Portkeys LH5C: Affordable On-Camera Monitor Brings Pro Features to Filmmakers for $199
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The on-camera monitor market just gained a compelling new contender with the release of the Portkeys LH5C, offering a blend of professional monitoring tools and camera control for an accessible $199. Shenzhen-based Portkeys aims to empower independent filmmakers and smaller production crews with this lightweight and feature-rich display.
Compact Design,Professional Specifications
The Portkeys LH5C boasts a 5.4-inch LCD touchscreen with a sharp 1920 x 1152 resolution (1080p). Its 800-nit brightness ensures visibility even in challenging outdoor shooting conditions, while a 1,000:1 c
ontrast ratio and 160-degree viewing angle provide accurate color representation from various perspectives. The monitor’s dimensions are a compact 13.5 x 8.5 x 2.2 cm (5.3 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches).Powering the monitor is a built-in Sony L-Series battery plate, providing approximately three hours of runtime with a Sony NP-F550 battery. alternatively, the USB-C 3.0 5V power input allows for extended operation with portable power banks or professional V-Mount/Gold Mount systems.
Connectivity and Mounting Versatility
The LH5C offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options. An HDMI input supports resolutions up to DCI 4K at 30p and 1080p at 60fps, alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring. on the opposite side, an HDMI output (up to 1080p60), USB-C power input, and a 1/4″-20 mounting point with anti-twist grooves are provided.
A USB-A port allows for loading up to 20 custom 3D LUTs and saving freeze frames to the included mini USB stick. Crucially, a micro-USB camera remote port enables wired camera control, compatible with cameras from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Z CAM, and Blackmagic Design – including popular models like the Sony FX3, FX30, FX6, and Canon EOS C80 and C400. The monitor ships with a cold shoe mount and an additional 1/4″-20 mounting point for flexible rigging options.
MOVNORM OS: A Suite of Monitoring Tools
Portkeys’ MOVNORM operating system unlocks a suite of professional monitoring tools accessible via the touchscreen interface. Users can utilize 3D LUT monitoring with HDMI pass-through, and benefit from anamorphic de-squeeze functionality supporting 10 standard aspect ratios, as well as custom ratios from 0.25x to 4.0x.
The freeze frame feature is particularly useful for stop-motion animation or shot matching, allowing operators to overlay reference images. A 360-degree color grader provides real-time hue and saturation adjustments, while focus peaking, waveforms, histograms, zebra patterns, and customizable false color options aid in achieving critical focus and exposure. Framing tools like crosshairs, guides, and grids further enhance composition. A vertical extension feature caters to portrait-mode shooting, passing the modified signal through the HDMI output. standard adjustments for backlight, contrast, color temperature, and more are also included.
Wired Camera Control: Extending Camera Functionality
Beyond monitoring, the LH5C’s wired camera control interface allows users to adjust key camera settings – aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance – directly from the monitor’s touchscreen. Touch Focus functionality is supported on select camera models, enabling precise autofocus point selection without touching the camera body. For Sony camera users, the LH5C introduces a unique Focus Tracking frame feature, allowing direct manipulation of the camera’s subject tracking box via the monitor’s touchscreen.This integration effectively transforms the LH5C into a natural extension of the camera’s autofocus system.
Availability and Package Contents
the Portkeys LH5C is available for purchase now at a price of $199. The package includes a mini USB stick, sunshade with protective covers, MH-2 cold shoe mount, micro-to-full-size HDMI cable, and a full-to-full-size HDMI cable. Further details can be found on the Portkeys website.
For filmmakers seeking an affordable and versatile on-camera monitoring solution with robust camera control capabilities, the Portkeys LH5C presents a compelling option.
