Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Finding the perfect screen to attach to your camera can be a challenge. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here are the ten best external camera screens currently available. Whether you’re looking for a small and compact option or something more durable, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Check out these screens and find the perfect one for your needs!
Overall Best External Camera Screen
SmallHD 703 Ultrabright
First, look at the key specs and features that make the SmallHD 703 Ultrabright stand out from the competition. Here are some of the most notable specs:
- Ultra-bright LCD panel with a peak brightness of 2200 nits
- Ultra-wide viewing angles of 178 degrees
- HDMI 2.0 and SDI connectivity
- Fits onto DSLR or mirrorless cameras via hot shoe mount or 1/4 “-20 thread mount
- It weighs just over 1 pound
When it comes to features, the SmallHD 703 Ultrabright offers several useful functions that are designed to make your life easier. For example, its Diatemperature display mode automatically adjusts the white balance of your footage to match the lighting conditions on location. Additionally, its 3D LUT support lets you preview how your footage will look with the application of different color grades. And finally, its Picture in Picture mode lets you overlay a live video feed over your recorded footage, which can help monitor audio levels or frame shots.
Now that we’ve covered the key specs and features of the SmallHD 703 Ultrabright, let’s take a look at how it performs in real-world usage scenarios. Overall, we were very impressed with what this camera screen offered:
- Its 2200 nit peak brightness level is more than bright enough to use in direct sunlight without any problems whatsoever.
- Its 3D LUT support is fantastic for quickly previewing different color grades on your footage without going through a lengthy grading process later.
- We appreciate how its Picture in Picture mode lets you keep an eye on audio levels and framing while recording without having to stop and check your footage every few minutes.
What We Like/Dislike About the SmallHD 703 Ultrabright
Like:
- 7″ 1920 x 1080 Display
- Bright 2200 cd/m² LCD Panel
- Aluminum Unibody Housing
- SDI and HDMI Inputs
- ColorFlow 3D LUT Processing
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Missing onboard battery plate
What Consumers Are Saying
“Love this Monitor. Solidly Built and very bright.”
“Bright monitor you can see outside and lightweight enough for a Director who is always on the move.”
“The price was a bit much, but since it’s a tool I use every time I shoot, it’s worth the investment for top-quality gear.”
Best Budget External Camera Screen
Feelworld FW759
The Feelworld FW759 is a 7-inch external camera screen with a resolution of 1280×800. It has an IPS panel with a viewing angle of 160 degrees, making it easy to see your footage no matter where you’re standing. The screen also has a built-in sunshade, which is excellent for outdoor use.
One of the best features of the FW759 is its touchscreen functionality. This makes it easy to navigate your camera’s menu and make changes on the fly without taking your eyes off your subject. The screen is also large enough to use for monitoring purposes, even if you’re not using the touch functionality.
Another great feature of the FW759 is its compatibility with multiple cameras. You can use it with DSLR cameras such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and Olympus cameras, as well as with GoPro and DJI action cameras. This makes it an excellent option for anyone using multiple cameras regularly.
What We Like/Dislike About the Feelworld FW759
Like:
- 7-inch screen
- The Display is a backlit LED.
- Built-in Speaker, Stereo Headphone jack, Wire Remote OSD Controller
- Uses HDMI
- USB socket for updating firmware
Dislike:
- Cheapish plastic feel
What Consumers Are Saying
“I picked this up for an indie shoot when the DSLR screen wasn’t cutting it for focus peaking, and I wasn’t disappointed.”
“I have four of them, and they are Handy.”
“Works great considering the cost; the only thing to complain about is the contrast ratio, and the color is not as vibrant as a higher-end camera monitor.”
Runner Up Best External Camera Screen
SmallHD 503 Ultrabright
First and foremost, the SmallHD 503 Ultrabright is bright. Its 1,500 nits of brightness are more than double that of standard IPS screens, making it ideal for use in direct sunlight. The screen is also large enough that you won’t have any trouble seeing what you’re filming, even if you’re standing some distance from the camera. Additionally, the screen has excellent color accuracy, meaning that what you see on the screen is exactly what will be recorded by the camera.
The SmallHD 503 Ultrabright also has several built-in tools that make it easy to get the shots you want. The Peaking Focus Assist feature highlights areas of high contrast so you can quickly and easily see which parts of the image are in focus. There’s also a Zebra Exposure Overlay that you can use to prevent overexposure by indicating when an area of the image is getting too bright. And if you’re filming in 4K video format, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of a 4K UHD Downscale Mode that lets you record in 4K while still being able to see everything on the screen in 1080p HD.
What We Like/Dislike About the SmallHD 503 Ultrabright
Like:
- Excellent viewing angles
- Very clear
- Durable milled aluminum chassis
- 1920×1080
- 2200nit 10-bit display
- Custom LUTs
Dislike:
- Pricey
What Consumers Are Saying
“I’ve been looking at investing in an on-camera monitor for a while now. I bit the bullet when this one was on sale. Worth every penny. Accurate color is built like a tank and is easy to use. Couldn’t be happier!”
“Bright enough for outdoor use, beautiful image, fantastic assist features.”
“Great battery life, crisp focus assist, and much better than camera monitors.”
Best External Camera Screen Under $200
Feelworld F6 Plus
The Feelworld F6 Plus offers a bright, clear display that is easy to see in all lighting conditions. With 800 nits of brightness, the F6 Plus is one of the brightest budget external camera screens on the market. This makes it ideal for use in direct sunlight and indoors, where there may be brighter lights (such as fluorescent bulbs) that can wash out other screens. In addition to its high brightness, the F6 Plus also offers excellent color reproduction. This means that what you see on the screen will closely match how your final image or video will look.
The F6 Plus also features peaking and zebra functions to help you nail critical focus and exposure. Peaking is a function that highlights areas of your image that are in focus, making it easy to see when your shot is properly focused. Zebra stripes appear on areas of your image that are overexposed, so you can make adjustments before you shoot. These functions are beneficial when shooting video but can also be handy for still images.
Finally, the HDMI input and output on the F6 Plus make it compatible with a wide range of cameras and devices. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a GoPro, the F6 Plus has you covered. And if you want to output your footage to an external recorder or monitor, the HDMI output makes that possible too.
What We Like/Dislike About the Feelworld F6 Plus
Like:
- The colors are pretty vibrant
- Large screen
- Compact build
- viewing angle of 85°
Dislike:
- Feels plasticky
- Struggles in sunlight
What Consumers Are Saying
“For the price point, it makes my video and photography that much easier. ”
“Way more convenient and confident with your images, focus, and exposure. The touch screen is easy to navigate, and the button navigation is quick and easy.”
“If you’re in the videography and looking for something lightweight with a great picture. This is a must-buy.”
Honorable Mentions
Atomos Shogun
The Shogun is one of the best external camera monitors for some reasons. It’s highly durable, features a built-in battery, and has both HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs. The Shogun is also one of the brightest monitors on the market, which is perfect for use in direct sunlight. With all of these features, it’s no wonder that the Shogun is one of the most popular external camera monitors.
The Shogun is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it highly durable. It also features a Gorilla Glass protective layer, which makes it resistant to scratches and other damage. The Shogun also has a built-in battery, which gives you up to 2 hours of usage time on a single charge.
The HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs make the Shogun compatible with virtually any camera. The HDMI port supports resolutions up to 4K, while the SDI port supports resolutions up to 1080p60. The Shogun is also one of the brightest monitors, with a 1000-nit LED backlight. This makes it perfect for use in direct sunlight.
The Shogun also offers 10-bit color depth recording. This means it can record over 1 billion colors, essential for maintaining accurate colors when shooting video. 10-bit color depth also provides you with more color information when editing, giving you more control over the final look of your footage.
What We Like/Dislike About the Atomos Shogun
Like:
- The interface is spotless and intuitive
- Display is gorgeous
- Great contrast
- Perfect size for portability
- Build quality is excellent
- Great colors
Dislike:
- Higher price tag
- A fan can get loud
What Consumers Are Saying
“Good quality product, love that I can load lots into it, screen quality is great.”
“This is a great monitor for the money. It’s easy to use, and I love that it has both HDMI and SDI inputs.”
“The menu system is simple, and the high-resolution display looks amazing.”
Blackmagic Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR
The first thing to know about the Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR is that it’s an Ultra HD monitor. This means that it’s capable of displaying images in 4K resolution. Not only does this make for a more detailed image, but it also allows you to record footage in 4K.
In addition to 4K recording, the Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) recording. This means you’ll be able to capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of your footage.
Another valuable feature of the Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR is its built-in recorder. This recorder lets you record your footage directly to SD/UHS-II cards or CFast 2.0 cards. The recorder supports both FAT32 and exFAT file formats, so you can choose the format that works best for you.
What We Like/Dislike About the Blackmagic Video Assist
Like:
- Touchscreen
- HDMI and 12G-SDI Video Inputs & Outputs
- 10-Bit, 4:2:2 ProRes & DNxHD Encoding
- 3D LUTs, 2500 cd/m² Brightness
- Stores to Single SDHC/XC Memory Slot
Dislike:
- touch setup slow
- The screen can be reflective
What Consumers Are Saying
“This monitor/recorder is amazing. The quality of the recordings is outstanding.”
“The screen looks great, and the 4K recording capability is useful.”
“Works great. I now have 2 of them, and they haven’t failed me yet. ”
Atomos Shinobi
The Atomos Shinobi is one of the market’s most popular external camera screens. The first thing you’ll notice about the Shinobi is its bright, clear Display. With a resolution of 1920×1080 and 1000 nits of brightness, you’ll be able to see your footage perfectly, even in direct sunlight.
The Shinobi accepts both HDMI and SDI signals so that you can use it with any camera, regardless of its output type. And if you ever need to upgrade your camera, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
The Shinobi has a built-in battery recorder that allows you to record directly to an SSD or HDD without needing an external power source. This is perfect for long shooting days or situations where AC power isn’t available.
The 10-bit FRC panel ensures that your footage will retain its color depth and accuracy when viewed on the Shinobi’s screen. You’ll be able to quickly and easily assess whether or not your shot is exposed adequately without worrying about color banding or other artifacts.
What We Like/Dislike About the Atomos Shinobi
Like:
- Incredibly detailed, sharp
- Easy to use
- Very bright
- Great battery life
- Solid LUT and HDR support
Dislike:
- Plastic body
- Slight lag on a preview
What Consumers Are Saying
“This was a huge game changer!”
“The best external camera screen I’ve used, great clarity and color accuracy.”
“It’s been an invaluable tool for me on shoots. It is constructive to playback footage in the field and checks focus.”
Atomos Ninja V
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ninja V is the 5-inch 10-bit HDR monitor. This high-resolution screen gives you a clear image with natural colors, making it easier to see details and frame your shots accurately. Furthermore, the AtomHDR technology ensures you can preview your footage with accurate reproduction of Log/raw files from popular cameras. This color management is essential for professionals who adhere to specific color standards.
The Ninja V also boasts an impressive battery life, thanks to its dual Sony L Series batteries. With this power, you can shoot continuously for up to 7 hours on a full charge. This is especially helpful if you’re working on long projects or shooting in remote locations where recharging isn’t always possible.
The built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect the Ninja V to your smartphone or tablet to control your recording settings remotely. This is especially handy if you’re recording video footage from a difficult-to-reach location.
What We Like/Dislike About the Atomos Ninja V
Like:
- Expands video capabilities of your camera
- ProRes 4K recording
- Bright 5-inch touch display
- HDMI input and output
- Offers LUT preview when recording
Dislike:
- Standard SSDs juts out from the side.
- Battery and cables aren’t included
What Consumers Are Saying
“This was exactly what I needed for an external monitor and a bonus that it record’s directly to the monitor in Apple ProRes. ”
“Very bright and crisp. It has many helpful functions and codecs and is user-friendly.”
“Gives me the best of both worlds; I use an external monitor and record directly from my camera. Love it!”
PortKeys LH5P II 5.5-inch
The PortKeys LH5P II 5.5-inch external camera screen has many features that make it an excellent choice for those in the market for an external camera screen. The PortKeys LH5P II 5.5-inch external camera screen has full HD 1080p resolution. This feature is crucial because it means that the image on the screen will be clear and sharp. You will be able to see all the image details on the screen.
The PortKeys LH5P II external camera screen has smaller bezels for edge-to-edge viewing. This feature is essential because it means you can see more of the image on the screen. The smaller bezels also give the appearance of a larger screen.
The PortKeys LH5P II has a built-in LTPS LCD panel. This feature is essential because it means that the image on the screen will have a tremendous dynamic range, excellent contrast ratio, and superb color reproduction. These features are important because they mean that the image on the screen will look natural and lifelike.
What We Like/Dislike About the PortKeys LH5P II
Like:
- Easy to connect
- Bright monitor
- Advanced video features
- Monitor is light
Dislike:
- More accessories are required to access some features
- No external recording
- They could improve the interface
What Consumers Are Saying
“Has all the features minus external recording.”
“This was a great monitor for the price.”
“I was looking for a very bright monitor. I shoot in Florida on summer days, and it’s exactly what I needed.”
SmallHD Action 5
The SmallHD action 5 promises great big-screen clarity in a tiny and lightweight package. At just 4.4 inches, the action five packs a full HD 1080p display with an impressive 800 nits of brightness. This means you won’t have to struggle to see your footage, even in direct sunlight. The screen also has built-in tools like histograms, false color, and audio meters, so you can ensure your footage is perfectly exposed and properly balanced before you start shooting.
The action 5’s touchscreen interface makes it easy to change settings and review footage on the fly. The included L-Series battery plate means you can power the screen for up to 6 hours on a single battery, and the USB-C input lets you charge your devices while you’re out in the field. Whether you’re shooting video or stills, the SmallHD action 5 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable and affordable external camera screen.
What We Like/Dislike About the SmallHD Action 5
Like:
- 1920×1080 Screen Resolution
- 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
- Rec.709 Color Gamut Supported
- Bright 2000 cd/m² Display
Dislike:
- LUTs, limited focus assist control
- No anamorphic support
What Consumers Are Saying
“This is a nice monitor for outdoor use, but it lacks some of the tools that I’ve come to rely on.”
“This is the lower budget version for the smallHD monitors, but it runs pretty well as it gives LUTS as an addition and comes with a USB stick to add them. ”
“The best thing about action 5 is its portability. It’s light and thin enough to fit in any bag. I love that I can use this monitor for outdoor shoots.”
Conclusion
While there are many excellent external camera screens on the market, the ten we have listed above, in our opinion, are the best available today. From the best budget pick to the best for professionals, these on-camera monitors have features that make them excellent choices. No matter what your specific needs are, it’s likely that one of these models will provide you with a great viewing experience. So whether you’re a casual photographer or a professional videographer, an external screen here will best fit your needs.
FAQ
What is an external camera monitor?
An external camera monitor, also known as a field monitor, is a device that allows you to view an image captured by your camera on a larger screen. This can be useful for framing the shot, checking exposure and color balance, and more.
Can you use an external monitor for photography?
Many photographers use external monitors to preview their shots and ensure a suitable composition. But can you use an external monitor for photography? The answer is yes! External monitors can be an excellent tool for photography, providing you with a larger screen to view your photos on and allowing you to zoom in and out as needed. They can also be helpful when taking group shots, as you’ll be able to see everyone in the frame and make sure everyone is in focus. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your photography, an external monitor may be just what you need.
What should I look for in a camera monitor?
There are a few things to look for when shopping for a camera monitor. First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the monitor is compatible with your camera. Second, you’ll want to consider the size of the monitor. Smaller monitors can be more convenient and take up less space, but they may be harder to see. Larger monitors may be easier to see, but they can be cumbersome. Finally, you’ll want to think about the features that are important to you. Some monitors come with built-in speakers, while others have more complex controls that allow you to adjust the image quality. Decide the most important features and choose a monitor that meets your needs.
Is a monitor for a camera worth it?
The answer to this question will depend on what you plan to use your camera for. An external monitor can be invaluable if you’re a professional photographer or videographer. It will allow you to check exposure and color balance quickly and easily, which can help you ensure that every image is perfect. However, investing in a monitor may not be necessary if you’re taking casual shots with your phone or point-and-shoot camera. But regardless of your photography level, having an external monitor can be a great way to take your images and videos to the next level.
