Monitors and recorders
On-camera monitors, monitor-recorders and rack playback decks for judging focus, exposure and framing, or bypassing the camera's codec.
How to choose a camera monitor
Brightness. Nits decide whether you can see anything outdoors. A 1000-nit panel is usable in shade; direct sun needs 2000 nits or a hood. SmallRig's sun hoods cover the cheaper route.
Inputs. HDMI only, or HDMI plus SDI. SDI matters the moment the cable run exceeds a few metres or the camera outputs SDI. The Atomos Ninja TX carries both plus Wi-Fi.
Recording. A monitor shows; a monitor-recorder records. Atomos's Ninja RAW, Ninja TX and Shogun AV-19 capture ProRes and raw to SSD, which usually beats the camera's internal codec. Blackmagic's Video Assist 7" 12G HDR does the same job with Blackmagic RAW.
Size and where it lives. 5" on a gimbal or a small rig, 7" on a shoulder or a director's stand, 19" rackmount for a gallery. Hollyland's Pyro 5 and Pyro 7 add a built-in wireless receiver so the monitor is also the receiver.
Decks. HyperDeck Studio HD Mini through 4K Pro record and play back in a rack for live production and playout.
Atomos, Blackmagic, Hollyland and SmallRig all ship priced here. Godox monitors are enquire until dealer pricing lands.