Feelworld F5 Monitor VS SmallHD Focus Monitor

[@Shtofman]

The comparison was well done. I think it is hard to argue with that much of a difference in price unless you need touch and LUTs onboard. Thanks for taking the time to be in depth and focus on the things you actually see being different in everyday use.

[@chadwin]

Scott Shtofman hey thanks for watching! I wanted to really lay it out side by side cause they’re honestly so similar. A lot of videographers don’t need the features the Small lHD offers but they spend their money on it anyway.

[@reverendv8900]

All I wanted was a simple, cheap solution to the lack of flipscreen on the a7s2 - set it up last night and it works fine. Dummy battery works, I have all the information from the camera that I need on the Feelworld monitor, resolution is fine for my poor eyes. I recommend it to the budget consumer crowd 👍

[@PatrickLockerman]

Hey, UPDATE. Feelworld now has the F6+ that addresses all the shortcomings. And at less than $200! Now make the comparisons!

[@javierherrera9450]

I haven't seen it for under $200 bucks anywhere.

[@JoshBenBernales]

I just recently purchased the Feelworld MA5 which is $10 more than the F5 and it has a mounting point on the bottom so you can ditch the standard arm. Feelworld also told me the MA5 has less delay. So far it’s been good for all I needed it for, quick run and gun shooting, I feel like if people are considering the SmallHD they should spend a little extra and grab the ninja v. Cheers for the review 🙂

[@chadwin]

That's cool. I haven't checked out the MA5 yet, it's sounds like a great alternative! And I definitely agree, the Ninja V is worth the extra money over the SmallHD Focus.

[@Zz-vu2pf]

hello! how did you find the colors on the Ma5? could you trust it?

[@JoshBenBernales]

Zaro Zaro really decent, you can adjust the color to roughly match the camera LCD. If you don’t want to spend close to a thousand dollars on a monitor you can’t go wrong with these.

[@goksel5012]

dont forget: 800 vs 450 cd/m²...

[@kyleranney]

I own both and also the 501 and sidefinder. I used the free world once. Hasn’t left my case since. The small Hd OS and tools are just superb. They both have the same tools, but trust me in saying the focus’ tools are definitely a winner. You can pick up all these monitors on eBay and save some bucks. Also small hd has absolutely awesome customer service.

[@chadwin]

Nice. The SmallHD definitely has a superior OS and it's much easier to use the tools quickly. If you can find one used, it might be worth the extra money, but for those on a really low budget, I still think the Feelworld is a nice option. Yes, SmallHD customer service is very good!

[@takeone22]

thanks for the review. but i can't believe that you did not compare tham in the most important things consider you have the 2 of tham side by side 1. outdoor brightnes, how is the feelworld compare to the smallHD ? 2. color accuracy how is the Feelworld color compare to the smallHD ? also you did not mention nothing about the build quality

[@chadwin]

You’re spot on, I cut out a few things to keep it shorter. The SmallHD is twice as bright for shooting in direct sunlight. The build quality is actually similar. They’re both made of plastic and metal, with the SmallHD feeling a little better. They’re both very accurate on color with standard rec709. דוד בר סלע צלם

[@takeone22]

@@chadwini will be happy to see tham side by side in a bright day light to see the diffrent . if you feel like it ? it will be great :-)

[@rhubbardstockfootage]

i bought the Feelworld MA6 and its a game changer for me!

[@DL-dj9ly]

i see ma6 monitor . maybe i will buy one . but , i look at many right now , i like smal hd , but i don t know why :) I need just a monitor , without features . just a quality monitor , to help me when i filming . I have gh5 , but the screen is small , i can create composition,frame,etc . So , you say ma6 is good :)

[@chadwin]

Yeah, that’s a great monitor as well! Honestly when you go from not using a monitor at all, to using one, it’s a Huge game changer and improves your work so much.

[@rhubbardstockfootage]

@@DL-dj9ly I'm using my monitor with a GH5s (got pictures on my Instagram!) works great, the only thing is remember to order a small HDMI cable! i got a 15inch cable of amazon!

[@rhubbardstockfootage]

@@chadwin I really started to struggle getting focus on the back on my gh5s (my eyesssssssss) but this monitor really helped!!

[@chadwin]

Rhubbard StockFootage oh yeah, it’s so hard to tell from the back LCD even with great vision. Haha!

[@ignacymat]

my fav feature of smallhd was waveform, but i really hated using it in cold enviroment, good old fashioned buttons is the way to go, at least for me

[@chadwin]

dobre sprzęgło yeah, I bet it’s pretty difficult to use touchscreens one very cold places. I live in Arizona where it’s Always super hot so I haven’t had issues but yes, buttons are a necessity sometimes

[@pjfonline]

You also missed that the Feelworld accepts Canon E6 batteries. (@1:32)

[@chadwin]

Valid! It 100% does accept Canon batteries as well, good catch.

[@nietolico]

Buddy! Great review, but you didn't talk about the most important thing. The lagging or delays.... Did you try that, does it has too much lagging or delay. Otherwise it wouldn't work for filming

[@chadwin]

Hey man! Thanks for watching. Yeah, I did test the latency, but it's so minimal that I guess I thought it wasn't worth mentioning. The delay is very tiny and really shouldn't effect your filming.

[@oscarm4154]

nice review - but I bet a lot of people would like to know how they compare in bright situations and how many nits they have - In my book its the most important :) ?

[@OlegShtyk]

Please compare brightness and colors Atomos Shinobi & SmallHD FOCUS 7 & FEELWORLD FW279

[@chadwin]

Олег Штык that’s a good idea. I have something very similar coming soon. Ninja V vs the SmallHD Focus!

[@davidp158]

The price feature set make the Feelworld a great value, but if you need LUT support, the SmallHD is worth the extra $. Pity that the SmallHD uses micro HDMI, as that is a total deal breaker for me. Maybe Feelworld will offer an upgraded version of this monitor to include LUT support and throw in a 1/4x20 on the bottom.

[@chadwin]

Dave Patterson yeah, maybe in the next version they’ll offer LUT support. I actually found out that there is a little adapter that attaches for a 1/4 20 on the bottom of the Feelworld, but mine didn’t come with it!

[@ShotbyPicto]

The Focus is better built with more features and easier access to them, but when it comes down to it, is that important enough to spend 3 x the price of the Feelworld on it? Not to me (and I have both). The 1080 screen vs the Focus’ 720 is a biggie to me, but the fact that it has full size HDMI out is the main winning feature. (I like to bounce the image to a remote monitor). LUT support I’ve never really been able to get my head around to be honest. I like a remote monitor to have a LUT so that a director or client can have a better understanding of what the image will look like when it’s complete, but personally, I like to see exactly what my camera is capturing. A LUT can crush your blacks or throw out your highlights (albeit just within the LUT), and make you question your exposure. If you expose correctly, and get used to seeing a flat image, there’s no real value in having LUTs on an on-camera monitor (imho).

[@davidp158]

@@ShotbyPicto I agree that full size HDMI ports are a big plus. Monitor LUT support is a must-have for me. Without it, judging contrast and focus are nearly impossible, and the exposure controls are crippled. I have never heard of any cinematographer viewing RAW Log format "as is" without a LUT preview, but if it works for you, great. Using a histogram to judge exposure is far less accurate than a waveform, but some people can get by without it. Fortunately there are new 5" monitors with LUT support coming out, like the $400 Atomos Shinobi (monitor only), or the previously released $700 Atomos Ninja V (monitor/recorder). More expensive, yes, but we get what we pay for.

[@ShotbyPicto]

Interesting how we all have different views depending on our personal needs. The Focus having a micro HDMI has never been an issue for me (although the fact that it uses a proprietary cable is questionable, for sure). For reference, the MA5 does have a 1/4 x 20 on the bottom as well as both sides. I don't use a histogram for exposure. I use false color and zebras and prefer to see what the camera is capturing so I don't question myself if the LUT grade "appears" to crush my blacks or blow out my highlights. I'd be surprised if Feelworld don't release an upgrade with LUT support though, but for $169, the MA5 is astonishing value regardless.

[@davidp158]

​@@ShotbyPicto I hear ya. Use what works for you, and save funds for other things when possible. FWIW, I always baby my gear, but micro and mini HDMI ports have failed me so many times. I can't completely avoid micro HDMI ports completely, but it is a major deterrent when evaluating new gear purchases. False color is a great tool, and has distinct advantages over a waveform. Clients hate it, but I love it. I wish monitors offered user adjustable ranges and colors for false color, as they vary wildly from brand to brand. I don't expect any monitor to be 100% accurate (even my studio grading monitor), but LUTs provide a better visual reference for contrast and sharpness for focusing. Focus peaking is much less reliable with Log footage, and I rarely shoot with auto focus. So, a LUT for focus reference is crucial to me. BTW, if your LUT is too contrasty, find (or write) a new LUT with lifted blacks and lowered highlights. Also know that LUT support will influence the exposure tools, which is super helpful when shooting Log footage.

[@CoreyMorrison]

The SmallHD Focus comes with a DC power cable for the wall, at least my Sony bundle did.

[@chadwin]

Corey Morrison oh really? Yeah it must’ve been the bundle you bought cause mine only came with the monitor. It plugs into the Sony npf battery on the back right?

[@baddogentertainment6960]

How does the power cable actually connect to the focus? because it doesn't have a power in port, only a dc power out (to power cameras) unless it's attached to a dummy battery on one end

[@rodrigodemarchi1184]

Subscribing to your channel, liked the in depth, honest review! Thanks

[@chadwin]

Rodrigo De Marchi thanks for subscribing and the support man!

[@stickyrice2141]

does the monitors limit your fps abilities recording at all if your doing slow motion because it doesn't support more than 60 fps and 30fps on 4k ? My guess is that you can't view slow motion on the monitor but can view it on the camera

[@ShotbyPicto]

I also have both monitors (as well as a SmallHD 502). I bought the Feelworld specifically to use on a gimbal, and because it has HDMI out which the Focus does not. I didn’t expect it to be in any way comparable to the Focus, given the fact that even with the dummy Sony battery, the Feelworld is a third of the price. BUT... when I fired up the Freeworld, I was taken aback. It’s so light, even with a battery and its form factor is very similar to the Focus. It’s not as well built as the Focus but I would expect a monitor that is 3 x the price to be built sturdier. Of course, the Focus win hands down on features and the touchscreen access to them, but is that really worth so much? Not to me. I have customized the two function buttons to do the two things I use the most - focus peaking and zoom (for critical focus). I use zebras and metering on my camera LCD to monitor exposure but I can use false color on the Feelworld if I want. Overall, I prefer the Feelworld over my Focus and the full 1080 screen is much better than the Focus’ 720 display (albeit not as bright: 450nits vs. 800, although unless you’re in extreme sunlight, you’re not going to notice much difference). I’m now going to sell my Focus as I’m pretty sure I won’t be using it. It’s second hand value will also way more than cover the Feelworld, so it feels like I got a monitor for free. I got the MA 5, which I think is the updated version of the monitor you reviewed here. Not sure. Thanks for the video. Nicely done.

[@drsuryakumara]

does the feelworld rotate by itself when we do vlogging?

[@chadwin]

@@drsuryakumara No, but you can program one of the function buttons to rotate the screen quickly. Auto-rotate is definitely a great feature of the Focus! Even the Atomos monitors don't have that...

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

When you have your camera in record do you see the whole picture edge to edge on the feelworld or do you get a small box with a picture inside the box not edge to edge like when you plug it in and not push the record button?

[@chadwin]

The image fills the entire display when recording and in preview mode both with the info display on and with clean hdmi out. You have to be in video mode tho on the camera, if you’re in photo or manual it might not depending on the camera

[@MichaelWTurner]

Excellent video. That really helped me. Leaning towards the feelworld.

[@chadwin]

Michael Turner thanks man! Yeah, the Feelworld really does meet the needs of most people and it’s much more affordable.

[@MichaelWTurner]

By the way, used your link. Bought some other stuff too! Merry Christmas!

[@aimhighmediaservices8875]

dude, the small hd does not sit level (and it seems to not have just been my unit, it in this video too), it was an instant return for me

[@chadwin]

Yeah, I’ve actually noticed on a handful of the SmallHD Focus’s that they sit a little lopsided, especially when you have large Sony NPF battery on the back. It’s not an issue with all units, but it’s def annoying. I usually mount mine on a SmallRig tilt monitor mount and don’t even use the tilt bracket much anymore.

[@TheAmeisenbaeren]

Very well explained. Thank you!

[@chadwin]

Benjamin Martins thank you for watching!

[@korujaa]

great review !!!

[@HiHaiNgo]

what about the 8bit vs 10bit color difference? is it visibly noticeable?

[@chadwin]

i haven't noticed a major difference, but I will say the smallHD has a much better OS and better overall screen quality.

[@stevenhartwell]

You left out one of the most import features of all remote monitoring solutions......VISUALLY MONITOR AUDIO INPUT LEVELS! Does this allow you to visually monitor audio input levels onscreen like the Small HD???

[@chadwin]

Sorry, I totally blanked on putting that in. YES! You can visually monitor your audio levels on the monitor. It's just something you turn on or off in the monitor menu system.

[@jaegermah]

Awesome review! Thanks. But no LUTS? Damnnn. That was a deal breaker.

[@jonhinged]

feelword 5.5 f6 has it. just got mine.

[@James_m7]

What about the Feelworld F6 Plus 3D LUT Monitor ?

[@chadwin]

Mark I haven’t used it yet, but I’ve seen good things. Looks pretty similar

[@fabvregregoire8620]

Hello Chadwin, thanks for your review. Can you tell me how is possible to aliment the 7,2V dc input of my A7SII with a 8v DC output coming from this monitor without issues, burning camera composents ? Does the Dummy battery fix the difference of voltage ? Maybe it is a stupid question but I made researchs and I can't find the answer... please telle me.

[@Zz-vu2pf]

does it give trustful colors?

[@chadwin]

Zaro Zaro yes, the color reproduction is good and in rec709.

[@safwanfallatah8611]

What about sunlight?? Is it sunlight prove ?

[@chadwin]

BENTOmemes the Feelworld does okay in sunlight, but I def recommend using the sun hood. The SmallHD is twice as bright though which makes a difference outdoors.

[@james-r]

Great review

[@chadwin]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 thank you!!

[@DigiDriftZone]

Is there anyway to get a DC to USB-C adapter cable? - I want to avoid adding a dummy battery.

[@chadwin]

yeah, im looking into that! if i find a good cable i'll make a video about it here.

[@felipevece]

how is the latency of the feelworld monitor?

[@johnhumbug5199]

if you power your camera via the monitor and power off the monitor off the camera switches off as well. Just sth to bear in mind. huge dealbreaker for me...

[@chadwin]

Patrick Nagenrauft yeah that’s correct! Thats one reason why I don’t actually power my camera off of the monitor ever. I prefer to power both separately.

[@MarcosRochaTV]

Great! Is there any weird color tint on the Feelworld?

[@chadwin]

Marcos Rocha it’s all standard rec709 and I haven’t noticed any strange color tint yet.

[@ShotbyPicto]

Marcos Rocha I also have both monitors and I prefer the Freeworld screen. It’s 1080 rather than the Focus’ 720 to start with. I actually find its color calibration (which is adjustable), more accurate than my Focus. The Focus is brighter, but you will only notice the difference in harsh sunlight (and the Freeworld comes with a sun hood). I bought the Feelworld as an additional monitor to use on a gimbal and because I can bounce the image to a remote monitor because it has HDMI out (the Focus doesn’t) but now I’m about to sell my Focus. I will never use it now I have the Feelworld. Hope this helps.

[@buscandolaverdad8686]

Can I use this as computer monitors?

[@chadwin]

possible, yeah probably. actually useful....no not at all! too small for navigating a computer interface

[@oscarm4154]

ah ok i see it in the comments from other people - Feelworld 450nits....bummer no thanks, my phone is more bright than that :)

[@chadwin]

Oscar Majoros yeah, it’s not the brightest monitor ever. It does well indoors, and in studio. With the sun hood and no direct sunlight it also performs well.

[@bartsperling4101]

How does the brightness compare?

[@chadwin]

Bart Sperling The SmallHD is 800 cd/m2 and the Feelworld is 450 cd/m2. So the Focus is definitely brighter! But if you’re not in direct sunlight, I don’t think it’s a huge deal.

[@Sethmotley]

If I’m correct don’t the Focus have waveform?

[@chadwin]

Yes!

[@ronflores7]

How did you mount it to the gumbal?

[@chadwin]

Ron Flores depends on which gimbal. Here’s a video I made for the Ronin s, but I’ve also made a few others for the Zhiyun Crane! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6TbqmeLp7KYiJY

[@gabrieledagostino9449]

Could you please tell me how many NITS the feelword has? thx:)

[@chadwin]

Gabriele D'Agostino Feelworld is 450 nits. SmallHD is 800 nits, so it’s definitely brighter, which helps in direct sunlight.

[@chupetanegra]

Hahahhaa they feelworld have see this video because f6 plus is now out on the market and is amazing 😉

[@johnnycorcoran7489]

On 1:13min what it call them clapped to your HD to the crane? Cheers

[@chadwin]

This is the setup I'm using to mount a monitor to my Crane. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioCvnp17ptCEb68

[@originaldesigned4745]

what lav mic do you use?

[@chadwin]

Original Designed typically the Rode Filmmaker Lavs

[@DOKOTV]

does feelworld has Waveform?

[@lizzy7310]

hahah… if you are interested in monitors, please PM me~~

[@TylerLeeKenyon]

nice Feelworld monitor!

[@chadwin]

Tyler Lee Kenyon haha yeah man, way nice! Weren’t you looking at getting one?

[@TylerLeeKenyon]

Chadwin Smith yeah I’ve been looking at the 570 but they’re new 7” 2200nit monitor for like $250 looks awesome!

[@chadwin]

Tyler Lee Kenyon oh that’d be nice too! It might be a little big for the Ronin though....?

[@ChrisGeden]

SmallHD is also 10-bit

[@chadwin]

ah good to know!

[@edgaresquivel7750]

thanks for doing your part! subscribe to pewdiepie

[@chadwin]

Edgar Esquivel yes! As a fellow 9 yr old, I must do my part!!

[@ethersecure2432]

why don't you just use your cellphones via HDMI cable as the remote monitor? Battery life is way better

[@chadwin]

Sadly you can't just plug an HDMI cable into your phone and make it become a monitor.....doesn't quite work that way, even If my phone had an HDMI port haha

[@ethersecure2432]

@@chadwin its really too bad the onboard wifi link is so dang horrible.

[@TheAirgunsUSA]

feelworld screen went bad after a couple months. got a new screen, same thing.

[@nagual2335]

No word on the color?

[@chadwin]

Elliot אור אליוט the Feelworld has a good standard color reproduction of rec709.

[@nagual2335]

Chadwin Smith thanks Chadwin just bought it, I’ll see how the colors and reply back

[@marcus-szabo]

SWIT cm55 beats both of them and it's $200.

[@chadwin]

I haven't used one yet, but it looks pretty legit, especially because you can load in LUTs.

[@marcus-szabo]

@@chadwin Yeah it has a lot of great features. DC out. Can take NPF and LP-E6 batteries.

[@koiboy15]

Teradek doesn't have a T

[@jatin_singh_18]

feel world is doing giveaway check it out

[@geekazoid]

This would be a great review with a better haircut.

[@Anton_Dis]

I find for myself that focus peaking on feelworld is not good. It’s even better to say it’s kind of bad.