You’ll find six pages at the top of the UI: monitoring tools, image setting, LUT, display tools, audio, markers, and settings. The two included straps are made from nylon and metal and are high-quality; you can easily trust them to hold a bit of weight.
Most of the magic from the PortKeys Universal Handle happens on the inside. Indeed, it features a built-in Bluetooth and WiFi control module. In short, it means that the handle can connect wirelessly to your camera to control it. Below is a list of the settings and functions you can control via the Universal Handle. I did a quick test with a DJI Ronin RSC2 that barely fits inside this pocket.
The PortKeys P6 is a lightweight – 0.28lbs/130grams – entry-level monitor for filmmakers looking for a compact on-camera display. The P6 features an 8bit 5.5″ 1080P display with a 500nit brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio. This monitor is much more affordable than their PortKeys BM5 that is a workhorse entirely made of aluminum – the P6 is made out of ABS plastic. The Z CAM Universe – the Facebook Group, the app, and the Camera’s Menu.
you can write well and you are actually enjoying it. Specs and Features for the 4K Monitor Module 750 TX.
You can immediately feel that it’s a well-made product out of the box. The materials look dense, the stitchings of the bag are perfect, the sewing thread is thick. You are limited to a single 7-24V Lemo port for power and some may miss having a battery option. After a quick run-through the menu/UI seems especially intuitive and the peaking seemed great.
Chinese monitor manufacturer PortKeys just released a new budget-friendly monitoring solution to its lineup: the PortKeys LH5H. If you’re new to PortKeys products, we already reported about their BM5 5″ HDMI & SDI monitor, OEYE-3G EVF, or, more recently, the PortKeys KeyGrip handle. I’ve been using the extremely bright (2200 nits) PortKeys BM5 II for several months now, and it quickly became my go-to on-camera monitor. In short, at least on paper, it seems like the LH5H comes with all the tools you need to correctly judge the exposure of your image and frame your shots correctly.
I think the Black Mini has a tiny little fan on the inside that you can only hear if you put your ear at the back of the monitor. In short, you won’t hear it, and the monitor is 100% silent. Backlight settings from 0 to 100.
Also, and this is not particular to this monitor, but something I still don’t understand, is why manufacturers only put 1/4-20″ mounting points – thankfully with locating pins on the LH5P – at the bottom of their products. For more information, please visit Portkeys’ website here.
The Function button is next to the red power button. If your lens is compatible, you can zoom and focus via the handle.
PortKeys BM5 Monitoring Functions. In theory, this combo should work very well. The Portkeys BM5 monitor (for detailed specs see our article here) is a 5” FHD monitor which allows via a separate cable to display and change settings in the camera’s menu on the touchscreen – on our early prototype this didn’t work though and a newer firmware wasn’t yet available.
The FEELWORLD F7 PRO is now available for purchase on the FEELWORLD website, coming at an affordable price of $239. FEELWORLD is also offering a discount during the first week of the release, when using the promo code FEELWORLD F7 PRO at the time of purchase. Included in the box are a Micro-HDMI Cable, a Sunshade, and a Mini Hot-Shoe Mount. It is entirely usable in bright daylight conditions, but the battery life will take a severe hit. You can see what you’re shooting, sunlight’s reflections are not bad, but I wouldn’t judge my exposure by just looking at the picture without any monitoring tools (and I guess you shouldn’t do that with any monitors anyway).
There is a built-in Bluetooth module and a camera control port to control your camera wired/wirelessly. Sony a7 III is currently considered by many as the best Sony mirrorless camera for video. Its 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor performs really well in low light and its 693-point hybrid AF system also works well for video shooting. The camera can record up to UHD 4K30p video with HLG & S-Log gamma picture profiles. For more information about the camera, go ahead and read Johnnie’s Sony a7 III review.
In late March we first announced that PortKeys, based in China, was taking the leap into the EVF world with their new OEYE-3G. cinema5D caught up with PortKeys team at NAB 2019 for an inside look into the new 0.7″ 1080P OLED display Electronic Viewfinder. All the details are below including pricing and availability. To modify a tool’s settings, you have to hold the icon of the tool you want to adjust in the sidebar and slide to the right at the same time. I’ve been able to make it work, but even with the user manual, it’s not straightforward, and it took me a dozen tries to get to the tool adjustments settings.
I had an enjoyable time using the LH5H in run-and-gun situations, especially with a mirrorless camera. The monitor is light, it has a decent battery life, so it’s perfect for compact camera setups. However, I had a couple of hard times with the UI while trying to adjust some features, but I already mentioned that. Also, I had build quality issues with the battery charger, which is entirely made out of plastic. I’m cautious with gear, but after two days, I grabbed the charger by its casing, and it literally opened in two.
Now, this was a major deciding factor for me to take the Z CAM E2 cinema camera on my trip – 4k DCI ProRes HQ in a small but durable package – despite the risk of taking a new, unknown camera with me I just couldn’t say no. If you wish to attach your monitor to a 1/4-20″ mounting accessory, all you have to do is put a 3/8-16″ to 1/4-20″ threaded insert. Simple and easy, I guess implementing this type of mounting option at the bottom of every monitor is easy to make, making every filmmaker happy.
We are Hiring New Writers – Apply Today!. 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.
However, I think that the Portkeys PT5 is more suited if you’re often shooting inside. For example, during corporate/interview shoots inside, it’s an excellent low-cost option that I had a blast using. In addition to that, we are also looking for a writer who is particularly interested in “smartphone filmmaking” as we are planning to greatly extend our coverage in that area. Both news about new smartphone cameras and apps as well as reviews of these cameras are important for us.
I love the fact that it allows high frame rates, ProRes recording, and many more things. Z CAM is definitely a company to watch out for – also, I am curious to see their new APS-C and full frame cameras (S6, F6, and F8) that are scheduled to arrive later this year. And now comes the fun part! Like its big brother the BM5 II, the PortKeys LH5H is capable of controlling your camera. Above is a list of all compatible cameras, and the features you can control via the LH5H.
Finally, on the top are three user-customizable buttons, a menu dial, and an exit button to control the EVF. The NATO rail ratcheting knob is not spring-loaded.
DJI Osmo Pocket – $90/€48 Discount. 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.
To me, the Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L shines as a multipurpose backpack. To give you an idea, I was able to fit. Buy link: FUJIFILM X-T4 Bundle Was: €2,593.15 Now: €2,480.33 (Savings: €112.82).
Adjust other parameters such as your project frame rate, codec, quality, off-speed frame-rate, and recording. 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.
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. However, comparing the E2 to other cinema cameras in this sensor class the competitor BMPCC4k cannot be neglected. The BMPCC4k is significantly less expensive, has a large build in screen (5”) and allows internal ProRes as well as 12bit RAW recording (Blackmagic raw). Also, Blackmagic managed to squeeze out 0.8 stops more dynamic range.
By shopping at our partner’s store, you are supporting CineD through our buy links, as we get a small affiliate commission (at no extra cost for you) when a purchase is completed. Let’s take a look at the deals!. Using a stabilized lens is a must – as I did for the sample footage (the Olympus 12-100 F4 IS Pro lens).
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. You can download all firmware updates on PortKeys’ website here.
The has a glossy and quite reflective screen and is not very bright, so if you plan on using the monitor outside, the included sun hood will come in handy. The Volta36 battery charger has two charging indicators.
Buy link: Panasonic LUMIX S1H Bundle Was: €4,830.89 Now: €4,502.40 (Savings: €328,49). As a bonus within this accessory kit you will also get a SanDisk 32GB SDHC memory card, and Lowepro shoulder bag.
It has been more than two weeks since our last RED Komodo Update article. I have to say things are getting much faster around Komodo now since the first customers got their cameras and there are first hands-on tests with sample footage emerging. The best places to follow the latest news about Komodo right now are Jarred’s Instagram account, Komodo Section on REDuser, and RED Komodo Facebook group. 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.
The main tube/handle is where you insert your battery. This tube is 16cm long with a diameter of 3.2cm, and the total weight with a battery inside is around 170g. Now, this was a major deciding factor for me to take the Z CAM E2 cinema camera on my trip – 4k DCI ProRes HQ in a small but durable package – despite the risk of taking a new, unknown camera with me I just couldn’t say no.
The Z CAM E2 is a very compact and lightweight cinema camera that we discovered during NAB 2018. Here is a quick summary of the features and what this small camera is capable of. The dividers feature Manfrotto’s M-GUARD technology to protect your equipment. M-GUARD dividers are made of high-density EVA foam and are “50% slimmer with 50% greater shock absorption” compared to previous Manfrotto dividers.
B&H Buy link: Canon EOS 77D Camera Body with Accessories Kit Was: $799.00 Now: $549.00 (Savings: $250.00). 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.
I tried the top handle with a PortKeys BM5 monitor and a SWIT CM-S75F; both are not on the compatibility list but worked just fine. Also, I tried it with my Canon EOS R and did not have any issues. In the photo above, you can see that the PT5’s case is bigger than the one included with the Portkeys BM5 III WR (pictured) or the LH5P. That was one of the main complaints I had with these previous small cases. Indeed, you could only store the monitor inside, which is a bummer, as you’ll always want to carry at least video cables or some accessories along with your monitor.
In terms of input/output, you’ll find an HDMI input and HDMI output ports on the left side of the LH5H, as well as a 3.5mm jack output, but no SDI ports. The LH5H is an “entry-level” monitor, perfect for DSLR/Mirrorless camera users. If you need both HDMI and SDI ports, the BM5 II is more suited for you. Also, the PortKeys LH5H is made of plastic, not metal, with a weight of just 170g/0.37lbs. Manfrotto put some thick and quite long metal pull straps at the end of the main compartment and gimbal zippers, so it’s easy to open/close the most-used bag’s pockets.
B&H Buy link: Sony a7 II Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Accessories Kit Was: $1,598.00 Now: $998.00 (Savings: $600.00). First is to put a Canon LP-E6 or Sony NP-F battery at the back of the monitor. Indeed, the built-in battery bracket supports both type of batteries natively, which is very smart and reminds me of the SmallHD 700 series of monitors.
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. Chinese manufacturer PortKeys has just introduced a new version of its famous HDMI-only compact electronic viewfinder: the PortKeys LEYE II. The LEYE II now features a built-in battery plate. Also, PortKeys has been teasing an SDI version of its viewfinder for quite some time now, which should be released soon. So let’s take a closer look at these!.
Display adjustments: Color Temperature, Contrast, Sharpness, Brightness, Tint, Backlight, Display Flip, Underscan. RED Komodo and Monstro size comparison. Image Credit: Phil Holland.
I guess adding a small button at the bottom of the screen that allows you to access the “tool adjustments” settings would be a good help and easy to do (UI/Software change). B&H Buy link: Sony a7 II Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Accessories Kit Was: $1,598.00 Now: $998.00 (Savings: $600.00).
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. 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).
Finally, there is a 1/4-20″ mounting thread, and a USB Type-A port to update the firmware of the LH5H, load your LUTs, or power it. Fan speed (low/medium/high), volume output, image flip.
Sony a7 III is currently considered by many as the best Sony mirrorless camera for video. Its 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor performs really well in low light and its 693-point hybrid AF system also works well for video shooting. The camera can record up to UHD 4K30p video with HLG & S-Log gamma picture profiles. For more information about the camera, go ahead and read Johnnie’s Sony a7 III review. 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.
Two SWIT compact V-Mount batteries (PB-M98S and PB-M45S). write one representative news post about a current subject of your own choosing that you would consider a “perfect fit” for our site (and which we haven’t written about yet). It can be either a classic news post of something current (example here), a review (like here) or a longer educational post (like here). Choosing the right subject and headline is almost as important as the proper content to go with it :-).
Canon EOS C500 Mark II Bundle – €523,70 Savings. I used the Volta Cinema Top Handle during seven full productions days, it held all its promises, and it’s been a joy to use. It’s a nine out of ten usability score for me, because the one thing that I am missing is a battery indicator on the handle to see the battery state with a push of a button.
Some tweaks to the footage are needed to make it look more pleasing – that was not the case with the sister model Z CAM E2 which offers very nice, out of the box colors using the same LUT’s. To know more, you can check some of our previous articles – news post with specs, Johnnie’s review, or Philip’s 75-minute review. In this bundle, you will get the camera body, Atomos Ninja V (which can record 12-bit ProRes RAW with this camera), and SmallRig 3007 Cage.
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. The list of all camera models and functions supported by the Portkeys BM5 III WR.
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 went through the current deals on our partners’ websites and have selected the best offers currently available, which I think could be interesting for you. Some offers are only available at american store B&H, some offers only at european store CVP, and some offers are available globaly with both our partners.
Back then it was hampered by a weak codec (Full HD, AVCHD in 17Mbps) and the max. usable ISO value was 400, but the Voigtlaender lenses gave it the full frame look (e.g. the 25mm f0.95), and the hack of V. Kiselev at a later stage improved the bitrate to a stable 25Mbps. All in all, I loved the images – so much that I never sold it…. Two antennas: one straight and one right angle antenna.
Sony a6000 Camera with Two Lenses and Accessories – $400 Discount. Display adjustments: Color Temperature, Contrast, Sharpness, Brightness, Tint, Backlight, Display Flip, Underscan.
Sony a7R III Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit – $300/€195 Discount. B&H Buy link: Canon EOS 6D Mark II Camera Body with Accessories Kit Was: $1,599.00 Now: $1,199.00 (Savings: $400.00).
Volta’s capacity to weight ratio compared to other battery solutions. Image credit: Volta Cinema. 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.
Waveform, false color, and zebra. Batteries, memory cards, and a ballhead.
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