Are you a budding filmmaker or a seasoned professional looking for the perfect monitor to complement your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K)? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got just the thing! Choosing the right monitor for your BMPCC 4K is crucial to ensure that you can capture every detail and color accuracy.
With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. But fear not; we’re here to help you navigate this maze of options and find the perfect match for your needs. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of monitors for the BMPCC 4K!
At a Glance:
best monitor for bmpcc 4k
| Design | Retailer | |
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Best Pick | Check Price | |
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Staff Pick | Check Price | |
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Budget Pick | Check Price | |
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1. Atomos Ninja V
Best Pick
| Specifications | Details |
| Screen size | 5 inches |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Supported formats | Apple ProRes, Apple ProRes RAW, Avid DNxHR/HD & HEVC (H.265) |
| Compatibility | Professional digital cinema, DSLR & mirrorless cameras via HDMI or SDI |
| Warranty | One year |
Let me give you a detailed review of the Atomos Ninja V.
As someone who is into filmmaking and video content creation, I have been looking for the best monitor for my BMPCC 4K camera, and I found the Atomos Ninja V an excellent option.
One of the standout features of the Atomos Ninja V is its 5-inch HDR display, which provides accurate monitoring of the image directly from the camera.
With a brightness of 1000 nits, it can handle bright outdoor shooting conditions and produce vivid colors and contrast, making it perfect for outdoor shooting.
Another impressive feature is its RAW recording capability, which is rugged, lightweight, and compact, making it easy to use in a tripod, handheld setup, or mounted on a gimbal.
It supports industry-standard formats like Apple ProRes, Apple ProRes RAW, Avid DNxHR/HD & HEVC (H.265), allowing you to work with high-quality footage and get the most out of your camera.
Moreover, the Atomos Ninja V allows you to expand beyond playback and review by recording, reviewing, and tagging your favorite takes to create playlists, giving you the flexibility and confidence to capture your footage and extend your creative boundaries.
Regarding compatibility, it supports a wide range of professional digital cinema, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras via HDMI or SDI with one of the optional accessories, making it a versatile tool for various shooting scenarios.
Regarding what’s included in the box, you get the Atomos Ninja V, a battery eliminator, an international DC power supply, a MasterCaddy II, and a Quick Start Guide.
The warranty is also worth noting as it comes with a 1-year warranty, giving you peace of mind when using it.
Pros
- High-quality HDR display with accurate monitoring
- RAW recording capability for high-quality footage
- Versatile and lightweight design for easy use
- Ability to expand beyond playback and review
- Supports a wide range of professional cameras
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- It can be pricey for some users
- The battery life could be better
2. Feelworld Master MA6P
| Specification | Detail |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| HDMI Input Resolution | Up to 4K UHD 3840x2160p, 4096x2160p |
| Weight | 6.2 oz (175g) |
| Battery Compatibility | Sony NP-F970/F550, Canon LP-E6 |
| Special Features | Polarizer film screen, quick HDMI out, multiple shortcuts |
Now, let’s dive into the detailed review of the Feelworld Master MA6P monitor.
As a content creator, I always seek the best equipment to enhance my video production process. So, I decided to give the Feelworld Master MA6P monitor a try, and I must say, I was impressed with the results.
The first thing that caught my attention was the polarizer film screen, which improved the light sensitivity by 30%. This feature made the image lifelike and increased the screen-to-body ratio by 20%, giving me a more immersive viewing experience. The 1920x1080p professional resolution was spot on and offered accurate colors.
One of the main reasons I was interested in this monitor was its ability to support the 4K format without delay. The 4K UHD 3840x2160p and 4096x2160p resolution were perfect for my BMPCC 4K camera.
I noticed that the HDMI Out was more quickly reserved, reducing the delay from 20ms to 10ms, which significantly improved.
Another great feature of this monitor was its design, which made it perfect for gimbal shooting. The monitor was lightweight, portable, and could be installed in multiple ways.
The 180° tilt at nearly any angle and the selfie mode were great for vlogging and capturing unique angles.
The Feelworld Master MA6P monitor also had three upgraded shortcuts, which made it convenient for me to access features like Histogram, Focus Assist, False Colors, Aspect Ratio, Camera Mode, Image Flip, Nine Grid, Zoom, Anamorphic, and more. This feature made the monitor more user-friendly and efficient.
Lastly, the monitor integrated dual-use battery plates for Sony NP-F970/F550 and Canon LP-E6 Batteries. The DC 8.4V Output enabled camera charging by the optional power adapter supply, which was a significant plus point.
Pros
- High-quality polarizer film screen for more lifelike images
- 4K UHD support without any delay
- Lightweight and portable design for gimbal shooting
- Three upgraded shortcuts for more user convenience
- Dual-use battery plates for Sony and Canon batteries
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- The monitor is not touch screen
- The viewing angle could be better
3. SmallHD Focus OLED
Staff Pick
| Specification | Details |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | 60,000:1 |
| Input/Output | Micro HDMI Input, Micro USB Input |
The SmallHD Focus OLED is a fantastic on-camera monitor for those looking for the best BMPCC 4K camera monitor.
With its high resolution and impressive contrast ratio, the Focus OLED provides stunning image quality that will impress.
The OLED screen is particularly noteworthy, offering excellent colour accuracy and deep blacks that make images pop.
One of the standout features of the SmallHD Focus OLED is its anamorphic de-squeeze function, which supports up to 2.0x anamorphic lenses.
This is a fantastic feature for those looking to shoot with anamorphic lenses, which need an on-camera monitor to display the image correctly.
The monitor is also incredibly easy to use, thanks to its intuitive user interface and customizable controls. The Focus OLED includes four customizable shortcut buttons that allow you to quickly access your favorite features, including focus assist, false color, and waveform.
Additionally, the monitor’s SD card slot allows you to load custom LUTs, making it easy to achieve your desired look in post-production.
One of the few downsides of the SmallHD Focus OLED is its price. At a few hundred dollars, it is more expensive for an on-camera monitor.
However, it is well worth the investment for those who need the best image quality and anamorphic de-squeeze functionality.
The SmallHD Focus OLED is an excellent on-camera monitor for BMPCC 4K users. Its stunning OLED screen, anamorphic de-squeeze functionality, and customizable controls make it a fantastic tool for filmmakers and videographers.
Pros
- Excellent OLED screen with accurate colors and deep blacks
- Anamorphic de-squeeze functionality
- Four customizable shortcut buttons
- SD card slot for loading custom LUTs
Cons
- Expensive compared to other on-camera monitors
4. PortKeys BM5
| Specification | Details |
| Display Size | 5-inch |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Brightness | 2200 nits |
| Input/Output | 3G-SDI/HDMI |
| Camera Control | Bluetooth Module (BT1) |
| Power Source | Sony NP-F batteries or PortKeys 12V-2A Power Adaptor |
The PortKeys BM5 is a high-performance on-camera monitor designed for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K.
It boasts an impressive 2200 nits of brightness, making it one of the brightest monitors on the market, and its aluminum frame ensures durability while keeping it lightweight.
One of the most impressive features of the PortKeys BM5 is its camera control functionality, which allows you to wirelessly control your BMPCC 4K/6K camera via the Bluetooth module (BT1).
This includes control over REC, IRIS, ISO, Shutter, Zoom, Focus, Auto Exposure, White Balance Mode Selection, Resolution, Project Frame Rate, Codec and Quality, Off Speed Frame Rate, and Off Speed Recording.
This feature is a game-changer for anyone who needs to quickly and easily adjust their camera settings without having to fiddle with the camera directly.
The PortKeys BM5 is compatible with the Tilta Nucleus N/M Follow Focus system. The monitor can be wired to the motor out on the BT1 for follow focus control, and it also provides power to the Tilta Nucleus Follow Focus system. It’s worth noting that the control cable needs to be purchased separately.
Regarding power, the PortKeys BM5 can be powered by Sony NP-F batteries or the PortKeys 12V-2A Power Adaptor with Aviation Connector.
When using a battery to power the monitor, you can also connect the monitor’s power port to the camera’s power port to power the camera.
The package includes the BM5 II monitor, the Bluetooth module (BT1), a safety box, a USB disk, a power cord with an aviation port D-Tap, a power cord with an aviation port DC, a wipe cloth, tempered film, and instructions.
Overall, the PortKeys BM5 is an excellent on-camera monitor with exceptional performance, camera control, and compatibility with popular follow-focus systems. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- High brightness (2200 nits)
- Bluetooth camera control functionality
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- Compatible with Tilta Nucleus N/M Follow Focus system
- Comes with a range of accessories
Cons
- The control cable for the Tilta Nucleus Follow Focus system needs to be purchased separately.
- No built-in LUTs
5. Lilliput A7S
Budget Pick
| Specification | Detail |
| Monitor Size | 7″ |
| Panel Type | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1920×1200 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 500cd/㎡ |
| Viewing Angle | 170° |
The Lilliput A7S monitor is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality monitor to use with their BMPCC 4K camera.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its 7″ IPS LCD panel, which has a resolution of 1920×1200 and a pixel density of 324ppi. This makes for sharp, clear images and accurate colour reproduction.
Another great feature of the Lilliput A7S is its auxiliary camera functions. These include peaking, peaking colour, peaking level, false colour, exposure, exposure level, histogram, and audio level meter.
These functions can be very useful when shooting, as they help ensure your shots are properly exposed and focused.
The monitor is also compact, lightweight, and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor or handheld applications. It has a thickness of just 20.5mm and weighs only 320g, and comes with a silicon rubber case with a sun shade that provides overall protection from drops, shock, sunlight, and bright light environments.
On the negative side, the Lilliput A7S monitor has a few advanced features like waveform or vectorscope, which some users may miss.
It also has a lower brightness level than other monitors, making it easier to use in bright outdoor environments.
Pros
- High-quality IPS LCD panel with 1920×1200 resolution
- Camera auxiliary functions such as peaking, false color, and histogram
- Compact, lightweight, and durable design with a silicon rubber case and sunshade
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like waveform and vectorscope
- The brightness level could be higher for better outdoor visibility
6. Neewer F100
| Specification | Details |
| Screen size | 7 inches |
| Resolution | HD 1280 x 800 |
| Brightness | 450cd/m² |
| Contrast ratio | 1200:1 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 |
| Supported formats | 1080i/p, 720p, 576i/p, 480i/p |
The Neewer F100 monitor supports a wide range of video formats, making it compatible with DSLR cameras, camcorders, and other devices.
Its noise elimination feature helps to eliminate unwanted noise in the video, while the wide range of monitoring tools, such as Peaking Focus Assist, Check Field, Pixel to Pixel, and Center Marker, make it easy to capture high-quality footage.
One of the standout features of the Neewer F100 is its advanced focus-assist functions, which include a peaking filter that helps to identify sharp edges and an on-screen zoom feature for accurate focusing.
Additionally, the monitor’s customizable colour temperature settings make it easy to match the look of your footage with your intended style.
Overall, the Neewer F100 is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet feature-packed field monitor for video shooting. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Wide range of supported video formats
- Advanced monitoring tools for accurate focusing and exposure control
- Customizable colour temperature settings
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the monitor’s HDMI ports
- The included AV cable is not useful for modern cameras
Buying Guide: How to Choose
When choosing the best monitor for your BMPCC 4K camera, there are several factors to consider. A high-quality monitor is essential for accurately monitoring your footage, ensuring you capture the perfect shot. Here is a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right monitor.
Resolution:
- When it comes to video quality, resolution is a crucial factor. Look for a monitor with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) or higher. This ensures that you can monitor your footage with high accuracy.
Brightness:
- A monitor with high brightness is essential for outdoor shooting. Look for a monitor with a brightness level of at least 400 units or more to ensure you can view your footage even in bright sunlight.
Contrast Ratio:
- The contrast ratio is another crucial factor to consider. A monitor with a high contrast ratio ensures you can see your footage’s details accurately, even in low-light conditions.
Size:
- The size of the monitor is also essential, as it determines how easy it is to monitor your footage. Look for a monitor at least 7 inches or larger to ensure you can see your footage clearly.
Portability:
- If you plan on shooting on the go, portability is crucial. Look for a lightweight monitor that is easy to carry around without sacrificing quality and features.
Battery Life:
- The monitor’s battery life is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan on shooting for an extended period. Look for a monitor with long battery life or one powered by external batteries.
Based on the above factors, we recommend the Lilliput A7S and the Neewer F100 as the best monitors for the BMPCC 4K camera.
Both monitors offer high-quality resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, and portability, making them ideal for on-the-go shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HDMI and SDI input/output?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface for transmitting audio and video signals. On the other hand, SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is a professional video interface used in the broadcast industry for transmitting uncompressed video and audio signals over coaxial cables. While both interfaces can connect a monitor to your BMPCC 4K, SDI is generally preferred for professional use due to its superior reliability and longer cable runs.
What is peaking, and how does it help with focusing?
Peaking is a feature that adds a coloured outline to in-focus areas of an image. This can help you quickly and easily identify which parts of your image are in focus, which can be especially useful when shooting with a shallow depth of field. Some monitors also allow you to adjust the peaking level and colour to your preference.
Can I power my monitor with a battery, and if so, which type should I use?
Yes, many monitors can be powered by batteries for increased portability. Some require proprietary batteries, while others can be powered by commonly available batteries, such as Sony NP-F or Canon LP-E6. Be sure to check the specifications to ensure compatibility.
What is the benefit of having a high-resolution monitor?
A high-resolution monitor can display more detail and sharpness in your images and videos, which can be especially useful for checking focus and fine details. A higher-resolution monitor can help you better judge your footage’s image quality and colour accuracy.
Can I use my BMPCC 4K monitor to record external video?
No, monitors are simply displays and cannot record video. You must use an external recorder such as the Atomos Ninja V or Blackmagic Video Assist to record external video.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best BMPCC 4K camera monitor can greatly enhance video production quality. With the right monitor, you can easily monitor your footage, fine-tune your settings, and achieve the best possible results.
When selecting a monitor, consider factors such as resolution, brightness, contrast, viewing angle, and compatibility with your camera.
Choosing a monitor that meets your needs and budget is important. With some research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect monitor to help take your filmmaking to the next level.