Even the most attentive creator can miss a mistake when reviewing footage on a tiny LCD screen, which is why an external camera screen (also known as an on camera monitor) is such a vital addition to any serious creator's gear pack. These screens come in many forms and are increasingly decked out with luxe features to make shooting more enjoyable. If you are in the market for an external camera screen, we have compiled some helpful information to keep in mind as you search for the best one.
Is your camera an external screen candidate?
There are several key factors to consider before purchasing an external monitor, the first of which is whether your camera can output clean video. If your camera can't output video, an external monitor won't work. (If that is the case, consider more compatible options like dedicated loupes and magnifiers that will make reviewing your work mid-shoot much easier.)
What are your camera’s connectors?
If your camera can produce clean, hi-res video, then it's time to familiarize yourself with its connectors. HDMI and SDI are the most common types of connectors, but there are others. Make sure you know which connector your camera supports—that way you can refine your external monitor search by compatibility.
What is your camera’s video output?
Finally, find your camera's video resolution and frame-rate outputs. As with connectors, external camera screens are only useful if they align output-wise. For example, if your camera only outputs DCI 4K video at 60 fps and your external monitor only accepts Full HD at 30 fps, you'll be unable review your work because the external monitor can't support the video output. This is also true if you work with specific file formats such as ProRes Raw or other raw outputs, which are only compatible with select external monitors.
With the basic information of your camera outlined, we can now address key qualities to look for in an external camera screen. You will find that compatibility is important when shopping, especially when dealing with size, resolution, and brightness. Consider some of the potential applications for your external monitor as we delve into these keystones.
External Camera Screen Size
The impulse to splurge for the biggest on camera monitor is very common, but the proportional size and handling of your own camera will directly impact how practical your external monitor is.
General Rules for On Camera Monitor Size:
- 5-7" is the sweet spot for on camera use.
- 7-9" works well for larger kits or remote viewing.
- 10" or more are generally field monitors and not designed for on camera use.
We suggest a 5" external monitor if you are shooting on a mirrorless or DSLR camera—the upgrade will still be significant, and your camera won't become top-heavy.
If you are settled on a bigger external camera screen, especially if you have a large camera that can accommodate it, a 7-9" monitor is a perfectly viable option. Anticipate added weight and make sure your mounting arms and other gear can support it.
If you have a more traditional pro camcorder, cinema camera, or even a rigged-up mirrorless/pocket camera, you can spring for the 7" external monitor with a bit of finessing.
We do not advise going larger than this for on camera use—it's just too big to be functional. As mentioned, 10" or larger can be great field monitors for directing or producing at a remote station.
On Camera Monitor Resolution
Resolution refers to the sharpness of the on screen display and directly relates to the screen size. It is an important spec to consider, because many of the features we discuss are affected by it. Smaller screens often have lower resolutions, but that does not necessarily mean that you are purchasing a bad external camera screen. This is because the pixels in-screen are denser, to render a crisp image. For an external camera screen, anything smaller than 5" might display in less than Full HD but will still yield genuine playback, while you can expect anything between 5-9" to display in HD or Full HD.
Your camera's output is important here, as well—if you are working with an unsupported resolution, your external monitor will be minimally useful during the review process. Ensuring that your external camera screen can down-scale and zoom in 100% for focus-checking will save you a lot of frustration, especially if you output in 4k. Luckily, many reputable external monitors today offer Full HD in varying sizes, so finding a suitable companion for your camera won't be too difficult.
On Camera Monitor Brightness
Screen brightness matters since it pertains to the lighting conditions of your shoot. Many creators purchase an external camera screen to compensate for their in-camera LCDs that are either too dark or deplete battery life. If you frequently shoot outside, or simply want to cover all your lighting condition bases, look for an external monitor that can achieve high brightness (around 1000 cd/m2 nit) or is marketed as “daylight-viewable.” You might also consider grabbing a hood or shade to protect from glare and direct lighting.
General Rules for Camera Monitor Size, Resolution, Brightness:
- Refine your search to monitors that are proportional to the size of your camera and remember that bigger isn't necessarily better.
- For resolution, aim for HD to Full HD at a minimum, ideally with the ability to focus-check.
- A high-brightness external camera screen that is labeled as “daylight-viewable” are better for outdoor work. Consider purchasing a hood for your external monitor if you work outside often.
Which features should I look for in an external camera screen?
Resolution, brightness, and size only scratch the surface of qualities that can improve your creative output. Screens today are programmed with a plethora of informative metrics, such as lookup tables (LUTs), waveforms, false color, and vectorscope, which are wonderful review tools to increase the accuracy of your work. Especially for on camera monitors, these features provide a significant leg up over a built-in LCD alone.
Lookup Tables (LUTs)
If you approach shoots with basic color grades or corrections in mind, LUT-capable monitors will be especially beneficial while shooting. Monitors with this function enable you to apply color settings to your work while in the field, so you can preview your footage with corrections, minus the extra gear. An external camera screen usually does this via default options for common log profiles (C-Log, S-Log3, etc.), while high-grade screens can accommodate custom LUTs with the ability to toggle or turn them off as you shoot. For a videographer who can't wait to color-grade after a shoot, this function is a must-have.
Waveforms, False Color, and Vectorscope
External monitors that are equipped with advanced metrics like waveforms, false color, and vectorscope will offer precision concerning your coloring, exposure levels, and saturation while you are shooting. These tools will sound familiar to those who edit, and an external camera screen allows you to utilize them mid-shoot.
As far as functions go, we recommend an external monitor that can display waveforms regardless of your skill level, if color accuracy is one of your priorities. As one of the most intuitive color metrics, waveforms are easy to glance at for quick information while in the field.
False color and vectorscope are tools for confirming the brightness and saturation levels in your shot. False color-capable monitors will display your footage in a different color spectrum to highlight areas that are over- or under-exposed, while vectorscope-capable monitors will indicate areas where the hue and saturation in your shot are too high or low. Both are great for guaranteeing uniformity throughout your shoot and can greatly reduce the amount of time spent on editing or reshooting.
HDR
Many camera models today are HDR-capable, and external camera screens have kept pace. HDR-capable external monitors offer previews based on HDR signals from your camera or by converting log footage. While exciting, this feature is only useful if you work with other HDR-supported equipment for grading. If you have such a setup, an external camera screen with HDR is an amazing addition to round out your gear and can even allow you to circumvent an expensive HDR-capable display. This feature is worth considering if you anticipate working with HDR finishing in the future.
Recording
Many external camera screens are equipped with their own built-in recording systems, which process the incoming video signal from your camera to save your media on its own storage system. This feature is especially handy if your camera's processing isn't powerful enough, or if it tends to overheat and shut down when working with large volumes of media.
While recording can serve as a space-saving function for your gear, it can also bolster your image quality, especially if you are working with a mirrorless or DSLR camera. If your camera can output a clean channel via HDMI or SDI, a recording-capable external camera screen can serve as a conduit to access uncompressed video at higher bit depths that is stored on your device using an internal codec.
There are many features to consider that haven't been outlined here. Guidelines, for example, are a great tool for maximizing the amount of space you can play with under multiple aspect ratios. Other tools like anamorphic de-squeeze have more niche applications for those filming with anamorphic lenses. In general, we recommend looking for an external camera screen that is compatible with many cameras and offers a breadth of features. Even if you don't anticipate utilizing all the offered features right off the bat, a flexible on camera monitor is also an encouraging nod toward your future creative potential.
With that in mind, here is a brief recap of key features to look for in an external camera screen:
- Zoom-in for focus-checking
- Aspect ratio guides for aligning shots precisely
- Waveforms for color accuracy
- Vectorscope for hue and saturation accuracy
- False color for proper exposure
- LUT support for on-the-fly color-grading
- HDR preview if you work with other HDR-supported equipment
- Recording if your camera's processing isn't powerful enough, or if you want to access uncompressed footage
Final Thoughts
An external camera screen is a great way to increase the accessibility and accuracy of your camera, and we hope that these pointers have provided you with the scaffolding to conduct your own search with more confidence.
If you are looking for brand recommendations, Atomos, Blackmagic, and SmallHD are excellent options that offer a variety of standard and monitor/recorder options. I recommend the Atomos Ninja V, a nifty monitor/recorder combination screen that checks many of the boxes prescribed. Lilliput is another great brand to consider if you are looking for a budget-friendly external camera screen.
What qualities are you looking for in an on camera monitor? If you have one, have you noticed a shift in the quality of your work? We would love to hear your thoughts, tips, and recommendations in the Comments section, below!
308 Comments
Hello! Very helpful article! Do you think the Godox Monitor - Recorder GM55 is suitable for the Nikon d3500? Thanks in advance!
I have an old Canon Rebel t2i, just a hobby for me, what would be a good external monitor for video? It doesn't shoot in 4k.
Hi Louis -
The Lilliput 7" HDMI On-Camera Monitor B&H # LI668 provides an 800x480 pixel display for checking your image's focus and exposure. The display's 16:9 aspect ratio fits most signals output from HD camcorders without letterboxing or pillarboxing the image, ensuring the full screen resolution is used.
On the rear panel, the HDMI input supports DSLR cameras and newer camcorders with HDMI outputs, up to 1080p resolution. For legacy cameras and analog equipment, a component YPbPr as well as dual composite video BNC inputs are also available.
For wide viewing angles and accurate colors, this monitor features an IPS display with an anti-glare finish and a 500:1 contrast ratio for punchy images. A sun hood is included for preventing excess glare when outdoors. For power, a built-in battery can provide up to 3 hours of use on a full charge. Alternatively a 6-20 VDC power source can be input via the barrel jack. A ball mount is also included for securing the monitor atop a camera using an available shoe-mount.
7" camera-top monitor with 16:9 aspect ratio
500:1 contrast ratio produces vivid and rich colors
Enhanced 450 cd/m2 backlight produces a crystal clear picture and shows colors vividly
IPS panel offers 130° horizontal and 120° vertical wide viewing angles
Built-in 2,200mAh Li-ion battery
Shoe mount adapter included
Hello - great article. I am looking for an external monitor mainly for field photography and inside portrait with off camera flash. One which could support video making too, but really mainly for photography. I have a Nikon D850 and I intent to keep it. The onboard screen is very poor; my eyes are getting weaker. I can't always tell about the exposure and sharpness of the shot. Can you make a suggestion for my situation? I don't mind sticking on a small monitor for those situations with a tripod where it helps. Thank you.
Hi Paul -
Featuring a 323 PPI (pixels-per-inch) IPS LCD panel, the FeelWorld LUT7S 7" 3D LUT 4K HDMI and SDI Monitor B&H # FELUT7S displays SD, HD, UHD, and DCI 4K video. The LCD panel boasts a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 1200:1 contrast ratio, and a 2200 cd/m² measured brightness for easy viewing outdoors as well as indoors.
Any suggestions on 5 inch monitors with fully customizable frame guides? Have a lot of non-traditional aspect ratio projects.
Hi Jon -
The Elvid 5" RigVision HDR On-Camera Touchscreen Monitor B&H # ELRVM5PHDR features standard and customizable frame guides.
Key Features
I'm looking for a video monitor I could place flush against the camera. Either right against the camera LCD screen or flush to the shoe mount so I can look down onto it. Being able to put LUTS on it and also desqueeze for anamorphic lenses would be great too. Basically I run two A7siiis shooting them handheld, hanging on my sides on photographer straps for run and gun shooting. All the monitors I've seen so far are too tall off the shoe mount and would get knocked off if they're sitting at my side.
Hi James -
I am not aware of a suitable monitor for your intended set-up.. Please e-mail us: [email protected].
Perhaps we can figure out a suitable type of rig to accommodate this configuration.
I photograph horses outdoor, and would like advice on what is the best external monitor (don't think I need one that records) to use for a Z9 when I'm shooting video. I find the back LCD screen of the Z9 difficult to view and it's hard to determine if focus is following and at times to even see the subject properly in bright sunlight. I think a screen that is between 5-7" would be good as would use both hand held and on a tripod. Touch screen would also be helpful I think as well. Many thanks.
Hi Bronwen -
FeelWorld LUT7S 7" 3D LUT 4K HDMI and SDI Monitor B&H # FELUT7S
Key Features
We photograph rocket launches using the nikon Z9 and an 800mm f5.6. Tracking the rocket is difficult.
The conditions vary from bright daylight to night photography..
We are also looking to try video. Any recommendations on a monitor
Hi Jennifer -
The SmallHD Cine 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor (L-Series) B&H # SMMONCINE7 features a sharp 7" display suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the Cine 7 monitor supports up to UHD 4K HDMI output as well as various HD and SD formats via one full-size HDMI input, one HDMI output, one 3G-SDI input, and one 3G-SDI selectable input/output. The monitor also supports cross conversion from HDMI to SDI and from SDI to HDMI.
The Cine 7 features a bright 1800 cd/m², 322 ppi, 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD touchscreen with 3D LUT compatibility. Using the intuitive PageOS 4, you can turn on and save pages of various monitoring tools and focusing aids with a finger tap. At the rear of the monitor, an L-series mount battery plate accepts two L-series batteries for powering your monitor.
Hi,
I'm looking for a monitor (preferably 7") which can display DCi 4K 25p coming from my Panasonic S1h.
I think the Atomos Shogun can, but are there non-recorder monitors out there that can ?
Thank you,
Hi Frederick -
Add a bright, high-resolution monitor to view your 4K/2K footage from a cinema camera such as a Z CAM E2, Panasonic BGH1, or RED KOMODO with the Shinobi 7" 4K HDMI/SDI Monitor from Atomos.
Atomos Shinobi 7" 4K HDMI/SDI Monitor
B&H # ATSHIN
Format Support:
Video FormatHDMI (8/10-Bit 4:2:2)
DCI 4K: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
UHD 4K: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080p: 60/59.94/50/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
SDI (8/10-Bit 4:2:2)
DCI 2K: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
Hi Charles -
Please e-mail us: [email protected].
Does my Sony a9 record in 4k when I have it set to 4k but my focus 5 only shows HD? Thank you!!
I’m looking for what I can best describe as a "view camera" experience when shooting stills on a tripod (mostly landscape, nature macro and architecture) with my Lumix S1R. I currently use a loupe on the LCD as I quite often find myself shooting at angles where the EVF is difficult to use and the loupe offers magnification and shielding from bright daylight. I would like a larger view which which allow me to manually focus (with peaking) and frame without the need for the loupe.
Is there a monitor that would be able to deliver a balance of compatibility, resolution and brightness for such an application?
A monitor worth checking out would be the ANDYCINE C7 7" HDMI Touchscreen Monitor and Power Kit which offers plenty of brightness and a touch screen interface.
https://bhpho.to/3xUwnaB
I have a Sony FDR ax43 camcorder I want to use with a Glide Gear TMP 100 teleprompter. I want to attach a monitor to the Sony camcorder to view while recording. Is this possible? How would I do this and what would I need to purchase?
Hi Michael -
Connect a monitor via the HDMI output on the camcorder. What size monitor Michael. ?
Please e-mail us: [email protected]
Question: I film myself with my cannon rebel hooked up to a teleprompter which makes the camera viewscreen impossible to see. Now that I picked up a decent little external screen, I discover the camera lcd shuts off the moment it attaches. So now every time I need to make an adjustment, not only do I have to get up and run around to the other side of the camera (a sacrifice I was willing to make for the price), I also have to unplug the stupid thing to see anything- every time. I was going to look up touchscreen monitors but it seems as though the touchscreen function on all the screens I'm looking at do not replace camera touchscreen operation. Are there any that do? Or are there any remotes that would allow camera menu navigation? Or is there any way or any device that would split the signal or allow the camera screen to stay on? Would using the cannon software through a laptop allow camera menu navigation? (haven't messed with the software before)
Thanks, You B.
Unfortunately, the touch screen external monitors out there are limited to their own controls and not the controls from the camera. If your Canon Rebel DSLR has Wi-Fi, you could connect it with the Canon Camera Connect app to make changes in the camera settings without having to disconnect your monitor from it.
Hello! I am shooting stills with a Nikon Z9 in a UW-housing. The housing has an HDMI output. The housing is under water, I am on land. I like to have LiveView and operate the shutter, aperture, shutter speed etc, on the external monitor. Is this possible? Does such monitor exist?
In this case, we recommend sending your inquiry to [email protected] or contact us via Live Chat so we can go over options in greater detail.
Hey people I just bought the a7Siii and have ordered the SmallRig cage but am concerned about which on camera monitor to buy. Looking for a 5in monitor and not a recorder, just a display but here's the thing. I shoot a lot in 4K60p but most monitors will only display at 30p which is quite a letdown. I was leaning towards the Atomos Shinobi which does show 60p but only in FHD. Don't want to spend $800 either or get a 7" model. Any suggestions or ideas????
THANKS!!
Pierre
I would recommend the Lilliput 5" Touch On-Camera HDMI Monitor, B&H # LIT5, or the recently-announced Desview U6 5.5" 4K HDMI Camera Control Monitor, B&H # DEU6, as similarly-sized non-recording monitor options that accept 4K 60p video input for your usage needs.
.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1594953-REG/lilliput_t5_5_touch_on_camera.html
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1677572-REG/desview_u6_5_5_4k_hdmi.html
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I have also Sony A7S III and prefer to shoot 4K60. I tested FeelWorld 5.5" 3000Nit monitor which has 4K30 in the spec. I worked with 4K60 and even with 4K120 when I start recording from the camera. In this case the footage is saved to the card in the camera. Card is SanDiskExtreem Pro V90 128G, 300MB/s. The file saved on the card is 4K60 or 4K120 depending on what I set.I do not understand what4K30 means for the monitor if I do not use it wor recording.
Hi Vladimir -
The monitor cannot resolve/decode video that is more than 4K/30fps. it will display up to 1080p.
Format Support:
Video Format:
HDMI:
UHD 4K: 30/29.97/25/24/23.98
DCI 4K: 24
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
Question: I film myself with my cannon rebel hooked up to a teleprompter which makes the camera viewscreen impossible to see. Now that I picked up a decent little external screen, I discover the camera lcd shuts off the moment it attaches. So now every time I need to make an adjustment, not only do I have to get up and run around to the other side of the camera (a sacrifice I was willing to make for the price), I also have to unplug the stupid thing to see anything- every time. I was going to look up touchscreen monitors but it seems as though the touchscreen function on all the screens I'm looking at do not replace camera touchscreen operation. Are there any that do? Or are there any remotes that would allow camera menu navigation? Or is there any way or any device that would split the signal or allow the camera screen to stay on? Would using the cannon software through a laptop allow camera menu navigation? (haven't messed with the software before)
Thanks, Ben
Hi Ben -
I would recommend using the Canon Connect app:
THE SINGLE APP FOR EOS, POWERSHOT AND VIXIA:
Camera Connect* is a unified app that connects your mobile devices to any Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®-equipped Canon camera or camcorder. Whether you shoot with a compatible EOS camera, PowerShot camera or VIXIA camcorder, one app is all you need. With a fresh and intuitive new interface developed for both iOS® and Android™ operating systems**, Camera Connect makes it easy to see what you’ve captured, transfer photos and videos to your mobile device, and use your device to control your camera.
NAVIGATE MORE EASILY:
Featuring a new user interface, the Camera Connect app is now even more simple to use.
Shows Connection Status:
The app shows the connection status for both Wi-Fi®** and Bluetooth®*** connections, providing information at a glance.
Easy Connection Guide:
An Easy Connection Guide is included to help you easily set up wireless connections, regardless of what camera or camcorder you’re shooting with.
Images on Camera Button:
The Images on Camera button is larger on the main menu for quicker access, and features an updated interface that lets you check images you've downloaded using an OS photo app, and filter what you've captured.
Remote Live View Shooting Button:
Also made larger on the main menu, the Remote Live View Shooting has a new design that displays more information in an intuitive layout for quick on-the-spot capture.
Sorting Options:
Image sorting options on the Images on Camera function include filter by date range and filter by file type to help you easily find a particular shot you liked.
VIEW YOUR IMAGES, TRANSFER TO YOUR DEVICE:
Camera Connect makes it easy to bring the still photos and MP4 videos you’ve captured with your compatible Canon camera or camcorder over to your iOS® or Android™ smartphone or tablet**. Transfer can be initiated by the camera or camcorder, or the device, and the photos and videos go right into your camera roll or gallery, ready to use as you like. The app is also great for easy viewing of images on your device’s screen or for quickly sharing on social networking sites*.
AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFER IMAGES WHILE SHOOTING:
The new Auto Image Transfer feature on the EOS M50 camera can help you save time by automatically transferring images from your camera to your mobile device, even while you’re capturing. By turning the Auto Transfer option on, you can easily view, save and upload your images from your device right after shooting.
SHOOT REMOTELY WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE:
With the Camera Connect app, you can use your mobile device to shoot remotely with your Canon camera. Compose your shot, set the zoom, focus, self-timer and more through Remote Live View Shooting, then release the shutter – all from your smartphone or tablet. The photos and videos will be saved on the camera.
ADD GPS DATA TO YOUR IMAGES:
The Camera Connect app acquires GPS information with your mobile device and adds it to the photos and videos in your camera. With a Bluetooth®*** connection, it can even send continuously updated GPS data for better accuracy. You can set the app to record the information even while your device is not connected to your camera, then transfer the data later†. It’s a great feature to help you remember and organize your travels, whether you’re close to home or out on vacation visiting the world.
CONNECT WITH Wi-Fi®, NFC AND BLUETOOTH® CAPABILITY:
A variety of built-in wireless connectivity options are supported by the Camera Connect app, letting you view and transfer files right to your compatible smart device, shoot remotely, add GPS settings to images and change settings. NFC†† helps you connect quickly to compatible Android™ devices with just a tap. The app also supports Bluetooth®*** pairing, which maintains a connection between your camera and your device so you can view, shoot or control your camera remotely when you like, without needing to reconnect to Wi-Fi®.
I have a (probably stupid) question about monitoring raw video being recorded internally (in Film mode) to a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. I have an Atomos Ninja V which I've been using with my GH4, and the BMPCC is a new (second hand) purchase. The output resolution from the BMCC is HD over HDMI. Since I only want to monitor, not record to the Ninja V, the HD resolution is clearly the same resolution as the raw being recorded.
Since I'll be recording C-DNG raw internally, the question I have is whether the HD 4-2-2 10 bit signal out that the monitor will receive will have an affect on how useful the Ninja V monitoring tools are for exposure management, namely waveform, RGB parades, zebras and false colour? Clearly the monitor cannot 'see' all the raw data as it doesn't support C-DNG. So how would I optimally use the Ninja V as a monitor in this situation for exposure management?
More specifically, for example, my research on forums leads me to believe that exposure management (to achieve the look I'm after for any specific shot) on the BMPCC is best handled by a combination of zebras and waveforms/false colour. The advice I'm following is to set zebras at 75% on the BMCC camera, recording in Film mode but screen set to View mode as the camera's monitoring LUT in this mode gives the best image for judging exposure with the Film mode's flat image. The logic of the 75% zebras (on the camera) is that this will monitor the range 75-100, where 100% zebras means all channels (ie RGB) are clipped on the sensor. However, individual channels will clip below 100%, and even below 90%. So 75% zebras can be used to see highlights on skin tones and other objects in the scene, and eliminate any single RGB channel from clipping colour information in those highlights. Moreover, the advice I'm following is to keep exposure in the -1 to +1 range, to best balance shadow noise versus highlight clipping - ie I'm not following the more extreme version of ETTR, where you use 100% zebras (the logic being the BMPCC's sensor is more sensitive to higher IRE ranges than most cameras, with more DR steps in the higher ranges than the lower ones - unlike Canon 5Ds of the era for example).
So... this is all fine on the camera's screen as it's using internal processing to decide where to show the zebras. But I don't have the technical understanding to get my head round how you would implement this exposure approach using an external monitor that is not seeing what the sensor sees. In short, is this just a case of calibrating through experience over time? Or are there optimal settings I might use on the Ninja V to best judge exposure? Sorry for the long question, but I thought it better to be precise given there are so many variables in judging exposure. Thanks in advance for any help!
Hi
i am a bit confused about clean hdmi output for on camera monitor. Most cameras when connected to external monitors have their own screen blacked. In that case I really need a monitor that can show all settings on the screen and clean hdmi is not a good option. So my question is why you say the camera has to have a clean hdmi? I am not streaming anything for others. Unless the on screen info, changes the colouring?
second question is that I have a Canon M50 and Nikon 7000. Both do not have clean hdmi. Base on your expertise what monitors can be used with them and with what connection? Hdmi or av?
thanks a lot
Having a clean HDMI output really only applies to those who are using external recorders with a built in monitor, so that the camera setting normally seen on the camera's LCD do not transcribe onto the recorded footage. With a Canon EOS M50 and a Nikon D7000, you can still connect an external monitor via HDMI and it will mirror the settings as well as the view of your LCD. One such monitor is the Elvid 7" 4K On-Camera Monitor with Battery, Articulating Arm, and HDMI Cable Kit, BH # ELOCM7B4KV2C would be an excellent starting point.
https://bhpho.to/2Kqv5KJ
Great. Thank you. So if I understand correctly, the cameras with clan hdmi also let you use the built-in monitor of the camera simultaneously, while you are connected to external monitor/recorder. Becuase when I connect my cameras to external monitor, the built in monitor goes black.
Than you again
Hi Farzin -
Many cameras will turn off their own viewfinder when connected to an external monitor via HDMI. This is a normal and usual function.
Hi / I’m looking for advice for an external monitor fir my Sony A7S. Mainly shooting music videos with it but just a couple a year so looking forward quality and value. Unsure about the recorder monitor. Any advice?
Hi Jennifer -
Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor B&H # ATNINJAV
The Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor is a 5" on-camera monitor/recorder that records and plays back up to DCI 4K and records to purpose-built mini-SSDs. This monitor can record Apple ProRes Raw up to DCI 4K60 directly from the sensor of select cameras. Display features include a 10-bit screen with a brightness of 1000 cd/m² AtomHDR technology for accurate monitoring of your log gamma footage, and support for popular log formats from Sony, ARRI, Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Nikon, RED, Sony, and Z CAM cameras.
Built to withstand the rigors of production, the Ninja V features an aluminum chassis and powers from a single L-series battery. Additional features include a variety of onscreen exposure analysis, framing, anamorphic de-squeeze, and focus assist tools. Separately available AtomX SDI, AtomX SYNC, Connect 4K modules, and an SDI Raw license key to further expand your Ninja V's capabilities. Firmware update 10.61 brings customized timecode sequences that can be saved as a single file.
Hi looking for advice on an external monitor for using with a Sony HDR Handycam. We have an endzone camera for football. We want to be able to turn off the various icons on the screen when we record and watch through the monitor. However we still want to be able to see the record and standby icon (just not everything else). Is there a good monitor that will allow this?
We had an older one that did just that with an old Sony handycam but we no longer use that camera and did not have that monitor any more ( and I don't remember the brand on that monitor unfortunately)
Please advise, thank you very much!!!
Hi Daniel -
The feature you require is more a function of your camcorder than the monitor. Please e-mail us: [email protected]
I currently live in Cancun and do weddings on the beach. I have the shinobi (atomos), it has a brightness of 1000 cd / m2, but I want something more with brightness, someone can recommend a monitor brighter than this and that perhaps they have compared.
Hi Roger -
TVLogic 7" F-7H MK2 FHD HDR Field Monitor
B&H # TVF7HMK2
If I'm shooting 4k 60p on my gh5 (recording internally only) will any monitor work? Because I don't want to buy a monitor and then realise that when I start shooting the screen goes black or something. I will need to pull focus etc.
Will I still be able to see the footage because most monitors are just 1080p?
Or is my only option to purchase a atomos ninja v even if I don't want to record externaly to ninja v.?
Thanks
Hi Colm -
Most monitors that can display 4k/60p via HDMI would be suitable. If you are not interested in recording, consider the
Atomos Shinobi 5.2" Monitor with Power Kit B&H # ATSHINPK
The Shinobi 5.2" 4K HDMI Monitor is a 5.2" on-camera monitor that monitors DCI 4K, UHD 4K, and HD video input. It features a 10-bit FRC IPS screen with a brightness of 1000 cd/m², which makes it suitable for use in both exterior and interior conditions. The AtomHDR display technology allows you to accurately monitor your log gamma footage without having to view flat, washed-out looking images or use a LUT to compress the dynamic range and color space. The monitor supports popular log formats from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, ARRI, RED, and JVC cameras.
Built to withstand the rigors of production, the Shinobi features a lightweight plastic chassis and powers from a single L-series battery. Additional features include a variety of onscreen exposure analysis, framing, and focus assist tools, as well as anamorphic de-squeeze. A 12V power supply with L-series battery eliminator is included with the unit.
Hey!
Thanks for this. I'm trying to figure out the best monitor for my A6600. I've heard some should be avoided as they don't provide the same touch focus features that the camera screen has. I've started to wonder if any monitors will actually do it.
Do you know of any that do? Thanks!
Hi Joe -
We have not discovered an on-camera monitor that will offer touch-screen functionality for the SONY A6600 or other similar cameras.
Hi I've just bought a Andycine A6 5" monitor. I am new to this game and I would like a better understanding of all the functions the monitor offers. The manual refers to functions such as Zebra, Zebra value, false colours etc, but does not describe them. I suspect these apply to all external monitors. I've been googling, trying to find more explanations without luck. Would anyone be able to point me to a link or even a book that give me a better understanding of external monitor functions? Thanks in advance.
Hi Sohaila -
Use zebra lines to avoid overexposing your image.
Use the histogram to keep a bird’s-eye view on exposure.
A waveform is useful when calibrating your camera, as well as when exposing green/blue screen backgrounds.
Use false color to get quick exposure readings of everything within the frame.
Hello!
Are the Atomos Shenobi and Atomos Ninja V compatible with the Sony a6400 and Sony a6600?
thanks
Both the Sony A6400 and A6600 can work with the Atomos Ninja V and the Atomos Shinobi.
Hey, Do you know if Atomos Shinobi will do the touch screen focus features from the A6600? Or any other monitors that will ?
Thanks!