Canon EOS 5DMK3 Firmware & Atomos Ninja-2, a complete explanation
On May 8, 2013 the guys from Planet5D posted a video review from Stefan Czech. Although the review is long it is well worth sitting through, Stefan is very thorough & there are a few surprises which to date I have not seen anywhere else.
Read on ...
"On the new planet5D forums, we’ve had a lot of discussion about the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III firmware and HDMI and stuff (“here“)… but this video explanation of the firmware, HDMI, and the Atomos Ninja 2 from Stefan Czech is the most complete explanation of everything having to do with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 1.2.1 firmware and the Atomos Ninja 2 that I’ve seen anywhere on the planet.
It is a bit long, but there’s a TON of info in this video — so we’ve done a transcript – or shall I say at least an ‘index’ of the main points in the video and when they occur – so you can skip around to find the main points!
One of the good points (among many that Stefan makes) is that you don’t have to use an SSD with the Ninja – less expensive 2.5″ laptop drives will work. That could save you some cash!
The other ‘trick’ not spoken about much yet is the fact you can “zoom” and still record! This gives you the ability to virtually ‘crop’ the 5D3 and to expand the range of your lenses. Of course, there’s a slight loss of quality the further you ‘zoom’, but it is something you can experiment with and use to your heart’s content if you would like. See the index below for “magnification tricks.”
Timeline
I felt that there was enough information in the video that it overwhelmed me – so I asked planetKeith to help me by making an “index” of what was covered — it will probably help you if you’re wanting to skip to a particular point of interest… so here’s what Keith did for me!
00:01:15 Feedback on Canon 5D Mark III
00:01:48 Introduction to Clean HDMI Out
00:02:05 Firmware (3 Focus)
00:02:16 Definition of Clean HDMI Out (Guidelines)
00:03:28 Introducing Atomos Ninja 2
00:03:59 Transmitting HDMI Signal and Timecode
00:04:30 Delivering Sound from HDMI Signal to External Recorder
00:06:05 What is Atomos Ninja 2? (How it records)
00:06:50 Two codecs of Ninja 2 and what works best for you
00:09:24 Storage explained
00:10:35 ProRes codec explained
00:11:46 Internal recording signal vs External recording signal
00:12:56 Ninja 2 as field monitor (Peaking)
00:13:50 Aperture Adjustment explained (Zebra)
00:14:38 False Color
00:15:00 Watch, edit and export recordings using Ninja 2
00:15:36 Difference between footage recorded on 4:2:0 and 4:2:2
00:16:40 Sample color enhancement
00:18:13 Menu selection and adjustments in 5D Mark III before attaching to HDMI device
00:20:15 Attaching Hard Drive to Ninja
00:21:02 Setting up Ninja 2 for the first time
00:25:32 How to record externally only on Ninja 2 (Magnification tricks)
00:27:49 Tips when recording longer footage using Ninja 2
00:28:49 Ports, Power source and Battery options of the Ninja 2
00:30:03 Using a wireless transmitter for the audio system (Audio recording explained)
00:31:20 Using Zacuto Pincher to secure camera
00:32:08 Using a Steadicam with the Ninja 2
00:34:22 Canon and Atomos working together to create Ninja
00:35:20 Product Price and content included with Ninja 2
00:36:56 Availability of Ninja 2 and special deal from Atomos
00:37:23 Hard Drive and HDMI Cable not included in the package
00:37:33 What HDMI cable to use"
The Atomos Ninja-2 is available to buy or hire at Urban Cine.
Cinematise. Customise. Visualise.
Pete Hall
Urban Cine + Atomos Sales & Hire + Adelaide, South Australia