You connect a camera to an Atomos monitor-recorder (Ninja, Shinobi and so on) and get nothing but No Input, or a picture that flickers and drops. It is almost always one of three things: input settings, camera output settings or the cable. Here is a quick on-set order to check them.
1. Check the Atomos input source
- On units with both HDMI and SDI, the input may be locked to the other port instead of Auto. Select the port you actually used.
- Some models need an add-on module for SDI (such as the AtomX SDI module). A standard Ninja V is HDMI only.
- Low power makes signal detection unreliable. Swap in a fresh battery first.
2. Camera output settings
| Setting | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| HDMI output resolution | Some cameras stop outputting in certain states unless the resolution is set explicitly rather than Auto |
| Simultaneous internal recording | Depending on the mode, external output may be limited during 4K internal recording, or 4K only appears with an “external only” setting |
| On-screen info | Leave HDMI info display on and menu text gets recorded too |
| Playback mode | Camera playback can trigger HDCP or a resolution change; test in shooting mode |
3. Resolution and frame rate compatibility
Each Atomos model accepts a specific set of resolution and frame rate combinations. If the camera sends 4K 120p or 6K and the monitor does not support it, you get Unsupported or No Input. First drop the camera to a common format such as 4K 30p or 1080 60p to confirm the link works, then find your target combination in the manual’s supported list. Watch for mixed region settings (NTSC/PAL) that produce 23.98 vs 25p mismatches.
4. Cables and connectors
- 4K 60p and above needs an HDMI 2.0–capable (Premium High Speed certified) cable. Older cables often pass 1080p but drop at 4K.
- Micro and mini HDMI ports wear loose quickly. Use a cable clamp or a short locking cable, and swap cables to rule them out.
- For SDI, check the 3G/6G/12G rating, BNC cable quality and run length. 4K over SDI needs 12G-rated cable.
5. Firmware and RAW output
- ProRes RAW recording and support for specific cameras often arrive through Atomos firmware updates (some require paid activation). Keep both camera and Atomos firmware current.
- If the camera is set to RAW output and the Atomos does not support that RAW flavor, nothing appears. Switch back to normal output to confirm.
Quick on-set order
- Confirm the Atomos input port (HDMI/SDI) and the battery
- Put the camera in shooting mode and drop HDMI output to 1080 60p
- Swap the cable
- Once you have picture, step up to your target resolution and frame rate one at a time
- Still nothing? Update firmware on both devices