Best Monitor for $500? SmallHD Focus Monitor Review!
The SmallHD Focus monitor was a very exciting announcement earlier this year. In this video, I share my thoughts after using with with the Sony a6500. In short, this is the best camera monitor for $500 if you take the cons into consideration.
SmallHD Focus ► www.bhphotovid...
For power to your camera, you can use any adapter or DC cable that has a 3.5x1.35mm male connector. A cable like the one linked below will work with most adapters:
DC Adapter on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/qeCG1zi
PROS:
Great resolution for a 5” Monitor
Solid brightness at 800 nits
Fantastic interface
LUT compatibility
Very good assist features
Swivel mount with auto flipping screen
High quality cables
Touch screen
CONS:
No power input other than the battery
Small Vector scope
Expensive battery adapters for cameras
Poor battery life indicator
All in all the SmallHD Focus is one of the best 5 inch camera monitors on the market right now.
I’m very excited to see what this $500 monitor does to the market and how competition heats up going forward.
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
Пікірлер: 351
Calib, B&H carries the IndiPRO Tools AC Power Supply with L-Series Dummy Battery (BH# INPSY62). I use these on a pair of SmallHD 702's in-studio and they work great. Might be worth a try on the Focus. Thanks for continuing to produce high quality and relevant videos! I've learned so much from you. Cheers!
Nice monitor, however I would really like the see a similar video like the " 9 best monitors under 200$ ", but for a price point between 300 and 500$
6:10 You can upload LUTS into an SD Card, LUTS and LUTS of flexibility 😂
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Nice :-)
@Denasdc
7 жыл бұрын
Please don't go into FPGA. Okay ????
@LoverOfTech
6 жыл бұрын
you're everywhere bro haha
hows the lagg? surprised this wasnt mentioned
I have the Focus since three days now, like it very much for my A6500. Use it on the Zhiyun Crane. Mounted on the left side of he handle bar with a small modified flash bracket. Unscrewed it's cold shoe and rotated it 90°. Much lighter than a macic arm or sth alike.
@RyanGproductions1
7 жыл бұрын
@axel I'd love to see the setup and know how you modified the bracket. This is exactly what I am looking to do.
@FlyingJackalope
6 жыл бұрын
Me too! Sounds great. Love to see the setup
ok cool... but the real question is HOW IS THE LATENCY!!! You should make a video comparing just the latency because I feel like that is a big deal breaker especially if its used while filming yourself!
Is your background just a white/grey paper with a gelled LED right behind you pointing up at it in the center? It looks really nice.
Like your reviews! Calm and professional without screaming and cheap destructing tricks. Thank you!
Thanks for the reivew. I'm stumped on a couple things about the Focus 5, which I own: I've had it for years now... but it's a love hate relationship. 1. The color accuracy is always garbage. No matter how much I fiddle with it, or reset it to the factory settings, it never looks anything like it does on my a7siii screen or viewfinder. There for I always have to refer back to my camera screens to set WB if I'm doing so by sight (which I do 99% of the time). 2. Similar the the color issue, depending on the brightness setting of the Focus, the highlights appear washed out completely on the monitor, when they do NOT and ARE not on the camera screens. There for, I can never rely on the Focus monitor to, well, monitor my exposure and get an accurate representation of what is really going on in camera. 3. Again, same type of issue- Zebras. When I have zebras enabled, they shift based on the brightness of the Focus screen, when nothing else changes in cam, as far exposure settings go. The zebras do NOT match my in-cam zebras at all, even if set to similar values. There for (you guessed it!), I have to refer back to my camera's tiny screen to get a real reading of what's going on with my zebras / exposure. This is why I have given up on this monitor, and just rely on my tiny a7siii built in screen. While I cannot see the image as well because of the size, and cannot frame as intentially or accurately, i can atleast see my readings and get an accurate picture of- color, exposure, zebras, detail. I am honestly stummed as to how many people use this screen affectively and professionally. Please let me know if you have an tips to make this monitor more useful. Am I doing something wrong? side note: when I try to look up a way to calibrate the monitor.. I am left with nothing. They used to sell a calibration tool but don't anymore. I have an expensive X-rite Colorchecker, but unfortunatley this monitor doesn't support it.
How is the latency? You haven't mentioned this and it was a serious problem with all the "best monitors under $200" so I'd like to know if this has the same amount or less.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Very good. Much better than those other monitors. Throwing $300 more at a monitor seems to do the trick!
@theghostinside91
7 жыл бұрын
I own this monitor too and I haven't noticed any latency, even shooting in 4k. It really is amazing for what you're getting. Especially shooting with the a6500. It solves almost all of the issues with the camera.
@LennertK
7 жыл бұрын
Great, thanks for your answer. I was planning on getting one of the cheaper ones from the sub $200 video just to have something that's bigger than the built-in screen (I own an A7s II) but now I might skip that and just spend a little more for this. Do you have experience with external recorders? I'm wondering if it would be even better to get an external recorder to use as a monitor but also to get 4:2:2 recording but they're more expensive of course and I should probably spend more money on other things first before that becomes a reasonable upgrade.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
I'd agree whole heartedly.
@felix247
7 жыл бұрын
Hi Seth, I also own a Smallhd Focus and Sony a6500. I found out that this monitor only works when standing by in the 4K. When I start recording in 4K, my a6500's in body monitor does not show the image/videos are being captured, and the only thing showed is the information bars and settings that I can adjust with. In 1080p (HD) mode, all the menu and information bars will jump up to the Focus, the in body monitor will be off and I lost all the function of the touchscreen. Do you have the same problems that I have?
Hey, Caleb! Thanks for the awesome review... as always! I got this monitor for my birthday and have been loving it with my Canon Rebel t7i. Also, just FYI, SmallHD released a new OS3 update a few weeks ago that give a proper battery percentage on the monitor. Thanks again!
Con (maybe): The vulcanized rubber-like construct of the monitor. Oily hands will cause it to "melt" in the long run. At least in 80% humidity Singapore. I'm not sure yet if it will but most of my other things using the same finish tend to do that. I don't mind it being plastic (it's $500) but that's one thing I'd watch out for.
That moment when the a6500 is rigged up with a 500$ Monitor and a 45$ Mic.
Their battery adapter is super cheap and doesn't fit well so definitely too expensive for that adapter. Also been having problems where my monitor gets really hot after about 20 min and the screen starts flashing a bit. I'm gonna try updating to see if that helps. All in all I still really like it and it's helped me a lot.
Solid review, this product really adds many of the missing parts. A few more (small) things i dislike after owning it for a while. The hdmi cable on the camera side could be 'smaller' it now has the same construction making it stick out too much. This works fine if you can lock it on a cage but this monitor allows for a very workable quick setup without. What would be perfect is a flatcable/90degrees connector. SmallHD support told me they are working on it and the current one was the one they could ship in time. The second one is the tilt arm, its fine but a connector part that would also allow rotation so you can aim it to the sides would be even better and they also told me they are working on a new optional replacement part to allow for this.... To make it perfect on next release would be great if they add a very small lithium battery inside so hotswap would be possible since it can feed the camera and a mirco usb power out to feed say a wireless option..... But for sony shooters this is a hit and it should be get over the $500 hump its a very solid value.
You had me at touchscreen. how would you find touch responsiveness is and is there any lag/delay? Unreal amount of functionality squeezed into this monitor. Great review as always.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks kOS! The touch was very very good. Better than my Atomos Shogun Inferno.
@blakepocok2625
7 жыл бұрын
I own one myself the touch is really responsive, really no lag what so ever. 100% would reccomened
Thanks for the review!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching EposVox!
Thanks for the quality review. I appreciate the level headed pros and cons approach and you justifying all your comments with examples. I just ordered the Sony bundle through your B&H affiliate link.
How do you feel about the size? I am considering this as my first monitor but it seems like the majority or alternative options are 7 inch. Features aside, which size do you prefer shooting with? Thanks for all the info!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
I have always LOVED the 5 inch size. 7 inches is a lot to balance on top of a camera system unless you only shoot with a tripod.
@SonicSinema
7 жыл бұрын
Makes sense! Thank you
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thank YOU for watching!
Hey Caleb, this is a very informative video! The focus is way more powerful then I was expecting. By the way I really enjoy the colores backgrounds.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jan-Marius! Me too! Gels are fun :-)
@mr_james
7 жыл бұрын
What gels and lights do you have to colour the background?
Yea! Toying with this for my C100 MkII.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Would make for a nice pair!
I just had a random thought while watching this, if it connects the monitor to the coldshoe mount by a 1/4" male, then you could probably connect it to a small camera cage for the A6300 if the cage has 1/4" females on the side. just a though
Great Stuff, I really like visiting your channel before i buy, I have been shooting commercials for 25 years . I've retired and now running a photography business using DSLR's and now i am getting back into it via DSLR. we are using nikon cameras and soon we we will be moving to the nikon 810. Keep up the great work and i will be defiantly trying out the some of the gear your using. THIS monitor solves a lot of my problems, power, size and function, just have to get a hood for it... Thanks
@PaulHarwood856
7 жыл бұрын
You might not need a hood since the screen is so bright.
Thanks, would be interested in your thoughts on 7" in that price range for those of us with old eyes.
@JARVMI
5 жыл бұрын
already addressed. Can be too top heavy.
Hi Caleb you can use the larger Sony PF970 batteries you just flip the monitor over the other way. Love this monitor been waiting so long for one like this, makes using the A6500 a dream setup.
Hi Caleb, very nice video! I have a GH-4/5 V-Log related question: do you tune the contrast, sharpness and saturation numbers down when using V-Log profile? I have a GH4 usually shoot in regular color profile (natural, standard, vivid, etc) with reduced contrast, sharpness and saturation numbers to achieve better dynamic range. Recently, I bought the V-Log profile and an external monitor, and I started using V-Log to shot (with the same reduced saturation, contrast and sharpness), and apply the display LUT. However, I found the image still looks very flat using applying the LUT. Should I just set all those numbers to zero if I am already using LUT?
You recommended the NP-F750 or smaller batteries as the larger 900 series batteries would prevent the monitor from flipping. Why wouldn't you just rotate the monitor in the other direction so the battery flips over the top instead of being underslung?
Why couldn't you flip the screen the opposite direction with the bigger battery?
@DevonFlair
6 жыл бұрын
Carlos Benjamin the cables won’t allow when they’re in the cable management. It’s possible when they’re loose but then it’s untidy. I bought the large battery but have since swapped that with a smaller one from one of my lights. It’s fine if you’re just behind the camera, but if you want the flexibility to flip it, you’ll need a lower profile battery 🙂
Great review. Definitely going to buy this, just need to wait until it becomes ready to buy in store.
Just got mine and it's awesome!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Such a great little monitor!
Nice review, thanks. Wish I could sit in front of a camera and sound as relaxed as you do!! Keep up the good work :-)
Can this monitor allow you to record longer then 30 minutes on sony A7 series cameras?
The smallHD Focus is the way too go, always thought that a 7 inch monitor felt too top heavy for smaller cameras
I love the focus! One thing I noticed with the GH5 is when you change from playback to live view the video is choppy. Otherwise the Focus rocks!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Right on. I'll have to check that out!
@scb2scb2
7 жыл бұрын
Its ok on the a6500. I also (stupid) noticed that now reviewing of audio on recordings is way better since you can use the headphones. The pre-amps are far from perfect but o well...
HI. Help. Nikon D810. This or a Ninja Inferno. Hope you can help . I cannot see any answers to this questions so far
Always learn so much with your videos. Thank you
How do you get such great color range in your backdrop? Are you just greenscreening it? Love the quality of your presentations, visually, audibly and informatively.
@SimonBarnes
7 жыл бұрын
It's the lights ain't it haha 😳
Straight out of the box, after activating the product, I keep getting no picture and a "no HDMI signal input" message every time I connect my camera. I have tried with a canon 6d and with a Nikon D500. Can someone please help? I can't find any troubleshooting information online.
Who of you is using the GH5 plus a SmallHD Focus monitor? I am interested in your experience with the precision of the Focus zebra? I feel, 70% zebra on the monitor differ vom 70% zebra on the GH5.
Hey Caleb, is it true that you cant properly insert the dummy battery in Sony A6500? I saw people complaining that they cant insert the dummy bat in the compartment and close it without stresss to the battery door! Is this a real problem or isolated cases?
Anyone know if the micro-usb port can be used to power this thing? Why the heck did they not put a power-IN port on this thing when cheaper feelworld etc have them? the power-OUT only port, seems to limit this monitor to small mirrorless cameras only. It's a shame because it's a great monitor with a nice interface
Got my Focus 2 weeks ago and love it. FYI: Just like the the 4K image disappears on the camera lcd when attached to the Focus, so do options for auto focus. Center lock detect and smile/face detect are grayed out (both using focus area wide, 4K). I emailed SmallHD tech support and they said its the a6500. Are you finding the same?
The drool factor is strong with this monitor. Great review, BTW.
Awesome review for the monitor, just bought one today.
This product is no longer available, do you have a comparable recommendation in the same price range, please?
Another awesome video. Thanks man! Can't wait to grab one of these.
Thanks for the great review and dark grey shirt as usual!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Man! Going shopping for new threads soon ;-)
As soon as I have $500 after I upgrade to an a6500, I'm getting this!
Do you prefer the included swivel arm to your custom, go-pro like monitor adapter you built (a la Red camera)?
@PaulHarwood856
7 жыл бұрын
I want to know this as well.
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
I really like my custom setup, but if you want to completely flip the screen, the Focus arm is your best option.
@JohnnyMotel99
6 жыл бұрын
If I wanted to have the monitor at right angle to camera, I guess one would need a small ball joint interface between hot shoes and L mount.
@PaulHarwood856
6 жыл бұрын
Hey Rob, Sorry for the late reply. I have this product, and it's really helpful in some situations: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DA38C3G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I hope this is helpful. - Paul
I just got back from a job and could not get the Small HD focus to show the full screen of the A7III as it does on my a6500. I tried 4k and 1080 60p and the monitor would only show the mirrored image of the a7III with the menu's and not the full screen of the A7III? Anybody know why that is? I shoot on my a6500 a lot and it does use the whole monitor space... Any suggestions or what am I missing?
Thanks for reviewing this product, I had actually pre-order this as soon as it was available for pre orders. But unfortunately my order got all screwed up somehow in their end and I was forced to cancel and when with The Ninja flame from Atomos with my Sony A6300 . Your review answer all my questions. I wanted to ask if you could review and / or do a tutorial on the Ninja Flame. Thanks
The battery level issue might be because you're using an off-brand sony battery? I know with the SmallHD 501, you have to use two official Canon LP-6 batteries for it to show the battery percentage, otherwise it also just shows the voltage with a question mark.
@scb2scb2
7 жыл бұрын
People also reported it with their official battery, the fact that is shows 2 batteries is also a hint that they need to work on that part of the software a little.
@jeremydwayne
7 жыл бұрын
ah, thanks for the clarification!
i really hope you do a full detail video of the focus..
Great review, really thorough - thanks for putting in the work on these things! :) (also, I speak for all of KZread when I say the more you can refer to things as "big juicy _____s" the better)
I bought the monitor. Using it on Panasonic FZ 2500. My problem using it with a monopod as I move around the monitor falls off the camera. I can’t figure out why. Any suggestions? I am not new to video or photography 40 year Newspaper photographer retired.Need help.
Is the 1280 x 720 resolution an issue in the real world? I know the Feelworld F7 is $200, and it has a 1920 x 1200 resolution. But do the assist features and extra brightness on the SmallHD Focus make up for that (and the extra $300)?
Can you power this via V Mount Battery with a 7 or 12V?
Great vid. Thanks
I bought it serval days before and have problem with it right now . When I plug the HDMI wire in the camera ,the monitor display a crop size (not full screen as before)and the camera display nothing on its screen .(at my first test before, they can display on both screens ) .do you know what is wrong ?THX
It looks like the mount doesn't quite hold the monitor horizontal with the camera, its always slightly slanted. Perhaps the weight of the cables or something are pulling it down. Either way, that'll drive me nuts. Does it have hard points on the monitor itself so I can mount it directly to a camera cage, or use a mini ball head and mount it on the bottom?
Glad I saw your FB post. Thank you....gonna watch it right meow! Will use your link to purchase (as always hahaha)
@Ry311GP
7 жыл бұрын
Also Caleb you are almost at 200k subs. Advance congrats!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ry!!!
Hi - I notice the basic model doesn't come with a battery. Can anyone recommend a good third party battery and charger for the focus.
How's the screen shooting outside in bright sunlight? I"m looking for a solution to shoot video with A6500 at the beach.
Is this just me or does the mount tilting a little bit? I mean, it does not seem to be parallel to the camera. Is there a way to correct this?
Anybody know where I can get the ac cables and Canon LP dummy battery for the 700 series other than SmallHD. They want 90.00 for shipping on a 39.99 product.
“Big fat juicy vector scope” new band name 🤣
what about using a hdmi splitter for hdmi out (wireless transmitter). would love to see your take on that
Really considering this one! One question...does this have an HDMI OUT? (as in, can I go from my GH5 to the monitor then back out to a capture card for live streaming?) I know that some monitors such as the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K can do this...
Do anyone know if the on-camera LCD turns off on the A6300 when the smallhd is plugged in? I see that it works here, but not sure about by a6300 tho...
Do I want/need this monitor with the a6500 for vlogging? -- Im mainly concerned about exposure not so much with framing... I hate how you need a big/heavy battery, wish the camera battery could power the monitor too
Hi Caleb, how's the colour accuracy of the Focus? I have the Aputure VS-2 and am considering switching out of it because of the terrible colour accuracy of that monitor. I want something that'll be similar/identical to what my camera is actually capturing.
Can you recommend a budget camera for video, I need it to be able to adapt to Nikon and maybe cannon lenses smartly, i.e. auto focus and other stuff works. I have a Nikon D3400 and need an upgrade. I am looking at the a6000 as it is cheaper than the a6300 and a6500. I would probably buy it second hand. If you do recommend something, could you also recommend a smart lens adapter. Thanks.
Hey Caleb. Do you power your camera from the monitor? If so, how long do a single charge last? Thanks 🙂 I'm shooting on a GH5
Hi Caleb. Great review. I'm doing due diligence on this purchase and I have a question please. I've been told that when the monitor is connected to an A6300/6500 you can't use Smile/face detect, Lock on AF, Centre lock AF or Eye AF. That's one of the main reasons for getting the Sony and Sony lenses. Is this true? In which case it would be a deal breaker. Thanks.
@danicroitor8700
6 жыл бұрын
I have definitely used eye AF and it worked
hi caleb, i just recked my old small hd foucs and got a new one. on the old i had a red frame apear when recording on the new one i can't find this setting. do you know how to do this. / pete.
Now that you have had time play with the external display, what are your thoughts on Atomos Shinobi vs SmallHD Focus OLED for the a6500?
Probably a dumb question, but didn't see this feature covered - how is the focus peaking?
I have the monitor mounted on my panasonic FZ2500 it has fallen off 3 times camera on monopod. ONE TIME IT HIT ME IN THE HEAD. Is there a better way to mount monitor? Bob
I wonder: Will this monitor with an attached external Rode Microphone to it's side work on a gimbal like a Zhiyun Crane v2? Or won't it be balanced enough correctly? Anyone knows?
I'm unable to Use it with my a6300 .. It shows NO HDMI SIGNAL Please Help me out
@GregWurth
6 жыл бұрын
you need to configure your HDMI output settings. Should be on the far right menu in one of the tabs
You do not have to pinch for going to a page, just swipe left or right, its much faster ;-)
Can you make a direct comparison to the BM VA brightness wise? Somebody tested that and found them to be equal in brightness.
so, what is the advantage of this device rather than using a wireless controller like CamRanger or else?
How would you compare this to the new Atomos Ninja V (aside from the Ninja also being a recorder)? I'm in the market for a new recorder. Thanks.
One thing I've been finding is that certain 3rd party 770 batteries are very hard to fit onto this monitor. I tried a pair of DSTE from Amazon and they need to be forced on. Got a few Watson 770's from B&H that are also pretty snug, but their big brother Watson 970 fits on effortlessly (but doesn't allow rotation). I like not having a giant Anton Bauer logo on my batteries so I didn't get the kit, but have you found any other 750/770 options that fit well? Ikan maybe?
@scb2scb2
7 жыл бұрын
Had the same thing with Wasabi, got a different brand and it was ok (patona) the ones that come with the atomos recorders are also ok. You are the first other person who i see reporting his so i assume it was wasabi but i guess not.
Hey! Any problems with loading LUTs? I just received my FOCUS and it doesn't detect any SD cards I put in (tried a few). Extra pin style and regular. 3 didn't show up, and 1 actually made the monitor freak out, flicker, and I couldn't access the menu until I took it out...Any ideas?
If using the largest Sony batteries, can't you just flip the monitor so the battery bulge goes up and over rather than under?
@VideoUpskill
7 жыл бұрын
That's what I was thinking too.
So to use other battery adapters exactly what cable do we need? I already have a dummy battery that has a female end. Would I need male to male to use it ?
Hi @Caleb, I have a Feelworld F550 which is a little too quiet on the headphone output (with my A6300) and unfortunately also looks like native screen refresh is locked to 60Hz meaning some telecine judder becoming visible when using it for PAL which I do mostly 1080@50p. Did you encounter any of these issues..I might consider the upgrade..Plus I really do like the waveform. PS how do you know/see >105% IRE when shooting CINE4? (I think the waveform from the A6300 is a little off..)
Is there any option where we can focus by tapping the external monitor? same way we tap on the dslr touchscreen e-g I want to focus something in the frame and I just tap on it and the camera focuses that. Can I do that with this or any external monitor? would really really appreciate your help. I have 1dx mark2
feelworld is the one for me, 1/2 price with wall plug in
@MilanKarakas
5 жыл бұрын
Can you tell us more about Feelworld? Which model and where to buy?
@orlando9666
5 жыл бұрын
Milan Karakas Get the 6 plus
@MilanKarakas
5 жыл бұрын
@@orlando9666 Thanks.
@orlando9666
5 жыл бұрын
Milan Karakas No problem, is pretty much the only Feelworld monitor I think is worth the money, the only model with a touchscreen!
How do you calibrate the monitor? My shots look warmer on the Focus and colder/greener in my A7SII! Any ideas?
Wow. How did you do the light setup and the background?
Hey Caleb! Could you do a Q and A Video? BTW you deserve way more subs!
@dslrvideoshooter
7 жыл бұрын
Hey Floppin! I did a live Q&A recently. I have more planned though! Thank you for the kind words. Slowly growing!
Is it worth getting one of these used or saving up and buying a indie 5???
should i buy the canon rebel t3i or the nikon d3300 for video? i can't decide because used they are about the same price
Excellent presentation - thanks! Just wondering what is the weight of the monitor- as I am contemplating using it on a gimbal setup, where i have a weight limit.
Any update on the firmware helping those Cons you indicated? Fix battery display? Thanks for the awesome review once again!
Hi can you do a pinch to zoom to check focus while recording? I have a gh5 camera and was wondering if you can do that. That is the only thing missing in my gh5 :) Thanks in advance!
Hi.. one silly question, if i upload LUTS into an SD card, and update software.. do i need leave the SD card into SmallHD , or after installed , i can take it out?? . thanks for help. G.Lam