Unlocking creativity with Ninja Phone

John Mamutil, an orthodontist based in Sydney, Australia, is also an aspiring cinematographer with a profound passion for photography. “I’ve been interested in photography for as long as I can remember,” John shares. Beyond his medical career, John also works as a software designer, leading a small team of developers. “Over the years, I’ve realized that almost everything is possible in software. I’ve been venturing into cinematography for a while and have gradually built a collection of some incredible cinema and hybrid cameras,” he adds.

Shortly after investing in a pair of Atomos Ninja monitor-recorders, John quickly realized their importance in his cinematography journey. “The Ninjas were essential for me to understand the benefits of ProRes and RAW video,” he explains. The monitor’s built-in features, such as Waveforms, False Color, and Focus Peaking, have significantly enhanced his workflow. He adds, “I love their portability. The display size is perfect, and the high-quality screen delivers clear and sharp images.”

When Atomos announced the Ninja Phone in April last year, John was eager to put it to the test. He secured the clamp onto his iPhone 15 Pro Max and connected it to his camera using a single HDMI cable. “I use the Ninja Phone for everything related to video. It’s fantastic for cameras without tilting or movable LCD screens,” he shares.

The Ninja Phone has the capability to transform iPhone 15 and 16 Pro, as well as iPad Pro, into professional video monitors. “I was blown away by the quality of the device. I couldn’t believe how lightweight it was,” he enthused.

With the Atomos Ninja Phone app, John can access the same built-in features as the Ninja monitors. “I enjoy using the Anamorphic de-squeeze tool when filming with anamorphic lenses – it’s a must-have for cinematographers,” he notes. The Ninja Phone can also capture 10-bit video in Apple 4K ProRes with the latest firmware. “It’s amazing being able to use my iPhone as a premium monitor and recording device. I’m excited to see what other advancements are in store for the Ninja Phone,” John said.

“For cameras with smaller screens, having an external monitor like the Ninja Phone is indispensable.”