Best on-camera monitors | Digital Camera World
If you’ve just started out in video, on-camera monitors may seem like a luxury. Experienced videographers will tell you otherwise.
Also known as field monitors, some of the more high-end on-camera monitors not only increase the size of your display but can improve your camera’s video functionality. For example, when shooting with a Panasonic Lumix S5 and an Atomos Ninja V external recorder, you can shoot 12-bit RAW instead of 10-bit 4:2:2 with its internal recording option. On-camera monitors are also great additions if your camera lacks features such as a fully articulating screen – the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K being one example.
Even if you have features turned on like focus peaking, zebra lines, and false colors, an on-camera monitor lets you apply frame monitors which can reveal flickers that smaller monitors might not. They also enable you to proof content and show other people on set without having to cram around a small screen.
In this list, we run through the best external monitors and video recorders around, so you can get the big-picture experience before you hit your editing suite and it’s too late to re-shoot.
The Quick List
The performance you get for this price is absolutely unrivalled. A beautifully calibrated 5.2-inch HDR display gives an incredible output.
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2. Blackmagic Video Assist 7” 12G HDR
If you need a monitor that can capture Blackmagic BRaw then this is the best monitor available to you.
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4. PortKeys LH5P II 5.5-inch
This great package is perfectly priced for those looking to enter the market and is built to withstand the vigorous day-to-day life of a filmmaker.
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Having more screen real estate really helps to see more when you’re on-set. Give up squinting with this beautiful 7-inch monitor.
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This monitor features a super-bright touch-screen display. It’s not perfect, but for the money we think it’s unbeatable.
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Best on-camera monitors
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Best on-camera monitor overall
The Atomos Ninja has become pretty much the industry standard in monitor recorders. It’s a popular choice among both budding and professional videographers and filmmakers thanks to its beautifully calibrated 5.2-inch HDR display and its ability to support 4K 60p ProRes HQ, H.265, 4:2:2 ad DNxHR.
The Ninja will also support 6K Apple ProRes RAW with select cameras. Other features include pro-level monitor tools such as waveforms, false colors, HDR monitoring, and LUT support.
If your camera doesn’t support 4K, the Ninja might be a bit overkill as you won’t make the most out of the features you’re paying for. If you’re just after a monitor so that you can view your video easier, the Atomos Shinobi would be a better option and it will save you money.
Alternatively, if you’re shooting some serious projects and need something even bigger, the Atomos Shogun which appears later in this list sports a massive 7-inch screen, perfect for use with the best cinema cameras.
Read our full Atomos Ninja review for more details
Best external monitor for Blackmagic RAW
Size may not be everything, but the Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR boasts a sharp and vibrant 7-inch touchscreen that’s an absolute delight to use. With its large, clear display and up to 2500 nits of brightness, it’s hard to imagine going back to a standard 3-inch camera screen.
In addition to the user-friendly interface, the built-in scopes for exposure and focusing assessments make achieving precision a breeze. Furthermore, it offers the capability to record up to 4K 60fps broadcast quality Raw footage with the option to overlay or hard-code LUTs into Blackmagic Raw. While there’s a lot to love about this device, it may not be suitable for everyone.
The 7-inch monitor adds significant weight when combined with lenses, a camera cage, and other accessories attached to your camera. For those who find this setup too cumbersome, there’s a 5-inch version – the Blackmagic Video Assist 5 12G HDR – which is ideal for run-and-gun handheld shooting, where size and weight are key considerations.
Read our full Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR review for more
Best on-camera monitor for monitoring only
If you’re just looking for an external monitor and don’t need recording capabilities, the Atomos Shinobi delivers the display quality of the Atomos Ninja V but at a fraction of the price. It’s the perfect choice for vloggers who shoot with a camera with limited screen articulation such as the Sony A7 III or the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K which has a fixed display.
You can easily view waveform and histogram information thanks to its intuitive menu. With its centrally mounted battery, the Shinobi is nicely balanced which is perfect for when you need to shoot with a gimbal.
Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, the screen on the Shinobi will be able to accurately display HDR pictures which a camera’s native screen won’t be able to do. The standard model comes with HDMI connectors (although you will have to supply your own HDMI cables) but you can choose to go for the Atomos Shinobi SDI which has lockable SDI sockets.
Read our full Atomos Shinobi II review
Best on-camera monitor for beginners
With the built-in camera control for various Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic, and even Z Cam cinema cameras, this is a great option for anyone wanting a monitor that will help a filmmaker get the shot and be a very helpful visual aid in the composition process.
For a reasonable price, you get a great package that is built to withstand the vigorous day-to-day life of a filmmaker while on set, in the studio, or for on-the-go shooting.
Paired with a tough travel case for ease of transport between shoots, great monitor features, and the ability for onboard audio monitoring, the PortKeys LH5P II is a great 5.5” monitor for anyone looking to up their game in the cinematography world.
Read our full PortKeys LH5P II review for more details
Best on-camera monitor for pros
This is essentially the 7-inch version of the Atomos Ninja V and is the perfect solution for those who need an external video recorder with a large built-in screen for monitoring footage. Offering real-time recording to 4K formats including ProRes RAW and CinemaDNG, the bigger screen will help you monitor the footage better – allowing you to check focus precisely right across the frame.
You can also monitor exposure accurately, thanks to built-in presets that allow the screen to give an accurate translation of the camera manufacturer’s Log video formats. With a bright 1500nit and over 15 stops of real dynamic range, this screen is suitable for use on location as well as in studio settings. This a powerful unit for both cinematographers and multi-camera streamed productions.
Best budget on-camera monitor
The F700 is a device with two sides. It’s built to a price point, with cheap-feeling plastics and the menu design (graphically at least) isn’t the best. But the screen itself is excellent, with a 2000-nit max brightness that means this monitor can be used outdoors, even on sunny days, with no need for a hood. It feels very much like looking at a good phone screen: clear, bright, detailed, and rich. The screen is also touch-sensitive, though this function can be switched off for those who prefer button control. There are both ins and outs for HDMI, USB-C, and DC inputs for power and an SD card slot, although this is for firmware and LUT loading. Though not perfect, it’s hard to criticise the the F700 too much when it’s price is so reasonable.
Read our full Neewer F700 review for more details
Best budget on-camera recorder
The Blackmagic Video Assist 5 3G is definitely a solid monitor with excellent build quality and a significant upgrade from the typical 3-inch LCD screens found on most cameras. The larger 5-inch screen greatly enhances focusing, composition, and exposure adjustments.
However, it’s worth noting that the monitor’s limitation to 1080p video capture might be a setback for some, especially in the current era where 4K has become the standard for many high-end productions.
Nevertheless, for individuals primarily working with 1080p video, the monitor remains a compelling option, especially with its ability to capture Raw video footage. Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that the resolution limitation might make the Video Assist 5 3G feel somewhat outdated, so considering a more advanced and pricier model could be a wise move for seasoned users and industry professionals looking to future-proof their equipment.
Read our full Blackmagic Video Assist 5 3G review for more
Best ultra-bright
The Viltrox DC-A1 is a powerful field monitor, well suited to any location, indoor or outdoor. The screen has great contrast and colour accuracy; however, the star feature is the max brightness of 2800 nits. Pretty impressive; it makes for a wonderful experience. Other Viltrox field monitors have good brightness, but nowhere near the capabilities of this one, so if you often shoot outdoors or on particularly bright sets, I would highly recommend this. It minimises the effects of glare, reduces eye strain, and aids in better shots.
The user interface is great too, making one handed use a breeze. The filming assistance is also top notch, so exposure, focus and composition are made just that bit easier.
Considering the accessible price, the DC-A1 is quite a bargain!
Read our full Viltrox DC-A1 review for more details
How to choose the best on camera monitor
As you’d expect, there are a number of different factors that contribute to the decision-making process. The first is the size of the monitor, with most in the range of 5 and 7 inches. Generally, the larger the screen, the heavier your setup is going to be. That brings me to the second consideration, that of weight. If you are a pure run-and-gun, then pick a super lightweight option, as you don’t want to carry around any unnecessary weight.
Not all monitors let you record from the device itself, so if that’s important to your workflow, then make sure this is included.
Why should i both with an on-camera monitor?
These types of external monitors provide so many additional benefits. More often than not, they are larger than the display on your video camera, so instantly you’ll be able to see your work in greater detail. This provides the added benefit of being able to focus on objects more accurately. It is also possible to notice issues with the shot before it’s too late.
Does it matter what video my camera outputs?
Yes. It absolutely does. Your camera output and the monitor input must match. This includes both the resolution of the video and the frame rate you’re recording at. If, for example, you do a lot of slow motion videography but you buy a monitor that can only display up to 30 frames per second, then you’re not going to be able to see your work accurately.
How we test on camera monitors
We look at three key elements when reviewing on-camera monitors, including key features, build and handling, and performance.
By looking at the key features first, we’re able to see what sets each monitor apart from its rivals. Every company is looking for an edge to be first in people’s hearts and minds, so considering these first is important.
We then move on to the quality of the actual unit itself. Monitors need to be rugged and robust, so we’re taking the time to check what the build quality is like and whether it’ll stand the test of time.
Finally, we obviously want to assess the ability of the monitor to perform as it should. This involves using the monitor in real-world situations and using all its features.
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