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

How to choose the right camera monitor

We’ve all become used to cameras becoming ever-more compact, which is great news for those who don’t enjoy carrying around bags full of heavy equipment, but there is a price to pay for the shrinking size of your kit. One of the downsides is the fact that the size of your on-camera monitor is not likely to be much bigger than three inches, which makes it more difficult to properly assess what you’re shooting, and nigh-on impossible to share your live view with anyone else, such as a client or an assistant.

Enter the external monitor, which can be attached or detached from your camera or rig in a matter of moments, or even be positioned remotely, and suddenly the problem is solved. A high-quality monitor not only helps you see your shots more clearly but also ensures accurate color representation, that shots are in focus and perfectly framed.

You can take it a stage further, by adding a recording facility. Now you’ve effectively added another dimension to your set-up, by capturing video straight from the sensor, with fewer compression artefacts and in file formats that work smoothly with your editing software. You’ve also created a back-up for your footage, adding another crucial layer of security.

Atomos, a leader in the industry of professional video monitors and monitor-recorders, provides a wide range 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.

For some guides for specific types of filming, see:

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

Consider your budget and intended use

Before diving into specific models, 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 an all-singing, all-dancing monitor-recorder, all solutions include a bright, 1000nit+ touchscreen.

Entry-Level: If you just need a monitor to check focus and exposure, something like Shinobi GO or Shinobi II (features camera control and touch to focus for selected cameras) is an excellent choice. These 5-inch HDR monitors are slim, lightweight, and also offer a bright 1500nit display with HDMI input, making them a great choice for photographers and vloggers that want quality but are on a tight budget.

Mid-Range: If it’s more than just monitoring that you need, Ninja delivers 5-inch 4K HDR monitoring and recording to Apple ProRes on removable SSD. It’s perfect for content creators who need ‘run and gun’ 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 Shogun Classic or Shogun Ultra (with cloud connectivity), or the 19-inch Sumo 19SE (for production sets) would be great options. These monitors combine professional-grade 4K HDR recording with large, ultra-bright screens, designed for multi-camera setups, live productions, and studio environments.

Screen size and resolution

The size of your camera monitor is important 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 Ninja (5-inch) monitor-recorder and Shinobi II (5-inch) monitor are great options. Both are lightweight, easy to mount on your camera, and ideal for small-scale shoots.

Large Monitors (19-inch): For more extensive productions or studio setups, consider a larger monitor like Sumo 19SE. The 19-inch display is perfect for multi-camera setups and live events, offering greater screen real estate for more detailed monitoring and shared viewing.

Resolution: All Atomos monitors support at least 1080p (Full HD), but for more detailed work, the 4K monitors on the Shogun Classic and Shogun Ultra offer a sharper, higher resolution for critical monitoring.

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. All Atomos monitors support HDR, providing the dynamic range needed for professional color grading and high-quality monitoring.

Recording Capabilities: As mentioned earlier, monitor-recorders enable you to capture high-quality footage directly to a removable SSDdrive. This can be a huge time-saver, as it eliminates the need for separate recording equipment. For example, Ninja Ultra and Shogun Ultra offer Apple ProRes/ProResRAW, Avid DNxHR recording options, which are essential for professional-grade video production. They can also record to HEVC (H.265) for subsequent playback on social media platforms.

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. Shogun Ultra and the Atomos Connect module for Ninja both have timecode synchronization built in.

Portability and Build: If you’re constantly on the move, the weight and build quality of your monitor matter. Atomos monitors like the Shinobi and Ninja are lightweight and designed for field use, making them perfect for handheld shooting or on-the-go production.

Connectivity and inputs/outputs

Different camera monitors have different I/O options, so you need to match your monitor’s connectivity to the equipment you use.

HDMI/SDI Inputs: HDMI is the standard for most consumer cameras, but SDI is often used in higher-end, professional setups. Monitor-recorders like Shogun Classic and Sumo 19SE 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.

Network connectivity: Shogun Ultra has integrated Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting camera-to-cloud and real-time sharing or streaming. Ninja and 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, or monitor-recorder, can really improve the quality of your video productions. Atomos offers a wide range of monitors and recorders suited for different production needs and budgets. From budget-friendly yet quality options such as Shinobi GO and Shinobi II, compact and portable monitor-recorder options like the Ninja models, built-in network connectivity with Shogun Ultra, to multi-camera solutions such as Shogun Classic and Sumo 19SE, Atomos has all monitoring solutions covered. By considering your specific needs—whether it’s portability, HDR support, or recording capabilities – you’re sure to find the perfect Atomos monitor to improve your video production workflow.