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Atomos has launched the Ninja RAW, a 5-inch HDR monitor-recorder that records Apple ProRes RAW up to 6Kp30 over HDMI to CFexpress Type B or USB-C storage. Priced at $699/€699, it is the most affordable entry point into the company’s next-generation Ninja lineup, featuring a 1500-nit touchscreen, camera control, and a full suite of professional monitoring tools.
The Ninja RAW joins the recently introduced Ninja TX GO and Ninja TX as the third member of Atomos’ redesigned 5-inch Ninja family, targeting mirrorless and DSLR shooters who want ProRes RAW recording and professional monitoring without the wireless, SDI, and cloud features that drive the price of the higher-tier models. Atomos is showcasing the new device at the CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan, and the unit is available now from Atomos resellers worldwide.
“Ninja RAW is our most affordable, next-generation monitor-recorder, designed for creators who demand uncompromising image quality, absolute control, and complete mobility,” said Peter Barber, CEO of Atomos.Atomos Ninja RAW also supports camera control. Image credit: Atomos
“Ninja RAW is our most affordable, next-generation monitor-recorder, designed for creators who demand uncompromising image quality, absolute control, and complete mobility,” said Peter Barber, CEO of Atomos.
At the core of the Ninja RAW is the ability to record directly from a camera’s HDMI output in Apple ProRes RAW or ProRes, bypassing in-camera compression and its associated limitations on resolution, bit-depth, and color information. The HDMI input supports 6K video up to 30fps, 4K up to 60fps, and 1080p up to 120fps. An HDMI loop-through output passes the incoming signal to another device, such as an external monitor, wireless transmitter, or live streaming encoder.
The recorder ships with all codecs pre-installed and ready to use with no activation required: ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes LT, ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, and H.265. Files are compatible with all leading NLEs, including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. It is worth noting that Avid DNx and NDI 6 HX3 codecs remain exclusive to the Ninja TX GO and Ninja TX.
Recording media has moved to CFexpress Type B cards, following the same direction Atomos took with the Ninja TX earlier, leaving behind the 2.5-inch SSDs and AtomX drives of the Ninja V era. CFexpress Type B provides the faster read/write speeds needed for high-bitrate recording up to ProRes RAW at 6Kp30. For users who prefer larger, more affordable storage, external USB-C drives can also be used via the unit’s two USB-C ports.
The Ninja RAW functions as more than a passive recorder. Through USB-C, it offers direct camera control over key parameters including start/stop, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance on supported cameras. A touchscreen scroll wheel provides responsive adjustments, keeping the operator’s hands off the camera body, which is particularly valuable when cameras are rigged on gimbals or in otherwise difficult-to-reach positions. This camera control capability mirrors what Atomos introduced across the Shinobi II and the wider next-gen Ninja range.
The built-in monitoring suite covers what professionals expect: EL Zone false color, ARRI False Color, waveform, vectorscope, focus peaking, zebras, frame guides, grid markers, zoom, anamorphic desqueeze, display flip, and 3D/1D LUT support with HDR, HLG, and PQ compatibility. One exclusive addition is the Onion Skin overlay tool, which enables frame-to-frame comparison and precise shot alignment for VFX work, animation, and continuity-critical shooting.
The 5-inch HDR touchscreen offers 1500 nits of peak brightness, matching the panels used in the Ninja TX GO and Ninja TX. For mirrorless shooters accustomed to squinting at small, dim camera LCDs in daylight, this represents a significant upgrade in on-set visibility and confidence.
On the back of the unit, two USB-C ports handle external storage, camera control, or an optional network adaptor for installing firmware updates via the internet (the network adaptor is sold separately). Unlike the Ninja TX GO and Ninja TX, the Ninja RAW does not include built-in Wi-Fi, so firmware updates rely on this wired USB-C method rather than over-the-air delivery. A USB-C Power Delivery port (45W) allows the unit to be powered directly from compatible power banks, wall adapters, or hub systems. The Ninja RAW also accepts NP-F style batteries or a lockable AC battery eliminator, giving users multiple power options for studio and field work alike.
Locking cable adaptors for both HDMI and USB-C are included in the box, a welcome inclusion that helps prevent accidental disconnections during recording. The unit does not feature an AtomX expansion slot, as Atomos has opted to keep the new Ninja generation as lightweight and portable as possible, relying instead on the USB-C ports for future expansion.
The Ninja RAW is positioned as the streamlined, essentials-focused option in the lineup, and there are clear trade-offs compared to its siblings. It does not offer simultaneous proxy recording, camera-to-cloud connectivity, NDI 6/HX3 TX/RX, integrated Wi-Fi, or AirGlu RF timecode sync. There is no SDI input or output, and it does not integrate with the Atomos Connect module. For creators whose workflows do not require these features, the $300 savings compared to the Ninja TX ($999/€999), or $100 savings over the Ninja TX GO ($799/€799), make the Ninja RAW an attractive proposition.
Alongside the Ninja RAW, Atomos is also releasing two new accessory kits compatible with the entire 5-inch Ninja and Shinobi range. The 5-inch Creator Kit ($169/€169) includes a screen protector, battery eliminator stand, 4K60 HDMI locking cable (full to full, 30cm), 5-inch sun hood, monitor mount with mini tools, and a 12V 3A AC-DC wall adaptor. The Universal Power Kit ($149/€149) bundles two 5200mAh NP-F batteries, a fast battery charger, a D-Tap to DC cable, and a carry case. Both kits are available now.
The Atomos Ninja RAW is available now from Atomos resellers worldwide and the Atomos web store. It is priced at $699/€699/£599/AUD $999 (excluding local sales taxes). In Japan, pricing is set at ¥117,040 including sales taxes. The box includes the Ninja RAW monitor-recorder, a 45cm USB-C locking cable, a USB-C locking cable adaptor, an HDMI locking cable adaptor, and a Quick Start Guide.
What do you think of the Atomos Ninja RAW as a streamlined, affordable alternative to the Ninja TX GO and Ninja TX? Is the trade-off of wireless and SDI features worth the lower price for your workflow? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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Nino Leitner, AAC is Co-CEO of CineD and MZed. He co-owns CineD (alongside Johnnie Behiri), through his company Nino Film GmbH. Nino is a cinematographer and producer, well-traveled around the world for his productions and filmmaking workshops. He specializes in shooting documentaries and commercials, and at times a narrative piece. Nino is a studied Master of Arts. He lives with his wife and two sons in Vienna, Austria.