However, the resolution of the LH5H is FullHD 1920 x 1080, and it can take 4K HDMI signals. In front of the screen, they use tempered glass to protect the monitor from scratches and the harshness of set life.
The Portkeys PT5 only has one 1/4-20″ mounting point at the bottom, which is the same as the LH5P that I already reviewed, so that I would have the same complaints: one mounting point is often not enough for an on-camera monitor, and 3/8-16″ mounting points with ARRI locating pins are more versatile.
HDMI is much more common on DSLR and mirrorless cameras and SDI is much more common on larger cinema cameras. While HDMI can transmit both video and audio, it doesn’t have the ability to lock into a port like SDI does. On the other hand, SDI only transmits video information and not audio.
The monitor is color-calibrated out of the PortKeys factory, but you can adjust various settings like sharpness, chroma, brightness, backlight, display flip, tint, color temperature adjustments.
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.
We use a strobe light at 300Hz to reveal pairs of black bars that occur due to the read out nature of CMOS sensors (the rolling shutter). Each pair represents 3.3 ms of rolling shutter.
It is already compatible with the Z Cam E2, Sony/Canon/Panasonic cameras. But, PortKeys just introduced a new Bluetooth Module that pushes the capabilities of the BM5 a little further.
On the left side, the P6 features two HDMI ports (input/output) that accept 4K signals. Also, in the middle of the HDMI ports, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack output. At the bottom of the monitor, there is a DC 7.4-24V barrel input/output port that you can use to power the monitor or power your camera. Finally, there is a USB-A port for future firmware upgrade, loading your own LUTs, or charge your smartphone (5V output).
In short, these new dividers take less space inside your bag, so you have more room to store camera equipment.
However, I can ensure that these 15mm thick M-GUARD dividers are much slimmer than their predecessor.
The idea behind the Volta Cinema Top Handle was born out of frustration. As Tudor told us:.
I guess that most filmmakers will be covered. It is also possible to connect the LH5P to a Tilta Nucleus N/M wireless follow focus to pull focus via the monitor.
Another piece of accessory is the GDU Side Mounting Bracket for Komodo priced at $39. The bracket is reversible and it can mount on either side of the camera for mounting handles and other accessories. It includes multiple 1/4″-20 threads as well as three 3/8″-16 anti-twist threads. Every bracket includes two M4 screws to mount to the camera’s body.
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.
Various camera models/manufacturers are supported, giving you access to more or less camera control features depending on your camera. At the moment, here are all the supported models:.
PortKeys was kind enough to send us this new LH5P model with very similar features: in short, it is the same display but 0.3″ bigger, it is made out of aluminum instead of plastic, and it has an antenna for wireless control. We updated this review accordingly and took some time to test every feature again. Enjoy!.
You can power it via Sony NP-F style batteries, or the DC 12V 5A 4-pin LEMO connector.
A monitor of this size and weight makes a lot of sense to use with a small and lightweight battery, like a Canon LP-E6 pack (around 50g). With the battery mounted, the total weight of your setup is about 250g, which is not massive on top of your camera rig.
All the professional tools that you might need to monitor your image are still available, including support of 3D LUTs as well as Histogram, Zebra, False Color, De-Squeeze, and Zooming functions. Moreover, PortKeys claims that a new peaking algorithm will make focus pulling easier with this monitor, even though they do not thoroughly explain how.
Top: there are four customizable function keys, a power switch, and four buttons to access and navigate inside the menu.
The batteries are wrapped in a plastic housing that also feels secure and robust. Each battery has a “Volta 36” marking, which looks cool to me.
The HDMI cables are pretty thick, and while I prefer slim cables, they are of good quality, especially the full-size to full-size HDMI cable.
Great monitoring tools, including 3D LUT monitoring, waveform, false color, zebra, peaking, zooming, audio meters, crosshair, framing guides, grids, aspects.
Buy link: Canon EOS 1DX Mark III Bundle Was: €9.620,00 Now: €9.138,19 (Savings: €481,91).
Camera control for KOMODO or DSMC2 installed on either one of the Smart 7 Monitors.”.
Currently, with the pre-release models, available resolutions and frame rates are:.
The F7 PRO is an HDMI-only monitor. The HDMI input and output support 4K signals up to 60fps.
This monitor has its limits for sure, but it is an excellent monitor if you want to step up your game and start working with a product that offers professional monitoring tools.
At the back of the PT5, there is a built-in Sony NP-F and Canon LP-E6 battery bracket.
CVP Buy link: Canon EOS 77D Camera Body Was: €682.12 Now: €525.99 (Savings: €156.13 – Cashback).
While the BM5 features every tool you need nowadays, this is not what caught my attention. What’s impressive is the “camera remote” port and the remote camera functionalities.
Beyond the listed tools you can also add up-to 30 selectable LUTs into the EVF.
The list of all camera models and functions supported by the Portkeys BM5 III WR.
The PortKeys LH5P comes in a small box. When you open it, you’ll find a Pelican-style hard case.
However, if we do some maths: the LEYE II draws around 3W max, a Canon LP-E6N battery has an 1800 mAh capacity and a 7.2V voltage, so you should get a little over 4 hours of runtime (V x Capacity / P = 7.2 x 1.8 / 3) with one battery, which is fantastic.
In this discounted set, along with the camera, you get SanDisk 32GB extreme PRO UHS-II SDHC memory card, Watson 2000mAh battery pack, Watson compact AC/DC charger for NP-FZ100 battery, and Ruggard Journey 24 DSLR shoulder bag.
Last but not least, you can power the PT5 via the 5V1A USB input/output port. You can use this port to power the monitor with a power bank, for example, but also to charge your camera/power your accessories if you power the PT5 of a Sony NP-F/Canon LP-E6 battery.
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.
Other than the sensor upgrade, all the features are the same as can be found in the original Z CAM E2, including the same 10bit ProRes recording to CFast cards. Z CAM only published the spec sheet for the 6k S-35 version that you can check out below. On the recording format front, the company will support internal RAW recording via a firmware update soon. More details will be revealed at the end of April.
DC 7-24V barrel and 5V USB Type-A ports on the device’s right side to power the EVF externally.
Portkeys also showcased camera control for the Canon EOS C70, but you’ll need a dedicated LANC cable.
Jarred’s other company Global Dynamics United (GDU) has been producing accessories for other RED cameras for a while already. The company now officially announced some previously teased special accessories for the RED Komodo.
Then, a sub-menu will pop up at the bottom of the screen, and you can change your monitoring tools’ settings.
I found the Volta Top Handle’s build quality itself to be really decent. All the parts are made out of 7075 aluminum, and it feels solid. The Volta Cinema logo is kind of “engraved” on one side.
However, the batteries and the top handle both have a “V” sticker on them that indicates which direction you’re supposed to put the battery inside the handle. It only took me three shooting days before all of the stickers disappeared. Volta told us:.
I’d say that from 0 to 25% brightness, black levels are okay, but you’ll have to consider gamma shifts if you go higher than that, which you’ll do if you go outside.
The PortKeys HS7T has both HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs. Source: PortKeys.
Future firmware updates should increase the handle’s capabilities. I like the versatility of such products.
The new M-GUARD dividers are on the left, compared to the Roller Bag-70 dividers on the right.
This rolling shutter result of 36 ms is the highest I have ever measured in the lab. Compared to the very good 11.1 ms of the sister Z CAM E2 camera, it renders the E2C a very delicate candidate for handheld work.