Video Gear
Ninja - V Video Kit
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This page provides an overview of the video kit I use when filming wildlife with the Nikon Z8. The aim of this setup is to improve visibility, focus accuracy, and overall workflow during long sessions in hides and woodland settings. Once all components have arrived, I will add a photograph of the fully assembled kit mounted on the camera.
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The Atomos Ninja V forms the core of my external video monitoring and recording setup. Its bright, high-resolution 5-inch display makes it much easier to judge exposure, fine detail, and critical focus than the camera’s rear screen. This is particularly valuable during early morning wildlife sessions, shaded woodland work, and other situations where light levels are low or contrast is challenging.
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Tools such as focus peaking, waveform monitoring, and exposure overlays have become part of my standard workflow before recording any sequence. They help reduce guesswork and improve consistency, especially when working with long lenses and unpredictable subjects.
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For recording, I use a 2TB Samsung 870 EVO SSD inside the Atomos Master Caddy. This SSD is currently on order, and once it arrives the kit will be complete and ready for uninterrupted recording and efficient data handling in the field.
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What Comes in the Box
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The Atomos Ninja V includes only the essential items:
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• Ninja V 5-inch monitor-recorder
• 1 × Atomos Master Caddy II
• Basic AC mains power supply
• Quickstart documentation
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This package is suitable for desk or studio use, but not for fieldwork. It does not include batteries, chargers, SSDs, mounting hardware, or HDMI cables. For wildlife filming and extended outdoor sessions, these additional components are essential.
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Additional Accessories I Use
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To build a reliable, practical, and field-ready video setup, I have added the following accessories.
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Power
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Atomos Universal Power Kit
Includes two NP-F batteries, a fast charger, a D-Tap cable, and a protective case. This kit provides dependable power for the Ninja V during long hide sessions and extended filming without frequent battery changes.
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USB-C Power Delivery Cable (PD 3.1, 240 W, USB-C to USB-C)
Used to power my Nikon Z8 directly from a USB-C PD power bank. This supports continuous operation and allows in-camera battery charging during long wildlife sessions, timelapse work, and extended video recording.
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Media and Data
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Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD
This drive serves as the primary recording medium inside the Atomos caddy. Its capacity and reliability make it well suited to long 4K clips and extended recording sessions. The SSD is currently on order and will complete the recording side of the kit once it arrives.
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Angelbird USB-C to SATA Adapter
A fast and reliable adapter for transferring footage from the SSD to a computer. It supports quick backups and efficient file management at the end of a session. also assisting firmware updates.
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Mounting and Rigging
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SmallRig Camera Cage for Nikon Z8 (3940)
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A rigid, anti-twist camera cage that provides a stable and well-balanced mounting platform for accessories. It improves overall handling by distributing weight more evenly, while also offering physical protection for the camera body during regular field use. Multiple mounting points allow accessories to be positioned cleanly without compromising access to controls.
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The integrated Arca-Swiss base simplifies tripod mounting and makes it easy to move between support systems without reconfiguring the setup. In practice, the cage adds confidence and consistency when working with a monitor attached, particularly during longer sessions from a fixed position.
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SmallRig Cage Kit for Atomos Ninja V (3788)
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A full protective cage designed specifically for the Ninja V that improves durability and cable management in a field environment. The cage adds rigidity around the monitor while maintaining access to controls, ports, and the touchscreen interface.
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An integrated HDMI cable clamp helps secure the connection and reduce strain on the port during long recording sessions. This is particularly useful when the camera is repositioned frequently or when working in confined spaces such as hides, where cables can easily be nudged or pulled.
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SmallRig Adjustable Monitor Mount (ARRI-Style, 3/8")
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A compact, all-metal monitor mount that provides a secure and dependable connection between the Ninja V and the SmallRig Z8 cage. The ARRI-style locating pin and 3/8" screw interface prevent unwanted rotation once tightened, keeping the monitor correctly aligned throughout a session.
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The mount offers smooth tilt and swivel adjustment for precise positioning, then locks down firmly without play. This makes it well suited to field use, where the monitor needs to stay exactly where it is set, even when moving between positions or working from a tripod or hide.
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Its straightforward, non-quick-release design prioritises rigidity over speed, which in practice suits wildlife work well. Once set, the monitor remains stable and predictable, allowing attention to stay on observation and framing rather than adjustment.
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Cables
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HDMI 8K/4K Down-Angled Spiral Cable (50 cm)
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A compact, strain-relieving full-size HDMI cable chosen specifically to keep the rig tidy and protected. The down-angled connector routes the cable close to the camera body, reducing leverage on the HDMI port and minimising the risk of accidental disconnection.
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The spiral design allows enough flexibility for adjustment while avoiding excess slack. This helps maintain a clean, compact setup, particularly when working from a tripod for extended periods.
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Audio
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RØDE VideoMic NTG
Directional on-camera shotgun microphone used for capturing ambient wildlife sound and close-range audio. Chosen for its low noise floor, strong directionality, and suitability for outdoor field work.
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How I Use This Kit in the Field
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This monitor-recorder setup plays an important role in my wildlife workflow, particularly when working in low light, static positions, and situations where precision matters more than speed.
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Clearer Detail in Low Light
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The bright Ninja V screen makes it easier to assess exposure and fine detail in shaded woodland, overcast conditions, and early morning light. In these situations, the rear camera screen can be difficult to judge accurately, especially when subtle tonal differences matter.
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Greater Confidence in Focus
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Long-lens wildlife work often relies on extremely precise focus, where even small errors can be difficult to spot on a small screen. The larger display and focus tools make fine adjustments easier to see, reducing the likelihood of focus errors before recording begins.
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Longer, Uninterrupted Recording
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With NP-F batteries powering the monitor and an SSD handling recording, the camera can remain rolling for longer periods without frequent interruptions. This is particularly useful when behaviour unfolds unpredictably and stopping to change media or batteries risks missing key moments.
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More Comfortable Monitoring
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Mounting the screen securely above the camera provides a more natural and comfortable viewing angle when working from a tripod. This reduces strain during long sessions in hides or static positions, making it easier to stay focused and attentive over extended periods.
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More Comfortable Monitoring
Mounting the screen securely above the camera provides a more natural viewing angle when working from a tripod, reducing fatigue during long sessions in hides or static positions.
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Ninja V Setup Guides
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The videos below provide a clear, practical overview of how to configure and mount the Atomos Ninja V. Although the demonstrations use other camera bodies, the setup process is the same for the Nikon Z8. Together, these tutorials illustrate the key parts of the workflow I follow in the field, including mounting the monitor, connecting the HDMI cable, installing and formatting the SSD, checking exposure tools, and preparing the unit for filming.āā
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Monitor Setup and Configuration
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This video offers a straightforward walkthrough of the Ninja V setup process, including menu navigation, HDMI configuration, SSD installation, and general recorder preparation. The approach shown here mirrors how I prepare the monitor before heading out to film wildlife.
Attaching the Ninja V to a Camera
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This short demonstration shows how to mount the Ninja V securely onto a mirrorless camera. The workflow is similar to how I attach the monitor to the Nikon Z8, providing a clean and stable setup for filming in hides and woodland environments.
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This tutorial provides a useful visual reference for assembling and configuring the Ninja V. The mounting method, HDMI connection, power setup, SSD installation, and menu checks shown in the video reflect the process I use before heading out to film wildlife.
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A full image reference of the Ninja V kit components is available here.
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