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The best External Camera Screenss let you see what you’re filming, and some even let you shoot in better codecs. Videographers and still photographers can use a camera screen that is outside of the camera. There are a number of benefits, such as better screen resolution and clarity. And an external camera screen gives you a bigger screen and more options for how you want to look at it.
Even though most cameras come with their own monitors these days, you can get a better view of what you’re recording with a separate screen. Professional videographers always choose an external camera monitor, and you should do the same if you can afford it. Let’s look at the best camera monitor on the market right now, as well as the best one that won’t break the bank.
Best External Camera Screens Comparison Table
| Monitor Model | View Angle | Brightness | Resolution | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomos Ninja V 4K Monitor | 178° | 1000 nits | 3840×2160 | 151 x 91.5 x 31mm | 360g | $599 |
| FeelWorld FW279 4K DSLR Monitor | 160° | 2200 nits | 3840×2160 | 190 x 134 x 20.5mm | 320g | $369 |
| Portkeys BM5WR Touchscreen Field Monitor | 178° | 2000 nits | 1920×1080 | 144.5 x 94 x 23mm | 230g | $299 |
| Portkeys LH5P II Monitor | 160° | 1700 nits | 1920×1080 | 135 x 75 x 30mm | 210g | $299 |
| Atomos Shinobi | 170° | 1000 nits | 1920×1080 | 151 x 91.5 x 31mm | 200g | $399 |
| Atomos Shogun 7 | 180° | 1500 nits | 1920×1080 | 228 x 139 x 29mm | 709g | $1499 |
| Atomos Ninja V+ 8K Monitor | 178° | 1000 nits | 7680×4320 | 151 x 91.5 x 31mm | 360g | $1499 |
Atomos Ninja V 4K Monitor
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI, 3G-SDI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, DNxHR |
The HDR screen on the Atmos Ninja V is a big reason why it is a popular monitor. Only 1080p is the highest screen resolution you can get. But it can still record 4K video at 60 fps and show anamorphic lens footage with 2x, 1.5x, 1.33x, or Panasonic’s 4:3 aspect ratio. In fact, the Atomos Ninja V can even make the video your camera can shoot better.
If you have a Panasonic Lumix S5, for example, you can use 12-bit RAW instead of 10-bit 4:2:2. There are also many tools and features, such as multi-level exposure tools and waveforms. There is a vectorscope built right in. The fan is loud and there is no touchscreen, which are both bad things. It’s a great performance. And the price is fair for what you get.
- High-resolution screen for seeing 4K footage clearly
- The 1000 nits on the screen make it easy to see outside when it’s bright.
- Supports common recording formats like ProRes and DNxHR for high-quality video capture
- Some professional workflows for making videos might not work well on a small screen.
- Compared to other models on the market, it has fewer input and output options.
The Good
The Bad
FeelWorld FW279 4K DSLR Monitor
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K |
| Display Size | 7 inches |
| Brightness | 2200 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI, 3G-SDI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, DNxHR |
The big, bright screen on the FeelWorld FW279 is its best feature. It’s different. And the high resolution is great for taking pictures outside in the sun. The settings for color calibration allow for great color reproduction. There are many tools for keeping track of things, such as focus assist, zebra stripes, and histograms.
It’s also made to work with the vast majority of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It’s an easy-to-carry screen for an outside camera. This makes it easy to attach to your DSLR camera rig or stabilizer setup. And you don’t have to move the media first. It also has speakers that are built in. This lets you listen to playback while you watch it.
- Large 7-inch screen lets you watch 4K footage in detail and with accuracy
- With a brightness of 2200 nits, it is easy to see even when it is bright outside.
- Supports common recording formats like ProRes and DNxHR for professional video capture
- If a light is brighter, it may use more electricity.
- Some people may find it too big and heavy to carry around.
The Good
The Bad
Portkeys BM5WR Touchscreen Field Monitor
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Size | 5.2 inches |
| Brightness | 2000 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI, 3G-SDI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, H.264 |
The Portkeys BM5WR may be the right choice if you want an on-camera monitor that is bright and has good contrast. Only the Blackmagic Video Assist, which we’ll talk about below, is brighter than its 2200 nits. It only has a 5.5-inch screen and can’t record video. But it supports 3G-SDI, HDMI, HDMI-SDI cross-conversion, and Bluetooth, so it is very easy to connect to.
Other useful tools are the precision waveform, zooming, color temperature, ARRI false-color mode, and improved focus peaking. There are also features like underscan, OSD flip, image capture, and 3D LUT. When you use the Bluetooth connection with the Blackmagic Design Pocket Camera 4K or 6K, you can change settings from afar.
- Touchscreens make it easy and intuitive to change settings and keep an eye on things.
- High brightness of 2000 nits lets you see clearly even when it’s bright outside.
- Size and weight are kept small and light to make it easier to carry.
- Compared to other models on the market, it has less resolution.
- There aren’t many ways to record, and H.264 compression isn’t great for capturing high-quality video.
The Good
The Bad
Portkeys LH5P II Monitor
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Brightness | 1200 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, H.264 |
With built-in camera controls for Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic, and even Z Cam cinema cameras, this is a great option for anyone who wants a monitor that will help a filmmaker get the shot and be a very helpful visual aid in the composition process.
For a fair price, you get a great package that is made to stand up to the rough life of a filmmaker on set, in the studio, or when shooting on the go. The PortKeys LH5P II is a great 5.5-inch monitor for cinematographers who want to step up their game.
- The small size and light weight make it easy to carry.
- Uses the popular ProRes format to record high-quality videos.
- Affordable option for videographers on a tight budget
- Compared to other models, this one has less brightness, which could make it hard to see in bright outdoor conditions.
- There aren’t many input and output options, and only HDMI is supported.
The Good
The Bad
Atomos Shinobi
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Size | 5.2 inches |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI |
| Recording Formats | N/A |
If you just want an external monitor and don’t need to be able to record, the Atomos Shinobi has the same quality display as the Atomos Ninja V but costs a lot less. It’s a great choice for vloggers who use cameras like the Sony A7 III or the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, which have fixed displays and can’t move the screen.
The menu makes it easy to see information about waveforms and histograms. The Shinobi is well-balanced because the battery is in the middle. This makes it great for shooting with a gimbal. This is one of the best External Camera Screens that you can buy right now.
- With 1000 nits of brightness, it is easy to see in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Size and weight are kept small and light to make it easier to carry.
- If you want to keep an eye on things but don’t want to record, this is a cheap option.
- Compared to other models, this one has a lower resolution, so it might not be good for critical focus and framing.
- Doesn’t support recording formats, which makes it hard to use for advanced video production.
The Good
The Bad
Atomos Shogun 7
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p or 4K |
| Display Size | 7 inches |
| Brightness | 1500 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI, 12G-SDI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, DNxHR, CinemaDNG |
This is basically the 7-inch version of the Atomos Ninja V. It is the perfect solution for people who need an external video recorder with a large built-in screen for watching footage. Real-time recording to 4K formats like ProRes RAW and CinemaDNG is possible, and the larger screen will help you keep a better eye on the footage, letting you check the exact focus all over the frame.
You can also get a good idea of the exposure thanks to built-in presets that let the screen translate the Log video formats used by the camera manufacturer. This screen can be used both on location and in a studio. It has a brightness of 1500nit and a real dynamic range of over 15 stops. This is a strong unit for both cinematographers and productions with more than one camera.
- There are many ways to record, and ProRes, DNxHR, and CinemaDNG formats can all be used.
- With a brightness of 1500 nits, it is easy to see in all kinds of lighting.
- Large 7-inch screen lets you watch footage in detail and with accuracy
- Wide range of input and output options, including 12G-SDI for professional video production workflows.
- There are only two resolution options: 1080p or 4K.
- Some people may find it too big and heavy to carry around.
The Good
The Bad
Atomos Ninja V+ 8K Monitor
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8K |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Input/Output | HDMI, 12G-SDI |
| Recording Formats | ProRes, DNxHR |
The Atomos Ninja V+ 8K Monitor is one of the best, top-of-the-line external camera screens that offers a wide range of features and functions for professional photographers and videographers. One of the most interesting things about this monitor is its huge 8K resolution, which makes the screen look very sharp and detailed.
The monitor also works with many different video formats, such as 8K/4K/2K/HD and HDR, so it can be used with many different cameras and recording devices. The Atomos Ninja V+ 8K Monitor has a lot of ports and inputs, such as HDMI 2.1, SDI, and USB-C, which makes it easy to connect to many different devices. It also has a built-in LUT engine that lets you change the color of your footage and see a preview of it in real time.
- High-resolution screen that can show 8K video, perfect for professional video production
- The small size and light weight make it easy to carry.
- Supports common recording formats like ProRes and DNxHR for high-quality video capture
- Wide range of input and output options, including 12G-SDI for advanced connectivity
- Because the screen is small, it might not be good for detailed monitoring in some video production situations.
- Moderate brightness of 1000 nits, may be hard to see outside when it’s bright.
The Good
The Bad
FAQs
The Atomos Ninja V is our top pick for a camera screen that goes outside the camera. You can record 4K video at 60 fps and play it back on the device itself. It also has all the features and ports you need to take good photos and record good videos. Try out the newest technology for external camera screens.
A lot of on-camera monitors can improve your camera’s video output as well as make it easier to record by making the screen bigger. If you want to get serious about making movies, you need an external monitor, no matter what kind of camera you use to shoot.