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Camera operator Charlotte Maguire shares her experience of the Atomos Ninja TX on an adventurous shoot in The Bahamas
T he Mystery of the Pirate King’s Treasure follows maritime archaeologist Dr Sean Kingsley and filmmaker Chris Atkins (of Wreckwatch TV) as they search for the Fancy – a long-lost ship of pirate Henry Avery, believed to have sunk in Nassau Harbour. Nicknamed King of Pirates, Avery’s exploits were so legendary that he’s been cited as an inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow. For camera operator Charlotte Maguire, the shoot was always going to be challenging. Filming in an active harbour brought layers of restrictions and wrangling with local authorities, while intense heat, tropical storms and hurricanes kept the team on their toes throughout. “It made it all a lot more interesting, that’s for sure,” she laughs. When choosing kit, Maguire prioritised adaptability and convenience, making sure that everything could withstand the elements while still delivering high image quality. Her main set-up consisted of a Sony FX3 camera paired with Sigma 24-105mm f/4 lenses, a variable ND filter and Atomos Ninja TX recording via HDMI to Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type B 2TB cards. Power was supplied by a V-Lock battery through a dummy adapter, while audio was captured using a Sony ECM- 637 shotgun microphone alongside RØDE wireless mics. Much of the shoot was run-and-gun, filmed handheld with only occasional tripod use. Maguire had previous experience with Atomos monitors, having first used a Shinobi while studying for her master’s in cinematography in 2021. She wanted to try the Ninja TX after seeing it used on Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory . “It’s so riveting,” she says. “I saw they were using Atomos monitors and what struck me was how much they rely on their kit, and – like we would be – they’re shooting in really varied conditions.”
GOT YOUR BACK Ninja TX’s Camera to Cloud functionality offers reassurance in erratic conditions
The Ninja TX is Atomos’ five-inch monitor-recorder, featuring a 1500-nit display, camera control with touch-to- focus and the ability to record up to 8K/30p ProRes Raw. For Maguire, its durability and workflow features were key in an environment where equipment failure or loss was a risk. This came into sharp relief at one point in the shoot: “We lost a camera in the ocean – but we still had the footage uploading onto the cloud, so we didn’t lose everything. It was a genuine lifesaver,” she recalls. The reassurance came from the Ninja TX’s Camera to Cloud functionality, which let proxy files upload automatically while shooting. In erratic conditions, securing footage remotely provided a crucial safety net. Extreme heat was another issue, with temperatures reaching 35- 37°C during long days on the water. “Our kit struggled in the heat, but the monitor stayed cool and alive,” she marvels. “Its 1500-nit display was also a lifesaver – even in harsh sunlight I could see everything, without glare or colour loss.” With both HDMI and SDI input/output, the Ninja TX connected easily to cameras
on the shoot. “Not having to worry about converters or extra gear made the whole set-up lighter and more streamlined,” Charlotte explains. This versatility not only expanded the range of compatible cameras but also removed the need for additional adapters, cutting down on bulk and potential points of failure. She also relied on Ninja’s false colour tool, which proved “essential when filming on open water with shifting light and multiple skin tones,” she shares. “It let me nail exposure in real time without second guessing or leaving it to post. Having it accessible from the main page meant I could make adjustments mid take without disrupting the shot.” Asked if she would recommend the Ninja TX, Maguire is unequivocal. “100%, it’s found a permanent place in my kit bag,” she enthuses. “It’s a great monitor, and I’m not even using all of its amazing, potential abilities – there’s so many other things you can do with it. Atomos will definitely be my go-to for monitors as I expand my collection.” Learn more about the Ninja TX at atomos.com
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