Monitor+ App for Sony Filmmakers - Real World Results [A7s III]

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

More filmmaking questions? I'll be making a FAQ video soon. Ask me anything: bdn.li/ask-me-anything

[@mkondeja]

Not so filmmaking but specific to this video. What is this puck glued to your a7 screen? Counterweight, magnet?

[@unscriptedstudio]

@@mkondeja Good eye. That’s actually an Apple Air Tag covered by gaff tape.

[@futurascope]

@@unscriptedstudio And what can it be useful for?

[@emhammad]

FWIW, the free version of the app worked with USB-C connections on my Sony A7 IV (on Android device). But wireless connection did not work until I paid for the Pro version of the app! It's worth it. Just thought I'd mention this in case some of you are hesitant to buy it because wireless didn't work. Thanks for the great video!

[@avcreations2494]

Thanks Brandon, love your videos and humble style of delivery. SO many youtubers seem to think they are entertainers and need to make it about them. You just put out great content.

[@streetlegends]

another cool feature of the monitor + app is utilizing power zoom lenses. Example. I do automotive filmmaking. I attache cameras to cars to record others utilizing suction cups. Some times you might wants to change lenses or the field of view. With the app you can zoom a power zoom lens.

[@RoyGregorio]

What power zoom lens do you recommend for automotive filming? I'm shooting on an A7SIII.

[@GoodGuysMedia]

The delay on the Ninja V gets in the way. However when I've used my smart phone it's always been choppy and drops frames. I am reluctant to try this, even though all of your tips have helped me develop into a full time videographer. I'll give it another go. Thanks for this vid!

[@dukebozikowski3801]

Sony should just buy this company out and iron out the bugs

[@themovietour]

Genius idea

[@BEHZIDAS]

The master of gimbals 💯 thanks for the great video 🙌

[@perthlongboardingsociety321]

Been amazed by this app and honestly I’d say the real best feature is just having a much better, Blackmagic style User Interface, over jumping into Sony’s menus. The fact you can just access the framerate, switch between XAVC- I, S, and HS, and jump ISOs from 640 straight to 12,800. Way faster than diving into menus to do the same thing or incrementally getting between base ISO’s.

[@pzark3638]

What device are you using with the app?

[@Kevin-ek1rj]

Quick tip: Set your base rate for lowest ISO to 640 and your highest ISO to 12800. Then when you switch from 640 to 12800 or vice versa, it's just two clicks away.

[@ekphotography]

@@Kevin-ek1rj How exactly?

[@Kevin-ek1rj]

From 640 ISO go DOWN DOWN to get to 12800 - and Vice Versa from 12800 hit UP UP to go to 640. @@ekphotography

[@seanlefloch]

Solid app that I have been using with my a7iv. Works 80% of the time over WiFi. Best features are luts and false colors.

[@RaymondToms]

How did you make the connection. My a7iv says "cannot select the USB connection mode during usb cable connection with this setting" when trying to select pc remote to On.

[@RaymondToms]

Cannot recognise the USB cable. I have tried several of my cables and even just bought an Apple one as recommended

[@seanlefloch]

@@RaymondToms sorry, I only use with WiFi as you can only use usb feature with android. Hope this helps!

[@RaymondToms]

@@seanlefloch Thanks Sean. I am using an Android, attempting to connect via USB.. :(

[@ScottJWaldron]

Glad you were able to find a decent-ish solution. It's too bad the app is so buggy.

[@twbrkfd1733]

It's 1/3/2025 and STILL has issues!

[@ScottJWaldron]

@@twbrkfd1733 wow

[@rumijarl]

Great coverage of all the issues a shooter will actually encounter, comparing to other youtube\content creator\ filmmakers. Thanks very helpfull.

[@NZSJoel]

I've been using the app for about 5 months since V1.0 and have never had it crash on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. I did have frequent issues with having to reactivate it in past though where it sends an SMS code (in which case it wouldn't send at all after repeated attempts). The support was great though and they gave me a permenant activation code for when it asks for the code. Highly recommended app!

[@sportyjen62]

oh cool! Is image on your phone 1080p?? I imagine the resolution on your phone is 4k

[@DokoGaTV]

Many thanks for the awesome video! This is one of the best breakdowns of using Monitor+ and it’s good to know that I can actually have a wired connection versus just wireless. Mahalo! 🤙🏼🥃

[@kunalpatel1490]

I have watched all review videos of the sony compact 24mm, 40mm, 50mm G lenses. Time and again I have searched if you have shared your thoughts or reviewed these lenses. Now that I see you are using one of these on your camera, can you please please review and provide your thoughts on these tiny lenses. I love these tiny lenses for their weight.

[@dougcooper4917]

Excellent Video and Excellent Information Brandon. Thank You.

[@windstee]

Thanks a lot Brandon! You solved the problem I had with the Weebill S and also the setting for b-roll with handle! Thanks again

[@treborikki]

Cool! Thx for your advice!

[@ChrisLaxamana]

Anyone else notice the genius idea of the Apple AirTag tracker on the camera? Nice.

[@serhiichernetskyi4001]

Great video. I like how your wrap Ronin handle with duct tape, I had to do the same thing because of lose rubber on the handle.

[@CarlBertossi]

Bro use grip tape no glue on hands and no slipping while hands get sweaty 💪🏻

[@Wisdom2thMusic]

Great video as usual. Good news for iphone users, the app now supports usb c connectivity

[@JeremyRoyer2]

Ive been using this app for my a7iii but there are a lot of limitations. It will not connect to the phone via wifi. If I use the usb c connection the a7iii disables steady shot while recording and there is no tap to AF on the app. The app will work with any OTG/webcam though so i bought a 20 dollar hdmi usb capture card, went from hdmi out on a7iii to capture card, then capture card to usb c on phone. It works great, nearly zero latency, and the resolution is a bit more crisp then just going from usb on camera. I don't have any control of camera settings on the app though. The setup is really not too bulky but its worth it given the limitations of the app when used with an a7iii.

[@BrillianceAutoSpa]

Very interesting! Care to share what capture card you're using?

[@PaperKittenProd]

wow! thank you soooo much! i was searching for something like this! this app will save me a ton of cash and weight!

[@Allaberhenov]

omg, this is what i was searcheng few weeks D: THANK YOUUUU i tried this app with my a6400, but it only works in usb mode, no wifi.. not a big deal, but still its amazing app

[@IndyVisuals]

We waiting for Istanbul videos. They look amazing on instagram

[@drcinematic.youtube]

Oh man, Sony and developers could change the pulling focus game if they worked together on these kind of apps. Thanks for the video!

[@drcinematic.youtube]

Please, make a another video controlling / switching between autofocus areas with this app, for example, when having different people in the frame, but you want to stay on one for a while and then change to another one.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

If the people are static and not moving around a lot, tap focus on the app should work for that. But it looks a bit robotic, doesn’t have an ease-in or out.

[@drcinematic.youtube]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted Good to know that! Better sticking to an AC then.

[@sjsteib]

Tried it - gave it back. 2 main drawbacks - for Photography - it doesnt support zoom for exact Focus, the tap to focus function is extremely buggy and some of the feature combinations work- some don´t it´s kind of confusing. Probably better for the filmers, but for me not bugfree enough.

[@MustWorkWeekends]

Great tip about using the focusing scale!

[@YoungBlaze]

unfortunately when you try to do a play back it always defaults back to the back of the camera

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yes this is Sony’s fault. I don’t know why their wifi monitoring doesn’t allow playback

[@LucBVideaste]

Thaaank's !

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Cool! Thank you for sharing it. ✌️

[@LensVid]

have you had any issues with overheating when in wifi mode?

[@ELEVATIONFilms]

Great video ! Can you link your phone mount ?

[@luboyanev]

+1 Same question here

[@ronhautau]

Looks like possibly Ulanzi ST-06S

[@veesoho93]

Great video !

[@RYO92]

Hi brother! I have a issue when i connect cable to phone or gimbal the dual record on SD cards does not work anymore.. Do you have a clue?

[@vitasphotovideo]

you have sony a7 s iii?

[@TheThaiLife]

Why not use the DJI app? Just curious.

[@MustWorkWeekends]

The app is great! I haven't had any crashes with it. Another way I use it is with also with a monitor. I use the phone for strictly scopes.

[@PraiseYeezus]

what phone do you use with it?

[@MustWorkWeekends]

@@PraiseYeezus samsung galaxy s8

[@xdrew707x]

Got a used smallhd focus5 for 200, and its been good to me. Light and the picture quality is wonderful

[@CarlBertossi]

How many batteries and what size will you use at 4h use ?

[@xdrew707x]

@@CarlBertossi i have 2 750's...1 battery usually go around 3.5 hours, I tried the 950 and they last around 5 hours, but it was a little too big for me so, I keep 2 for my monitor, I also have a few 550 for my led lights and those last around 2 hours

[@johnlmc]

great review. too bad the app is not for A7iii. By the way, do you always use natural light or you do place artificial lights somewhere. thx

[@be_mesmerized]

Been using an app for quite some time. It’s not the best, but I don’t like to carry additional monitor with me so it does the job. :)

[@Whaever_1981]

Great video! :) What's that tape on the back of your sony a7sIII display? Also, how often do you use a phone with your gimbal for monitoring? Seems like its more of a fit for specific scenarios...

[@VozMadridista]

I was going to ask the same thing

[@henrytheturnip]

My guess is a counterweight to compensate for the focus motor, but then he twists the screen out, so maybe not.

[@VozMadridista]

@@henrytheturnip curious

[@piak423]

i guess is Apple Airtag?

[@Whaever_1981]

@@piak423 "Whaever" it is, it sure does not look practical. You can't close that screen inward on the A7SIII with that thing sticking out.

[@HristosInAfrica]

nice video thanks

[@stilgoin]

Great 👍 video … but what is the accessory that is holding the I phone?

[@eloreneloreneloreneloreneloren]

Yo, that Apple Tag placement is sick. However, I'd hide it under a square thing, so you won't understand that this is a circle with AirTag

[@jasielm5258]

I bought the app just for being able to add my luts. It’s convenient when the WiFi signal is good. I use a iPhone so I’m stuck with WiFi

[@marclabro]

nice tuto ! - how can we miss the wifi at 30cm distance ? bluetooth doesn't help i suppose ? - About RMT : -good idea to set C1 to AF/MF toggle in photo. I set AF/MF to lens focus hold so, I will change it, like you. - what do you set to AFON in photo and video modes (a7iv, a7rv) ? in photo i use back button focus afon and for video (turn top wheel to video mode), i set AF/MF toggle on AFON

[@garethangelopontipedra2185]

How do I connect to the camera with the app via wireless while also keeping the gimbal plugged in

[@Peterogen]

thank you

[@kumar.g4596]

This App not working in my Sony a7iii with My Camera ... App installation successfully .. But not connect Phone with Camera plz Give me a any solution ?

[@quirkworks4076]

Really nice video. According to the app documentation, this now supports a wired connection for most Sony cameras. And Brandon, what's up with the back of your LCD screen? You may want to have that looked at... ;-)

[@OmniVisionElite]

can you use Raven Eye at the same time?

[@tomaltman9506]

Monitor+ is a networking app. I have seen other reviews of this app but cannot find it in play stop or apple apps in the US

[@rsmith02]

It's not in the play store

[@nelsonpuello8722]

Brandon, what is that bump on the back of the LCD screen of the camera?

Yup I am wondering too

[@NakeanWickliff]

@ Bump! Me too!

[@napalmdom]

what adapter use to mount phone?

[@frank.arroyo]

It won't do playback. Is there something you have to do to allow playback

[@Thealphaa01]

Is there any apps like these for canon cameras ??

[@tapelongwenya]

What's the name of the side phone mount?

[@ddespair]

Great review! Do you know how to change the LUT in the LUT preview?

[@abujadroneboy]

whAT TRIPOD OR PHONE HOLDER DO YOU USE TO MOUNT THE PHONE??? DROP A LINK

[@alexsufana1740]

any way to use the touch screen of the phone to pull focus ?

[@clicksbyklauss]

U dont need a capture card??? I needed one for my sony a7c

[@Panther-]

Honestly get a feel world monitor they aren't even expensive, but its what I have ben using for 2 years and I will get an even better 1 soon.

[@maurogutierrez]

Hello, excellent video, we are beginners and we do not speak English, we will use a translator, we wanted to know how to configure in the menu on a Sony A7iv to connect to the android cell phone via usb cable and run the Monitor + app without using the gimbal but only the camera and the cell since configuring in the menu "PC REMOTE ON and PC REMOTE cnct method USB" and connecting from the mobile to the camera with a USB C cable to the camera and to the mobile does not give the signal, thank you, it would be of great help response!!! 👍

[@TroyBrooksPainter]

I take it there’s no audio level interface?

[@flamonaut]

What about accsoon see app? Should also work?

[@BartBoone1988]

What is the name of the application used on the mobile phone to control the camera?

[@CaminoDidjeridu]

Great video Brandon! Why did you put guffer tape at the back of the Sony's articulating screen??

[@CryptikzChannel]

I think it's an air tag if he forgets it

[@CaminoDidjeridu]

@@CryptikzChannel "Air tag"?

[@tapelongwenya]

How can I use my android phone as a DSLR transmitter?

[@miguelflores7880]

Can you please send me a link to the accessories you have to hold the phone and to connect to the gimbal thanks

[@macdoctorsg]

hi, may I know where can I download this app? It's not available on the google store though..

[@RaymondToms]

Hi Brandon. Great video - you sold me the idea of a light monitor for my A7iv and gimbal. I am now using Monitor+ with a cable connection. This version 1.3.0 seems fairly stable. Still waiting on Monitor+ to respond, but how do I enable focus pull? Someone else’s video showed pressing the . . . On the bottom right of the screen, which brought up options to be enabled, including focus pull. However, nothing happens when I touch the . . . Thought?

[@eduard.cinema]

Hello! Please help me which monitor to choose so that I can control autofocus when I click on the monitor screen

[@dandgarage6994]

yay I can connect my iPhone 15 since it uses usb-c! I can confirm it works

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I just discovered this too, it’s great. You can also run hdmi out, use dongle to convert to USB. You get a sharper image, punch-in magnification, and playback. But more latency and you lose camera controls.

[@Rajphotos_usa]

For me, the cable method is not working for iOS.. It’s working for android though .. Thinking of buying this app Is it still crashing ??

[@vihat_studio2000]

What is a App name for Camera Control

[@RaffaelWagenhoff]

Does it got the eye tracking ?

[@SaintGabriel111]

Thank you, Brandon, for a very interesting review. I found this app just yesterday while deciding for my first video monitor. Maybe upgrades will bring some solutions to the present bugs, but even with all the fantastic features allowing us the remote control of the camera I'm still considering the buy of the proper monitor purely for the option of an external battery. I don't like the perspective to be forced to pause the external shooting after an hour or two because my phone is about to die. An additional phone or tablet could solve that, I guess.

[@thegreenworldch962]

Portable charger

[@SaintGabriel111]

@@thegreenworldch962 Well, you can't have a phone connected both to the charger and the camera at the same time, can you.

[@thegreenworldch962]

@SaintGabriel111 in wifi mode. Wifi doesn't mean actual wifi it's just phone to cam wifi is it perfect maybe not but it's very good. Still testing, read mixed reviews but for the price I'll get my money's worth. In general I like monitors but I broke mine so for now this will do.if you got lil pockets of time during a shoot just disconnect & charge & reconnect if your using USB. It connects fast to usb. If your sharp enuff to create a game plan you'll be fine but the truth is this is for ppl on a budget or need lightweight. Monitor will always win because of battery life so pick your poison.

[@thegreenworldch962]

@SaintGabriel111 also in most cases unless you have alot of changes to your lighting environment once I get the feel for exposure I can hang with the regular cam screen. That gives you a moment to charge I guess. I think an hr or less is what you get. I use galaxy s21.

[@thegreenworldch962]

@SaintGabriel111 so I actually tested the usb method today. Got about 1.5 hrs on one battery a7iv & my phone had more than 60% left. I was quite impressed. Not even airplane mode just left everything normal but no wifi Bluetooth or location. A7iv hot to the touch so if I had to shoot that long maybe I'd use a Tripod but that's rare for me I always have moments of pause or might use a mono pod. If you do use wifi mode tho I remember it didn't last that long when I was taking pics awhile ago so I assume video is similar but I got like 1hr or less. But for pics you can easily use the charger so my point of refrence was skewed. Neways I dig it. Buying a hot shoe mount & embracing it till I feel the need to buy a monitor. Gives me time to save up for now.

[@benmagnus0858]

but when you connect it with a cable, you can't use the gimbal to controll the camera anymore

[@curtisclement]

I have that blogger remote and can’t seem to pair with my FX30 would you have any suggestions? Thank you!

[@beyzaercan6811]

hello, we met you in Sultanahmet, you shoot a video when it snows, when will you post it on your channel?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Probably another month! It’s a big project and I’m still editing

[@nicolaslezas7610]

where can i find this application? A link please!

[@soflo_cini]

Is that a AirTag stuck to ur camera behind the black tape?

[@airdailyx]

Even though the app cant display 1080, you are saying the camera will still output 4K to the memory card while tethered to this screen? I ask because when tethered through HDMI if the monitor is 1080, sony cameras will not record in 4K and will only activate when bumped down to 1080.

[@ekphotography]

I just bought this through my iPhone and it connects fine, But I cannot unlock the functions on my iPad? Does anybody know how I can switch back and forth if the case is I cannot use it on both of my Apple Products? I cannot find that information anywhere? Thanks

[@tmoon1351]

Sorry if you’ve answered this question in the other comments but, is that a GPS tracker you’ve stuck to the back of the monitor? I like your video and I’ll certainly try this set up with my iPhone.

[@christopheradams2645]

Hello, Brandon! What is the contraption/attachment that you're using to attach your phone to your DJI RS3 Mini? A part number or brand and model would be helpful. Thanks!

[@marcusdekker]

Hi Brandon, watching many of your movies and standing on the point of starting my own video production company in your style, there is one question on my mind; how about lightning? All those video's shot outside, as a one man run and gun, they are all done without any lightning , right? So you raise the shadows in post and lower the highlights. This video of you sitting at the table is obviously lightend, no questions there. I was wondering about when youre shooting outside, you must pick the moment of the day. Cheers, all the best.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Hi, I have worked with natural light for many years now, so I just know what types of light look good on camera. And depending on the camera I’m using I know how far I can push the lowlight and DR. So it’s more about looking for the right light, then using the right settings.

[@VisiPianoOfficial]

How does this compare to Accsoon Seemo app connected over USB C to USB C? Is the latency the same? I find that the Monitor+ app lets you hit the trigger button in the app and the file is saved on your device as well as internally on the camera which is great to send clients unprocessed files from your phone, but I haven’t seen it on the Accsoon Seemo the same way. The setup is lighter too with the Monitor+ app as you can connect a single cable or connect wirelessly. I know the Accsoon Seemo outputs 1080p60 to the device though which seems to be a plus.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Accsoon seemo had a bit more latency last time I used it. But they updated firmware, supposed to have less latency now. Seemo has higher resolution image, true 1080p.

[@jaysnappsmediallc]

Been using it for a while now, it’s finicky but good

[@RoyGregorio]

Can I still connect the A7SIII to the gimbal to have camera control on my gimbal, while using monitor+ wirelessly?

[@nitinvijay8544]

from where i can download

[@keyurjadav09]

Monitor + app for sony only or all company camera supported??

[@swisstriplet1807]

Do you have problems with audio on the file that is saved to the camera? It seems to take the phone audio instead of the mics connected to the camera...

[@yyao3895]

I see an AirTag attached to your camera’s lcd screen ; )

[@DamijinMyndz]

What’s that?

[@airdailyx]

A tracker

[@cyanidex]

It's a weight for focus motor counterbalance.

[@christopherconkright1317]

Is the publisher lagit I only see the one app by them

[@MechaUsagi]

What's the circular thing taped to the back of your camera's built in screen?

[@TAMINSE]

What merk Phone holder

[@BlizzardOfSeptember]

Hi, what is it mounted on? What is the part called?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

It’s just a phone holder

[@simonjacobsphotography]

Great review. Yep- it crashes. A lot. Touch Focus and tracking are very hit and miss on an FX3. I think I'd rather have extra weight than constantly put up with the bugs and crashes in this app...

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Just depends on the type of shoot. For my type of camera moves I can’t have an extra kg of gear hanging off the side of my gimbal. So the phone is still the best solution.

[@bernarddreyfus9129]

Hello, I wanted to use the Control function via smartphone on my Sony a7siii but it doesn't work; I get a message from: Operation or setting not available with below. sorry, what do I do?

[@SonerBaysal]

What are you doing in Istanbul Brandon X)

[@KirilDobrev]

Does Monitor + allow you to tap to focus the same way you can on the camera’s screen?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yes

[@KirilDobrev]

Brilliant. That’s a huge advantage over monitors like the Atomos!