When it comes to professional photography or videography, having a high-quality camera monitor is essential. A camera monitor lets you see a clear, accurate image of what you’re shooting as you do it. This makes sure that you always get the perfect shot.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which camera monitor is the best fit for your needs. Factors like resolution, screen size, and portability all come into play when selecting a camera monitor.
In this article, we’ll explore the best camera monitors for professionals. We’ll dive into the features and benefits of each monitor, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator, having a high-quality camera monitor can make all the difference in the final product. So let’s explore the top camera monitors on the market and take your visual content to the next level.
5 Best Camera Monitors
1. Atomos Ninja Flame 7-inch
The Atomos Ninja Flame is a 7-inch 1920×1200 on-camera recordkeeping monitor blending 4k recording with a 10-bit FRC panel that supports local display of HDR, log, and footage as well as high brightness viewing of rec.709 footage. It employs an HDMI input to support write output signals at resolutions up to UHD 4k. Recording it to 2.5-inch SSDs using 10-bit 422 Apple ProRes and David TNXHR codecs. The 10-bit panel and atom HDR display technology back a brightness area of over 10 stops. Enabling you to more precisely monitor your log gamma footage without having to view flat washed-out-looking images or use a LUT to reduce the dynamic range and color space.
The monitor allows built-in presets to correctly translate popular log formats from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Arri, red and JVC cameras. The settings only change viewing with recorded video continuing unaltered. In addition to HDR monitoring, the monitor also contributes a high bright mode for traditional rec.709 monitoring. This mode takes benefit of the full 1,500 CD/M squared brightness to provide more confident tracking in bright outdoor environments even without a Sun hood. In HDR mode use of an introduced snap-on Sun hood is needed as displaying a full brightness, range reduces the overall brightness of the monitor.
2. Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q+
Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q+ is a monitor recorder that presents all of the characteristics and functionality of the Odyssey 7Q but adds support for 4K recording over HDMI. It highlights a 7.7-inch 1280×800 OLED touchscreen display with a 3400 to 1 contrast ratio. True blacks and professional monitoring highlights such as Waveform, Histogram, Vectorscope, Anamorphic D Squeeze and 3D LUT support. Out of the box, the Odyssey 7Q+ can record up to DCI 4k, 4096×2160 and Ultra HD 3840×2160. In the compressed Apple ProRes 422 HQ format or up to 2k / 1080p using the uncompressed DPX file format. The titan extract option, which enables you to build multiple HD windows from a single 4K source, is included.
Additionally, it supports numerous raw recording options for ARRI, Canon, Sony and POV cameras, which are open for purchase or rental from the website of the convergent design. The Odyssey 7Q+ has two either 3G-SDI inputs and 6G-SDI adaptability requires firmware v 2016.01.25 directional 3G – SDI connectors, which can be selected as inputs or outputs through menu selection. It also has a 4k capable HDMI input and an HDMI output that carries up to 1080p 3422. Most of the inputs and outputs are on the bottom of the monitor with a quarter-inch – 20 mounting wires on the sides. Dual SSD slots are presented for recording video – convergent design premium 2.5-inch SSDs, which grant high speeds, reliability and power loss protection.
3. Atomos Sumo
$1,995.00
Save: 650.95
With its full bright, color-accurate 19-inch LCD screen and 4k recording skills. The Atomos Sumo can be performed to improve professional video workflows in both production and post-production. Onset, Sumo’s HDR abilities allow cinematographers to realize more of a cinema camera’s dynamic field when shooting in a log or raw arrangements. All the built-in monitoring devices are also congenial with the HDR rendering updating to contain a broader dynamic range. Additionally, the Sumo can record incoming DCI and UHD 4k video in numerous flavors of Apple ProRes or Avid DNXHR to master caddy to storage media.
With supported cameras, pro-resolution Raw/Raw HQ recording is also probable for more versatility in post-production. Back in the studio, the HDR abilities of the sumo are again useful. Allowing editors and colorists to see deeper into the obtained image information. The 10-bit image processing coupled with the 10-bit FRC capable LCD panel shows subtle degrees in recorded footage whether playing back straight from recording media or a connected computer. The display itself can be calibrated to preserve color accuracy over Sumo’s lifetime.
4. SmallHD 502
The SmallHD 502 on-camera monitor highlights a full HD 1920 by 1080 LCD with a pixel density higher than the iPhone 6 the 5:02 is the sharpest five-inch camera-top monitor in the world. As far as color and contrast are concerned, the 5-inch display is again best-in-class. The 502 camera monitor’s LCD can provide an 85% NTSC color gamut higher than the REC709 color standard challenging the color abilities of Oh LED technology.
The SmallHD 502 makes signal concocting simple using a custom-built engine the 5-inch field monitor will accept almost any resolution and frame rate from virtually any camera. Building upon the 3D LUT functionality of the DP7-pro series. The SmallHD 502 will allow shooters to utilize an even higher resolution more detailed 3D LUT in real-time. The use of a tool with this much processing power is magnified when you consider its shallow profile and compact size. The size of the 502 hits a sweet spot for tack-sharp 1080p viewing while remaining remarkably space-efficient. Its size weight and resolution make it a beautiful option for DSLR shooters looking to attach it straight to the camera. While it’s sturdy mounting options and durability enable the display to be used on a gimbal or shoulder rig without adding bulk.
5. Atomos Shogun Inferno 7-Inch
Atomas designed the all-in-one monitor recorder category and now redefines it with the Shogun Inferno. It is a mixture of the most advanced monitor technologies. It can record DCI and UHD 4K signals at up to 60fps and the Atomos Ninja Inferno makes a great companion to cameras and camcorders that output uncompressed video over HDMI.
The monitor itself emphasizes 10-bit FRC processing and atom HDR display technology that holds a 10-stop brightness range enabling you to see more carefully and monitor your log gamma footage without having to see flat washed-out looking images or use LUT to shrink the dynamic range in color space. The monitor grants built-in presets to accurately translate popular log forms from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, ARRI, Red and JVC cameras. The settings only concerned viewing with recorded video remaining unaltered.
Buying Guide
Professional photographers and videographers who need to take high-quality photos and videos can’t do their jobs without a camera monitor. A good camera monitor can help you achieve accurate focus, exposure, and framing and can be an invaluable aid when shooting in challenging lighting conditions. In this buying guide, we’ll provide you with the information you need to choose the best camera monitor for your needs.
- Size: Camera monitors come in a range of sizes, from 5 inches to 7 inches or larger. The size you need will depend on the type of camera you’re using and your shooting preferences. A larger monitor will give you a better view of your scene and make it easier to focus and frame your shots. But a bigger monitor might be harder to move around and might not work well with smaller cameras.
- Resolution: The resolution of the monitor determines the level of detail you can see. Look for a monitor with a high resolution (at least 1080p) to ensure that you can see your images and videos clearly.
- Brightness: You need to think about how bright the monitor is, especially if you shoot in bright sunlight. Look for a monitor with a brightness level of at least 1000 nits so that you can see your images and videos clearly in all lighting conditions.
- Compatibility: Make sure that the monitor you choose is compatible with your camera. Most monitors connect to your camera using an HDMI cable, but some cameras may require a specific type of cable or adapter.
- Features: Consider the features you need in a monitor, such as focus peaking, zebras, waveform monitors, and false color. These features can help you achieve accurate focus, exposure, and color when shooting.
- Price: Camera monitors vary in price, and you’ll find cheaper options with lower resolutions and brightness levels. However, don’t skimp on price when it comes to quality, as a high-quality monitor can make a significant difference to your photography and videography.
When buying a camera monitor, you should think about its size, resolution, brightness, compatibility, features, and cost. By thinking about these things, you can choose the best camera monitor for your needs and easily take high-quality photos and videos.
