Ninja: Built for the elements

Kelsey’s journey into filmmaking began in the Canadian wilderness. In 2009, he started shooting outdoor TV segments during his vacation days with a tape-based camera. “Back then, we were still filming on tape,” he recalls. What began as a side project quickly grew into something more. By 2015, he’d left a stable career in the Alberta oilfields to pursue storytelling full-time, armed with a Sony a6000 camera and a passion for adventure. “I realized I loved telling stories,” he says. “So I walked away from the security of a career to become a full-time filmmaker.”

From tourism campaigns to outdoor industry shoots and live events, Kelsey’s work derives from a life-long connection to the outdoors. “Just being able to say, ‘Look at this! Look what we have!’ – and making viewers feel like they want to go next time – that’s what it’s all about.”

Today, Kelsey shoots with a Sony FX3 camera paired with the Atomos Ninja and a Samsung SATA SSD. His audio setup includes a Rode VideoMic Pro for scratch audio and a Rode NTG3 microphone with a Zoom H8 recorder for off-camera sound. “The Ninja adds so much functionality,” he says. “The bright screen, false colour, the ability to record in ProRes 422 – it’s all there.”

When shooting in unpredictable outdoor conditions, Kelsey relies on Ninja’s exposure tools. “False colour is an absolute asset,” he says. “I use it to triple-check my exposures, and during fire season, when the horizon can be white-hot in the middle of the day. It helps me dial in the shot with precision. Honestly, it’s as important to my kit as the camera.”

The ability to load LUTs and preview the final look adds another layer of confidence. “Being able to see exactly how the shot will land in post really brings peace of mind,” he adds. “And the screen is so clear and bright outdoors, I never have to second-guess what I’m seeing.”

“I was also recording to the Ninja, so I didn’t lose a single shot. That backup saved the day.”