Nikon Video re Atomos Ninja

[Fly 1]

Hi Team
Not really talking about the Z line up but using our exiting bodies,
Been shooting (trying ) to get into Nikon body Video again
Tried some time back when I had the FCPX Trial and enthusiasm faded

Got the trial again for FCPX, this time I'm going to pull the trigger, FWIW, FCPX cost $500!............here in Australia, dearest on the planet I believe

Always observing wildlife trying to get a good shot, lockdown got me thinking about another discipline I should really be engaging as well as stills, that being video

Apparently, with most Nikon bodies, we can shoot HD video in ProRes codec using an attached Video recorder
The one I have been looking at was a Atomos Ninja,

Any views on this option
I'm guessing Steve has this already sorted with his production vids in the field
FWIW, I'll be using a D4s
...........Gary

 

[IainD]

Hi Gary. I bought Final Cut Pro for my daughter to use, and she had it working very quickly. It seems to be quite intuitive now. I think you may have fun with it.
My daughter was about 15 when I got it, and 15yos are amazing at stuff like that, but she is not particularly a computer sort of person. I have made a couple of short videos with it and it is good!
I

 

[Fly 1]

Sounds great Iain
Slowly getting the hang of it,
.........Gary

 

[Steve]

My video prowess is somewhat limited. I'm basically jus tuning eat Atomos to record the screen on my mirrorless cameras for tutorials. It works well for that, but I'm really only using a fraction of its potential. Still learning as I go.

 

[Fly 1]

Thank you Steve
wife tells me I have to pay for my computer repairs first
8 year old iMac is showing its age...............like me
.............Gary

 

[MartyD]

I have been learning to shoot and process more video but I haven't been using any RAW video yet. I have been using Davinci Resolve to edit my videos and I started with the free version before updating to the paid version and I have been very pleased with it.

I know that Z bodies can be modified by Nikon to record ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW to an external recorder but I was not aware that the earlier Nikon DSLRs could export RAW video. It is possible to record to an external device via HDMI but I thought it was in H.264 code. But I am just getting the hang of video processing myself so a little more research might be in order.

 

[Fly 1]

Hi Marty
I think you may be right, pretty sure my now, very old D4s may only do H.264, will ring my pro shop today and get an answer, hopefully
..............Gary

 

[dmanning]

I’ve been doing video related things professionally for a long time now, so I feel moderately qualified to chime in here. With a D4s, the atomos is just not super useful due to very limited video specs. Even if you had a Z6/6ii, I would not recommend this for someone just starting out in video. Not because it’s complicated, but simply because ProRes and other raw codecs are tools for in depth work with colors/workflow that is rarely necessary for a beginner/casual user. It creates many more hours of work and a much larger storage need. The only general benefit would be the larger playback screen, but there are cheaper options for that.

 

[MartyD]

I’ve been doing video related things professionally for a long time now, so I feel moderately qualified to chime in here. With a D4s, the atomos is just not super useful due to very limited video specs. Even if you had a Z6/6ii, I would not recommend this for someone just starting out in video. Not because it’s complicated, but simply because ProRes and other raw codecs are tools for in depth work with colors/workflow that is rarely necessary for a beginner/casual user. It creates many more hours of work and a much larger storage need. The only general benefit would be the larger playback screen, but there are cheaper options for that.

Thanks for the info. My work with video during the last couple of years has given me a much better appreciation for the time and skill required to edit video.

 

[Fly 1]

I’ve been doing video related things professionally for a long time now, so I feel moderately qualified to chime in here. With a D4s, the atomos is just not super useful due to very limited video specs. Even if you had a Z6/6ii, I would not recommend this for someone just starting out in video. Not because it’s complicated, but simply because ProRes and other raw codecs are tools for in depth work with colors/workflow that is rarely necessary for a beginner/casual user. It creates many more hours of work and a much larger storage need. The only general benefit would be the larger playback screen, but there are cheaper options for that.

Much appreciated, thank you
Been finding colour grading and key framing etc fascinating , new hobby I guess
The other thing I found out ....... straight away! ........ was trying to shoot with the LCD Screen was a real pain, for example, like an orb Spider trying to repair his web in 15 knot wind
was almost impossible, pulling the trigger on FCPX on the 9th February (Birthday )
.........Gary