PortKeys HS7T Monitor: 1200 Nit HDMI & SDI 4K On-Camera 7" Monitor

[@GFFmatt]

Monitor review aside, your color and lighting on this video are stellar!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Matt!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

This looks like a good choice for new and indie film makers. Especially with the 1200 nit brightness. Great find, Curtis. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@perspectivestudioscaribbea5899]

Another awesome Curtis Judd review, great info, always glad to know what options are out there. Happy Holidays dude!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy holidays to you, too!

[@lylestavast7652]

Just wanted to compliment you on the wall treatment behind you on that intro - it looks so convincingly raw, I'd guess it was an unfinished basement wall somewhere in UT. ;) Well done ! :)

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Lyle, you nailed it. Thanks!

[@mrheng562]

Congrats on the 100K subs, and I’m digging the background wall for this video. That cut light is dope with the concrete!!! I’m planning to go to NAB again. Hopefully, everything works out and we’ll be able to meet again.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Heng, looking forward to seeing you there!

[@SergeLetunovskiy]

Thanks for another excellent review Mr. Judd. I am hoping you would be able to help me answer a single question (since I am a brand new kid on the block when it comes to external monitors/recorders). I am shooting my videos with Canon 1Dx mark ii, and I like my footage in 4k 60 fps. Since I can't externally record 4k 60 fps using this camera (the camera doesn't output any 4k signal), the next best thing is to make internal recording with 4k 60 fps, and here is my question... If I am recording internally 4k 60 fps on my 1Dx ii, do I need a monitor that's capable of displaying 4k 60 fps? In other words, if I purchase a monitor that (for example) is only capable of displaying 4k 30 fps, (or even is only capable of displaying 1080 60 fps), would I still be able to make the internal 4k 60 fps recording, while monitoring the recording in progress on an external monitor for focus, and overall image analysis? Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Serge, the important factor is which type of signal the HDMI output port produces. If it is 1080p60, then you need a monitor that supports 1080p60 signals. You'll want to check the specs for the camera or contact Canon to get those details. I would explain that you're looking to get a monitor and need to know what the HDMI port is output in terms of resolution and frame rate. Best wishes!

[@SergeLetunovskiy]

Thank you

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I learn a ton from your videos. Thanks so much!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Dans-hobbies]

Thank you for doing the review Curtis it was very informative!

[@curtisjudd]

You're most welcome!

[@TechLineHD]

Great review, Curtis! This seems like a great option for the money. I've pulled the trigger and bought the SmallHD 702 Bright and Atomos Ninja V for different scenarios, so every other monitor looks so cheap. Have you tested the new Feelworld monitors? They have a metal housing, upgraded UI and very good build quality.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Linus, good to hear from you! Yes, the budget monitors have a hard time comparing to the more expensive monitors. This one was pretty decent in terms of build quality and most of the features. I'd be a little worried if it broke as to whether there would be any support or warranty. I'll have to check out the new Feelworlds. Didn't know they upgraded things.

[@TechLineHD]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for the reply, Curtis! It would be nice to see your Feelworld monitors coverage.

[@claytonmoore2091]

The company is Shenzhen Portkeys Electronic Technology Co. Ltd - a couple of things I cant imagine there is not some kind of warranty so that deserves followup. Also if you look at other monitors in their line up, you see form factors that are "identical" to those in the iKan product line which leads me to believe that either Shenzhen Portkeys Electronic Technology is an OEM for the iKan models I saw, or they have an OEM in common.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Clayton. I have sent an email to them with a query on the terms of warranty.

[@GamerZelda]

I don’t see the link for SDI cable 😢

[@AlexDerrick_DP]

Great review Curtis. I'm loving the Roger Deacon's Blade Runner-esque talking head setup :-)

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks! 🎥

[@LaRobertos]

great review buddy your always helpful how did you know I was looking for this was this just for me?

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@richardsisk1770]

Great review. Thanks. Nice background!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Richard.

[@ethanHat]

Hey Curtis. Awesome video! I'm a little confused about the SDI of this camera. Am I able to record DCI 4k 60fps on my camera while viewing the footage through SDI on this monitor? Why is it labelled as an HD only SDI?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Ethan, for this monitor, the screen only displays full HD in a 16x9 ratio. Therefore it uses a a 3G SDI input which maxes out at full HD 60p.

[@ethanHat]

@@curtisjudd Hi Curtis, Thank you. So if I understand correctly, I will be able to record 4k DCI 60fps on the GH5, but will view a HD 60fps image on this monitor. Is that correct? Sorry, but another question that I have is that since the GH5 has an HDMI port only, can you please recommend a HDMI to SDI adapter that will allow me to accomplish the task mentioned in the first paragraph?

[@curtisjudd]

@@ethanHat Hi Ethan, the GH5 is only capable of up to 24p when shooting DCI 4K. The GH5 has an HDMI output, not SDI. To confirm, I just tested here with my GH5 an HDMI cable and the Portkeys monitor with the GH5 set to C4K (DCI 4K) 24p and it works nicely. I hope that helps!

[@Sonicpallet]

Thanks for the Review Curtis. I always get confused on the HDMI and SDI input capability. I have a Canon c-200 and would like to pair this with the canon using SDI, but does that mean it wont work shooting in 4k RAW with this monitor and only work with 1080?

[@Sonicpallet]

geez i just realized you answered this question...SO sorry :)

[@curtisjudd]

I’m not sure on the C200 but I think you can record 4K and the HDMI port only puts out an HD/1080 signal so this should work fine.

[@Deus_Ex_1]

@@Sonicpallet well not really answered as your question was about sdi output and not hdmi output from the camera

[@KaidoLP]

The TV-LOGIC VFM-056WP, VFM-058W and LVM-095W (not 100% sure about the last one) also do not have battery indicators and not even a battery alarm. They just turn off

[@curtisjudd]

Ouch. Not a great way to work.

[@KaidoLP]

@@curtisjudd and TV-LOGIC is one of the industry leaders, so it is especially bad

[@EstudiosImeXVideoMusic]

Greetings from Bolivia, excellent video, I speak Spanish but on this occasion I am translating my comment into English. well my question is the following. I saw in some videos that so you can control the camera FROM THE MONITOR as being RECORD, AUTOFOCUS etc. There is an option to select what type of camera it is, I am not sure if it will work in the BMPCC4k, because it is not poor or it will only serve me as a monitor and now. please the data this to be able to buy it.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Estudios ImeX Video Music, I'm sorry, I don't understand your question. But I can say that you CANNOT control the camera from the monitor, unfortunately.

[@zaub8034]

Hi Curtis, have you taken a look at the new metal version of the HS7T yet? Would you still say the Osee G7 is the better option? I find it very hard to judge to be honest.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Zaub, no, I didn't even know they had a metal version.

[@curtisjudd]

And I suppose it depends on what's most important for your use cases. If durability is it, a metal case would be nice.

[@MyJeanf]

Hey Curtis enjoyed the video as always . I have ordered the BMPCC4K and am still keeping my GH5. The gh5 I will be using the Ninja V and recording Prores HQ and with the bmpcc4k either Prores or Braw. I am thinking of buying this monitor for the bmpcc4k or the Portkeys LH5H which has bluetooth control but this seems like a better monitor at a lower price. Thanks for the review JF

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and I hope it works well for you!

[@formattester6]

great review! is there any fan noise with this monitor?

[@curtisjudd]

No fan and no fan noise. Great news!

[@formattester6]

@@curtisjudd great news as im going to order this now. i appreciate all of your fantastic reviews! your top notch!

[@syedkhoja4616]

I would be so grateful if you could answer this question as I am totally new to filmmaking and using this monitor - Portkeys HS7T. I am trying to record audio using the Black Magic Micro Cinema Camera (internal audio) - it is recording as I can see the audio levels fluctuating on my monitor and I can play the contents of my SD card (audio and video) on my MAC. However, when I playback connected to my monitor, there is no audio that I can hear. Please could you advise me why this is - does the HS7T playback video without any audio? Or does it only playback audio with a headphone connected - are there no speakers? Many thanks in advance.

[@curtisjudd]

Hello Syed, I believe that there is not an internal speaker, you will need headphones to hear back. Best wishes!

[@syedkhoja4616]

@@curtisjuddThank you Curtis for putting me out of my misery - very naïve of me to not investigate that initially, but yes, the audio works fine with headphones..Just surprised, there is no direct audio playback without headphones!

[@bgeardigital]

Great Review. I was wondering if if sending LOG C to SDI in and you apply a LUT, will the applied LUT be on the SDI out?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Brendan, I think I must have a preproduction model because mine won’t take firmware updates or LUTS so I’m not sure. It has been a good monitor otherwise, but you may want to contact PortKeys to confirm whether the SDI port passes on the stream with LUT applied.

[@ilyaklimin6243]

How do you do,sorry but I misunderstood how I can charge this monitor? I bought it recently wanted to turn it on but it seems out of charge,I know only 2 ways of charging, with dtap Cable and Sony np-f, is there any other way of charging it? Thanks for answer❤️

[@curtisjudd]

The monitor does not have an internal battery to charge. But you can power it via the two ways you mention plus you can buy an external 12V AC adapter. Check at the Protkeys website for details.

[@ilyaklimin6243]

@@curtisjudd thank you very much)))

[@town3]

Love your work Curtis thanks for the info on this monitor. Do you think you'll ever review the SmallHD 703 or 503 monitors.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Michael, I'd definitely consider reviewing the SmallHD monitors. I'll see if I can borrow them.

[@cranesouder7003]

Another great video.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks crane souder

[@Humcrush]

Curtis, Did you test the DC "input"? I was under the impression this was an output from which to power your camera. (Though with the included dtap cable, it makes more sense that it is an output.)

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Humcrush Productions, PortKeys just corrected me and noted that it is both an input and output. With the right adapter and dummy battery, you can power your camera.

[@Humcrush]

@@curtisjudd Thanks, I just received the HDMI only version of this monitor and it would be great to be able to power the Pocket 4K. Since you're talking to the manufacturer, have they given you a line on where power adapters can be purchased? Looks like the important part is getting the power out vs power in pin going to the right wire.

[@curtisjudd]

Will do, sent the question to them just now.

[@Humcrush]

@@curtisjudd You are a prince among men. ;-)

[@curtisjudd]

@@Humcrush Well, they just contacted me and offered to send a dummy battery for the Pocket 4K, but I still don't know where to buy them. More to come.

[@cine_viking_1986]

Thanks for awesome review. Do you know by any chance if False color is customizable? That is if you can assign different colors to IRE values. I was told by portkeys that it's possible while you press F button. I'd like to know if it works because I haven't bought this monitor yet

[@curtisjudd]

I didn't know that was possible. I'll have to try. Could be that later versions support customization.

[@adrjork]

Hi, thanks for your smart review. Question: it seems that batteries don't have a locking system to prevent falls. Is that safe? Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

It is purely friction. I haven't had any batteries fall out. If anything, I find it difficult to remove batteries when it is time to change them.

[@adrianocastaldini]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for your kind reply.

[@Direct19681]

Hey Curtis.. in your opinion is this a good monitor along with the wireless transmitter set up for pulling focus from a directors monitor? As far a latency goes?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi David, usually you'll want the focus pulling monitor to be the first in the chain (not downstream from a director's monitor) - if I'm understanding your question correctly. If the wireless feed comes from an SDI output on camera, this can probably work ok. But if it is sourced from an HDMI output, there can be a fair bit of latency from the camera's HDMI feed. Which camera are you using?

[@AngloSaxon1]

I have a 7 inch Viltrox monitor and it is great

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RonaldSuper7]

Love the review. Hate the audio meters more than the no battery indicator. Pray for the Firmware upgrade..............

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ronald.

[@MyBballer9]

anybody else having problems to slide the NP-F Battery in ?

[@curtisjudd]

No issues on my copy. It was tight so that the batteries wouldn't slide out on their own, but not impossible.

[@Jcenas3D]

Hello! Good review! If I use the HDMI input, can I use the SDI output to transmit a signal that way? (the same doubt with sdi towards hdmi). I hope you can get me that doubt. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

I just tested with my copy here and no, unfortunately it does not appear to do cross conversion from HDMI to SDI. Perhaps a newer firmware version does. Best to contact Portkeys support for details. Best wishes.

[@Jcenas3D]

@@curtisjudd Thanks! merry christmas!

[@tarungoyal9279]

That great but please tell us Is this substitute of ninja flame showgun or not ?

[@curtisjudd]

No, this is not a recorder, but it is also less expensive.

[@tarungoyal9279]

Thanks

[@tjpenton]

Does the Portkeys have anamorphic de-squeeze (2x)? Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

Not on the firmware version I have installed but I haven't kept up to see if they have newer firmware versions.

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Thank you for another great review, just wonder is that a shape gold mount battery plate?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Wayne’s World Studio, that’s a Zacuto Zwiss Plate V2 with an Anton Bauer plate attached to it.

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Curtis Judd thank you and may you have a joyful holidays!

[@ethanHat]

Hi Curtis. Awesome video! Can you power the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K from the monitor's DC output into the camera's 12V DC power input?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Ethan, no, the port is only a power input on the monitor.

[@PortkeysMonitor]

The HS7T can power the bmpcc4K, but you need to buy an E6 fake battery with a dedicated interface.

[@curtisjudd]

@@PortkeysMonitor So the power port is an output as well? Cool. I guess we need some documentation as well. 😀

[@curtisjudd]

Also, where do we find the adapter cable/dummy batteries?

[@dwpix]

I love your reviews! One huge problem with this monitor. I have heard the waveform reflects the image POST LUT. It shows you the values AFTER the LUT is applied?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Darrell, my copy doesn't have a waveform monitor at all. Perhaps there was a firmware update I haven't applied yet?

[@dwpix]

Sorry, I got confused! No, no waveforms that I know if.

[@ethanHat]

Great video, Curtis! If your camera only has HDMI and not SDI (like the GH5), would an SDI to HDMI adapter help lower latency? Do you know of any good ones?

[@curtisjudd]

Good question. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that adding another device would only increase latency. I suspect most of the latency is in the camera feeding the signal to the HDMI signal. But that's just a guess since I don't have an HDMI to SDI converter on hand.

[@avalanwa]

Can you tell us what lens, codec and settings you used to shoot this on the BMPCC4K

[@curtisjudd]

Hi avalanwa, I used the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens and set the camera to ProRes HQ. Aperture was f/4.0, 23.98 frame rate, shutter angle was 180 degrees, and ISO at 800.

[@RChildVision]

Great review. Was wondering if it has anamorphic desqueeze?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. Unfortunately, no anamorphic de-squeeze yet. I would venture it would be possible to add that to a firmware update, at least for the 23.98, 24, 25 framerates, but that's just a guess.

[@RChildVision]

@@curtisjudd thanks for the reply

[@MartinLandsburg]

Thanks for asking this question @rural child vision, and thanks Curtis, for the answer! Was looking at this monitor for a while as my 7” upgrade. Without anamorphic desqueeze it is not much use to me unfortunately as I shoot that a lot (DIY indie anamorphic that is).

[@Nanospear]

Happy 100k subs

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Nanospear!

[@dalavitang]

Maybe check out their HS5 HDR (Not true HDR, just high brightness, 1500 nits claimed), it's even cheaper! HDMI only, but has waveform. I own the HS5T (2 generations older), and they offer a paid upgrade to swap out the screen for the 1500 nits one, for 300 RMB excluding shipment (about 44 USD).

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Dalavi, good to know!

[@mannyc19]

What 7" screens like this have ultra low or near zero latency via HDMI? TIA. Great vid

[@curtisjudd]

I believe the smallHD do well, but the biggest contributor to latency is the camera in my experience.

[@SeeWhatYouSee]

what is this monitor Dots/Pixels per Inch: ?

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure, but it is roughly HD and 7 inches diagonal. So it is pretty high pixel density.

[@rlarkdgh]

Hello, Curtis. Viewer from South Korea. I am curious if you don't really use any Avid Protools. Recently I've been feeling my needs about Protools usage for specific reasons, and just wondering if you're interested in doing some session about that. Whether it's free or not. Always appreciate every effort you make.

[@curtisjudd]

Hello! I have used ProTools a tiny bit but I do not have a license for it so first I'd need to get that. I'm leaning more toward DaVinci Resolve and its Fairlight capabilities instead.

[@NathanYounghusband]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

👍🏻

[@tarungoyal9279]

Please sir suggest us best preamps to enhance the sound quality

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Tarun, in a field recorder? What budget range? For independent self-funded projects or professional use?

[@tarungoyal9279]

Professional use sir

[@tarungoyal9279]

To record in camera 🎥 gain of 🎤

[@curtisjudd]

@@tarungoyal9279 I don't know of any cameras with great preamps. The Sound Devices 633 and 688 have great preamps. Same with the Zaxcom Deva, Nomad, and Maxx. Also the Aaton Cantar series. On the more affordable side, the Zoom F8n and F4 are good as well as the Sound Devices MixPre recorders.

[@tarungoyal9279]

Thanks sir this is the true solution for my problem

[@Pikkakikka]

Is that something to use for drone pilots? Nice w 1200 nits

[@curtisjudd]

Depends on the flight system but that would be a good use for it.

[@Pikkakikka]

I use a DJI Mavic 2.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Pikkakikka Does its controller have an HDMI or SDI output? If so, you could connect this monitor to the controller.

[@Pikkakikka]

It has an USB output for connecting an iPhone or android phone.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Pikkakikka Ok, unfortunately that won't work in this case.

[@ErikOlsen]

Will this monitor output via SDI while input via HDMI?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Erik, great question. Just tested it here and no, I was not able to get an output via SDI when the input was from HDMI. Not sure whether it would be possible for PortKeys to add this ability in future firmware updates, but it doesn't work with mine.

[@ErikOlsen]

@@curtisjudd Excellent, thanks for taking the time to try.

[@ErikOlsen]

@@curtisjudd Thanks.

[@artofduke]

Is this better than the Atomos Shinobi?

[@curtisjudd]

No idea as I haven't used the Shinobi yet. :)

[@WisLockman]

Does this work with IOS devices? iPhones and iPads?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Kenneth, yes, with the Apple lightning to HDMI adapter they should work fine.

[@WisLockman]

Thanks Curtis. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I have that dongle.

[@Mall4567]

Chinese manufacturers still can't make a normal custom logo - the font design with one red letter is so ugly. All customers always hide it with scotch tape. Only Nanguang just replaced with new logo Nanlite . Great

[@curtisjudd]

Ok

[@RustyTube]

Portkeys? Does JK Rowling know they took a word she created for Harry Potter and use it for their name?

[@curtisjudd]

Somebody better inform her quickly! 😀

[@RustyTube]

@@curtisjudd LOL.