Atomos Shinobi II HDMI 4K Monitor with HDR Touchscreen, All Day Battery Life, and Lightweight Design (Black)
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AI Verdict
This 5-inch, 1500-nit 1080p HDR monitor is for filmmakers needing a bright, lightweight on-camera display with USB-C camera control.
This monitor is a strong choice if you prioritize a bright, lightweight 1080p display for on-camera monitoring and can work around its software quirks. The 1500 nits brightness and USB-C camera control are key advantages for specific shooting scenarios.
If you need native 4K monitoring or more robust, bug-free software out of the box, look for monitors with a 3840 x 2160 native resolution and a proven track record of stable firmware.
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Pros
- The 1500 nits brightness makes the 5-inch display visible even in direct sunlight.
- It accepts HDMI signals up to 4K 30fps, displaying them on its 1920 x 1080 screen.
- The new form factor is slimmed down and lightweight, making it easy to mount on a camera.
- USB-C connectivity allows for power delivery and camera control with compatible mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
- The screen coating resists fingerprints, which is helpful during shoots.
- On-screen sliders provide immediate access to white balance, lens aperture, shutter speed/angle, and ISO adjustments.
Cons
- The monitor only has a single HDMI input and lacks an HDMI output.
- Firmware is buggy, with reports of removed features like EL Zone (though some users indicate it was later added) and less customizable guides compared to other Atomos monitors.
- Startup time is around 20 seconds, which is too long for quick on/off use between takes.
- Touch focus implementation is inconsistent or not working as expected for some camera models, even those listed as compatible.
- Camera control via the monitor can be slower and less practical for significant adjustments than using camera controls directly.
Dimension Scores
The 1500 nits brightness and HDR support provide excellent visibility in bright conditions, and user reports indicate accurate colors.
The monitor handles FHD monitoring up to 60fps, which is standard for video production, but specific response time isn't detailed in specs.
It only has a single HDMI input and no HDMI output, limiting its versatility in multi-monitor setups.
The lightweight design and rear-facing ports are positive, but the single bottom mounting point and lack of included mounting accessories are drawbacks.
Best For
- Filmmakers needing a bright, external monitor for outdoor shoots in sunny conditions.
- Videographers who frequently adjust camera settings like ISO and aperture on a shot-by-shot basis.
- Run-and-gun setups where a lightweight, compact 5-inch monitor is preferred over larger, heavier options.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring 4K native resolution display for critical focus and detail assessment.
- Setups needing an HDMI loop-through to another monitor or video transmitter.
- Anyone expecting instant boot-up times for quick, spontaneous shooting.
Watch Out For
- The '4K' label is misleading; the monitor accepts 4K input but displays at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
- Firmware issues at launch meant features like EL Zone were missing or buggy, though some updates have occurred.
- Startup takes approximately 20 seconds, which can be frustrating when powering on/off frequently.
- Touch focus functionality is inconsistent across cameras, with some users reporting it doesn't work even on compatible models.
- The monitor only includes a USB-C/PD cable; you'll need to buy an HDMI cable and a mounting solution separately.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DBQWXY4B |
| Brand | Atomos |
| Voltage | 120.0 |
| Language | German |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Department | All Ages |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Item Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Screen Size | 5 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Manufacturer | Atomos |
| Total Usb Ports | 1 |
| Image brightness | 1500 nits |
| Item model number | SHINOBI2 |
| Product Dimensions | 5.12 x 7.87 x 3.15 inches |
| Screen Surface Description | Glossy |
| Standing screen display size | 5 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users are frustrated by the Shinobi II's buggy software and slow startup, which can hinder quick shooting, despite its bright screen. The 'lite' version of AtomOS11 reportedly removed features like EL Zone and customizable guides that were present in other Atomos monitors, though some users later noted EL Zone was available. The touch focus is also a common point of contention, often not working as expected even with compatible cameras. However, the 1500 nits brightness is consistently praised for outdoor visibility.
“Man, this thing is bright, like seriously bright, but the software is a mess and it takes forever to turn on. I just want my touch focus to actually work with my Sony, is that too much to ask?!”
Common Praise
- The 1500 nits brightness makes the screen clearly visible even in harsh sunlight.
- The new form factor is slimmed down, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Colors on the screen are described as fantastic and accurate.
- The build quality, despite being plastic, feels durable.
- USB-C for power and camera control offers flexibility in setups.
Common Complaints
- The firmware is buggy, with reports of missing features and inconsistent performance.
- Startup time is approximately 20 seconds, which is too slow for some users.
- Touch focus is unreliable or non-functional for certain camera models, even if listed as supported.
- Camera control via the monitor can be slow and less efficient than using camera controls directly.
- The monitor only has a single HDMI input and lacks an HDMI output.
Ownership Tips
- Battery life varies significantly depending on the NP-F battery capacity used and the screen brightness setting.
- The monitor only comes with a USB-C cable; you'll need to purchase an HDMI cable and a mounting solution separately.
- The '4K' designation means it accepts 4K input, not that it displays in native 4K resolution.
- Some users have found the ports on the back to be a significant ergonomic improvement over side-mounted ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Atomos Shinobi II display in true 4K resolution?
No, the Atomos Shinobi II has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. It can accept 4K HDMI input signals but downscales them to 1080p for display.
Can I power the Shinobi II with a power bank?
Yes, you can power the monitor via its USB-C/PD port using a power bank. However, this will prevent you from using the same USB-C port for camera control.
Does the Shinobi II have HDMI output for looping to another device?
No, the Atomos Shinobi II only features an HDMI input, meaning it cannot loop the video signal out to another monitor or transmitter.
How long does the monitor take to start up?
Users have reported startup times of around 20 seconds, which can be a bit slow if you're frequently turning the monitor on and off.
Can I load custom LUTs onto the Shinobi II?
Yes, the monitor has an SD card slot that allows you to load up to eight custom LUTs in .cube format for monitoring.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an on-camera monitor like this, you're primarily buying a bigger, brighter window into what your camera sees. Don't just look at the screen size; think about how bright it is for outdoor shooting and if it can actually control your specific camera. The resolution is important for checking focus, but a '4K monitor' might only mean it accepts 4K signals, not that it displays them natively.
Brightness (nits)
This tells you how bright the screen gets. For outdoor shooting, especially in sunlight, you want a high nits number (like 1000+). A dim monitor is useless when the sun's out, like trying to read your phone screen at the beach.
Resolution (1920 x 1080 vs. 4K)
This is the actual number of pixels on the screen. A 1920 x 1080 monitor will show you a Full HD image. If it says '4K' but the resolution is 1920 x 1080, it means it can take a 4K signal from your camera but will downscale it to fit its own 1080p screen, similar to watching a 4K movie on a Full HD TV.
USB-C Camera Control
This feature lets you control some camera settings directly from the monitor's touchscreen. It's like having a remote control for your camera's basic functions, which is super handy if your camera is in an awkward position.
Alternatives
If you need true 4K native resolution for critical focus or HDMI output for looping, look for monitors explicitly stating 3840 x 2160 native resolution and 'HDMI Out' in their specifications.
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