Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V+ Update Brings ProRes RAW to Sony FS Series, LUMIX BS1H, and EOS R5

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanNovember 23^rd, 2021

The new AtomOS 10.71 firmware update adds ProRes RAW support for additional cameras. The Ninja V+ can record raw video from the legacy Sony FS series cameras (FS5, FS5 II, FS700, FS700R, FS7, FS7 II) up to 2K 240fps, 4K 60fps, and 4K 120fps for 4s bursts. The Ninja V can now record up to 5K ProRes RAW from the Canon EOS R5. Both Ninja V and Ninja V+ can also record up to 5.9K ProRes RAW from the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H.

Today, Atomos releases the new AtomOS 10.71 firmware update for its NINJA V and NINJA V+ monitor recorders. The update includes ProRes RAW format recording options for the legacy Sony FS series, Canon EOS R5, and Panasonic LUMIX BS1H. The AtomOS update also includes new features for the AtomX CAST which got a separate article. Now, let’s take a look at what is new with the Ninja V and Ninja V+.

ProRes RAW with the Ninja V+ on Sony FS series cameras

The FS700 from Sony is almost 10 years old now, but that doesn’t keep Atomos from bringing new compatibility for the camera along with other legacy Sony FS models for the Ninja V+ recorder. Although the old Atomos Shogun was able to record raw video output from the FS7 and FS700 already six years ago, the addition of the Ninja V+ and Prores RAW compatibility does add some new capabilities.

The Ninja V+ Pro Kit (or Ninja V+ with the AtomX SDI Unit and SDI RAW activation) now support the recording of ProRes RAW from the FS5 (requires paid RAW upgrade from Sony), FS5MKII, FS700 (requires paid RAW upgrade from Sony), and FS700r with continuous output directly from the sensor up to 2K 240fps, 4K 60fps and 4K 120fps for 4s bursts. RAW output at 4K 60fps and 2K up to 240fps can also be added to the Sony FS7 or FS7MKII with the addition of the XDCA-FS7 module.

The available resolutions and framerates:

Sony FS5 (with RAW Upgrade) / FS5 II

• 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p, 100p, 120p
• 2K (2048 x 1080) at 100p, 120p, 200p, 240p

Sony FS700 (with RAW Upgrade) / FS700R

• 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p, 100p, 120p
• 2K (2048 x 1080) at 100p, 120p, 200p, 240p

Sony FS7 (with XDCA-FS7) / Sony FS7 II (with XDCA-FS7)

• 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
• 2K (2048x 1080) at 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p, 100p, 120p, 200p, 240p

Please note that 4K at 100/120p is available in an S&Q burst mode which is buffered in the camera and output as a 60p signal. The burst duration is ~4 seconds. WB & ISO Controls in FCP are not available in this release.

Canon EOS R5 and Panasonic LUMIX BS1H

In addition to the Sony FS series, Atomos also adds compatibility with the Canon EOS R5 and Panasonic LUMIX BS1H cameras. In the case of the EOS R5, the Ninja V now offers up to 5K ProRes RAW video, whereas the more powerful Ninja V+ can record the full 8K ProRes RAW from the camera which Atomos released already in summer.

When it comes to the LUMIX BS1H, the combo with the Ninja V and V+ recorders allows for up to of 5.9K 30fps, 4.1K 60fps, and 3.5K 50fps anamorphic 12-bit ProRes RAW video.

ProRes RAW Recording framerates and resolutions – LUMIX BS1H with Ninja V or Ninja V+:

• 5.9K (5888 x 3312) at 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p
• 4.1K (4128 x 2176) at 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p
• 3.5K Anamorphic (3536 x 2656) at 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p

WB and ISO Controls for FCP Settings slider adjustments are available.

Ninja V and Ninja V+ known limitations

Atomos also published a list of known limitations regarding the Ninja V and V+ recorders:

• The following video signals from the DC-GH5S are not supported on the Ninja V for ProRes, DNx, and H.265 modes: (C4K 8bit 150M 60p, C4K 8bit 150M 50p, 4K 8bit 150M 50p.)
• In some cases, the Ninja V may not lock to a RAW video signal from the Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark III for ProRes RAW, when the Ninja V is switched between playback and record modes.
• Ninja V may not recommence recording automatically when momentarily losing video signal lock from the Sony Alpha 7SIII or Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III due to a faulty cable connection.
• Non-RAW Dual Link SDI video cannot be monitored when in ProRes RAW mode. To monitor and record Dual Link SDI modes please use either ProRes or DNx modes.
• In some cases, dual-link video from the Panasonic Varicam LT may not lock when switching from single link video mode. Please reboot the Ninja V if this occurs.
• If switching between different camera models whilst HDMI Compatibility mode is selected, ensure that you reboot the Ninja V before connecting a new camera.

Price and Availability

The AtomOS 10.71 firmware update is available now free of charge from the Atomos website. The Ninja V monitor recorder sells currently for $499 and the Ninja V+ costs $999.

_{Edit: in a previous version of this article 59.94p was listed for 3.5K Anamorphic mode on Panasonic BS1H, but that’s not correct so we removed it}

Do you still use any of the Sony FS series cameras for your work? Would you pair the camera with the Ninja V or the Ninja V+ to record ProRes RAW? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.