5 Reasons To Use An External Monitor For Video! First Look at the Viltrox DC-550 Pro

[@KALINAmoto]

Does Viltrox dc550 Pro display that focus guide from canon camera? I mean the green square with 3 "triangles".

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yes it does! Didn't know the answer right off the bat, but just plugged it in and tried and it does for sure. 👍🏼 Thanks for watching!

[@KALINAmoto]

@@AndreiRestrepo Thats nice. Thanks for answet.

[@truthseeker6804]

does the focus area box show on the monitor during recording? i use a small AF area on r6ii. can i see all the camera screen info on monitor? im considering buying one. thanks

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yes, you can see all the same tools you see on the camera screen!

[@epsonc882009]

Nice video. Can you use the camera's LCD screen while the external monitor attached? ie. touch AF on the Camera's LCD screen. I'm using Canon R5. Thanks

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks! I can with the R5C, but I can't with the R6 mark ii. So I feel like you wouldn't be able to with the R5

[@epsonc882009]

@@AndreiRestrepo Thank you. Does the monitor support 4K 120P?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

That I haven't tried. I only tried it up to 4k60

[@patrikmigac8998]

Hello, can you power this monitor via powerbank with usb c when battery is not plugged in? Or maybe with battery plugged in but kind of like using monitor while recharging at the same time?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I need to test it, but I know for sure you can power it through USB-C whether a power bank or plugged into the wall. Just can't remember if you have to have a battery, I think you don't. I don't think it recharges the battery either. Thanks for watching!

[@Kreativision]

I’m having trouble loading custom luts. When I press userluts, the side table selection does not come up. Please help!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I think when I first tried it too, I was having issues with a slower, small storage card. Try using a bigger capacity and faster speed one to see if that helps! if not, you might have to reformat it into something else too.

[@matecseke4574]

Hi Andrei! I would need advice. I got this screen. I tried to mount it on the gimbal and so far everything was fine. however the supplied cable turns out to be too hard and breaks my gimbal. Could you tell me what cable you use please? A thousand thanks

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hey! I would just buy a longer/not as sturdy cable so it can easily move with the gimbal. Like maybe longer than you need so it doesn’t affect the gimbal performance at all!

[@matecseke4574]

I have a sony alpha. Do you think the USB C cable with HDMI would be fine for me too? as you have it. or is it better that I get the cable with both HDMI ends?

[@twirlybird5212]

When doing still shots does the monitor show the in camera level? I just bought the Godox GM6s and it won’t show the in camera level. Thinking of returning it and get the one on your video. But I want to see the level.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

No I don’t think so unfortunately. Not sure why it looses the level. Next time I use the monitor I’ll try it out, but pretty sure since it looses it in video mode too

[@beerborn]

I decided to order one. It's a pain when focusing my Sirui manual 24mm anamorphic lens on my Canon R5. With a built-in focus feature, I was sold on it. I also have the Haida Pro II MC CPL-VND, which is very difficult to assess when viewing on a small camera screen, especially shooting at F 2.8.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Nice! I haven’t used many fully MF lenses, but yes this would be a hugeee help. Thanks for watching!

[@speakstruth7742]

Please talk about the false color scales for the types 1 and 2 and how accurate it is. I am considering this and the SmallHD Action 5. I'm most concerned with exposure tool accuracy.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hey! Tough to say since I haven't used that monitor. I find it pretty accurate though! But I also find my camera's false color scale even more accurate on the R5C, but obviously if your camera doesn't have that then it's going to help a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@Oksycreates]

Just watched you video, love it, getting the monitor, where do I get the friction arm?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks so much! The arm attached to the gimbal that the monitor is sitting on? It’s by smallrig! amzn.to/3NjbsVw

[@festusjackson-davis7572]

How do you record on this monitor? There is no recording knob on it

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I doesn’t record to the monitor, so there isn’t a record button. Still just have to do it on the camera. Think of it as just a larger screen attached to your camera with some more features. If it was an external recorder & monitor, then it would probably have a record button. Thanks for watching!

[@florianouaddour]

How do you know when it's recording? I don't see any recording icon on the monitor. Thanks!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I think that’ll come down to what your camera does. Like for me I’m just shows a little recording icon on my camera screen other than the external red record light. I don’t think the monitor knows when the camera is recording? Maybe I’m wrong on that

[@VectorRoll]

Just curious. Can you connect a small mini pc running windows 11 through the HDMI in Port and use it as a monitor for the mini PC? I am thinking of making my 3D Scanner into an all-in-one handheld unit via a mini PC and small HDMI screen and mounted via some sort of camera rig. This monitor would be perfect if I can have Windows 11 displayed on it. A bonus would be if the touch pad features also works but not necessary.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I can’t say for sure! Would have to be something you personally try out. Haven’t read anything about being able to connect a computer to it!

[@VectorRoll]

@@AndreiRestrepo ok thanks

[@richryanphotography]

Next item on my purchase list... Thanks. I have an atimos monitor now, but I love the hood that doubles as a case....

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Same, love that feature

[@watzmaaname]

💯

[@CanalDaSuka]

Hello Andrei, I'm in doubt between a 5 or 7 inch monitor. What's your opinion? Tks

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hmm, never used a 7in monitor! Unless it's only for interview/full controlled studio setups, I think it might be overkill, 5in is plenty big IMO like this one!

[@CanalDaSuka]

@@AndreiRestrepo thank you so much!!! Something I feel hard to see the straight lines on a small camera monitor for real estate shooting... hehehe..

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Haha I feel that! Bigger screen would definitely help!

[@wout.schreurs]

Hi, I've inserted an SD card with my own LUTs in the monitor but I can't use them? I don't see them either on my monitor

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hmm, I think you have to reformat the SD card to a certain format. I had to do a little bit of hunting around online first and then it worked. 🤔

[@warrenstanley6973]

@@AndreiRestrepo Have you been able to find out what the issue is as mentioned above. I have reformatted on a windows PC in FAT, but I don't get a list of LUTs as you seem to have. I don't believe my monitor is reading them on the card. Any ideas?

[@warrenstanley6973]

​ @romeo.ardael In case anyone is stuck as I was: You have to format your card. If 32Gig or less you can format in FAT32. My card as a 64Gig card, in which case it can't be formatted to FAT32. Windows alternative is exFAT. this doesn't work. If you format in NTFS, then it seems to work. You can even have folders and file your LUTs

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Glad it worked out!

[@wout.schreurs]

@@warrenstanley6973 Thank you so much, that solved it

[@creativepicnl]

Great review. Would you recommend a monitor for travel/amateur purposes? A monitor(for scientific purposes, the Viltrox one as an example) does add more bulk on the setup. The flippy screen on my XT4 does lack when it comes to composition and getting peak sharpness while on the go. Thanks! 12:10

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thank you! Yes I would. It helps in every way honestly. Simply being a bigger screen than your cameras flip screen, and additional exposure/focus features your camera may not have! Sure, does add some weight and bulk so just depends if you can justify that. I personally can’t for RE video shoots as much, but higher video production work most definitely. Thanks for watching!

[@creativepicnl]

@@AndreiRestrepo Thanks for replying. Awesome. I'm considering a monitor but I'll have to look into which one would fit my set up. I like the Viltrox but I'll have to research it a bit.I'm planning to shoot my first F-log (Fuji) travel video so I think that it would be beneficial to get one. Thanks again!

[@jineshc]

how did u record internally on canon while being monitoring externally , my canon r7 doesnt support that feature.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hmm, you might have to adjust the HDMI settings in camera bc the r7 should definitely support being able to use an external monitor. Have you checked those settings to see if hdmi preview is turned off or something like that?

[@edi18912]

do you think its not really worth the pro just for some more color readers

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Up to you! I haven’t used the other one, what’s the price difference? I’d say if your camera lacks those features it would be worth having. Thanks for watching!

[@fredacaccavale242]

What bracket is holding the monitor

[@AndreiRestrepo]

The monitor comes with a little hot shoe adapter that can be put on your camera, or on a handle for example. Thanks for watching!

[@jimontario]

Hi Andrei, I saw R6 in your camera list, not R6 ii. Is there an advantage to use R6 instead of R6 ii, better dynamic range or better color? I am trying to buy a R6 or a R6 ii for video and photography.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks for letting me know, I need to update that! I use the R6ii because it's a little more video oriented and has never even attempted to overheat for me. I ran into that a few times on the R6 mark I, and the 6K oversampled image is nicer! Plus 24mp vs 20mp is a bit better. I'd say the R6ii is the better true hybrid camera. Thanks for watching!

[@AerialMotionPhotography]

Just purchased one after watching your video. We have similar setups. I have a Canon r6 mii and DJI RS3 Pro. What length cable would you recommend?? Thank you for the great content!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Nice! Glad to hear it. I would try using the one it came with first. I think it might be longer than the one I replaced it with so you might not need to get a new one anyway. Thanks got watching!

[@AerialMotionPhotography]

@@AndreiRestrepo thanks man!

[@AerialMotionPhotography]

@@AndreiRestrepo Hey I have a couple questions using the Viltrox DC-550 Pro on my R6 Mark II. 1. For photos in AV mode shooting AEB brackets I normally use autofocus and touch shutter 2 second timer shooting. Is this monitor touch screen in the respect of pressing the screen on where to focus?? I'm okay if touch shutter isn't available using the screen. 2. For video can I touch screen where I want the video to focus when in auto focus video?? When filming interviews with realtors I like to set the focus on the closest eye. p.s. I joined your community and have enjoyed watching your behind the scenes videos. Thank you.

[@mustafakamal8608]

Do you set zebra for camera monitor and external monitor separately?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yes you can! For example the camera I'm using has zebras and so does the monitor, so I could choose which one I'd like to use or perform's best. But if your camera doesn't have zebras or other exposure tools, that's where the monitor becomes super beneficial for that. And technically you could set one value in your camera's zebras, and another in the monitor too but it could get really hard to read all that zebra's going on. Thanks for watching!

[@alancongratssoonyoullhead5273]

Hi Andrie Do you use 15-35 or 14-35 or which one would you recommend for Real Estate photography? Thanks for great contents

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hey! I use a 15-35, just because the 2.8 aperture is way more versatile, especially for video work. If I only did RE photo, then I would probably get an f/4, like the 14-35 or an EF 16-35 F4 IS like I used to have. Thanks for watching!

[@cpulleyb]

Which phantom lut are you using with this monitor? I'm going nuts with the phantom luts for my sony as this monitor is just not displaying them correctly.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

just the neutral one! Hmm, mine displays just fine. I just want it to preview a natural rec709 color.

[@cpulleyb]

This is going to drive me nuts. Are you using the 33x, 65x, or the atomos monitoring luts? Appreciate the response.

It’s also happening to me. The colours look terrible 😢

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Dang! what cameras are y'all using? not sure if me using the R5C makes it any better for that. I actually just looked on the monitor and I have both the canon conversions LUTS + phantom on there. Not the atomos ones. Try putting on of each on there and cycle through them?

[@richryanphotography]

Hey Andrei, great content as always... On the Viltrox monitor, If I shoot in C-log, and use the c-log lut I will be able to see more or less what the edited version will look like? Meaning on the monitor it wont look all faded and desaturated ??? I am new to video so I havent shot in C-log yet

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Correct! That’s what I did, I uploaded the clog LUT I use in editing to the monitor to get a better representation of the image. Works great!

[@michaelsilva866]

I was debating whether to get one or not. Thank you for helping me make the decision to buy one.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Of course, happy to hear that! Pretty great monitor for everything it offers and the price point it’s at. Thanks for watching!

[@LawrenzBrian]

Hi Andrei, can I use slog3 lut + a lut (cinematic lut) at the same time?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I believe just 1 LUT at a time. So I would think you would need to create 1 LUT by combining those in editing and exporting as one, thanks for watching!

[@romeo.ardael]

Hey man, nice video! Can't seem to get my custom LUTS recognised by Viltrox. I tried 17 point and 33 point Cube to export my Luts. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks so much! Hmm, is the SD card in the right format? Some of the LUTS I use also have monitor versions as well, not sure how different they are from the regular editing LUTS.

[@romeo.ardael]

@@AndreiRestrepo How do I get monitor versions of my LUTS? what format is it? I'm currently using cube formats. That's probably why its not being recognised.

[@TimothyRomani]

@@romeo.ardaelhey! Make sure your sd card is formatted in FAT32

[@romeo.ardael]

@@TimothyRomani Thanks I'll try it out!! :)

[@warrenstanley6973]

​@@romeo.ardael In case anyone is stuck as I was: You have to format your card. If 32Gig or less you can format in FAT32. My card as a 64Gig card, in which case it can't be formatted to FAT32. Windows alternative is exFAT. this doesn't work. If you format in NTFS, then it seems to work. You can even have folders and file your LUTs

[@jlsmedia8960]

On my camera (A7 IV) the entire monitor is not supported by the Viltrox monitor and I have a black border on the sides. Does anyone know how I can change this?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

You have black borders on the sides of the monitor? Is it because the exposure tools are up? I remember when I press one of the preset button on the top it does that. Bummer to hear though! Strange it wouldn't be fully supported. Thanks for watching!

[@jlsmedia8960]

@@AndreiRestrepo I've already found the problem👍🏼

[@chan94570]

Hi Andrei, nice video! I'm having some problems with my own DC550 pro which i just bought. I loaded a few luts on my sd card and put it into my DC550 pro but it shows nothing. (In your video it appears to have some new options of luts on the menu) I'm not sure what is wrong. And are there any other way to power the monitor other than charging the npf550 battery? I plugged in a type c cable, but my battery is still not charging.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hey! Sorry to hear. I had a few issues loading LUTS at first because u was using too slow of an SD card, and then used a faster one and it worked. Is the sd card in the right format? Are the LUTS in a folder on the card? If so, remove the folder and see if they come up then? And yes, you can plug it into the wall, that’s normally how I use it in my office. Thanks for watching!

[@watzmaaname]

@@AndreiRestrepo What SD cards work? V30 / V60?

[@NickinNashville]

I tried to buy this but your affiliate link said item was unavailable

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yeah, I last saw it was out of stock on Amazon! Bummer, appreciate the support though!

[@watzmaaname]

Thank you Andrei! That was helpful! Couple of questions - Is the provided cold shoe mount tiltable? Do the monitoring tools (waveform, false color) represent Log information even when using monitoring LUTs or do they change when turning on LUTs? TIA

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hey! Glad it was helpful. Yes, comes with the tiltable cold shoe mount! And yes, monitoring tools represent the log info whether LUTS are turned on or not. Thanks!

[@watzmaaname]

@@AndreiRestrepo Great! Thanks man!

[@hemanshupareek_1]

Bro just a little doubt this monitor supports 4k 60 and 10bit 422? Do you try it?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Hmm, trying to remember if I did! I normally use it for 4k24. I think even if you do, it’ll show in either 1080p on the monitor, or in 4k. But basically the same. But I usually use it with my camera pushing a 4k24 10bit 422 mp4 signal to it and it works fine

[@KALINAmoto]

Nobody said that damn canon r6 mark II turns off camera display while hdmi is pluged. I bought viltrox dc550 and mountaing accesories. Wasted so much money for nothing. Now i realised how you avoid showing that in your video. All the angles shoot in a way to dont show that issue...

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I actually just plugged in the monitor to my r6 mark ii and you're right! Bummer. I think it's because most of this video I was using the R5C, not the r6 mark ii. It definitely works differently with it. Do you need the small LCD screen if you're using th monitor though?

[@KALINAmoto]

@@AndreiRestrepo Yes i needed camera screen for tap to focus and false colors which is better than viltrox one. Anyway Im returning it. Canon is a joke in this case.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Ahh bummer, sorry to hear!

[@jezmink]

Does it have an IPS display.

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I actually went back to double check and can't find an answer, sorry! The image is pretty nice and accurate bit I still either use the exposure tools or in camera exposure tools to be sure either way. Thanks for watching!

[@Gilsrand]

Bro honestly, one of the biggest selling points to me was that sunshade lmao such a clutch addition!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

For real! Acts as a monitor case too. Something all monitors should come with!

[@auomi8762]

Thanks for the content. Really have been enjoying your videos!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Appreciate it so much! Thanks!

[@sandorszabolcsi]

Excellent review much appreciated

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it! Still using this handy monitor, works great for me!

[@TaylorBrownPhotoVideo]

Looks super nice!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yeah it is ! Have you busted out your monitor on the c70 yet?

[@TaylorBrownPhotoVideo]

Of course! Love it. Makes it feel like you're watching a movie when you're filming.@@AndreiRestrepo

[@gamerbryanbtw6501]

definitely on the list to get. price compared to ninja is a nice factor too. Nice job

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yup! If you don’t need external recording like the ninja, it’s a great monitor! Thanks for watching!

[@JosephelLeon]

A very unique review. Thanks!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Thanks for watching, appreciate it!

[@RafickBottse]

Ok review But.. You've missed the most important part ..the image exposure is not accurate ! I tested it on the Blackmagic p6k and the sony a7siii.. the false color of the monitor are not the same nor even close to the p6k. Don't get me wrong i love the build quality,simplicity and menu options . Thats why i bought it .. its just sad that i really have to double check my cam monitor everytime to see if my image is correctly exposed . P.s I've tried correcting the monitor close to my cam display but that makes it worse ..

[@AndreiRestrepo]

With ever exposure tool? Like false color, wave form, and zebras? Since I haven't had it for a long time, I called it a "first look" in the title and not a full blown review and rather tips on how I've been using it. Thanks for sharing!

[@madsappeal]

Isn't the interpretation of false color different from manufacturer to manufacturer? That's how I understand it, there's no standard, so you'd have to learn how the Viltrox does it and not compare it to Sony or BM or other manufacturers?

[@jasonp2830]

Can you flip it vertically for full view vertical video?

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Yup, works great for short form content because you can do that! Thanks for watching

[@ihustlemuzikfilms]

It’s something wrong with that battery It goes dead even when the monitor is not on

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Oh really? I have bigger versions of the battery so I haven't used the one it came with.

[@ihustlemuzikfilms]

@@AndreiRestrepo yep I bought different batteries it doesn’t have that problem anymore

[@kellcoleStyleEnt]

But if don’t shoot raw footage

[@AndreiRestrepo]

I don’t shoot RAW video, just the 10bit mp4 modes which looks almost identical to raw. Just have to nail all the settings in camera!

[@kellcoleStyleEnt]

@@AndreiRestrepo what is log then

[@kellcoleStyleEnt]

@@AndreiRestrepo make since

[@AndreiRestrepo]

Log is a color profile that captures more color information and dynamic range, but it’s still not RAW video. Cinema cameras can shoot raw video but the files are massive, your computer has to be pretty powerful, but it is the best for the most color information, and being able to adjust things like exposure and white balance like you would a raw photo. 10 bit log falls right in between shooting regular 8 bit color profiles, and raw. Way for flexible in editing than 8 bit, but not as much as raw video. Hope this helps!

[@MichaelFord15]

Monitors are a useful tool but they’re overkill for real estate videos and I noticed since this SPONSORED video you haven’t used one in any video since. 🤔

[@AndreiRestrepo]

You’re right, a bit overkill for RE but helpful for others starting out. I use it for when I’m filming my videos or filming agents on camera still. Not sponsored, product was sent to me for free but I made the video how I wanted to. Thanks for watching!

[@Ravisidharthan]

Man, can this monitor record video in sd card? Their website says not....please tell me

[@AndreiRestrepo]

No, unfortunately it doesn't;t support external recording. The SD card slot is to load previewing LUTS onto it. Thanks for watching!