Filmmakers and camera operators looking to expand their monitoring capabilities now have several new hardware options. Kenko Professional Imaging released a fresh lineup of external on-camera monitors and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) developed by China’s Portkeys on August 21.
The newly available catalog spans multiple form factors, ranging from 7-inch production monitors down to 2.4-inch EVF units designed for cameras lacking built-in viewfinders. Every device in the fresh release shares standard features including USB Type-A port support for loading LUTs alongside comprehensive monitoring functions such as waveform, vector, anamorphic, peaking, and false color.
Flagship 7-Inch Monitors and Wireless Control Capabilities
At the top of the monitor lineup sits the LS7P, a 7-inch 10bit Full HD panel boasting a 1,920×1,080 resolution and a 1,000 cd/m² maximum brightness. The unit comes factory-calibrated to the REC.709 color standard and introduces a proprietary exposure tool called “Log Stops”, which automatically identifies a camera’s LOG signal regardless of the device model or picture profile, while also aiming at a wide range of systems from cinema cameras to broadcast equipment.
Connectivity on the LS7P includes HDMI and 3G-SDI input and output ports, with the hardware capable of converting SDI signals to HDMI upon output. The monitor also supports wireless camera control for compatible models, allowing operators to adjust recording, focus, ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and white balance remotely, though controllable operations vary depending on the specific camera model. Users can connect up to four Portkeys wireless monitors supporting camera wireless control within a 50-meter radius to consolidate control into a single location.
Power for the LS7P comes via Sony NP-F series batteries, specifically supporting NP-F970, 960, 750, 550, and equivalent models. For buyers seeking a simpler 7-inch alternative, the HD7T drops wireless control and SDI connections, offering an 1,280×800 resolution 8bit panel with an 80-degree viewing angle in all directions (top, bottom, left, and right), HDMI connectivity, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and a lighter 245g chassis measuring 178×110×20mm for 20,800 yen.
Compact 5.4-Inch Displays and Viewfinder Units
For smaller rig setups, the lineup introduces two 5.4-inch options featuring 1,920×1,152 resolution 10bit touchscreens with 800 cd/m² maximum brightness and 1,000:1 contrast ratios. The LH5C model includes wired camera control capabilities, USB Type-C power delivery, and a “freeze-frame” function that saves still images to a USB memory connected to the USB Type-A port.
Its sibling, the PTS5 III, shares nearly identical physical and display specifications but leaves out camera control functionality. Both 5.4-inch models run on Sony NP-F970/960/750/550 and equivalent compatible batteries and feature HDMI input and output alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Addressing the specific need for traditional viewfinder shooting on cameras without an EVF, Kenko Professional Imaging introduced the LEYE series. The LEYE III and LEYE SDI use a 2.4-inch 8bit panel with a 1,440×900 resolution housed inside a hood-type viewfinder shape equipped with a diopter adjustment ring near the eyepiece ranging from +8D to -3D, a maximum brightness of 450 cd/m², and a 1,100:1 contrast ratio.
Both viewfinder units draw power from Canon LP-E6 batteries.
Pricing and Specifications Summary
| Model | Screen Size | Resolution | Max Brightness | Inputs/Outputs | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS7P | 7.0-inch | 1,920 × 1,080 | 1,000 cd/m² | HDMI, 3G-SDI | 62,800 |
| HD7T | 7.0-inch | 1,280 × 800 | 1,000 cd/m² | HDMI | 20,800 |
| LH5C | 5.4-inch | 1,920 × 1,152 | 800 cd/m² | HDMI | 38,000 |
| PT5 III | 5.4-inch | 1,920 × 1,152 | 800 cd/m² | HDMI | 32,800 |
| LEYE SDI | 2.4-inch | 1,440 × 900 | 450 cd/m² | HDMI, 3G-SDI | 89,800 |
| LEYE III | 2.4-inch | 1,440 × 900 | 450 cd/m² | HDMI | 79,800 |
