The monitor mount is decently made; it’s mainly made out of aluminum.The company has just released a new budget-friendly 5″ monitor that could be a good option for filmmakers that are just starting out.
DJI Osmo Action is still a relatively new product and it is the most serious contender to the GoPro. It is a very capable action camera with 4K 60fps video recording and brilliant stabilization. Even better then Hero7 Black’s HyperSmooth – here is our comparison of these two cameras. Make sure to also watch our Osmo Action review.Right side: an 8V power output port with a barrel connector and a 1/4-20″ mounting point.
I would suggest getting a case for transporting these batteries inside your camera bag. Maybe Volta Cinema will come out with a battery pack holder in the near future. Rolling Shutter of the Z Cam E2C Cinema Camera.
PortKeys Firmware Update and Updated PortKeys KeyGrip.According to VIDEOGEAR, the Black Mini draws less than 6W of power. To give you a rough idea, as these results can vary a lot depending on the age/state of your battery pack, I did a quick test with a fresh Canon LP-E6N battery pack (14Wh). I got away with a little more than 3 hours of battery life at the maximum backlight setting. These results are great, and it’s decent battery life for an on-camera monitor powered by a small battery.
Currently, with the pre-release models, available resolutions and frame rates are:.Unfortunately, we had no cage available for the Z CAM, but the camera has various ¼” mounting points on top, bottom and on the sides. In conjunction with the Z CAM E2 I used an early prototype of the Portkeys BM5 monitor mounted with a magic arm, see the image below (the released version is black, the prototype had an anodized green surface finish).
According to Manfrotto, these “SAS-TEC” structural reinforcements feature exclusive viscoelastic memory foam for multi-impact endurance. Unfortunately, I did not open the bag with a knife to verify, but the bottom bumpers did well during my testing.In short, these new dividers take less space inside your bag, so you have more room to store camera equipment.
Panasonic S1 is a very capable full-frame mirrorless camera. It can record internally at up to 4K 60fps in 8-bit and output 4:2:2 10-bit signal externally. For more information about the camera please check our Panasonic S1 review and the revisited V-log upgrade review.Codec wise there are H264 and H265 10bit internal recording options to SD cards, but as a big differentiator to other cams in this price bracket, it offers to record ProRes via USB-C to an external SSD drive.
The fact that the Black Mini is a lightweight on-camera monitor makes it a lovely experience if you’re operating handheld or on a tripod/gimbal. It doesn’t add too much weight nor bulk to your setup, which is nice.Fast forward 10 years and I have the new cinema camera Z CAM E2 from the Chinese manufacturer Z CAM in my hands. A micro four thirds camera capable of shooting 4k DCI using a LOG profile (Z-LOG2) recording ProRes HQ 10bit 4:2:2 internally up to 60fps (4k H265 up to 120fps, 160fps in 1:2.4 mode). Wow!.
Phil Holland is also testing various lenses on Komodo. He said he already mounted over 100 different lenses on the camera.User interface and its challenges.
Portkeys recently released a lightweight and very affordable 5″ on-camera monitor: the PT5. With a maximum brightness of 500 nits only, I was curious to see how this HDMI-only monitor performs. Here are my findings. On the software side, the PortKeys P6 features a lot of useful analyzing functions and tools. Below is a list of the built-in tools:.
We are using a new test method based on a high frequency, quartz & microcontroller based strobe light at 300Hz. As the sensor readout happens from the top to the bottom, we are getting a sequence of black and white bars from the strobe.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.
However, I can ensure that these 15mm thick M-GUARD dividers are much slimmer than their predecessor.The biggest improvement over the original F7 is on the back of the monitor: a Sony NP-F style battery plate can now host and power a wireless video transmission system compatible with this type of batteries.
Canon EOS 77D Camera Body with Accessories Kit – $250/€156 Discount.As Jarred said, RED shipped the first batch of pre-stormtrooper Komodos in custom colors to few lucky customers. The first color seems orange to me, but RED calls it “Grossman Gold”. Every batch of these pre-release cameras that get shipped out will have a different color. It seems like the next one will be yellow.
Portkeys, a Chinese company specialized in HDMI and SDI field monitors, recently announced an impressive new monitor: the PortKeys BM5. This 5″ monitor features a lot of monitoring tools, but it can also control your camera. Let’s take a look at it.I can not confirm that these new dividers do better at absorbing shocks.
We are looking for technical and non-technical writers with expertise in camera technology and film and video post production, as well as “soft” filmmaking topics of where filmmaking techniques are applied.FUJIFILM X-T4 Bundle – €112.82 Savings.
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.This update makes the Z CAM E2/Atomos a very capable lightweight combo capable of shooting 4K60P ProRes RAW for just under $2500.00, which is incredible. (Our friend and colleague Philip Bloom shot a short piece with this new setup. You can view it by clicking here).
DJI Osmo Action – $100/€77 Discount.Exposure tools: RGB and Luma Waveform, Zebra, False Color, Histogram.
Add the special promotion code at checkout.The Portkeys PT5 is a 5″ monitor with one HDMI input and one HDMI output port. Having HDMI loop-through is pretty impressive on a monitor at that price level. Both in and out ports support resolutions up to 4K DCI at 24p, 4K UHD at up to 30p, FullHD at up to 60p.
Let’s talk quickly about the batteries’ technology. According to Volta Cinema, the Volta36 uses the same 21700 cells as Tesla uses in their cars. These cells allow them to pack more energy in a smaller format.Inside the main compartment, you’ll find two central dividers that measure the Flexloader L’s interior length. The Flexloader L also comes with eight small dividers.
Canon EOS C500 Mark II is a full-frame cinema camera capable of 5.9K video. When announced last year, the camera introduced the new modular design. To know more about it, check our Lab Test as well as our first look hands-on video. This bundle will additionally get you a Canon BP-A60 (OTH) battery and SanDisk CFexpress Extreme Pro 512GB memory card. Finally, there are four functions buttons at the top of the monitor and a menu button plus scroll wheel to navigate in the menus.
Inside the handle, you’ll find a 0.9-inch OLED display, a built-in LANC splitter (compatible with their BM5 monitor), a remote port, and a motor port to attach to your camera/accessories. The handle is powered via two 18650 batteries located at the bottom, and the display shows you the battery level.Out of the box, the colors and images coming out of the are totally off. So it’ll take you some time to get something I would call acceptable. Most on-camera monitors are set at 6500°K, but even with multiple tweaks, I had to put the Black Mini to 7500°K and make some brightness/tint adjustments by hand to get in a somewhat accurate ballpark.
I asked some colleagues and friends to try carrying the Flexloader L, and everybody was impressed by the amount of support and comfort this backpack provides you. I think you have to try it out for yourself to experience how a bag should feel on your shoulders.Buy link: Z CAM E2-M4 Bundle Was: €2.415,84 Now: €2.219,24 (Savings: €195,84).
First Komodo accessory is the GDU Komodo Monitor Mount priced at $79. The mount sits between the camera and a monitor and provides forward and back tilt. According to GDU, a tension bolt system keeps the hinge tight across the tilt range and prohibits loosening during use.The Volta Cinema Top Handle is the company’s first product, designed with a simple goal in mind: create a top handle that can power camera accessories or even your camera via a D-Tap port. I had the chance to play with it for one month, and here are my findings.
On most on-camera monitors (the ones that are not OLED), if you crank up the brightness to its maximum setting, the display tends to lift the image’s black parts. In short, blacks are not black anymore, but more on the grey side, and the picture becomes a little washed out.Buy link: Panasonic LUMIX S1H Bundle Was: €4,830.89 Now: €4,502.40 (Savings: €328,49).
B&H Buy link: DJI Mavic 2 Pro Was: $1,729.00 Now: $1,379.00 (Savings: $350.00). You got it; I love when I’m working with and not against an on-camera monitor. A third-party monitor should feel like a natural addition to your rig and not an add-on that you don’t want to bring/mount on your camera.
There are many 5″ on-camera monitors available on the market, with different price ranges depending on features you need/want. So I decided to compare the Porkeys PT5 ($169) to the Atomos Shinobi that retails for a $299 price tag ($130 more expensive) and the FeelWorld F5 that is $149.At first, I had a weird feeling as in case of assistance or firmware updates, I guess you are left in the dark with no customer service to contact.
The PortKeys P6 will start shipping at the end of December, and it retails for $169.00. You can pre-order it on PortKeys’ website, we will update this article with links to B&H and CVP as soon as it becomes available.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.
This is a design choice, and after using it, I get why they did it that way. I would like to have the option to close it if I’m shooting in tough weather conditions. It would protect the handle and prevent dust/rain from getting in.Also, there are rubber pull straps at the end of some zippers that open “secondary” compartments.
The PortKeys BM5 is daylight-viewable with a maximum brightness of 2000nit – the newest BM5 II monitor is 2200nit – and it is entirely made out of aluminum for a total weight of 350 grams.The next thing I’m a bit skeptical about is that each time you exit the menu and re-open it, you’ll always come back to the first page/first tool. That’s frustrating and I would like for it to stay – or at least have the option – on the same page/tool I just tweaked.
This new OEYE-3G EVF is entirely made of aluminum and is pretty small, at just 180x 69.7 x 72.4 mm for a total weight of 400 grams.If you want to use this camera for live streaming, in a locked-down scenario which is not demanding in terms of dynamic range, it will work very well.
One full-size HDMI input on the right side that can take signals up to 4K30p.The only thing that prevents it from slipping out of the handle is the battery cap (if it ever moves.) Update: Volta Cinema told us that the monitor mount comes with a small m3 screw in the box, that is used to secure it tightly to the handle, as the monitor mount is not meant to move around in any way.
And the Z CAM E2 did not disappoint – see the video on top. The camera has a very organic, detailed image with fantastic, out of the box colors. Grading the Z-LOG2 profile using the LUT’s supplied by Z CAM on their homepage was a joy and is as easy as it can get. 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.
As you can see, the PortKeys LH5P represents a good value for money compared to other monitors in the same price range, but it will be up to you to decide if it ticks all the boxes for your needs.Function settings page where you’ll find all your monitoring tools.
What is unique with the Volta Cinema Top Handle is that it is the first design I saw where you could swap batteries to use it infinitely if you have enough batteries. With very little information available on the Internet and no reviews yet, we reached to the company to see if it holds all its promises.According to Manfrotto, the fabrics are water repellant. Also, there is a built-in fold-out rain protector located at the front of the bag. I did not stress-test the water resistance, but I never had issues with Manfrotto products in rainy conditions in the past, so this one should be no different.
In short, the display is not stellar by any means. But again, if you look at things with a price/performance ratio in mind, it’s definitely acceptable if you’re starting out after a few tweaks.Bottom: one 1/4-20″ mounting point with locating pins.
Backlight settings from 0 to 100.Also, there is a 7/24V power input port on the left side of the monitor that you can use to power the Black Mini externally.
As you can tell, there are a million ways to position the dividers and reconfigure the Flexloader L to fit your gear and needs. It’s a very versatile bag that can carry a lot of gear while still being carry-on sized so you can bring it with you on a plane.To make it short, all you have to do is purchase the right cable for your camera with the monitor – also available separately – and plug it from the LH5H to the camera. Then, you’ll be able to trigger the recording, navigate through the menus of the camera, change your settings, and so on.
The bag is made out of nylon and synthetic fabric. The ripstop nylon fabric features a cross pattern all over it. This kind of fabric is used to make military clothes, so I have very little doubt about its quality or longevity. All in all, it’s a matter of taste, but it’s a nice-looking bag that looks professional without screaming “there’s plenty of camera equipment inside,” which I always like. 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.
Cameras, Drones, FilmConvert, MZed.Sony a7R II Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit – $400 Discount.
At the back of the monitor, there is a Sony NPF-style battery slot to power the monitor. As I mentioned, you can use the USB port to feed the monitor from a V-Mount/AB external battery as well as a battery bank.Indeed, a great on-camera monitor must be as color accurate as possible and be as close to “what you see is what you get” as possible. If your monitor colors are not correct, you won’t see your footage the way it’s supposed to be. For example, when a monitor’s colors are wildly inaccurate, you can see orange when you’re supposed to see yellow or red. It can affect how you’ll set your camera’s white balance or exposure, for example.
The Volta36 battery charger has two charging indicators.Panasonic G9 used to be “only” a great MFT mirrorless camera with a main focus on photography. Panasonic recently announced new firmware update, which will equip the G9 with killer video features – same like its slightly bigger sibbling, the GH5. G9 will be able to record 10-bit video internally up to 4K 30p, 4K 60p 8-bit, new slow motion framerates in 1080p, and it will also support the paid V-log upgrade.
So, you have to rely on the camera’s focus peaking (displayed via HDMI to the monitor). Also, once the image looks acceptable, you can start seeing that the display doesn’t have a high density of pixel: 441ppi, according to the manufacturer. If you’re pixel peeping, you can see individual pixels on the screen.
I don’t remember any third-party field monitor – other than any OEM screen that usually ships with your camera – that can control a camera. By connecting the supplied cable from the monitor to your camera, the BM5 can control some of the camera functions. 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.
Buy link: Canon EOS C500 Mark II Bundle Was: €19.452,65 Now: €18.928,94 (Savings: €523,70).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.
The answer is yes. I had no issues at all – the build quality of both monitor and camera is top notch, and there was no overheating of both devices. The monitor has a fan which I turned down to the lowest setting to avoid picking up the sound, so it got very very hot. It still worked reliably.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.
The LH5P has a claimed maximum brightness of 1700 nit, which is, like any monitor with a brightness over 1500nit, perfectly daylight-viewable. The monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and the panel itself is 10-bit (8+2 FRC), so not “true” 10-bit.RED Komodo with the new Laowa 9mm T2.9 lens. Image Credit: Phil Holland.
However, I was a bit worried about a possible short inside my camera bag between the batteries and whatever metal object they could hit. Volta Cinema told me that:.Finally, the Volta Cinema Top Handle has three 1/4″-20 mounting points at the handle’s back. The threading is really thin, and the metal is not thick here. While this is nice to have mounting points to store screws, I wouldn’t mount a camera accessory to it, even if I don’t see it breaking at all.
The great thing about the BM5 and HS7T is that they are equipped with both HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs. 4K video signals up to 30fps and FullHD up to 60fps are supported over the HDMI, while the SDI connections only support 1080p signals up to 60fps.the height of the small dividers could be higher so small objects doesn’t move inside the bag.
PortKeys has now released the LEYE II to solve that powering issue, offering a built-in battery plate.At NAB 2018, we already had a chance to take a look at the original Z CAM E2. In case you are not familiar with this compact camera, it is built around a Micro Four Thirds mount and sensor with 10-bit color support, 13 stops of Dynamic Range (16 stops when set to WDR) and can shoot in 4K DCI at up to 120 frames per second.
Fig. 3: The Portkeys BM5 monitor – bright (2000 NITS) and well built, however the screen is very reflective which can hamper the viewing experience outside.Did you like that review of the ? What do you think about one of the most affordable products on the market right now? Do you want to learn more about a camera monitor and want us to review it? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!.
As I mentioned earlier, the Portkeys PT5 casing is made out of ABS plastic. It feels like good quality plastic, but I wouldn’t want to drop the monitor just to check if it survives.The comes in a compact cardboard box. Nothing exciting so far. Once you open it, everything is neatly packed, with no space wasted. It’s the kind of box that is impossible to re-pack once you’ve opened it and taken the products out. Interestingly enough, the monitor doesn’t come with a case to store it in.
One feature that sets the PortKeys LH5P apart from many of its competitors is that it can control your camera. To make it work, you have to connect an optional cable from the monitor’s dedicated mini-USB port and connect it to your camera. Both the LH5H and LH5P has the same ergonomics and input-output ports:.
GDU Komodo Accessories. Source: GDU.Waveform, false color, and zebra.
Back: a Sony NP-F/Canon LP-E6 battery plate and a battery release button.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%.
Like most on-camera monitors (the ones that are not OLED), especially daylight-viewable ones, if you crank up the brightness, the display tends to lift the image’s black parts. 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 , here are the built-in tools:.
The currently retails at Amazon for $89 with by using this discount code at checkout: Y2DWYGBM. The special offer ends on October 5th,2021, at 23:59 PDT.Anyone who has ever set foot on a film set likely saw a half-dozen actors and crew members standing over a camera operator’s shoulder, watching the shot through a screen attached to the camera.
Finally, there’s an HDMI input port on the right side, above the power inputs, that can take video signals of up to 4K30p. There is no video output port.I’m currently finishing our review of the PortKeys LH5H that will be released very soon, so keep an eye on CineD if you want to learn more about these affordable on-camera monitors.
Volta Cinema Top Handle Review – Elegant Way to Power Accessories.However, for the past four years, I finally found some solutions that work for me. I purchased and used Manfrotto rolling bags – including the Pro Roller Bag 70 and Reloader Air-55 Pro – and they’ve been real workhorses. They’ve been a joy to use and what carries all my camera equipment 99% of the time. The Windows vs. macOS debate is as big as the backpack vs. rolling case one, but both solutions have pros and cons.
However, for the past four years, I finally found some solutions that work for me. I purchased and used Manfrotto rolling bags – including the Pro Roller Bag 70 and Reloader Air-55 Pro – and they’ve been real workhorses. They’ve been a joy to use and what carries all my camera equipment 99% of the time. The Windows vs. macOS debate is as big as the backpack vs. rolling case one, but both solutions have pros and cons.The Black Mini has a claimed maximum brightness of 400nit, which is not daylight-viewable like every monitor with a brightness under 1500nit. It does not mean that you can’t use it outside with the included sun hood, but you’ll have a hard time in direct sunlight. The glossy display doesn’t help with that, but we’ll talk more about that later in this review.
But, you’ll have to handle all that extra tripod weight on your back, the unbalance, and the Flexloader L will flip over when you put it on the ground. Also, it’s not very practical to access the bag’s camera compartment.The left side of the Portkeys PT5.
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.The PortKeys HS7T can be powered by two hot-swappable Sony L-Series batteries. Source: PortKeys.
As I mentioned, the Portkeys PT5 does not have any physical buttons, and all the navigation is via the touchscreen. I’m glad there are only pages, as it is relatively easy to operate and understand, but there are also some drawbacks like the numerous fingerprints the screen will accumulate.Z CAM E2 Cinema Camera in the Wild – Hands-on Review.
In the end, you’ll probably end up not using the case, which is a bit of a shame. I think most filmmakers would have preferred spending a little extra money to get a larger case that can fit a couple of accessories. But, this is a budget-friendly monitor, so I understand that PortKeys have to save money somewhere, and this is already nice to include a case for the price.You got it; everything you’d expect is here.
The screen has a viewing angle of 180°, a contrast ratio of 1200:1, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. This level of brightness is a little disappointing since it’s way too low to make the monitor usable under bright sunlight. Moreover, it only represents a 50-nits increase over the original F7.Right side: a power switch, a USB Type-A port, and a 7-24V power input/output port with a barrel connector.
The menu itself is straightforward and well structured, also custom presents for the function buttons are available. However, some of the settings require deeper dives (changing the frame rate for example), hence doing that in the heat of the action does not work so well.We are Hiring New Writers – Apply Today!.
The addition of this plate easily turns the F7 PRO into an affordable, compact director or 1st AC monitor. Furthermore, the vertical position of the NP-F style plate can be adjusted by loosening two screws in order to adapt to a wider variety of systems.Once in place, it works nicely, but I had issues getting it in. Indeed, it came in two pieces in the box: the round part that slides in the handle and the piece that attaches to your monitor. I had to unscrew the two screws on the round piece to assemble the monitor as one piece like it should be.
As you can see, you need a cable to connect the handle to some cameras. Otherwise, if you are a Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4k/6K user, you can wirelessly control/adjust:.Is the Volta Cinema Top Handle perfect? Of course not, and like most products, it could be improved. But, I have mixed feelings about it. While the product feels incredible when you use it, many small details (the stickers, battery charger, monitor mount, etc..) make me a bit worried about its longevity.
The comes in a compact cardboard box. Nothing exciting so far. Once you open it, everything is neatly packed, with no space wasted. It’s the kind of box that is impossible to re-pack once you’ve opened it and taken the products out. Interestingly enough, the monitor doesn’t come with a case to store it in.B&H Buy link: RX100 III Camera Kit with Accessories Was: $748.00 Now: $598.00 (Savings: $150.00).
I think that this smart move from Atomos will allow the E2 to become even more popular amongst independent filmmakers looking for a lightweight camera package capable of shooting high-quality images. Canon’s full-frame DSLR flagship 5D Mark IV offers interesting price tag and free accessories in kit on B&H (spare battery, memory card, bag, and optics cleaning kit).
You got it; when carrying the Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L, you have choices, and it can rest on your shoulders for hours. The Manfrotto team put a lot of effort into making a comfortable bag. Being comfy is crucial as the Flexloader L can quickly become heavy considering how many compartments and how much stuff you can put in it.Z Cam E2C cinema camera rigged up with a monitor (Portkeys BM5) and a ZOOM H2 (not visible, behind the monitor) for audio capture via the 3.5mm input.
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 loved how lightweight the PT5 is; it weighs nothing with a Canon LP-E6 at the back, so your camera rig stays easy to operate handheld.
The user interface of the PortKeys LH5P is not its most significant strength, to say the least. When I purchase or review a product, I never read instructions (like most filmmakers, I am assuming), which means a product must be intuitive. I think you should be able to give a monitor to any camera assistant and everybody must be able to make it work without reading a book. That is not the case with the LH5P.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.
Once you’re inside a page, the parameters at the bottom of the screen will change. Then, all you have to do is click the setting you want to change and do your thing.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.
Jarred said RED has been working on the Komodo for around five years already. The whole idea behind it was to provide filmmakers with a better crash camera. A camera that is small enough to fit in tight places, but still produces RAW footage that is more flexible in the post-production and can better intercut with large cinema cameras, than a GoPro. One HDMI input and one HDMI output port supports resolution up to 4K DCI at 24p, 4K UHD at up to 30p, FullHD at up to 60p.
Adjust other parameters such as your project frame rate, codec, quality, off-speed frame-rate, and recording.You’ll find six pages at the top of the UI: monitoring tools, image setting, LUT, display tools, audio, markers, and settings.
PortKeys EVF OEYE-3G – 1080P OLED – First Look. However, the 5-inch display of the BM5 is a little too small sometimes, especially for focusing or precise monitoring tasks. There’s some good news though since PortKeys is now improving their 7-inch monitor lineup by introducing a Metal Edition of their already-existing HS7T monitor. Let’s take a look at the improvements.
Prices are not outrageous, starting at €15.00 per adapter, so it’s nice to buy these directly from Volta Cinema.Also, if you use a 5-pin XS16 to dummy battery cable, you can power your camera/follow focus motor directly from the LH5H dedicated output port, which is smart. This port is compatible with Tilta Nucleus-M and Nucleus-Nano follow focus motors.
Also, the PortKeys Bluetooth Module adds support for Sony a7II/a7III/a7RIV/a9 cameras, and Tilta Nucleus-N/M follow focuses. Unfortunately, you will have to plug a cable from the monitor to your camera/follow focus to have access to these functions.One full-size HDMI to mini-HDMI cable.
This style of cameras usually comes with lots of external ports, and the Z CAM E2 is no different. There is a 10-pin LEMO port for timecode sync, as well as a 2.5mm LANC jack. In terms of audio, there is a 3.5mm mic output plus headphone jack and a 5-pin LEMO port for a dual channel XLR microphone.Also, it gets very very hot and is quite power hungry. I used the “low” setting for the internal fan to avoid picking up the sound on video.
The monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and I could not confirm if the panel itself is 8 or 10-bit (8+2 FRC obviously if it’s the case). According to VIDEOGEAR, the display covers 131% of the Rec.709 color space and 98% of DCI-P3. On top of that, the panel would support HDR ST2084 300 / ST 2084 1000 / ST 2084 10000 / HLG monitoring, but I have high doubts about it and can’t confirm.PortKeys Bluetooth Module for BM5 Monitors Announced – Wireless Control for BMPCC 4K/6K Cameras.
At the back of the PT5, there is a built-in Sony NP-F and Canon LP-E6 battery bracket.PortKeys LH5H – Ergonomics and Powering Options.
Optimize the camera control interface and functions: improve the aperture display accuracy of BMPCC4K/6K. Fixes an issue where the BMPCC 4K resolution cannot be switched to 4K 2.4:1 4096×1720.The PortKeys LH5P does have a built-in fan. In the menu, you can set it to low, medium, or high. I left the fan at a “low” setting during all my testing, and the monitor did not get super hot.
At the top of the Flexloader L’s shoulder straps, the second adjustment is the “support,” or how far you want the straps to be from the actual bag.According to Manfrotto, these “SAS-TEC” structural reinforcements feature exclusive viscoelastic memory foam for multi-impact endurance. Unfortunately, I did not open the bag with a knife to verify, but the bottom bumpers did well during my testing.
If you want to use this camera for live streaming, in a locked-down scenario which is not demanding in terms of dynamic range, it will work very well.Backlight settings from 0 to 100.
There is a built-in Bluetooth module and a camera control port to control your camera wired/wirelessly. The Portkeys PT5 is made from ABS plastic, which helps keep the weight down at only 130g/0.28lbs. Also, it is very compact at 136 x 72 x 17mm in terms of dimensions, so it should not take that much space in your camera bag.
Adapta is KipperTie’s simple PL to RF adapter while Revolva also offers a system for inserting ND filter cartridges. Pricing for KipperTie Komodo accessories has not been announced yet.The Portkeys PT5 is passively cooled, so it does not have a built-in fan. Also, it means that the monitor doesn’t make any noise when it is on.
Features of the Z Cam E2C Cinema Camera.The LH5P has a claimed maximum brightness of 1700 nit, which is, like any monitor with a brightness over 1500nit, perfectly daylight-viewable. The monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and the panel itself is 10-bit (8+2 FRC), so not “true” 10-bit.
I have tried this option in practice but quickly abandoned it for moving shots, as the motion blur (or partial lack thereof) of the resulting image looks weird. It may work for a static interview though, or a situation where the scene demands a higher shutter speed (1/200 and up).Build Quality and the Safari Trip.
For BMPCC 4K/6K users, you can even control your camera wirelessly. You don’t need the additional BT1 Bluetooth module with the LH5H, as it is built-in inside the monitor. It means that you can control your BMPCC 4K/6K wirelessly out of the box!.B&H Buy link: DJI Mavic 2 Pro Was: $1,729.00 Now: $1,379.00 (Savings: $350.00).
CVP offers free LUMIX 25mm f/1.7 lens (!), free 3-year Panasonic LUMIX warranty, and free accessories with a GH5 purchase.Buy link: Panasonic LUMIX S1 Bundle Was: €2,856,44 Now: €2,610,88 (Savings: €245,57).
PortKeys is mostly known for making affordable products that offer filmmakers an excellent price/features ratio. The PortKeys LH5H came out in July 2020, and its successor, the LH5P, was released in January 2021. This monitor is one of the company’s entry-level products. However, the least we can say is that this HDMI-only monitor is no different from its bigger brother when it comes to features, at an aggressive price-point.PortKeys LH5H Released – Affordable 5″ Monitor That Can Control Your Camera.
If you want, you can read the in-depth review of the Z CAM E2 by my colleague Gunther here.Lenswise, I opted for two lenses only: the Olympus 12-100mm f4 for the documentary part (it has great image stabilization), and a Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5 – 5.6 version 1 using a Metabones speed booster for the wildlife part.
Various picture profiles available including Rec.709 / Z-Log2 / FLAT / HLG.The PortKeys BM5 top and bottom. The remote camera socket is located at the left of the USB port.
When the battery compartment is open, all you have to do is align the stickers (if they are still here) of the battery and handle and push the battery inside. Jokes aside, even without the stickers, you can’t go wrong when you get used to the product. Put the connectors of the battery down, and there you go.Most of the navigation inside the UI happens via the touchscreen. But, you can also use the physical Menu and navigation buttons at the top of the monitors. These buttons allow you to navigate inside a page. However, you can’t switch pages from these buttons.
All in all, I’ve not been overly impressed by this monitor as I’m used to much higher-end monitoring options. However, every time I had complaints about the Black Mini, I always came back thinking, “well, it’s $89, so it has some caveats, but it’s usable.”.One Aputure 200D LED light with all the cables.
Let’s make it simple here; the PortKeys LEYE II has its predecessor’s same features and specifications. In a nutshell, that includes:.PortKeys LH5P Review – Great Monitor Under $400.
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:.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.
At the back of the Black Mini, there is a built-in Sony NP-F and Canon LP-E6 battery bracket, similar to the one found on the Portkeys PT5 that I already reviewed. To use a Canon LP-E6 battery, simply slide it to the left.Dual native ISO: 500 and 2500 ISO.
Build quality and mounting points.There is also a nice Z CAM smartphone app available for IOS (Android still in a beta release), which connects to the camera’s wifi and allows access / display / change all settings as well as providing a full screen image preview with little latency.
You got it; the LEYE II is a pretty decent electronic viewfinder that now features a built-in Canon LP-E6 battery plate at the back of the unit. Unfortunately, there is no indication about the battery life from PortKeys.The biggest improvement over the old plastic version is, of course, build quality. In fact, the new PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition features an all-aluminum alloy, which makes the monitor stronger and more durable. Furthermore, this metal construction also helps with heat dissipation.
Home
Community
☰
