GH5 On Camera Monitors—What Are You Using?

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ParagonFilmworks

Active member
I'm trying to decide on a small on camera monitor and it's a little hard to find the "best" option. I've been leaning towards the SmallHD Focus or the 501. I love the touch functions of the Focus and charging capabilities, but thought the resolution and sizing of the 501 was a bit nicer. Fairly torn, I haven't had to use an on camera monitor in many years. I'm mainly looking for a device that I can zoom in on to verify critical focus at times that isn't too large and cumbersome for run and gun/event work.

What do you recommend and what are you using?
 
ParagonFilmworks said:
I'm trying to decide on a small on camera monitor and it's a little hard to find the "best" option. I've been leaning towards the SmallHD Focus or the 501. I love the touch functions of the Focus and charging capabilities, but thought the resolution and sizing of the 501 was a bit nicer. Fairly torn, I haven't had to use an on camera monitor in many years. I'm mainly looking for a device that I can zoom in on to verify critical focus at times that isn't too large and cumbersome for run and gun/event work.

What do you recommend and what are you using?
Click to expand...

We purchased the 502 from SmallHD around a year ago now. It came with a few hot pixels, which can get irritating -- especially when used with the Sidefinder -- and SmallHD refused to replace it.

Otherwise, it's a nice little monitor. Just be aware that the quality control isn't up there with other brands, and the customer service reps aren't as accommodating as they should be, which is a shame, because SmallHD used to be a lot different.

We're now looking at the Atomos Shogun Inferno.
 
Dave Draper said:
Just be aware that the quality control isn't up there with other brands, and the customer service reps aren't as accommodating as they should be, which is a shame, because SmallHD used to be a lot different.

We're now looking at the Atomos Shogun Inferno.
Click to expand...

That is a shame to hear, incredibly unfortunate actually and will weigh into my decision.

I'm tempted by the Atomos but I feel encumbered already with setting up the GH5 with my other equipment. NDs, adapters etc.. And I worry the 7" screen won't be doing me any favors in form factor.
 
I've had good luck so far with the SmallHD Focus. Very lightweight. Plays well with the GH5. Much easier to see in daylight than the GH5 screen. Touch functions work well.
 
I'm a fan of the SmallHD 501, no quality control issues here. Unfortunately I sold mine when I switched from A7Sii to the GH5. Waiting for B&H to have them on sale again then I will be picking up another one. Currently using SmallHD AC7 but it's a little cumbersome for handheld use but otherwise ok, colors on the 501 seem more accurate.
 
jtflesher said:
I've had good luck so far with the SmallHD Focus. Very lightweight. Plays well with the GH5. Much easier to see in daylight than the GH5 screen. Touch functions work well.
Click to expand...

Another happy user of the SmallHD Focus here. But agree with comments on QC issues at SmallHD. Had to return the first unit as the screen had a crack.... It got replaced though without issues.
 
I am thinking of getting an Atomos Ninja Inferno because it's very bright for daylight shooting, can display an HDR image, and it's color can be calibrated by connecting a fairly inexpensive color calibration device directly to the monitor itself.

In the meantime I'm using my old $800 Marshall monitor that is definitely showing it's age.
 
I am still having great success with my original Atomos Shogun. Most of my shooting is in doors and I use my Shogun hood for outdoors.
 
I have the Small HD Focus, and love it for battery life, lightweight etc, but just got a Shogun Inferno and there is just no comparison, that screen is incredible, and its a LOT easier to use and the touchscreen is miles snappier. Focus peaking, scopes etc are all just way more useful on the Inferno, not to mention the recording capability. Yes it absolutely eats batteries, and is heavy with the two batteries loaded ( must test how long they last when just using it as a monitor ). I actually got mine just after the GH5 Firmware 2.0 dropped, and I was going to return it when I saw how good the GH5 internal recording was, but after 5 mins using the Inferno, I was totally convinced to keep it. I got the Shogun version so it will cover me for any rental cams that are SDI out.
 
Hello,

I love shooting in 6k anamorphic mode.
I shoot my niece's highschool band.
Though, I would love to have an external monitor for better focus capability, especially in harsh sun.
I don't think any monitor, nor recorder would be able to perform in this mode though?
Are there any?
It's due to the limitation of the HDMI signal, yes?
 
I love the Ninja Inferno. The large, bright screen is enough of a reason but add the recording, focus & exposure tools it's a great thing. And their support has been awesome - I've had a lot of questions besides dropping it & having to replace the screen . . . It is getting a bit large for hand-held on-camera (especially with the cage) but my old eyes sure like it!
 
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