Elevate Your Filmmaking: The Best Camera Monitors for 2024
From fishnet dresses to boyfriend blush, the top summer trends are reviving our wardrobes and vanities this season. So why would we neglect our camera gear? Like the standout runway fashion that is now touching down on the streets, the 2024 camera monitor trends will imbue your daily shoots and professional projects with a fresh reset.
From New York to Paris, camera monitors have played a key role in themes of countless recent collections. Case in point: In February in Manhattan, the Liliput A7S was a “nod to the concept of making the everyday sublime—even a trip to the grocery store,” the show notes said. The momentum of statement monitors remained strong through Paris Fashion Week. With their Fall/Winter 2024 collections, both young designer brands such as PortKeys and heritage houses like Blackmagic gave us archetypes of filmmakers who embraced camera monitors with abandon, asking: Why not? Why not clip a high-brightness monitor to your rig, à la Chanel? Or wrap a touchscreen monitor around your gimbal, as displayed at Burberry?
The teeming supply of camera monitors has magnified the transformative power of these tools in a filmmaker's kit and made the case for enjoying them every day. From ultra-bright displays primed for outdoor shoots to customizable novelties that embrace a professional spirit, here are the seven top camera monitor trends to enjoy this year.
1. Ultra-Bright Displays
Liliput A7S
The Liliput A7S is a 7-inch camera monitor that offers sharp visuals and essential features for outdoor shooting. Despite its plastic build, it is rugged enough for everyday use and is perfect for long handheld shoots or traveling. With a Full HD 1920x1200 resolution and 500 nit brightness, this monitor ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight. It supports 4K HDMI input and includes features like pixel-to-pixel mapping, histogram, and peaking functions. Customizable function buttons and a built-in headphone jack add to its versatility. However, the plastic construction feels flimsy, and it does not come with a battery, which might be a drawback for some users.
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2. Versatile Functionality
Atomos Ninja V
The Atomos Ninja V is a versatile camera monitor and recorder with a bright display and comprehensive recording features. It is ideal for professional-grade projects but requires extra batteries or an external power source due to its high power consumption. This 5.2-inch touchscreen display boasts 1000 nit brightness and Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. It records up to 4K 60 FPS and supports various codecs, including ProRes and Avid DNx. HDMI input and output, dual SSD slots, customizable LUT support, and audio input are some of its standout features. However, the built-in fan can be noisy, and the menu system is somewhat clunky and unintuitive.
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3. Touchscreen Control
PortKeys BM5 III WR
The PortKeys BM5 III WR is a 5.5-inch monitor with exceptional touchscreen control and a range of professional features. Its durable build and wireless camera control make it a valuable tool for filmmakers, though it may take time to master all its features. With a brightness of 2200 nits, this monitor is perfect for outdoor use. It features HDMI and SDI inputs, waveform, false color, and peaking functions. The built-in wireless camera control supports various camera models, enhancing efficiency on set. However, its sturdy build can feel bulky, and there is a steep learning curve for advanced features.
Click Here to Buy this Product: PortKeys BM5 III WR
4. Budget-Friendly Options
FeelWorld F6 Plus
The FeelWorld F6 Plus is a versatile 5.5-inch monitor that offers clear and vibrant images at an affordable price. It supports modern camera setups and provides reliable monitoring features, though it requires careful handling and extra power sources. With a Full HD 1920x1080 resolution and 500 nit brightness, this monitor ensures good visibility. It includes features like focus peaking, false color, and histograms. Customizable function buttons and a headphone jack add to its functionality. However, the plastic build feels flimsy, and the battery life could be better.
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5. Comprehensive Connectivity
Blackmagic Video Assist 7" 12G HDR
The Blackmagic Video Assist 7" 12G HDR is a 7-inch monitor and recorder with a bright display and comprehensive connectivity options. It is suitable for various professional projects, though it requires extra batteries or an external power source for longer shoots. With a Full HD 1920x1200 resolution and 2500 nit brightness, this monitor ensures excellent visibility. It supports 12G SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, recording in ProRes, DNx, and Blackmagic RAW formats. Dual SD card slots and USB connectivity add to its versatility. However, its high power consumption and touchscreen can be challenging in extreme weather.
Click Here to Buy this Product: Blackmagic Video Assist 7" 12G HDR
6. Silent Operation
GODOX GM6S
The GODOX GM6S is a highly impressive external camera monitor that offers exceptional image quality and a range of professional features at a competitive price. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an included battery and a flimsy sun hood, its overall performance and value make it a top choice for videographers and filmmakers. With a 5.5-inch touchscreen display and 1200 nit brightness, this monitor is perfect for outdoor use. It features customizable function buttons and multiple input/output options. The fanless design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for recording audio without interference.
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7. Cost-Effective Choice
Viltrox DC550 Lite
The Viltrox DC550 Lite is a budget-friendly camera monitor that offers impressive features such as USB-C charging, a control dial, and a solid build. While it has some limitations like not being daylight viewable and having a slightly plasticky feel, it is a great option for indoor use, YouTubers, and as a backup monitor. With a 5.5-inch touchscreen display and Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, this monitor ensures good image quality. It includes various professional monitoring functions such as histogram, false color, focus peaking, and 3D LUT color calibration. The included battery and sunshade add to its convenience.
Click Here to Buy this Product: Viltrox DC550 Lite
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of filmmaking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Camera monitors have become indispensable for both amateur and professional filmmakers, offering enhanced visibility, precise control, and a range of features that elevate the quality of your work. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end monitor with comprehensive features, there's something for everyone in the 2024 lineup. Embrace these trends and take your filmmaking to the next level with the best camera monitors available today.