All About Video Recording Monitors

A video recording monitor offers precise control over different video levels, ensuring top-quality recording. Video monitors are critical tools for professional and amateur filmmakers.

What Are Recording Monitors?

Recording monitors combine the best aspects of regular video monitors and video recorders. They function as external hard drives, as a tool to control exposure levels, and references for recording. Unlike standard monitors, recording monitors capture better quality recordings, and keep the file type the same regardless of your camera.

Choosing the Right Monitor

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a professional monitor. On-camera monitors can attach directly onto cameras, and feature touchscreen displays that make controlling the monitor easy. For superior resolution, choose a monitor with 4K capability.  While not all on-camera displays can support 4K, many compatible 4K monitors for recording do, which allows you to preview video without compromising on a lower resolution. Another important factor to determine before purchasing is whether your camera has an SDI or HDMI output. Fortunately, many SDI and HDMI-compatible monitors have an extra SDI port.

Monitor Accessories

Once you have a monitor picked out, you'll want to have a look at accessories that boost performance and add other features. To reduce glare and reflections from bright outdoor lighting, professional video monitor hoods are suitable options. Extra batteries and other power accessories are smart choices to include in your camera rig, as they can extend your film time when you're out on location. Different varieties of professional video monitor mounts and brackets are also available for flexible attachment options and positions.