Choosing your camera monitor: A guide to choosing for your specific content creation needs

When using a DSLR camera, it is important to ensure you can perfectly visualize the content you are creating in real-time to ensure the best video output.  Using a camera monitor with touch screen and other features designed to facilitate ease of high-quality content output has become the go-to solution for the filmmaking, influencer and vlogger industry.

Selecting the best camera monitor for your needs has become crucial for achieving the best results in video production, whether you’re a filmmaker, vlogger, corporate set-up or content creator. A high-quality monitor not only helps you see your shots clearly but also offers vital features such as accurate color representation, recording needs, brightness levels, streaming capabilities and connectivity options.

Atomos, a leader in the industry of professional video monitors and recorders, provides a wide array of solutions suited for different filming needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a camera monitor, focusing to enhance your workflow.

For choosing the right monitor for specific use cases, see dedicated articles here:

• Best camera monitor and accessories for outdoor & field filming
• Best camera monitor and solutions for live streaming
• Best camera monitor and solutions for multi-camera shoots
• Best budget camera monitor

1. Consider your budget and intended use

Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to determine your budget and how you intend to use the monitor. Monitor options range from entry-level monitors to high-end, feature-packed models. Whether you’re looking for a simple on-camera monitor or a high-tech monitor-recorder, all these solutions include touch screen and high-quality brightness:

• Entry-Level: If you need a simple monitor to check focus and exposure, something like Atomos Shinobi Go or Atomos Shinobi II (features including camera control) is an excellent choice. These 5-inch HDR monitors are slim, light weight, and also offer a bright display and essential features like LUT support and HDMI input, making it a great choice for photographers and vloggers that want quality but are on a budget.
• Mid-Range: For more serious video production, the Atomos Ninja delivers 5-inch 4K HDR monitoring and recording with ProRes RAW support. It’s perfect for content creators who need advanced functionality without breaking the bank.
• High-End: If you’re working on high-end productions or require a larger screen with enhanced recording capabilities, the 7-inch Atomos Shogun Classic or Shogun Ultra (with cloud connectivity), or the 19-inch Sumo 19SE (for production set) could be the perfect options. These monitors combine professional-grade 4K HDR recording with large, ultra-bright screens, designed for multi-camera setups, live productions, and studio environments.

2. Screen size and resolution

The size of your camera monitor is essential for comfortable monitoring and reviewing footage. A larger screen provides better visibility, but it’s also important to balance this with portability.

• Small Monitors (5-inch to 7-inch): If you’re looking for a compact, portable solution, smaller monitors like the Atomos Ninja (5-inch) camera recorder and Shinobi II (5-inch) monitor are great options. These monitors are lightweight, easy to mount on your camera, and ideal for small-scale shoots.
• Larger Monitors (19-inch): For more extensive productions or studio setups, larger monitors like the Atomos Sumo 19SE are perfect. The 19-inch display is perfect for multi-camera setups and live events, offering greater screen real estate for detailed monitoring.
• Resolution: Most Atomos monitors support at least 1080p (Full HD), but for more detailed work, 4K monitors such as the Shogun Classic or Sumo 19SE offer a sharper, higher resolution for critical monitoring.

3. Key features to look for

When selecting your camera monitor, it’s important to consider the features that best fit your needs. Atomos products come with advanced functionalities that can significantly improve your workflow.

• HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) allows you to view a wider color gamut and better contrast. If your production uses HDR footage, you’ll need a monitor that supports it. Models like the Atomos Ninja and Shogun Classic feature full HDR support, providing the dynamic range needed for professional color grading and high-quality monitoring.
• Recording Capabilities: Many Atomos monitors double as recorders, allowing you to capture high-quality footage directly to SSDs. This can be a huge time-saver, as it eliminates the need for separate recording equipment. For example, the Atomos Ninja and Shogun Classic offer ProRes RAW and DNxHR recording options, which are essential for professional-grade video production.
• Timecode Sync: For multi-camera setups, timecode synchronization is essential to keep all footage in sync during post-production. Atomos offers the UltraSync ONE as an accessory to wirelessly sync multiple cameras. This is particularly useful when shooting live events or large productions where precise timing is critical.
• Portability and Build: If you’re constantly on the move, the weight and build quality of your monitor matter. Atomos monitors like the Shinobi II and Ninja are lightweight and designed for field use, making them perfect for handheld shooting or on-the-go production.

4. Connectivity and inputs/outputs

Different camera monitors have different I/O options, and it’s important to match your monitor’s connectivity to the equipment you use. Atomos monitors offer a variety of ports for seamless integration with your camera gear.

• HDMI/SDI Inputs: HDMI is standard for most consumer cameras, but SDI is often used in higher-end, professional setups. Monitors like the Atomos Shogun Classic and Sumo 19 offer both HDMI and SDI inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cameras and video equipment.
• Dual-Channel Audio: The ability to monitor both audio and video on the same display is vital, especially for productions that require precision sound synchronization. Many Atomos monitors support dual-channel audio input, allowing you to monitor the audio in real time.
• Connectivity: The Shogun Ultra has integrated Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities with wireless genlock, supporting camera-to-cloud and real-time sharing or streaming.  The Ninja & Ninja Ultra models can be converted to connected devices with the Atomos Connect module, which adds Wi-Fi 6/6E, GigE Ethernet, Bluetooth LE and 12G-SDI input

Conclusion

Choosing the right camera monitor is crucial for achieving the best results in your video production. Atomos offers a wide range of monitors and recorders suited for different production needs and budgets. From budget yet quality options such as Shinobi Go and Shinobi II, compact and portable recorder options like the Ninja models, in-build cloud connectivity such as Shogun Ultra, multi-camera solutions such as Shogun Classic and Sumo 19SE, Atomos has all monitoring solutions covered.  Combined with accessories such as Sunhoods, Switchers and Connectivity, you can expand the versatility of each option.  By considering your specific needs—whether it’s portability, HDR support, or recording capabilities—you’re sure to find the perfect Atomos monitor to elevate your video production.

See the full range here.

Why choose Atomos?

Atomos is a trusted name in the industry, known for producing high-quality, durable monitors and recorders. Their products are designed with filmmakers in mind, combining cutting-edge features with reliability and ease of use. Whether you’re working on a high-budget feature film, corporate video or a YouTube video, Atomos monitors provide the tools needed to create professional-quality video content.

Many of our leading monitors and monitor recorders have won awards or been recognized by industry experts:

Amateur Photographer

Best external video recorder overall: Atomos Ninja V (now Ninja) 2024-2025
Best professional video recorder: Atomos Ninja V+ (now Ninja Ultra)
Best simple video monitor: Atomos Shinobi II
Best large monitor for video: Atomos Shinobi 7-inch
Shinobi II wins “Testbench Recommended”

Professional Photo

Shinobi II – Editor’s Choice 2024

Pro Moviemaker

Ninja Ultra – Gear of the Year 2024

Digital Camera World

Shinobi II – Recommended 2024
Shinobi II – Best On-Camera Monitor for Monitoring Only 2025
Shogun Ultra – Best On-Camera Monitor for Pros 2025
Ninja – Best On-Camera Monitor 2025