Atomos: Simplifying Workflows and Revolutionising the Art of Filmmaking

2010 was a year for innovation. Apple’s first-ever iPad, Google’s driverless car, Meta’s Instagram, and 4G networks were making headlines across the US. At the same time, in Melbourne Australia, an important new filmmakers’ tool was being developed: the monitor-recorder, courtesy of Atomos. This invention streamlined digital video workflows, improved image quality and made content creation easier.

Fast forward 13 years and the technology is as relevant as ever. Filmmakers and influencers still demand faster and higher quality production, but increasingly the emphasis is on affordability. Atomos, a leader in video technology, is answering this call. The company’s entire product range is designed to simplify what can be complex workflows while maintaining a focus on quality and cost.

Put simply, Atomos makes tools for individuals and enterprises to help them to efficiently produce the best quality video content, while saving time and money.

“Our ethos from day one has been to provide value add, affordable, easy-to-use, and efficient video tools, and it continues to drive our product development strategies,” says Trevor Elbourne, CEO of Atomos.

The monitor recorder combines a high-quality touchscreen monitor, removable storage and an industry-standard codec, Apple ProRes, to dramatically augment the capabilities of almost any camera with an HDMI or SDI output. There have been numerous iterations along the way, but the two best-selling monitor recorders in the Atomos arsenal are the Ninja and the Shogun.

There are two versions of Ninja, the Ninja V and the Ninja V+. Both are camera-mounted devices with a 5-inch HDR touchscreen monitor, capable of up to 6K recording in Apple ProRes RAW, Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD/HR, and, on paid activation, HEVC (H.265). Both have extensive monitoring tools built-in to ensure correct exposure, colour, and focus.

The Ninja V+ incorporates a faster, next-generation Atom IC3 processor which is capable of handling more data - capturing up to 8K in ProRes RAW on certain cameras up to 60 frames per second.

Both Ninja monitor recorders are expandable, thanks to a special AtomX port. For example, the optional ATOMOS CONNECT expansion module attaches to the rear of the unit and connects to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, making it possible to live stream video and share media using capture-to-cloud (C2C) technology.

“With CONNECT, Atomos extends the capabilities of its monitor recorders with a host of cloud-based tools and services. This is a real game-changer," explains Elbourne. “Content creators have the peace of mind of triple redundancy - their valuable footage is simultaneously stored on the camera, in the cloud and on the Atomos recorder. Plus, using our tools, media can also be quickly and easily integrated into remote and collaborative workflows, anywhere in the world”.

Shogun CONNECT has all capabilities of the Ninja products but has a larger 7-inch screen and the ability to access cloud-based tools and services is completely integrated, without the need for an external module.

“With capture to cloud (C2C) technology, as soon as the camera operator stops recording a clip, a smaller, proxy copy of the recorded media is sent to a predetermined cloud-based location that supports C2C, for example, Frame.io, powered by Adobe. Immediately a remote editor can start editing the footage, without having to wait for the content to physically be delivered. It’s a huge timesaver and a quantum leap in terms of productivity,” adds Elbourne.
Elbourne cites two recent use cases that highlight this point. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s 2023 debut show in Southern California used eight Shogun CONNECTs in a C2C collaborative workflow with Frame.io whereby editors in Los Angeles and New York were able to work on the footage as soon as it was uploaded, to create reels for Instagram.

At this year’s Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Atomos was the official provider of on-board monitoring and recording equipment. Thirteen camera crews used the Ninja V and ATOMOS CONNECT combo for the Festival Daily Recap and for videos distributed in theatres and across Sundance’s social media channels throughout the prestigious 11-day event.

“Both projects illustrate how our products help close the gap between production and post-production, realizing huge time savings for studios, brands and broadcasters,” adds Elbourne.

As a pioneer in video technology, Atomos continues to be at the forefront of innovation - the addition of cloud-based services is testament to its ability to embrace and adapt to technological change. Taking a collaborative approach is vital. The company maintains close relationships with camera manufacturers to provide clients with an ecosystem of exceptional tools and help them to get the absolute best out of their equipment.

Atomos continues to revolutionize production, but in a financially viable way. Its line of products enhances video quality and optimises workflows, enabling filmmakers and content creators to concentrate on what’s important - their creativity and their art.