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. In total, there are four ways to power the Portkeys PT5, which is quite impressive for an entry-level product.
The Z CAM E2 uses a dual ISO sensor, so I also tested the second gain value of ISO 2500 and got a result of 10.4 stops (SNR = 2). you know our site and our competitors and follow them regularly.
The motor control settings page if you have a follow focus attached to your monitor. Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L Backpack Review.
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. Via LANC: Z CAM E2 F6 and S6, Blackmagic Ursa Mini, Ursa Broadcast, Pocket Cinema Camera 4k/6K, Sony FS5, FS7, FX9, C700 PL, C700 GSPL, C200, C100, C100 MARK 2.
The Chinese manufacturer PortKeys is starting to be well-known for making affordable monitoring solutions for filmmakers with a lot of built-in monitoring and camera control features. We first heard about the company with the fully-featured BM5 monitor that can control your camera, then more recently the LH5H that is HDMI-only which we are currently reviewing – stay tuned for more info about it. Next, I was curious to see the dynamic range of the Z Cam E2C (have a look here to see how we measure DR).
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. Waveform plot of the Xyla 21 stepchart: about 10 stops of dynamic range can be identified. Strangely, the noise floor is cut off by the way how Z-Log2 is implemented – not good.
What can you power with the Volta Cinema Top Handle?. Canon EOS R Camera Body with Accessories Kit – $500 Discount.
The $399 price tag of the PortKeys BM5 is outstanding for a monitor with that much functionalities. The field monitor will be available end of April. We will add B&H buy links when it become available. Today’s post is the first out of three and it features only cameras, drones, FilmConvert, and MZed.
The X-T30 offers very compact body and only a slightly less features than FUJIFILM X-T3. Make sure to check our X-T30 anamorphic review for more information about this tiny yet capable filmmaking device. B&H offers free accessories – memory card and a bag – along with the camera. Pretty much every tool you need is here to judge your image, except Zebras and a Vectorscope, but that’s already decent for an entry-level on-camera monitor.
Top: four customizable function keys, a power switch, and four buttons to access and navigate inside the menu. 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.”.
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. 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.
Unfortunately, after the rolling shutter, the next disappointing fact was revealed: by the way how the stops are distributed in the Z-Log2 profile (which is the obvious choice for highest dynamic range readings), the noise floor is completely cut off. The camera supports recording in ProRes 422 HQ/Normal/LT as well as H.265 and H.264 codecs. It records directly onto CFast cards and also includes time-lapse modes.
Special Camera Deals from CVP for CineD Relaunch. The Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L is a pretty simple camera bag with four main pockets and compartments.
Disclaimer: Let me first say that I am not a Manfrotto Ambassador. Like every other article on CineD, Manfrotto, or any other brand, did not pay me to write this article. However, the company sent me the product to review for free. This review is my unbiased opinion, as Manfrotto did not modify, influence, or give input about the article or video before its publication. And that’s it. It is not an overly-complicated bag with tons of zippers and pockets all over the place. Instead, Manfrotto decided to keep things simple, and it just works perfectly.
Pretty much every tool you need is here to judge your image, except Zebras and a Vectorscope, but that’s already decent for an entry-level on-camera monitor. FEELWORLD F7 PRO wireless video transmission system.
With a very affordable price of $399, this entry-level electronic viewfinder filled a hole in the market. And, if you have a camera without a built-in EVF – like the Canon EOS C70 or Sony FX3 – it could have been the perfect solution. Teradek 4K Monitor Module 750 TX – Monitor and Control at a Distance.
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. 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.
The bundle further includes the Sigma MC-21 adapter for Canon EF lenses and the 5″ monitor/recorder Atomos Ninja V. With the Ninja V, you can take advantage of recording in 12-bit ProRes RAW with this camera. In this price range, it is a very interesting combination. 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.
On the Black Mini, there is only one HDMI input port. The monitor supports a maximum input resolution of UHD at up to 30p and FullHD at up to 60p. My findings are a bit different from the manufacturer’s claim of “4K 60Hz”, but it’s already pretty good. 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.
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. Let’s make it simple here; the PortKeys LEYE II has its predecessor’s same features and specifications. In a nutshell, that includes.
Finally, there are four functions buttons at the top of the monitor and a menu button plus scroll wheel to navigate in the menus. It is powered via a single Sony NP-F style battery, and you can use the power output of the BM5 to feed your camera via a dummy battery. Also, you can power it with an external battery by using the Lemo port on the monitor.
Fig. 2:IMATEST calculates 10.8 stops of dynamic range for the Z CAM E2 cinema camera at a signal to noise ratio of 2 for 4k DCI ISO500 ProRes recording using Z-LOG2 (1/SNR = 0.5, medium value in the upper right hand table). 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.
This is not that bad on the LH5P, and even at maximum brightness, the image remains viewable and usable. Keep in mind that this is a budget-friendly monitor, so comparing it to the big boys doesn’t make sense. To make things even more secure, there is even a side of the battery with a cut-out. I have no worries about inserting the batteries inside the handle or the battery charger.
B&H Buy link: Sony a7R II Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit Was: $1,798.00 Now: $1,398.00 (Savings: $400.00). The FEELWORLD F7 PRO offers several input and output power options. The monitor can be powered using either a Sony NP-F battery or via a 12V DC power input. Moreover, a 5V USB-C port offers an extra power supply option, while an 8V DC output can provide power to your camera.
The headphone volume output, image flip, OSD language/transparency. At the front of the bag, there is a small accessory pocket. This can be handy to carry some small items, batteries, snacks, papers, etc.
PortKeys OEYE-3G EVF with 1080p Resolution Announced. The monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and the panel itself is 10-bit (8+2 FRC), so not “true” 10-bit. An 8+2 FRC panel is less expensive for manufacturers to produce, as it’s based on a “software trick” to simulate 10-bit on an 8-bit panel. I’m simplifying things here, but keep in mind that even some of the most expensive monitors from SmallHD or Atomos (except NEON) use the same technique.
Our European partner online shop CVP based in the UK decided to celebrate the site relaunch with us and they prepared some great special deals exclusively for our readers. We asked them to include current popular cameras in the bundle so that all the offers are relevant. The PortKeys LEYE electronic viewfinder was first announced back in November 2020. This 4K HDMI-only EVF had a nice and compact form factor (106 x 70 x 78 mm) for a weight of 300g. In addition, the LEYE features a 2.4-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 900, and can take signals up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
The is a 5″ on-camera monitor / live streaming device with decent features: a 400nits touchscreen display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, one 4K HDMI 2.0 input port, and plenty of monitoring tools all in a very compact package. When I heard about its super low price at $89 (a special CineD price), I had to give it a try to see how it performs. Here are my findings of the most affordable monitor we ever reviewed on CineD!. Buy link: Z CAM E2-M4 Bundle Was: €2.415,84 Now: €2.219,24 (Savings: €195,84).
Let’s be clear: the PT5 is not a rental product; it is designed for owner-operators or filmmakers starting out, and at this price point, you can’t complain that it’s not built like a tank that you can throw at walls. So what’s different with this new model?.
The Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L is available now for $329.99/€227.35. It can seem like a fairly high price tag, but the price/feature ratio is incredible and you’ll probably have a hard time finding a more affordable solution that offers you better build quality, versatility, and reliability. Canon EOS 1DX Mark II Camera Body – $500 Discount.
A monitor is a monitor, no matter its price, and I treat every product the same, so let’s get started!. B&H Buy link: Sony a9 Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit Was: $3,998.00 Now: $3,498.00 (Savings: $500.00).
Phil Holland is also testing various lenses on Komodo. He said he already mounted over 100 different lenses on the camera. Cine 7 monitor + Bolt 4K Monitor Module 750 TX connected to the camera with ARRI license installed (If you are using 2 Cine 7 monitors you can have the license installed on either one.).
Bottom: one 1/4-20″ mounting point with exhaust vents. Last but not least, the waist belt is inside the built-in pocket when you receive the bag. This is handy if you, like me, rarely use them. One thing I hate is to have a waist belt I don’t use swinging around. Also, the waist belt features a small mesh pocket with a zipper.
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 sun hood consists of two parts: a plastic sun hood and a mounting bracket—the bracket clips onto the monitor, and the sun hood attached to it via some velcro.
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. The Portkeys PT5 comes in a little case with a sun hood, one HDMI to HDMI cable, one HDMI to micro HDMI cable, a sunshade, and a cold shoe monitor mount with locating pins. Portkeys is very generous on this one.
CVP offers free LUMIX 25mm f/1.7 lens (!), free 3-year Panasonic LUMIX warranty, and free accessories with a GH5 purchase. Crosshair, framing guides, grids, aspects.
Also, the straps feature an adjustable torso height harness system. FEELWORLD F7 PRO back view. Source: FEELWORLD.
MZed Pro annual membership is available for just $199 (normally $299, save $100). Members get access to MZed library of 29 current courses plus new courses added regularly. The ourses can be downloaded using their new iOS app. To mount the BM5 to your camera or rig, the monitor features a 1/4″ hole at the bottom and one at the top. Also, an “L bracket” – like the SmallHD Focus – to mount the monitor more easily to your camera is available as an accessory.
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. The PortKeys LEYE is available now for $399. It comes with a right-angle HDMI adapter, a sponge eye mask, a USB thumb drive with the user manual, and a D-Tap to barrel connector cable.
The PortKeys HS7T has both HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs. Source: PortKeys. DJI Osmo Pocket is the smallest Osmo yet. It combines camera with a 3-axis gimbal and fits literally in the palm. The camera still offers up to 4K 60fps video recording. Make sure to watch and read our DJI Osmo Pocket review for more information.
Let’s make it simple here; the PortKeys LEYE II has its predecessor’s same features and specifications. In a nutshell, that includes. 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.
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. A quite surprising result on the rolling shutter measurements, which adds up to the very positive overall impression: in 4K DCI 25p mode (using ProRes HQ and ZLOG2) I got a very good result of 11.1[ms]. For comparison, the BMPCC4k has a rolling shutter of 16[ms] in UHD 25p mode.
The LH5P has a built-in camera control module and can control various camera via a cable or wirelessly for BMPCC 4K/6K users. The LH5P can connect to your camera via a cable, and Z CAM, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic cameras are supported at the moment. In short, with the LH5P you can adjust your camera settings, trigger recording, and even pull focus without even touching your camera!. 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.
The monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and the panel itself is 10-bit (8+2 FRC), so not “true” 10-bit. An 8+2 FRC panel is less expensive for manufacturers to produce, as it’s based on a “software trick” to simulate 10-bit on an 8-bit panel. I’m simplifying things here, but keep in mind that even some of the most expensive monitors from SmallHD or Atomos (except NEON) use the same technique. 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.
Since May this year, I have been using the micro four thirds (MFT) Z CAM E2 and more recently now the Z Cam E2C cinema camera. The more expensive Z CAM E2 flagship model has very pleasing colors out of the box, a flat Z-Log2 profile and high frame rates (up to 4K 160fps) in combination with strong internal recording options (H265, ProRes) as well as anamorphic modes – a very well rounded offering. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Camera Body – $700/€215 Discount Plus Cashback, Free LUMIX 25mm f/1.7 Lens, Free 3-Year Warranty.
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. PT5 case on the left, BM5 III WR case on the right.
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. False Color, Zebra, Underscan, Histogram, Waveform, 3D LUT.
The PortKeys Bluetooth Module for BM5 monitors retails for $119/99€, and you can pre-order it directly on PortKeys’ website. It should ship from the 30th of November. “To set up wireless camera control for KOMODO or DSMC2 (coming later this summer), the following hardware and software are required.
From what I saw, it looks like the system is very responsive and not laggy at all. This is good news for all RED Komodo users, who now have another affordable option for wireless camera control via an onboard camera monitor. In terms of direct comparison, the Soonwell PH70 battery handle retails for $279.00; it has double the Volta Cinema Top Handle’s capacity, but you can’t change batteries, and it is a lot bigger. Plus the Soonwell handle we have at our CineD headquarters can’t be turned on or charged anymore after it wasn’t used for about three months. For the price, it’ll be hard to beat the Volta Cinema option.
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. B&H Buy link: Sony a7R II Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit Was: $1,798.00 Now: $1,398.00 (Savings: $400.00).
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