Small HD, a company whose name almost perfectly describes what it makes, has revealed details of a completely new range of miniature monitors for on-camera mounting
While there's been a lot of attention on combined recorder-monitors over the last few months, cameras are increasingly able to record excellent quality video on board. This leaves the market open for really good on-camera screens that can be used to supplement the built-in viewfinder.
The new "500" series uses bright, sharp screens. and the first of the genre, the 502 has full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) with 441 pixels per inch. Small HD claims that the image is sharper than the newest iPhone (they don't say whether they're making a comparison with the iPhone Six, or Six Plus, which itself has full HD resolution) and that it rivals OLED displays for its colour gamut.
3G SDI and HDMI inputs are catered for and virtually all frame rates and video signal formats are detected automatically.
Importantly, given the modern fondness for shooting flat and grading in post, the screen can import and display 3D LUTs via an SD cart slot - which can also be used to export screen captures for continuity or other reasons.
It's powered by DP-E6 batteries or from AC via a supplied adaptor. It's also compatible with D-Tap connections.
The 502 on-camera monitor comes with a new operating system and it's clear that SmallHD is positioning this as a new "platform" which will not only spawn new models within the range but new features as upgrades for the individual monitors themselves.
We think this is a good, modern, value-oriented way to do things.
There are more features which are detailed in the press release over the page
SmallHD Intros New 5-inch Monitors at NAB C9548
Cary, NC: March 25, 2015—SmallHD, known for pioneering compact, high definition field monitors, announces the first product in its innovative new 500 Series of 5-inch Full HD on-camera monitors, the 502. Based on a brand new platform from SmallHD, this elegantly simple new device supports 2 digital inputs and delivers unprecedented 1920×1080 resolution images, achieving superior sharpness and detail in a compact, cost-effective package.
The slimline 5-inch diagonal screen takes HD monitoring to a whole new level. According to SmallHD co-founder Wes Phillips, “The image on the 502 is simply stunning. With a display that is sharper than the newest iPhone, shooters will be able to truly experience the full detail their cameras are capturing without breaking the bank.”
With a densely packed 441 pixel-per-inch screen, the cinematographer can depend on the 502 for critical focusing. It also features a 179-degree field of view for group viewing, and a wide color gamut that rivals OLED display technology.
The 502 supports 3G-SDI and HDMI input, output, and cross conversion. The monitor is format and frame rate agnostic, automatically adapting to a wide range of video signals. It provides the remarkable toolsets SmallHD users have come to expect, including the display of industry-standard and custom framing guides, focus assist, false color and zebra exposure indicators, and 3D LUT (lookup table) import. The monitor’s full-size SD card slot that facilitates 3D LUT import, also allows export of screen captures for continuity and other purposes.
An all-new operating system developed for the 502 and future SmallHD monitors greatly simplifies menu navigation. With a flick of the thumb the monitor will instantly zoom in or out of the source image, switch between tool presets, and zoom out to view 3 presets at once. The menus are designed to be conveniently customized to allow instant switching between frequently used features.
The 502 is rugged, housed in an aluminum frame with rubberized chassis, and is extremely portable, weighing in at only 9-oz (.25 kg) and measuring just 2.95” x 5.78” x 0.80” (75mm x 146.8mm x 20mm). The 502 monitor can be carried in the pocket, even with a pair of rechargeable LP-E6 batteries installed. The monitor can also be powered by an AC/DC adapter as well as from the D-tap on a camcorder or camera battery pack using the LP-E6 battery interface. Power draw from the monitor is paltry, allowing all-day operation off of two LP-E6 batteries under normal use.
For more information about SmallHD products visit https://www.smallhd.com/lp/502/