PORTKEYS BM5 III WR monitor is a cost-effective professional monitor from Portkeys. The BM5 III WR monitor can monitor and control the camera in a 5.5-inch screen, with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 10-bit color processing, 2200nit brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, touch screen control and camera control functions. It has HDMI and 3G-SDI inputs, as well as 3G-SDI outputs.
Set your exposure properly and focus accurately when capturing video with the help of the PORTKEYS BM5 III WR 5.5″ HDMI Touchscreen Monitor. This ultrabright onboard monitor features a wide color gamut, a durable aluminum build, and both HDMI and 3G/SDI video inputs and SDI output. The included wireless control module offers Wi-Fi control for the RED KOMODO and Bluetooth control for BMPCC 6K/6K Pro and 4K cameras. Wired control is available for select Canon, Blackmagic Design, Panasonic, Sony, and ZCAM E2 cameras. The BM5 III WR with Camera Control maintains the same reliable BM5 clarity, vivid color details, and dynamic touch screen camera control, and it offers touch focus for the KOMODO, the Panasonic BGH1, and the ZCAM E2.
The lightweight INDIE 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor from SmallHD provides professional monitoring in a sharp 7″ IPS LCD with 1920 x 1200 resolution, 10-bit color processing, 1000 nit brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, touchscreen control, and updated SmallHD PageOS 4 firmware. It features HDMI and 3G-SDI inputs and outputs, and it supports up to UHD 4K video input via HDMI.
The INDIE 7 is powered using the included L-series battery plate or using the 2mm barrel input with a DC adapter. It can also be powered using separately available Gold mount or V-mount battery plates. An SD card slot allows you to import custom 3D LUTs and a micro-USB port to provide upgrades to the display. Four 1/4″-20 threads allow you to mount the monitor in a variety of configurations. The 3.5mm headphone jack allows you to monitor the embedded audio from the HDMI or 3G-SDI inputs.
Using the intuitive SmallHD PageOS 4, you can turn on and save pages of various monitoring tools and focusing aids with a finger tap. It also features a settings dashboard, preconfigured pages and tabs, templates, exposure assist, overlays, function buttons, and numerous improvements, while maintaining all the features of its predecessor, OS3.
INDIE 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor is a lightweight professional monitor from SmallHD. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the 5.5-inch touchscreen of the Portkeys BM5 III WR, but the BM5 III WR’s screen brightness is 2200nit, INDIE 7 Touchscreen Monitor is only 1000nit, and the BM5 III WR can be seen more clearly in the sun. The other screen parameters of the two products are basically the same.
Although both products can input and output signals through 3G-SDI, the INDIE 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor is more excellent in the signal transmission function of HDMI. BM5 III WR can only input 1080P HDMI signal, but SmallHD INDIE 7 Touchscreen Monitor can support up to UHD 4K30 video input through HDMI.
For the functions of the monitor auxiliary camera, such as Pixel zoom, Anamorphic de-squeeze, Peaking, Zebra, False color, etc., both monitors are complete. Some of these functions are aimed at different camera models. Take a closer look at the product detail page.
After analyzing the above, I still have to say that the BM5 III WR has a powerful camera control function developed by Portkeys. The BM5 III WR can control RED KOMODO via Wi-Fi, BMPCC 6K/6K Pro and 4K via Bluetooth, and wired control for select Canon, Blackmagic Design, Panasonic, Sony and ZCAM E2 cameras. BM5 III WR’s powerful camera control function allows you to control the camera with touch through its monitor screen. If you have requirements on the HDMI transmission function of the camera, you can choose INDIE 7 Touchscreen On-Camera Monitor. If you think 1080P HDMI and 3G-SDI will do what you need, then I think you’ll love Portkeys BM5 III WR.
