Atomos Shinobi 7: A new 7” field monitor with 2200 nits brightness

Atomos has announced a brand new monitor, the Shinobi 7, for users who need accurate monitoring but without the need for recording.

The Shinobi 7 is, as its name suggests, a follow-up to the original Shinobi monitor, which was effectively a Ninja V without the recording capabilities. The Shinobi 7 includes many improvements over the original device in larger form.

Why would you want a monitor only? The fact of the matter is that not everyone wants or needs to record externally. You might already have an external recorder but wish to transmit footage to a portable monitor, something that has become much more important in the current times. Ditching the recording functionality means a lighter, more power frugal device as well.

The Atomos Shinobi 7 monitor. Image: Atomos.

Shinobi 7 features

• 2200 Nits HDR / Daylight viewable display 
• HDMI 2.0 support for 4Kp60, 3G SDI support up to 2Kp60 
• Bi-directional HDMI <=> SDI signal cross conversion 
• Dual NPF battery slots for continuous power 
• 3D LUT support with Preview and Loop out 
• AtomHDR provides built in Log to HDR conversion for Display and loop out 
• Touch screen Camera control via optional cable for compatible cameras of Iris, WB, Shutter speed and ND  
• Exposure tools - histogram, waveform, false colour & Zebras 
• Pull focus with confidence using Zoom 4:1, 2:1, 1:1 
• Headphone monitoring of camera audio 

Side views of the Atomos Shinobi 7. Image: Atomos.

Summary

The Shinobi 7 promises to be a useful on-set production tool.  In the demonstration that was given to us the fan was incredibly quiet, and with the dual NPF battery system the runtimes for the device should get you through a significant portion of the day even with the device on continuously. However Atomos has also seen fit to include a sleep button so that you can save power without needing to turn off the device completely.

An optional USB-C to serial cable means that the Shinobi 7 can control cameras like the Z Cam E2 series for functions such as iris, white balance, shutter angle, and ND. It also has additional USB and RJ45 ports so that more functionality can be added at a later date.

Given this type of useful control we can hope that Atomos sees fit to produce an upgraded version of the 5” model for a more compact system. However, given how good the Shogun 7 is, the Shinobi 7 should make for an extremely impressive, fully daylight viewable device.

The Shinobi 7 will be available from June at a price of US$699 excluding local taxes.