connections, and syncing external devices scares me when you only have one chance at capturing a unique moment.
Camera + Cable + Recorder. It might sound tricky, but the quality difference is astounding and it’s very reliable. I just finished and 9min short film with this combo and it didn’t give ANY problems whatsoever. The biggest benefit is the no recording limit as well as the codecs available. The Ninja 2 allows you to shoot for full HD broadcast as well as cinema projection – the Nikon D800 has just been approved by BBC for HD broadcast, a first for DSLR video cameras. PLUS the Ninja doubles up as a monitor where you can enable zebras and peaking and if you put it on a swivel hot shoe mount you can shoot from any angle you like.
@Leon Wow, really great points you have there. I’m happy to hear of another successful project with this duo. Thank you for taking the time to share.
As I’m sure you know by now, I love the Nikon + Ninja combo. In regards to dural78′s comments, I second your sentiments Leon. The ninja offers quite a bit of value for an incredible price and without the headache one might expect from adding on another piece to your rig. And the results are really something else, especially if you’re doing a lot of grading.
@Ron Thank you for the valuable work you did prior to my post!
Thanks for a great post Olivia, found this while researching the Ninja 2 again since the Fstoppers didn’t see much difference in video quality from the first Ninja. So it’s great to see such a major improvement and you bringing light to this. Being a Nikon D800 owner and NIkon fan, as well as going into a short film production currently, it’s great to see Nikon and Ninja expanding on this sweet feature of the D800.
Probably old news but the BBC did not actually approve it for broadcast. That seemed to be a premature claim by Nikon Australia.
On the other hand Nikon did make some big news last week regarding two big names in Hollywood planning to use the Nikon D800 exclusively to shoot a horror film. Guillermo Arriaga and Janusz Kaminski will be using it on the Broken Night short film so pretty exciting for Nikon and indie filmmakers to see such big names trying out a DSLR for a film production.
Here’s a link to it : CLICK HERE
@Michal Thanks for sharing the info! I’m glad you enjoyed the information in the write-up and video.
I have had great luck with the Atomos Ninja-2 on the Nikon D4.
I set up a Rig with the Atomos Ninja-2 on the Nikon D4.
From my blog:
Once set up all I have to do is start Live View (in video mode) and start the Ninja-2 recording. When I cycle the Live View button on the D4, the Ninja-2 starts recording when Live View is on and stops when I shut it off. Each time the Ninja-2 creates a new file for the next take. I turn on the Focus Peaking to ensure perfect focus and it stays on the whole time (does not reset when Live View is cycled). Perfection!
Dan at Vigorotaku
I am very disappointed in the fstoppers incorrect/premature testing. This kind of shoddiness cost me as I was intent on purchasing the Ninja 2 before reading the fstoppers review. My goal was to have both a recorder and monitor. After fstoppers destroyed Ninja 2′s reputation, I changed my mind and purchased a SmallHD DP4.
Now I read that the Ninja 2 really is what I should have purchased all along.
If so-called “experts” decide to run “tests” with insufficient data or the camera settings all wrong and then publish flat out wrong — and reputation-damaging — results just so they can be first on the web, they do us no favors. Worse, it’s costing me hundreds of dollars because I look to these tests to help me make purchasing decisions.
Fstoppers failed me and hurt Atomos. This is just wrong. On the other hand, when I see “fstoppers” in future, I’ll know to ignore them.
@Koblog Just to be fair, I do have to say that initially there was a lot of confusion around this combo. I hope you found some clarification within both blog post reviews and the comments associated with them.
In 2 weeks we start shooting a feature on this combo.
I find the Ninja 2 screen a bit too small for critical focus.
I am in another country from the gear, so I’m relying on the producer to test everything.
I want to loop through it to a bigger monitor, I believe it’s a Liliput.
HDMI out of the Ninja into the Liliput doesn’t work.
Do you know what format the Ninja sends out?
Will this work, or should we try another solution?
Thanks!
Barry Gross
@Barry The Atomos has HDMI in and HDMI out. It should work with the Lilliput, however you guys should double check that you have the correct HDMI cable and the Lilliput ‘input’ setting is HDMI. According to Atomos, the Ninja 2 does in fact support HDMI out. Although I did not use this feature, their website indicates that it should work. Please let me know how it turned out.
can i use it with sony Nx70?.
@Nathan Yes, it will connect to the Sony NX70 via the camera’s mini HDMI out.
At the moment I have a D7000 and wonder if the Atomos would work with it also. I do video stuff as a hobby and I’m a gal having fun in retirement. My mouth is watering to exchange my D300s for a D800 when the money is available.
@Johanna It will work, however you will not be able to reap the benefits of the clean 1080p resolution out to the monitor. Time for the D800!
I’m curious as to why there are not many videos showing the D5200 with the Ninja2 because it seems to be nearly immune to moiré. The D7100 having removed the the AA filter unfortunately brings back a tiny bit of moiré but it still quite well controlled in the videos I’ve seen so far.
How do I make the focus reticle disappear from the D800 so that it doesn’t show up on my recordings on the ninja?
My first try out with the ninja and the D800 showed all the camera information I had on live view. Lesson learned, but I can’t get rid of the red/green focus reticle unless I am recording video on the D800…
@Steve I just reached out to Atomos because I’m not 100% positive on this. I no longer have the Ninja 2 so I can’t just find out on my own- rats. I will get back to you as soon as they send over a response.
@Steve My friend, Steve, at Atomos is amazing and got back to me lightening fast, hope this helps! CLICK HERE
Hi Olivia and thanks for you help. However, I had previously gone to that link to try to resolve the problem to no avail.
I just spent 3 weeks in New Zealand and filled two 1TB hard drives with the Atomos and have the red focus reticle in each shot. Over four hours of video. Argh…. Shoulda checked before hand. But even now I don’t know what the problem is. I thought the D800 and Atomos were compatible out of the box. At least according to the reviews I read. But there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do to get rid of it unless I co-record on to the D800 at the same time. Any thoughts?
@Steve I didn’t experience any of that with my setup. At all! So strange and I’m sorry that I don’t have a unit here to troubleshoot this for you. I’ve contacted Atomos again to try and resolve this for you. Let’s fix the issue so you have a working unit! Will replay soon.
Any suggestions as to customizing picture settings in teh D800. Previous DSLR posts suggest minimizing contrast and slight desaturation before capturing, which supposedly makes for better post color correction and grading
@Dale It depends on what you’ll be doing to the files after you’ve shot. If you want as much room to play with the information in post, I’d shoot flat.
so whats the difference between the ninja and the samurai
@Roraigh I will have a video from NAB coming out soon explaining this. In the meantime, the Atomos site does a great jib detailing all of the features.