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February, 2025

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Atomos or SmallHD

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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Yes I know these are both for really two different purposes but I am looking into buying a monitor for my GH4 but I can't decide if it is worth it to spend the extra money to get an Atomos Ninja Flame or Atomos Shogun Inferno vs a SmallHD focus.

There are a lot cheaper alternatives but I am looking at this as a purchase to last me a long time in the future. With the Atomos it records 422 color space, at 10 bit pro res which will give me more longevity and ability with my current GH4. The SmallHD Focus is about 700 dollars cheaper and only a monitor, not a monitor and external recorder like the Atomos'.

What are your thoughts? I am leaning towards the Atomos but I keep changing my mind every couple days.
7 years ago
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sklermang
Posts: 2981 - Karma: 1,954
I occasionally use a ninja flame with a sony A7S. It's super convenient to have the longer recording time and 4k - the only unexpected issue I've had is that while using it with a lens adapter (for canon lenses) there are some compatibility issues. So I would definitely do some research to see if its compatible with all the hardware you plan to use it with.

Can't comment on the cheaper options... Also idk how many people on NS you're going to find that are using monitors, my guess would be not that many.
7 years ago
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LukasSchroeder
Posts: 1461 - Karma: 2,683
I have worked (a very small amount) with the atomos shogun and the impression I got was that it's quite an amazing tool, and if you're looking for something long run, then I'd go with it.

I don't have much else to add but they're all great monitors, and should do you well. But i bet either atomos would last longer
7 years ago
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I have only ever used the Atomos Ninja never the newer flame series or inferno. There are some pretty good deals right now on the Flame series so I am trying to figure out my needs and potential future needs.

I would buy a smallhd 702 but I don't normally shoot on high end cine cameras, usually on Sony Fs7 is the highest end camera on a daily basis for work. So being able to get quality footage out of my gh4 would be awesome.
7 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61860 - Karma: 125,689
Just because the Atomos records 422 prores doesn't necessarily mean it will be the most high end codec ever, many variables are still limited by your camera. I think you should get the monitor and buy/rent a recorder when you actually need one.
7 years ago
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
eheathJust because the Atomos records 422 prores doesn't necessarily mean it will be the most high end codec ever, many variables are still limited by your camera. I think you should get the monitor and buy/rent a recorder when you actually need one.


I know I know it isn't the highest codec/color gamet... 422. That's a good point buy the monitor and rent the recorder when I truly need it. I get by just fine with 8 bit 4.2.0, I just like the ability when grading to have 10 bit
7 years ago
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Oh also the longer recording times...... Adorama has a Ninja Flame with the accessory kit for 795.... the focus is 600
7 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61860 - Karma: 125,689
RW_VisualsI know I know it isn't the highest codec/color gamet... 422. That's a good point buy the monitor and rent the recorder when I truly need it. I get by just fine with 8 bit 4.2.0, I just like the ability when grading to have 10 bit


If you want 422 just upgrade to the gh5....
7 years ago
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RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
eheathIf you want 422 just upgrade to the gh5....


Appreciate all your insight.... I think I am going to pick up a SmallHD 701 lite, it is a decent price and if I am renting different cameras I can hook it up without worrying about the compatibility.
7 years ago
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