An apparatus for viewing the atomization of liquid metal is disclosed. A nozzle for atomizing liquid metal having a cylindrical plenum, and a melt guide tube extending axially therethrough to a melt exit orifice. The plenum defines an inner chamber coupled with an atomizing gas orifice spaced from the exit orifice and configured to provide an annular jet of atomizing gas converging in an atomizing zone extending below the exit orifice The plenum having an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall defining the inner chamber therebetween. The inner sidewall extends below the exit orifice so that the inner sidewall is spaced from the atomizing zone. A cylindrical sleeve extends through the outer sidewall to a first end in the inner chamber. A camera mounted in the sleeve has a field of view extending from the first end. A transparent window is mounted to seal the first end. The sleeve is positioned so the field of view extends through the atomization zone. A porthole extends through the inner sidewall along the field of view to provide a view of the atomization zone to the camera, and for a gas flow therefrom.