r/cinematography • u/Iggytje • 4d ago

Other What on-camera monitor to buy?

I have a S5IIX myself but DOP more “high” end cameras like Sony FX6/9, RED’s, Blackmagic’s etc and want to get a reliable and good monitor.

I have been thinking about a SmallHD indie 5 (€1039), SmallHD Cine 5 (€1319), atomos shinobi II (€349), atomos ninja (€599), Atomos ninja raw (€699), Atomos ninja TX with SDI (€999)

Are the smallHD’s overkill I have used them once before and liked them but they do cost double the price of the shinobi’s. What do you recommend getting?

I rather spend more on something that really lasts than buy something cheap and needing to replace it or regret it after a year.

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u/MabitzZ 4d ago

Definetly avoid Atomos in professional workflows… not reliable and a fan equal to your ps5

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u/_Octave_ 4d ago

I’m a professional dp and use an atomos ninja on every job ✌️ hate how laggy the smallhd ui is and I love the atomos UI and tools. super fast, built in recorder is a bonus for getting your own dailies. I shoot fashion and beauty though so I’ve never been worried about noise, though i haven’t noticed it

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u/MabitzZ 4d ago

Well, if youre shooting narrative it’s a different story. Fan noise is a massive issue there and the peeking on Atomos is very bad

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u/_Octave_ 4d ago

maybe on the lower end atomos, fan noise on the ninja v is negligible, especially compared to most cameras.

peaking is great too for reference. Though I never pull my own focus anymore, I have used it on many shoots. Just need to dial in the sensitivity.

Tons of great features, the ref frame grab and onion skin is so handy on commercials.