Why SmallHD Camera Monitors are so expensive...and why they're worth the money.
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- A review of the SmallHD Indie 5 Camera Monitor. Find out why I think the SmallHD Camera Monitors like the Indie 5 are worth every penny.
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00:00 Intro
00:45 Brightness
01:00 Reliability
01:45 Monitoring Tools & Pages OS
02:53 LUTs
03:20 Customization
04:30 Camera Control for RED
06:25 Build Quality
07:53 SDI Cables from Formcave
08:07 Warranty & Service
08:30 Final Thoughts
DISCLAIMERS: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
❓❓What camera monitor are YOU using?
it’s so bad I don’t want to mention the brand lol
@@LocksleyLennoxfilms LOL I wont mention it.
Blackmagic Video Assist 12g
My iPad mini with a komodo link.
Interesting @nikhilpatel7587
I recently upgraded my monitor from atomos to small hd, and I will never look back. I genuinely feel like I am looking at what my camera is capturing, I walk away more confident when finishing filming. Great video Joe!!
Feel the same way for sure.
Hey so as a DIT, we are continuously using wireless camera control. It’s very difficult to have a tethered connection to the cameras on set. It’s just not viable.
We commonly, use a wireless bridge from the camera to our cart and also use wireless mesh networks to have connection to the camera(S) to control camera control.
Totally get it, I still don’t entirely trust wireless (WiFi) control from monitors. Even via the iOS/android apps I’ve had a lot of failures/disconnections. I’m also referring primarily to MY experiences with wireless control, which have been on a lot of car-to-car shoots.
Clearly you can’t run a control cable long lengths for control but I was also referring to wireless camera control capable MONITORS, like the Portkeys.
Great Video as always
Appreciate that
Great review! I use the focus 5 and indie 7. I’ve been debating on upgrading the focus 5 to the indie 5 or cine 5. The hardware upgrade would be great for my camera setup.
Appreciate you watching.
I use to be an avid Small HD user but I think many of the less expensive budget monitors are just as good for a field monitor.
Appreciate the comment and the insight
There is very little material to be found who might be talking about the new SmallHD monitors or holding a presentation.
It's really good to see this! I agree with you on many things.
I chose Cine 5 precisely because of the 2000 nit brightness. (+ I also bought the sunhold) I still love it!
It is not a cheap brand, but the quality is guaranteed.
The cine 5 would be my choice for a 5” and for a 7”…ultra ;) appreciate you watching
Blackmagic video assist is way better as its 2500nit of brightness for around £600, half the price of this. Only REALLY advantage of this monitor is that you can control the RED cameras from the monitor (but at a high price).
SmallHD was never this expensive until RED did a colab with them, and as usuall hike up the price of a 1000nit monitor. Portkey monitors allow you to also control your cameras from the monitor also for a lower cost and brighter screen.
Camera control for not just RED but ARRI and Sony Venice as well. The overall user interface on the SmallHD is far better than the blackmagic monitors. In fact, the last Blackmagic monitor I used didn't even have False Color, Vectorscope or EL Zone. I have a Portkey monitor with RED control right next to me...it's absolutely terrible. I wouldn't use it even if you paid me to.
@@joenicklo The SmallHD Indie 5 Monitor which you are talking about here in this video, only controls RED cameras (NO Arri or Sony). The user interface between the "SmallHD Indie 5 " and "BM video Assist 12g" are both good and woudn't really claim one to be "FAR" better than the other. BM video assist 100% has False colour, Vectorscope and many more features.
After paying $1,300 for the "SmallHD Indie 5 Monitor", you now pay an ADITIONAL $700-$800 for the camera control feature that allow you control the camera.
Now, am not saying no one should buy the "SmallHD Indie 5 Camera Monitor", am just stating that the price is way too high when compared to something like a BM video assist or other options.
Wasn't aware that the 5 didn't control the other brands. Guess if we're talking just the indie 5, sure the Blackmagic makes sense. Also, I did say the last BM monitor I used didn't have all of those tools. It's been a while (pre-Pocket 4K in fact) so I'm glad they eventually added professional level tools. Personally, I won't buy blackmagic products with the intention of keeping them long-term. I (and several people I work with) have had bad luck with Blackmagic quality control. But I feel you, the BM is a solid value.
I will say, even if it's just for the RED with this model, the camera control is absolutely, 100% worth it. The amount of time it saves is invaluable. Sure, I can punch around the Komodo's small on-body screen but the SmallHD camera control is much quicker, more elegant than the Portkeys by far and overall a real joy to work with.
If you go back and watch, I did state that I wish the camera control support wasn't a tacked on fee. ;)
@@joenicklo This entire thread just sounds like a defense of the Indie 5 more than a discussion of the better monitor in actuality. Reasons you've disputed other monitors have mostly boiled down to "I don't like the other brands"
When you can buy three, already expensive monitors in the form of Ninjas/ BM Video Assists for the price of a singular Indie 5 with camera control, there is literally no justification.
I’ve owned nearly every monitor brand out there. If you knew how many monitors get sent my way, you’d understand.
I’ve used Atomos for YEARS. Good monitors and in my opinion the best value, however they’re far from perfect.
Portkeys, absolutely terrible user experience with poor reliability (had TWO separate models burn out hdmi ports within a week of owning them)
I’ve used Feelworld (poor build quality, lacking features), OSEE, andycine, desview, hollyland, name it. I’ve probably used it.
Regarding Atomos, I’ve owned two 7” Shinobi monitors purchased at the exact same time and the monitors didn’t match out of the box. Rear facing SDI ports that stick out, extra large bezel, inferior user interface, can’t delete luts once you’ve installed (only overwrite them).
SmallHD monitors are the most robust, feature packed and well-designed monitors on the market and I’ll die on that hill. What monitor brand has the tools, user interface, build quality, reliability and consistency that the SmallHd’s have?
As I said in the video, they aren’t perfect.
You’re entitled to your opinion though.
I was a SmallHD user for many years. When they stopped making the Focus and everything they made was over $1,000, I grew very frustrated with them. There was a time when SmallHD was the best, but now other monitors have caught up with them. I am sure the current products are good, but other options are much more affordable.
Appreciate your thoughts
Yeah pretty ridiculous they keep discontinuing every moderately affordable monitor they make
@@kazlepek6552 Yeah I just don’t understand. The focus series was awesome. I mean, I get the fact that they have expensive monitors, but for some reason they just decided that the entry level was no longer a market they wanted to go after.
Like who ?
If I went the SmallHD monitor route, what’s a way I can record externally so I can keep my camera from overheating as fast?
702 Touch is an incredible monitor. It was pricey but so worth it. You can shoot with it in full sun.
Appreciate the comment
a Blackmagic video assist 7" 12 g with a Z Cam e2 s6 , it makes de Z Cam a beast 😉
Sweet. Can you control the camera's settings via the Video Assist or is it just a recorder?
@@joenicklo just recording, but braw is so great ! with the Ninja V you can control the Z Cam , now i just wait to see the next generation of the Video Assist ;)
@@pasegers I believe the control is very limited on the Ninja V. I'm pretty firm on my opinion that SmallHD has the best user experience for monitors.
@@joenicklo i believe you ! but i don't need that, i control all via my RVLV Clutch handle, so easy 😉
@@pasegers Still waiting for the Clutch handle to come out with Komodo support!
For larger budget production, sure pretty much worth it. For social or hobbyist with small budget, not really. Other brands have caught up with EL Zone, CNC build, Calman calibration, higher nits etc. The selling point for me is EL Zone. However since I've made custom LUT to display EL Zone, neither SmallHD or Ninja is in my list anymore.
I’m very interested in this custom el zone LUT you’re referring to.
Honestly, while it's definitely a very good monitor,I haven't really seen in the video why it's worth its price tag today. I am currently considering a monitor for Komodo X and will pick either the red dsmc3 monitor or Portkeys ds 7 II. RED monitor has a big advantage that you don't need SDI, Portkeys high brightness, does all I want, controls the camera wirelessly and by wire, great build quality and is much cheaper. The only problem is fan noise if brightness is maxed.
On the other hand, it's nice that SmallHD doesn't turn off even when it is extremely hot, but these temperatures can negatively affect the lifetime of the components inside, as some notebook owners have experienced. But thanks for the nice video.
The DSMC3 Monitor is basically a smallhd cine, just with added functionality, no need for cables and an overall thinner design. It’s got practically the same tools and UI.
Any time I shoot on a Raptor, whether rental or a camera op buddy of mine that brings his, it’s got the DMSC3 If I had a Komodo X, I’d absolutely get the DMSC3 monitor over the portkeys any day.
What’s the dsmc3 have over the indie 7 and cine 7 for the red Komodo x ?
This is still a very niche product, albeit popular in places like LA where RED camaras are in much higher demand. I shoot with the Sony FX line, Blackmagic, Canon Cinema line for weddings, events, interview, and have never once felt like needing the camera control on my monitor.
The monitor I use are the $250 Atomos Shinobi 5" for compact setup, and the $300 Osee T7 3000 nits for best viewing.
It’s more than just camera control. The UI itself is next level. I felt like I got that across with how quickly is was able to whip around the different pages. Honestly you should try one out.
Calibration, color accuracy and panel Quality matter as well.
Btw, plenty of Sony users are on SmallHD displays.
They are expensive and high quality, also very durable, great video brother .
Appreciate you watching bud!
Just pulled the trigger!
Let me know what you think.
On red Komodo can you do touch focus with the small hd indie 7 and cine 7 ?
I totally forgot to mention that part!!! Yes, I do use the touch focus. It’s actually pretty decent believe it or not.
@@joenicklo so both cine and indie have have touch focus ? What are main features small hd cine have over the indie ?
@@creativegreatsvisuals correct. The cine is brighter and has lemo power input instead of barrel dc input
Been using a Chinese monitor for 5 years now, the brand is Feelworld, Feelworld F7 Pro 7 inch, bought it used for 150$, never had a problem and did plenty of projects with it
Can’t even compare the two, I’m sorry.
I want this monitor
Solid choice
Newwer has a 6in which js awesome..I use a portkeys pt6 n it's amazing
Good to know!
I'm usually the first one to say: "you buy cheap, you buy twice", yet, I can't be more happy with my Portkeys BM5.. but then again, it depends on the definition of cheap as 550 euros might not be on the lowest side either. I've used rental SmallHD and I agree their OS is brilliant, but I couldn't convince myself to spend twice the money as my BM5III has SDI, Aluminium built frame, 2200 nits for sunny days use... and an OS that although requiring a bit of learning curse, ends up being very efficient (Much much better than the infamous Atomos for eg...)
Appreciate the comment. To me it comes down to a bit more than just the OS vs the Portkeys, however I stand firm when I say that I really dislike the Portkeys user-experience. But to further things....
- I believe the Portkeys BM5 doesn't have HDMI out for some reason, so there's a high liklihood that there is no SDI to HDMI crossconversion.
- the rear facing ports on any monitor drive me nuts. Downward facing please!
- the battery sled on the BM5 is annoying. Sure, I rarely use batteries for my monitor but that's a bit obnoxious for anyone who wants to do so.
- I had not one, but TWO portkeys monitors burn out on me within a few days of buying. Luckily Amazon returns exist. This worries me.
I totally understand that there are cheaper, brighter monitors on the market but I think what a lot of people are missing here is that with the SmallHD you get A LOT for your money. I do feel the camera control should be included in the price though.
the reason I can’t make up my mind is because atomos ninja can record my R5 up to 8k which or even in 4k, can reduce my overheat issue, that is if I really need to record prores externally…. man I really dunno, maybe I should upgrade my camera to a videographer camera like the c70..
I’d honestly go with the Atomos if you were staying with the R5. If you swap to the c70 then yeah I’d go smallhd
Man, go get the Komodo X, and you'll get the same monitor advantages but without any cable!
Believe me, it changed my life when I switched.
Maybe someday
Joe.....i wanted to know what lens you were using when you were recording this. You were either recording a gentleman or you were getting ready to.
Canon FD - I’m replaying footage from a documentary I’m directing/producing
as a small hd owner i just dont think theyre really worth the price in 2024 tbh for example my atomos shinobi 7 is 2200 nits and is a 7 in monitor and now that atomos has updated their OS that includes el zone its almost as great as the small hd, and also my shinobi never gets hot ever and ive owned it for three years. i think the diminishing returns of owning small hd isnt as great as maybe a few years ago. im still gonna pick up some ultra 7s just to have terdeks built in but thats only because im privileged enough to afford em
I sold all of my Atomos monitors (ninja v, Shinobi 5 and Shinobi 7) because I just wasn’t a big fan of the UI or the build quality. Brightness sure, but I feel like they’re lagging behind in terms of user experience.
Unless Atomos fixed this, not being able to delete the custom LUTs you install is such poor UX design.
SmallHD has the best UI, and wayyyy more/better quality-of-life software features. Atomos can't even bypass LUTs for it's exposure tools
Yayyy , ifootage magic arms , nice to see them , i have nothing but good experiences w them and most other magic arms that iv had were just terrible .
While I DO use iFootage arms, the orange arm you see is a Titan Arm from Bright Tangerine.
@@joenicklo i know , that is my fav magic arm but they have discontinued it. Iv talked to them and they said that they will do an upgraded version soon!!!
@poti732 I had been searching for one for a few years. Finally got an alert on eBay for one in Australia and I scooped it up immediately.
Yea the brightness even on the cines isn't the best. That said, reliability. So far I've faced no issues with both my monitors. IOS is amazing! The touch responsiveness isn't the best :/
Hoping for more competition in the marketplace because portkeys isn't it (their UI has been gawd aweful since they entered the market).
Agreed with more competition being nice. I’m really surprised that Atomos hasn’t done a major overhaul of their OS.
@@joenicklo man same, I keep waiting for them to drop something sleek and chiseled.. still nothing 😭
Nice review, but Im not sold, loads of other monitors way cheaper and better, also camera control at an extra cost? Gonna stick with my BMVA 12G and Portkeys.
You couldn’t pay me any amount of money to use a portKeys monitor with that horrible user experience/user interface.
@@joenicklohahahah even after the UI update?
Yes.
Sweeet monitor!
Thanks for watching!
I just want to know why the heck they keep making them bigger! 🥴
Like thicker?
@@joenicklo yea! I get that they have more I/O and control features, but I loved the size of the focus line. That’s why I haven’t gotten rid of them lol
The video doesn't really explain why they are much more than similar spec monitors
Watch it again on 0.5x speed
- camera control
- pagesOS
- build quality
- tons of tools
- U.S customer support
agree to disagree about their worth
Fair enough
This license buying stuff is honestly gigantic BS - I even have to spell it caps because its so dumb. When selling me a monitor, just tell me what it costs and let it be. Charging 4 pennies for every step of a setting each is just so incredibly annoying even if you can easily afford it.