Is Touch Focus Update Worth It on Atomos Shinobi II vs Alternatives?

[@DarrinRigo]

That boot up time is genuinely bonkers.

[@dunnadidit]

Right!? So wild!

[@johnnybermudez]

Was going to pull the trigger on this purchase of the shinobi until I saw this vid. So true, the need to figure this out with Sony and or in Firmware update. Thanks dude for the honest review.

[@B-Moye]

I love how while waiting for the boot up time it got to 20 seconds and cut to commercial for me. Hilarious timing.

[@dunnadidit]

Hahah NOOOOOO 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@RossBarnett02]

Thank you for being hard on Atomos for this. You beautifully explained all my frustrations with this update. My video was a little more harsh... 😅

[@dunnadidit]

Haha yes it was a bit more harsh. BUT your video was kind of the catalyst for me doing my video in this way. Originally I was going to just do a atomos vs portkeys comparison and then when I saw your video I thought “yeah, I think I need to talk about this too!” And I kinda shifted the topic a bit.

[@toddb7948]

When I buy a new phone, I keep the old phone and use it as my external monitor for my Sony cameras and as a drone controller. It works well and I don't risk damaging my primary phone when using it on my camera.

[@dunnadidit]

That’s super smart for those who can swing it!

[@jambononi]

Yeah it's a good point, and usually the resale value is going to be less than the cost of a new monitor. Issue is for bigger jobs the unreliability of a phone as a monitor is just not good enough. My preference would be a monitor like the Shinobi 2 (that worked better) + an iPad or phone that works like the app mentioned. Apparently you can have multicam on the app which is awesome.

[@rogerdatfilms]

I just upgraded to the new pro max iphone and thinking about just keeping my old 12 pro for my monitor for my Mavic Air 2 drone. so that I dont have to whip out my new iphone to use it as a monitor on the controller and just use that phone to get some snapchat stuff or IG stories lol

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

Paired with canon c100 mkii is perfect. El zone for face fstop exposure, night focus peaking, 10 stop of dynamic range show 10 stops off my sensor. 4 hrs npf970 at 1500 nits. El zone is wonderful setting middle grey from 32% to 50% is a game changer for outdoor run and gun.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!! Hey if it works for what you need then that’s awesome! I’ve heard that the touch focus actually works properly on canon too.

[@vividwealth7591]

Dude...thank you. Spent an hour trying to figure out the touch to focus, thanks Atmos for not telling us it only works in "Spot'...

[@david243121]

1000% agree with all that you said. I actually bought an extra iphone 15 pro max to use with Monitor+ as my main monitor. best of all worlds... bad for the bank account. I dont know why these monitor companies cant get on board with the tap to focus stuff. If a phone can do it, why not a monitor?

[@dunnadidit]

Right!? Exactly my thoughts!

[@mirrorlessmemory]

Their mistake was their “description” with this update. They just wanted to make everyone happy but honestly they just have labeled it as a beta trial or something. I’m sure they knew it wasn’t what we wanted. But I’m glad this happened and people like you are voicing this issue so they can learn from it. All in all, I’m still happy with my monitor and excited to see what else they do with it in the near future.

[@dunnadidit]

This comment sums up my thoughts really well! Great way to put it!

[@dpjohnjones432]

Good review! I was going to sell me portkeys LH7P for this. It works pretty good but I want a 5” and I miss my atomos monitors from times past. Idk maybe I can get along without tap to focus. If the other functions work well I think I’ll be ok.

[@DroseMr]

Typical. I almost always get excited and then find out well not what was expected.🎉Thank You

[@dunnadidit]

My pleasure! It’s honestly still a pretty great little monitor but that one hiccup just sucks

[@danielbarbosa5474]

For that price range best option is the Portkey LH5PII by far!

[@shawnchenco]

I use the Monitor+ for a while now and its how I stave off not buying a dedicated monitor. A cheap small tablet + the app = a monitor that is also a tablet. Win Win? :D

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah, if that works for you, I think that’s a great way to go!

[@shawnchenco]

@@dunnadidit I just bought a MagSafe threaded adapter and threw it on monitor mount like you and - chef's kiss! Works so good! Thank you

[@MonstaBlocka]

I thinking to buy it for my FX3. How to handle this for 9:16 🤔 ?

[@through_the_lens_art]

Shinobi II is a great monitor, especially the weight and all the features since fimrware 11.02.00. Battery life is a real deal as well :)

[@dunnadidit]

This is definitely true. It’s a funny thing to feel so disappointed for a feature that is really an EXTRA when the foundational product is still so solid.

[@GizmoMaxx]

Maybe the 7" would be a better option ? Since has more connections and has 2 bat options ?

[@dunnadidit]

Definitely a good option if it has what you need! And reasonably priced too!

[@JeffreyJDavis]

Thanks for the great unbiased review. Looks like I'll be sticking with my Viltrox DC-X3 to use with my Sony A1 until someone really nails this

[@UNOWN-csgo]

the single USB and touch to focus have meant mine has barely been used. I'm already running a V-mount battery. I'm not running an extra battery on the Shinobi!

[@aliocha38]

On my Canon R6 Mark 2, I noticed if “Digital IS” = “On” then, The Shinobi II Touch Focus works perfectly. However, If “Digital IS” = “Enhanced” then It goes wrong : the Shinobi II Touch Focus always happens slightly off. In other word, Shinobis and camera tap to focus do not match when tapping on a specific point.... This firmware update is definitivly incomplete.

[@588ta]

You failed to mention two major concerns. The overheating issue and not able to adjust f. Stop or exposure? Why recording my understanding? Is it shuts the camera? It's it stops the camera from recording.

[@dunnadidit]

I’ve never had any overheating issue so there was nothing to mention there. I’ve run the thing all day with no problem. And I did mention adjusting aperture (f stop) and all the other exposure settings as well so I’m not sure what you’re asking there.

[@588ta]

@dunnadidit please correct me if I'm wrong if. I wanted to change exposure journey recording. Using the touchscreen, the monitor stops recording.

[@588ta]

I do want to thank you for responding to my concern. Other youtubers don't seem to care about these 2 problems. So thank you again for responding. Enjoy your video.

[@TheTravandTazTravelDiaries]

I've had nothing but issues with 2 of these monitors now. Even after their most recent update. Try taking a photo and I just end up with a black screen that I can only get rid of by disconnecting the HDMI cable, it even bricks my R6mk2 until I remove the HDMI. I don't even try using the USBC cable to control my camera as it has only given me issues. I don't think the software on these is all that great.

[@conn0r_gray537]

I am having some delay issues with my brand new shinobi 2 monitor and was wondering what I should do? Or if you are experiencing the same thing.

[@azezcnan2728]

Good morning Dunna, I think it's better just to use my phone. great content, keep it up.

[@dunnadidit]

Heck yeah! Whatever works for you is the best option!

[@konstantinpress5518]

I think about buying this monitor for fx3. Is it still not working?

[@photosbyjames_]

does the monitor have standby mode for all day wedding shoots where one might want to leave the monitor on (because of the slow bootup time)?

[@dunnadidit]

Not that I’ve found

[@jambononi]

Reminds me of the DJI drones and their new controllers that have the screen built in. Android OS isn't actually that difficult to implement as you see it in niche games consoles and stuff. So presumably you can have a basic phone with android os that boots directly to that app. Might even be possible with a 5 year old phone (or new obvs) and ask a nerdy phone person to configure it to auto boot to that one app. MUST be possible right? If not relatively easy? When I first heard about the Shinobi II it was like a dream com true but so far I've only heard tentative reviews. But the number of times I'm holding my camera by the top handle and wish I could tap to focus on my A7siii. Maybe that's why you 'need' the fx6?

[@dunnadidit]

Right?! I totally hear you on this. It's tough because I know NOTHING about coding or making electronics play nice with eachother so it's hard to say that it should be "easy" but sometimes it just feels like it should be.

[@theautomationchannel6920]

I came to find out which one to buy Atomos Shinobi II vs Portkeys lh7p.....I end up with keeping my old monitors...no need to upgrade now. something to be metnioned here...Monitor + resolution is a bammer and if I use Ipad ... Helll no resolution is really bad..and laggy as well...

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for adding your thoughts!

[@nVuFilms]

Been waiting for this

[@dunnadidit]

My review? Or the disappointing firmware update 😂

[@nVuFilms]

@@dunnadidit any detailed review on what the touch controls were going to actually be... Which clearly a huge disappointment I have been using the portkeys LH7P and have the same issue. If I turn the camera off or if it goes to sleep I have to reconnect. Also can't see the actual box on the screen while tracking.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice! Sounds like we’re in the same spot then! Hopefully they get this turned around quickly, they’ve already pushed out 2 firmware updates since release so they’re obviously focused on this product.

[@TrueNorf]

I think I’ll stick with the Ninja V, Dunna! This sounded like a bit of a train wreck. I also still have my old phone which I think I’ll start to use as a monitor. Thanks D! Super helpful review!

[@theoell2049]

If use the camera usb c port for shinobi how i will connect the camera with gimbal that need usb c port too?

[@sharu5449]

I have iPhone 15 Pro and monitor+ app but I haven't been able to use USB-C connection with my Sony A7IV, it just doesn't recognize the cable and I tried multiple cables . I can connect iPad mini with USB-C fine, just not iPhone 15 pro with USB-C connection. Are you using iPhone 15 Pro max ?

[@o0YumRamen0o]

I have IPhone 15 Pro Max with A7cii and works fine with both Sony monitor app and monitorPlus. A7Cii on old firmware version

[@dunnadidit]

Weird! I was demonstrating with an a7iv and iPhone 15 pro max here so it should definitely be possible. Is the a7iv firmware up to date?

[@sharu5449]

@@dunnadidit Thank you for your quick reply. I have iPhone 15 Pro and monitor+ app, the paid version. I could NEVER get the USB-C cable to even be recognized on the iPhone Pro when I connect it to Sony A7IV and I tried many different cables so far. It works flawless with iPad Mini 6, just not on iPhone 15 Pro. I have the most up to date firmware on my Sony A7IV. - iPhone 15 Pro (iOS version 18.0.1, it didn't work on one previous version previous to this either) - Monitor+ version 1.4.2 (396) - Sony A7IV firmware version 3.02 (Sony just release version 4 on Oct-16-2024 !! but I'm holding off on updating it to that version until I'm sure it's safe :D) So I just bought Shinobi 2 and so far it's been good. However, I would sooo like it to work with my iPhone 15 Pro connected using USB-C just like it did in this demo where you're using iPhone 15 Pro Max ! Love your content

[@desistars7089]

Brother could you pls tell me that film makers today also uses rolling shutter or they switch to global shutter and do films like avengers also shoot in rolling shutter cameras

[@Msharialeidi]

Keep it up, amazing content👏

[@dunnadidit]

Thank you! Will do!

[@sonycemedia]

Do you know of a good app that works with the Lumix S5II?

[@dunnadidit]

I don't know anything other than the LUMIX sync app but I haven't had much experience with it to pass on.

[@JS-rh6cs]

There is also a Bug when you activate Touch to Focus with the a7 IV and then switch over the Monitor to the FX3 which doesn't support Touch to Focus the small ICON on the right upper side just bugs to a white square with nothing to press anymore :D:D:D and you can't set Touch to Focus back off because in the Menu of Atomos the Menu Point is completely gone.... so you have to deactivate it back with another supported camera and then switch it over to your FX3 for example..... what the hell PLEASE FIX IT

[@ashstonk]

Hey bro, this seems to be a problem with Sony cameras. I saw another video like this. I have the Canon R6 mark two everything works flawless the tap to focus the tracking focus everything works as it should as if I was just using my camera I also own theCanonR5 mark two. I can’t wait for them to implement that software for that Camera.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!! From what I can tell, it’s the same for Sony, Fuji, lumix, and Nikon. Canon seems to be okay tho!

[@CinematoPhoto]

Use a moderately priced android phont with Monitor+ app. Solves everything

[@gabe1269]

I do the same, I just find it annoying my phone battery is always low

[@CinematoPhoto]

@gabe1269 use a phone with good battery life and not your phone in particular

[@gabe1269]

@@CinematoPhoto true, but I’m deep in the Apple ecosystem + a bigger screen is better when monitoring focus

[@yasinvfx]

Hi, I watched your Davinci-Mac Gamma Video, when I set the Timeline color space to “DaVinci WG/Intermediate,” the “Film Look Creator” doesn’t work properly.

[@dunnadidit]

You also have to set the color space in the film look creator to match I believe!

[@yasinvfx]

@@dunnadidit thanks. color looks like sepia, it improves when switching to REC-709A

[@dunnadidit]

Are you putting it after a color space transform that is converting the image to rec709a?

[@yasinvfx]

@@dunnadidit I watched your video and followed every step; the issue was resolved. Without making any further changes, I entered the color tab and wanted to try the “Film Look Creator” tool, but the image turned yellow. When I go back into the project settings and set the “Timeline color space” to “Rec.709-A,” the issue is resolved, but is there a way for me to use it as “DaVinci WG/Intermediate” instead?

[@yasinvfx]

@@dunnadidit I think this is the correct one: Film Look Creator Color Space Overrides ⬇ 📍Input Color Space - Rec.709 📍Input Gamma - Rec.709-A 📍Output Color Space - Rec.709 📍Output Gamma - Rec.709-A 📍Output White Point - D65

[@niallpattersonmedia7709]

If the fix the overheating and tracking issue for sony, in the atomos monitor i will buy it instantly!

[@98JamesNixon]

I’ve had to send mine in for repair as I’ve got terrible ghosting to where it’s unusable for anything not on a tripod and also the punch in zoom is very soft. My old shinobi has been decent so I thought this would be a good upgrade. Atomos so far has been pretty useless so I haven’t for much hope 😔

[@dunnadidit]

WOAH! That sounds bad, sorry that happened to you! I’ll have to keep my eyes open and see if I hear any similar stories.

[@98JamesNixon]

@@dunnadidit Yeah I guess I just got unlucky, shame I didn’t get a chance to use it properly on a shoot until after the return window. Otherwise I would have sent it back for a refund. It was one of the very first as I had pre ordered it

[@dunnadidit]

Oh man, thats rough luck.

[@sardanapalos]

if atomos makes this compatible with all sony cameras and tap to focus is working i'm buying 3 :)

[@dunnadidit]

Heck yeah!

[@jarrodbarker]

The fact Portkeys beat them to it and did it so much better is very disappointing, and a bit pathetic. Coming from a former Shinobi 1 user. Oh well, maybe some day they’ll cater to demand.

[@JevenDovey]

That boot up time is awful.

[@dunnadidit]

Right!? So bad!

[@IzaacT]

Monitor plus while my monitor stays at home.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha precisely!

[@amirotepr3333]

Monitor + on my a7 IV only connects via Wi-fi, Idk why it does not detect the USB connection

[@Krakenborn]

Why the hell no HDMI out? That is a deal breaker mannn. Wireless HDMI Monitoring is a popular thing now, any cheaper Monitor have it.

[@romankuhler]

Hey Great Video, but mine starts way faster.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice! Well you are a lucky one I guess haha

[@romankuhler]

@@dunnadidit 😄i tried it right after your video and it took about 10seconds. My Problem is to switch between Camera camera control and monitor interface. I have to tap the middle of the monitor to get out of the camera control. Did out experience that? Oh and the rec function is can be very moody🙈

[@dunnadidit]

@romankuhler I had some of that before a previous firmware update, when you would be recording and leave the camera control page it would stop recording 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@romankuhler]

@@dunnadidit at least it’s thin and bright😄 have a great weekend and thx for making videos🤙🏼

[@BrandonTalbot]

Once again Atomos does an Atomos thing...

[@dunnadidit]

lol 😂

[@Bobsmithabc]

Monitor and Control or Monitor+ app are hard to beat if you have Sony cameras.😊

[@dunnadidit]

Right? It just works so well!

[@amirotepr3333]

Yeah but it has a slight delay, and it only works with a Wireless connection

[@Bobsmithabc]

@@amirotepr3333 you can run a wired connection too

[@theseventh2609]

❤

[@afseale]

Seriously……this sux! That’s the only feature I need!!!!! Not happy!

[@dunnadidit]

We continue waiting I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@brianhawkins]

Really disappointing. I really wanted there to be a monitor with touch focus. I’d have even gladly put up with the stupid long boot up time and laughably thick bezels. Wish some other company would get things right when it comes to monitors.

[@dunnadidit]

Whoever does it RIGHT first is gonna sell a LOT of monitors.

[@brianhawkins]

@@dunnadidit 100%

[@billyoung9538]

Unless Atomos ends their petty feud with Blackmagic then I hold no hope for them to support Blackmagic anything by choice. Anyone who knows the pretty well known and documented origin story of Atomos knows this. It's the biggest reason I personally avoid Atomos products. If they can't keep their their accessories truly neutral then they simply aren't a brand I can trust to function with whatever gear I get.

[@dunnadidit]

Great point!

[@KaceyBakerFilms]

Yeah it’s a Fking pain! I’m waiting for the FX3 > BM Raw update on the 4k assist.

[@billyoung9538]

@@KaceyBakerFilms That's a Sony & Blackmagic collaboration thing, and honestly given that the FX6 is on the BRAW list and the FX3 is the same sensor, it does seem odd if they don't give such an update; however, it could be that Sony is trying to give the FX6 some feature advantages for a while, and as a test be to assess it's popularity. That said I think the FX3 and FX30 would be fantastic options for BRAW, particularly give the Fuji X-M5 just got added tot he upcoming BRAW list, making it one of the least expensive APSC/Super35 6k compressed RAW capable cameras. It's actually hard to believe on could get both that body and Video Assist for somewhere between $1000-$1600 depending on the video assist version one were to get.

[@williamfinke3963]

soooo someone just has to make a little android tablet monitor with usb c with npf batteries

[@Bruno_fyi]

Ipad 11 inch and monitor plus. You can thank me later. ;)

[@dunnadidit]

😂 ahha nice.

[@AlbertoMendoza]

Sweet. Now I know NOT to get this monitor. I’ll probably spend a little more on a smallhd.

[@fellafellzfilms]

give me the shinobiii since you don't like it bro

[@matcast81]

With my Sony a7siii the touch focus is working properly

[@dunnadidit]

Can you confirm that it works even if you're in wide focus area? Also, tracking focus is working too?

[@matcast81]

@@dunnadidit I can confirm the touch focus is working (in wide focus area) but not the tracking focus

[@bentboi6969]

Atomos once again dropped the ball haha this thing is garbage just like the first shinobi. Port keys LH5p ii or LH7p are farrrrr better options in this price range. I have had so many issues with Atomos monitors I would never give them a dollar again.

[@_rhapsodist]

What a useless piece of junk, the whole point of camera control would be the tap to track..and they also sip power like crazy so that insane boot up time will constantly drive you crazy when you're trying to save battery 🫣

[@dunnadidit]

Haha I feel like “useless piece of junk” is definitely not how I would describe it 😂 it’s still a solid monitor if you ignore the camera control stuff, but the expectation vs reality of the camera control features is super disappointing