Although the LH5H is an “entry-level” monitor, it features tons of monitoring tools like its big brother, including. Another feature is a gigabyte ethernet connection for control of the camera and live streaming. The WIFI (with the included antenna) of the cam allows the use of the Z CAM app that features a full-screen image view – essentially, if you accept some lag (see the video above) you can use your smartphone as a monitor.
CVP Buy link: Canon EOS RP Camera Body Was: €1,362.46 Now: €1,118.99 (Savings: €243.47 – Cashback, Free RF-EF Adapter). In addition, there are multiple exhaust vents all around the monitor, which help with heat dissipation. Talking about heat, I was stunned that the monitor was not warm or hot to the touch even after a couple of hours of being turned on. So that’s a good sign!.
Both the LH5H and LH5P has the same ergonomics and input-output ports. Judging the brightness, color accuracy, or Delta E of the Portkeys LH5P with a spectrophotometer did not make a lot of sense. Indeed, numbers are just what they are: numbers. I prefer to judge a product by its feeling and the overall perception of an image.
The batteries have two power connectors (plus and minus) used to charge them and connect to the handle’s pins. Also, there are small coded pins, so you can’t insert the battery inside the handle or charger in the wrong direction. I used the LH5H for three months and a dozen shoots in various shooting conditions before writing this review. I can say that the image coming out of the LH5H and LH5P is excellent for the price, especially in an interior situation.
Batteries, memory cards, and a ballhead. On top of the LH5H, you’ll find four customizable function keys, a power switch, and four buttons to access and navigate inside the menu. At the bottom of the monitor, there is one camera control mini-USB port (more on that later) and a 5-pin motor camera control port that doubles up as a DC 7-24V power output port.
Given the value of 36 ms, I was wondering how it can do 29.98fps at 4K – I measured the rolling shutter at 29.98fps and got a result of 31.3 ms interestingly. So obviously the readout speed changes with the different modes. Open the lock, put the main compartment’s zippers through it, lock it, and you can be sure that nobody will be able to open your backpack.
The PortKeys BM5 camera remote functions are compatible with the Z Cam E2, Sony/Canon/Panasonic cameras. Full list below. CVP: Z CAM E2 4K Camera Body – Free PortKeys BM5 Monitor.
One of the only things that could be improved on the BM5 II that I have is the overall UI, which feels a bit outdated. The new PortKeys LH5H features a new UI that looks much better and more intuitive. On the left and right sides of the monitor, you’ll find various customizable shortcuts to your favorite monitoring tools. The display itself is tactile, so you can activate/disable functions quickly without having to go inside the menu. That’s quite a hefty amount of weight to carry all day long, but you can quickly move around the city (and stairs!) with only one bag.
If you are tempted by the price to use it as a cinema camera be aware that the rolling shutter means that you cannot shoot handheld footage without a stabilized lens. It’s an absolute must in that scenario. A few iterations later, after much trial and error, testing, and sleepless nights, my vision came full circle and the handle was launched in August. Since then, the product has seen some solid improvements, including the custom pins (found inside the handle) which can now ensure 5A output, and the custom cabling for the batteries which reduced the internal resistance resulting in minimal heat output and longer recording times.
The HS7T Metal Edition still features a 7-inch 8-bit IPS display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 and a viewing angle of 178°. The screen has a contrast ratio of 1200:1 and it can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits. This is not as bright as the BM5 (2200 nits), but it starts to be usable under bright sunlight. Last but not least, Portkeys implemented wireless camera controls for the RED Komodo. This means that, compared to the SmallHD Focus Pro, for example, you don’t need an extra cable to communicate between the Komodo and the monitor.
One handy optional accessory and nearly a must-have with the Volta Cinema Top Handle is the monitor mount. This piece, like the rest of the top handle, is made out of metal. The PortKeys LH5P is mostly made out of aluminum with tempered glass in front of the screen. It doesn’t feel like it will break if you drop it, even if I don’t advise you to do so. The buttons’ are plastic, and they feel a bit “clicky,” it’s not incredible, but they’re ok.
I hope that in the next production batches, Volta will solve that with a permanent labeling or engraving technique. We’ll talk about the battery charger’s build quality and monitor mount a bit later in their dedicated sections. You can activate multiple monitoring tools simultaneously to help you, but you can’t decide where they’ll be on the screen. For example, the waveform and histogram will always be on the bottom right of the screen.
On the PortKeys LH5P, there are one HDMI input port and one HDMI output port. The monitor supports a maximum input resolution of DCI 4K at 24p, 4K UHD at up to 30p, and FullHD at up to 60p. I tested all three with a Panasonic GH5 and did not get any issues, may it be on the input or output side. Peaking, zooming, and audio meters.
In October 2021, Manfrotto introduced a new PRO Light camera bags lineup for photographers and filmmakers. So I was very eager to try the Manfrotto PRO Flexloader L backpack for various reasons. First, it is one of the biggest carry-on camera-specific luggage on the market. Also, it’s Manfrotto’s second generation of PRO Light backpacks. So did the company improve what was already an excellent lineup of products? Let’s find out!. Canon EOS C300 Mark III Bundle – €521,27 Savings.
CVP Buy link: Canon EOS 77D Camera Body Was: €682.12 Now: €525.99 (Savings: €156.13 – Cashback). Did you like any of our deals? Did we miss something interesting? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.
Now Z CAM is introducing three new cameras. The E2 S6 (Super-35 6K camera with a choice of MFT, EF or PL mounts) and two full frame models, with 6K and 8K sensors. (E2 F6 and E2 F8 with a choice of EF and PL mounts). PortKeys recently released a Metal Edition of their HS7T monitor. This upgraded version features a 7-inch 1920×1080 display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits, an all-aluminum construction, a new peaking algorithm, and a plate on the back to host a wireless video transmission system. The monitor is now available for $399.
Out of the box, the colors and images coming out of the PT5 are extremely good, and I would say close to being 100% color accurate. I only lowered the saturation by 3-4, and that’s it. I was delighted by what I saw, and I would not be that surprised if Portkeys calibrate each monitor out of the factory. The image is crisp and clear, which is impressive for an entry-level product. One Aputure 200D LED light with all the cables.
This product demonstrates the advantages of a semi-closed ecosystem. The Vitec Group has, over the years, picked up SmallHD, Teradek, and even Amimon – the company that manufactures the wireless chips underlying them all. By bringing all of these companies under one umbrella, Vitec opened the door to collaborative products like the Teradek 4K Monitor Module family. As you can tell, there are many different ways to power it, which is nice. Also, the monitor only draws 6W of power, which means it should have fairly long battery life.
the small front pocket could feature the same metal zippers pull straps as the main compartments ones, so you can close it with the TSA lock. A good monitor is nothing without great monitoring tools. These tools allow you to judge your exposure, focus, white balance, and so on. This is useful so you can make creative decisions and adjust your camera settings. On the PortKeys LH5P, here are the built-in tools.
On the Portkeys PT5, here are the built-in tools. In short, blacks are not black anymore, but more on the grey side, and the picture starts to be a little washed out. On the , even if it has a “low” maximum brightness of only 400nit, you can see that the image shifts quite a lot when the backlight is at 100%.
If you have a professional video tripod with a fluid head or light stands, you have another option on both sides of the Flexloader L. Also, there is a USB Type-A port at the bottom of the monitor that you can use to power the LH5P via a power bank (5V/2A). If you power your monitor with a Sony NP-F battery, this USB port doubles up as a 5V/1A power output that could charge your smartphone at the same time just fine.
PortKeys listened, and a new generation is now available with a power switch. If you have the previous version, you can contact PortKeys directly and they will provide you (for free) with everything you need to update your handle. If you want to learn more about the PortKeys KeyGrip, you can read our in-depth article here. Just like the original F7, the PRO version is packed with the most common monitoring tools to precisely control your image. These tools can be displayed independently or in an all-scopes mode.
Also, dynamic range is limited to 10 stops and hindered furthermore by the fact, that the noise floor is cut off – hence, you cannot dig into the shadows to get that organic, flatter look – shadows are simply black with no information. B&H Buy link: Canon EOS Rebel T7i Camera with 18-55mm Lens and Accessories Kit Was: $899.00 Now: $649.00 (Savings: $250.00).
PortKeys LH5P on the left, PortKeys LH5H on the right. Currently, with the pre-release models, available resolutions and frame rates are.
Then, this battery compartment is held in place by the round piece with the D-Tap port and NATO rail attachment. If you loosen the two “cinema-standard” screws – it’s important for the rest of this article – on the side, you have a bit of adjustment to slide the battery part back and forth inside the mount. This is nice to position the handle where it works best for you. Attaching an external monitor gives a closer approximation of how each shot will translate to the big screen, and as an added bonus, other people on set can watch the footage take shape.
What I always liked about the micro four thirds format is the possibility to adapt almost any lens, including the option to use a speed booster (0.71x). The speed booster allows the use of Canon EF glass for example, while at the same time increasing the light sensitivity by one stop. B&H Buy link: DJI Osmo Action Was: $379.00 Now: $279.00 (Savings: $100.00).
B&H Buy link: FUJIFILM X-T3 Camera Body Kit with Accessories Was: $1,499.00 Now: $1,299.00 (Savings: $200.00). You can use this pouch to store small items, filters, memory cards, cables, and so on.
Sony a6500 Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit – $500 Discount. B&H Buy link: Sony a7 III Camera Body with Accessory Kit Was: $1,998.00 Now: $1,798.00 (Savings: $200.00).
I decided to include drones in this post as well. DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the best drone in its category with the Hasselblad 20MP UHD 4K 1″ CMOS gimbal camera. The aperture is adjustable between f/2.8 and f/11. The drone can film in 10-bit Dlog-M and in up to 4K 30fps. More information about the drone can be found here in our article. Internally, it can record to CFAST 2.0 cards in C4K and 4K UHD at up to 160 fps in H.265. In HD resolution, you can go at up to 240 fps in H.265. In Apple ProRes 4:2:2 10-bit, you can go at up to 60 fps. Finally, in ZRAW (partial-debayer), it supports C4K at up to 30 fps internally.
Cameras, Drones, FilmConvert, MZed. possibility of taking you to major trade shows like NAB in Las Vegas, IBC in Amsterdam, … if we are really happy with your work and if you work well under time pressure (we always take some selected team members to shows around the world).
All in all, I was amazed by this aggressively priced 5″ monitor from Portkeys, which is the company’s “entry-level” monitor. The image coming out of the PT5 is great for the price, and it offers all the tools you need to monitor your signal properly. The monitor has a built-in fan that you can set to auto or adjust to low/mid/high in the menu. However, it should be much more silent than other monitors in Portkeys’ lineup. It has fewer functionalities/features and is also less bright compared to their BM5 III, for example.
By shopping at our partners’ stores, you are supporting cinema5D through our buy links, as we get a small affiliate commission when a purchase is completed. Note that with the 4k DCI settings and 1.9 crop factor vignetting can occur at the widest setting of the Olympus lens.
PortKeys LH5H Released – Affordable 5″ Monitor That Can Control Your Camera. The monitor mount is decently made; it’s mainly made out of aluminum.
You got it; both monitors are very similar, so what’s new? One of the biggest caveats of the LH5H is its full-plastic construction. The PortKeys LH5P is built with aluminum alloy, which makes it more resistant to field life. Also, it looks slightly thinner than its predecessor, but the LH5P is heavier at 250g vs. 170g for the LH5H. you’re still getting based on the reach of your “old” articles if you continue to write regularly for the site, it’s all very transparent – loyalty is welcome and awarded.
PortKeys, the company specialized in HDMI and SDI camera monitoring solutions has just released its latest 5.2″ monitor that is capable of controlling your camera: the PortKeys LH5H. CVP Buy link: Sony a7S II Camera Body Was: €1,948.55 Now: €1,753.59 (Savings: €194.96 – CashBack).
The PortKeys HS7T has a plate for attaching a wireless video transmission system. Source: PortKeys. As a filmmaker, I usually stand by the saying, “you get what you pay for.” So I was pretty surprised with the number of included accessories. Inside the case, you’ll find.
On the left side, there is a standard ARRI Rosette, the USB port, and the On/Off switch. At the bottom, you’ll find two 1/4″ holes for mounting purposes, and the diopter adjustment dial. The idea behind the Volta Cinema Top Handle was born out of frustration. As Tudor told us.
I received the Volta Cinema Top Handle in two boxes. In the first one, there was the handle, a NATO rail with two 1/4″-20 screws, and some extra connection pins in case the handle break. There were two batteries with one charger in the second box. Also, they included optional accessories: a dummy D-Tap to LP-E6 battery cable and the monitor mount. That’s many included accessories for an entry-level/budget monitor and even more than some previous and more expensive options Portkeys has to offer.
The monitor mount is decently made; it’s mainly made out of aluminum. CVP Buy link: Canon EOS RP Camera Body Was: €1,362.46 Now: €1,118.99 (Savings: €243.47 – Cashback, Free RF-EF Adapter).
Plus it offers Canon’s excellent Dual-pixel AF system. You can take a look at our 1DX Mark III review to know more about it. This set also includes the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II EF-Mount lens and Sandisk 512GB 1700MB/s CFexpress card. Back: a Sony NP-F/Canon LP-E6 battery plate and a battery release button.
However, they also closed the door on other monitors who might want access to the latest features from Teradek. BlackMagic, Atomos, PortKeys, and others will have to find their own solutions. News, reviews, tutorials, how-to’s, you name it – CineD.com is a leading force in the filmmaking tech world and we are forever and always in need of knowledgable team members who also enjoy to write about their passion.
As you can tell, even my iPhone 11 is more significant than this monitor! Indeed, the Portkeys PT5 has dimensions of only 136 x 72 x 17mm for a weight of 130g/0.28lbs. I was shocked at how light it is when I took the PT5 out of the box; it weighs almost nothing, mainly because the casing is made of ABS plastic. The sweeping images we see on movie screen are first visualized by looking through a camera, but the second step before anything rolls is to view them through a larger monitor.
Let’s be honest, this plastic sun hood will not get you very far, especially as one of the sides is open. It is hard to put inside the bracket, it barely fits, there are light leaks from all sides… So you have it, it’s not the best design in the world, but at least they give you something that can help a bit. Edit: Phil Holland was kind enough to share with us a download link for footage taken with his new camera. You can obtain it by clicking here.
CVP Buy link: Canon EOS 800D Camera with 18-55mm lens Was: €682.12 Now: €555.26 (Savings: €126.86 – Cashback). On the left side, there is a standard ARRI Rosette, the USB port, and the On/Off switch. At the bottom, you’ll find two 1/4″ holes for mounting purposes, and the diopter adjustment dial.
B&H Buy link: Sony a7 III Camera Body with Accessory Kit Was: $1,998.00 Now: $1,798.00 (Savings: $200.00). This type of case is similar to most – if not all – Portkeys monitors. However, I was pleased to see that this case is more prominent than previous cases.
Buy link: FUJIFILM X-T4 Bundle Was: €2,593.15 Now: €2,480.33 (Savings: €112.82). The BM5 III WR is made from aluminum, and there is a tempered glass in front of the display.
The D-Tap output port of the Volta Cinema Top Handle can give you 7.2V with a maximum load of 5A. The company has a full compatibility list on its website. offered an exclusive limited-time discount when purchasing via Amazon and using an exclusive Y2DWYGBM promotional code. This review is my unbiased opinion as VideoGear did not modify, influence, or give input about the article before its publication.
PortKeys LH5P – New Design, Similar Functionalities. Just like its more affordable sibling, this camera also suffers from some overheating issues. Take a look at our news post from Canon R5 launch to know more about it. This set includes an extra Canon LP-E6NH battery and Sandisk 512GB 1700MB/s CFexpress memory card.
CVP Buy link: Panasonic Lumix G9 Camera Body with 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Lens Was: €1,381.43 Now: €1,118.24 (Savings: €263.19, Free accessories, Free 25mm f/1.7 lens, and Free 3-year warranty). Chinese manufacturer Portkeys is well-known for creating innovative on-camera monitors and viewfinders with very aggressive price/feature ratios. For example, they recently released the Portkeys BM5 III WR that can control the RED Komodo and is now RED Approved. Also, I reviewed their Portkeys LH5P monitor earlier this year, a monitor under $400 can control your camera.
Z CAM claims 13stops of dynamic range on their marketing materials, so I was quite curious how it would fare in our standard test (click here for more info on how we test). Firmware tested was 0.86, raw was not available at that time. Anamorphic de-squeeze options added: 1X, 1.33X, 1.42X, 1.5X, 1.66X, 1.85X, 2X, 2.35X, User (1.00X~3.00X).
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