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. The PortKeys LH5H is in-factory calibrated using an X-Rite i1 Display Pro colorimeter. The display should look as good as it can be right out of the box without further adjustments. If you have an i1 Display Pro prob, you can re-calibrate your LH5H yourself later down the road if needed.
The functions you can control are pretty basic at the moment: start/stop the recording, change your ISO settings, adjust the focus settings…etc. I think this is just the beginning. 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.
Portkeys also showcased camera control for the Canon EOS C70, but you’ll need a dedicated LANC cable. A laptop pocket at the back can easily fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro or an iPad, for example.
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. Also, there is a USB Type-A port on the right side of the monitor that you can use to power the PT5 via a power bank (5V/2A). If you power your monitor with a Sony NP-F or Canon LP-E6 battery, this USB port doubles as a 5V/1A power output that could easily charge your smartphone at the same time.
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. There are “direction” stickers on the handle and batteries.
Add automatic color calibration function: Supported devices Xrite i1DisplayPro. 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.
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. PortKeys EVF OEYE-3G – 1080P OLED – First Look.
In short, you got it, the PortKeys LH5P’s UI is a big step up from the previous archaic one, but I feel like it still needs some refinement and improvements to get it “right.” PortKeys could change this kind of thing via a firmware update, so I have no doubt they’ll put in the extra work to make it a great, easy to use, and pleasing UI. This cover also features all the mounting points: a built-in NATO rail and three 1/4″-20 mounting points with ARRI locking pins.
I like that you can still put the TSA lock in its pocket even when your bag is secured. You probably don’t want to catch unnecessary attention by walking around the city with a lock hanging on the outside of your bag. 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!.
So, who is this monitor for? I guess the Black Mini is perfect for YouTubers or content creators who are mostly shooting inside. Also, if you’re doing many live streaming events and need a fast/affordable program monitor, it could get the job done. 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.
This PortKeys BM5WR professional-grade monitor is the gold standard for outdoor shoots, with an insanely bright 2200-nit screen and a 1000:1 contrast rating. Those specs ensure flawless colors, and it comes equipped with a multitude of monitoring tools used for setting exposure. PortKeys LH5P On-Camera Monitor Announced.
Handles, shoulder straps and padding. 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.
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. As I mentioned previously, the PortKeys LH5P has one 1/4-20″ mounting point at the bottom. This is the monitor’s only mounting point, which is a bit of a letdown. I like to have multiple options for rigging a monitor to my camera, at least one on the left or right side and one at the bottom. There is nothing but an exhaust vent on the monitor’s right side, so I guess it would have been probably possible to put another mounting point here.
This interesting bundle includes the newest APS-C mirrorless camera FUJIFILM X-T4 (our review). With its 26.1MP sensor, the camera can record up to 4K 60P uncropped video in 10-bit in F-Log. It offers nice ergonomics, good IBIS, and flip-out screen. The bundle further includes the 5″ 1000nit monitor/recorder Atomos Ninja V and SanDisk 128GB 300MB/s SDXC memory card. So is the Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader L the perfect bag? There are only very few minor things that, to me, could be improved.
Atomos has just announced that the Atomos Ninja V 5″ HDR monitor-recorder will support ProRes RAW recording from the Z CAM E2. The Ninja V will be able to record 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW at up to 4K60p. We caught up with Dan Chung from Atomos to learn more about it. 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.
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. We plan to add subsequent control to Sony FS5/FS7, Canon C200/C300 II, RED, and ARRI cameras. We even plan to add the Tilta Nucleus N/M wireless follow focus The user can update the monitor’s firmware via the USB port.
In essence, you could use your smartphone instead of a monitor if you accept some lag between the recorded and image view. The battery fit is snug, it goes in and out smoothly. No major issue here.
If your lens is compatible, you can zoom and focus via the handle. B&H Buy link: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera Body with Accessories Kit Was: $3,105.24 Now: $2,499.00 (Savings: $606.24).
Also, Atomos announced the development of a touch-screen camera control on the Ninja V for ALL Z CAM cameras. This control function is similar to what the PortKeys BM5 can already do. We are Hiring New Writers – Apply Today!.
As I mentioned previously, you can navigate inside the UI via the touchscreen or the physical buttons. But, you can also turn off the touchscreen by long-pressing the power button. It’s nice to have that option if you want to avoid fingerprints on your display!. When it comes to the E2, the added benefit of this connection, is the ability to record ProRes RAW directly on the Atomos Ninja V. (At this stage, there is no word from Atomos if ProRes RAW recording will be implemented on other members of the E2 family of cameras).
Buy link: Panasonic LUMIX S1 Bundle Was: €2,856,44 Now: €2,610,88 (Savings: €245,57). There is a printed user manual in the box. It’s not very detailed, but it’s a good starting point if you need it.
Two little pins inside the handle make the connection between the battery and the D-Tap port. These pins slide back and forth inside the groove when you adjust the handle back and forth. 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.
RED Komodo is the new Super 35 6K cinema camera that features a very small form factor. RED shipped out the first batch of custom-colored pre-release cameras in Grossman Gold color. The first hands-on tests and sample footage from Komodo users as well as first accessories are appearing. 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!.
Also, there are a couple of strange things in the UI. For example, you can’t activate an aspect marker and the grid simultaneously since they’re on the same page, so you’ll have to choose between one of them at a time. The same goes for the waveform; you can’t activate the RGB and Luma waveform simultaneously. This is a bit weird, but you can get used to it. 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.
What do you think of the PortKeys Bluetooth Module? Do you think it is useful for the BMPCC 4K/6K cameras? Do you already have the PortKeys BM5 monitor? Let us know in the comments!. The Z CAM E2 M4 is a new addition to the Z CAM line. It is basically the original Z CAM E2 without some functions in a new body and with a lower price tag. For more information about this interesting modular Micro Four Thirds camera, make sure to check my article from its launch. Besides the camera body, this bundle further includes the PortKeys BM5 MKII Monitor (which can control the camera) and Hawk-Woods DV-F990 Battery.
Bottom: there is one camera control mini-USB port, a 5-pin motor camera control port that doubles up as a DC 7-24V power output port, one 1/4-20” mounting point with locating pins, and a USB Type-A port to update the firmware of the LH5P, load your LUTs, or power it. The loupe of the LEYE II features a +8 to -3 diopters adjustment.
Indeed, the Volta36 batteries are 36Wh/5A batteries; that’s a lot of juice in such a small package. In the graph above, you can see the capacity to weight ratio compared to other battery solutions. 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.
Setting up the Z CAM E2 Cinema Camera for the Trip. 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.
The fan is quiet; you can hear it when you start the monitor because it’ll kick in at maximum fan speed for a second. But, once the monitor is on, you’ll have to put your hear next to the exhaust vent to notice it at low speed, and even an on-camera microphone would have a hard time catching it. 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.
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. The display has a resolution 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits. It is also a touchscreen display to navigate inside the menu. However, this brightness will fall slightly short in bright daylight shooting conditions, so I would not call it a daylight viewable monitor.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera Body with Accessories Kit – $600 Discount. Bottom: one 1/4-20″ mounting point with exhaust vents.
The Portkeys PT5 features all the monitoring you expect from a monitor in 2021, including. Back: the Sony NP-F/Canon LP-E6 battery plate and a battery release button.
Hence, as always you have to choose the camera wisely that you need for your particular application, and given the other features of the Z CAM (multi-cam recording & syncing, wifi, etc…) it may be the perfect choice for you!. Gimbals, Tripods, Monitors, Wireless Video, ….
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. Finally, when grading the footage of the Z Cam E2C in DaVinci Resolve using the official Z CAM LUT’s from their webpage (I used the zlog2_LC709A_64_noGain_normal LUT) I noticed very yellowish skin tones – see the image below.
Top: menu and navigation buttons, a 1/4″-20 mounting point, a power On/Off button, and a function button. Waveform, Luma, Histogram, false color, and zebra.
Therefore, think twice how you want to use this camera. Considering it’s low price, small footprint and the varsatility that comes with it, it will still find its market though. Framing tools: Check Field, Grids, Image Flip, Cross Hair.
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. You can set the two included straps onto the four front holes of these rubber parts to attach extra equipment/tripod to the bag.
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 to make creative decisions and adjust your camera settings. 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.
Now, let’s take a look at the top Black friday camera deals for filmmakers. 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.
In 4k DCI mode (4096 x 2160) the crop factor of the Z CAM is about 1.9, using the speed booster gives a crop of 1.35 approximately. On the left side, you’ll notice the USB input/output port. You can use this port to load your own LUTs to the monitor’s memory. Also, this USB port doubles as a “streaming out,” which means you can connect the monitor to your computer that will recognize it as a webcam.
The HDMI cable is relatively thick, and while I prefer slim cables, VIDEOGEAR at least provides you with a way to connect the monitor to a camera. It supports Teradek’s “Broadcast Mode”, which means that this one transmitter can communicate with an unlimited number of receivers. And it can also pair with their Bolt App for iOS and Android, which will allow you to tune the 5GHz transmission channel and monitor for interference.
There is a printed user manual in the box. It’s not very detailed, but it’s a good starting point if you need it. When it comes to storing, transporting, or flying with film equipment, I think the creative world is divided into two categories: those who don’t care and those who are obsessively looking for an even better solution. Needless to say, I fall in the second category.
The Z Cam E2C Cinema Camera (photo by Z CAM). CineD has become one of the most successful video camera gear reviews & news websites in the world over the past decade, and we are only getting started. We need more CineD writers.
CVP Buy link: DJI Osmo Action Was: €319.18 Now: €241.56 (Savings: €77.61). Sharpness, chroma, brightness, backlight, display flip, tint, color temperature adjustments.
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. The Z CAM E2 also offers an HDR mode, where it captures a second image with an 8 times higher shutter speed for the highlighted part and merges it into one video frame (to increase the dynamic range by additional 3 stops).
This cover also features all the mounting points: a built-in NATO rail and three 1/4″-20 mounting points with ARRI locking pins. B&H Buy link: Sony a7R III Camera Body with Free Accessories Kit Was: $2,798.00 Now: $2,498.00 (Savings: $300.00).
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. 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.
What do you think of the new Z CAM E2 versions? Will you consider buying one? Let us know in the comments down below!. B&H Buy link: Canon EOS R Camera Body with 24-105mm Lens Was: $3,399.00 Now: $2,699.00 (Savings: $700.00).
The Z CAM Universe – the Facebook Group, the app, and the Camera’s Menu. On the Portkeys PT5, here are the built-in tools.
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. As you can tell, these are minor issues and not a dealbreaker. Manfrotto did a great job at improving their camera bag lineup and they’ll have a hard time competing with themselves for the next generation.
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