Portkeys BM5 III WR Firmware Update Released – Wireless Camera Control for ARRI and Nikon

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaToday

Portkeys has recently released a new firmware update for their BM5 III WR 5.5” on-camera monitor. This adds wireless camera control over Wi-Fi for selected cameras, including ARRI and Nikon, and brings several bug fixes and stability improvements. The update is now available for free download.

First announced in 2021, the Portkeys BM5 III WR camera control monitor was only recently replaced by the fourth-generation version, the BM5 IV WR, which is packed with new hardware features and a fully redesigned operating system called CINENORM OS.

As we have previously reported, unfortunately, owners of the BM5 III WR cannot install the new operating system due to hardware limitations, Portkeys claims. However, the company is still showing them some love with a minor, dedicated firmware update. Let’s take a quick look!

Firmware update for Portkeys BM5 III WR

The latest firmware (official name: PORTKEYS_BM5_V3WR_28_46_C43_B54) adds wireless camera control over Wi-Fi for ARRI Alexa Mini, Canon EOS R5, and EOS R6 Mark II, Panasonic LUMIX BGH1, and BS1H, as well as Nikon mirrorless cameras (however, exact Nikon camera models are not specified).

On top of this, Sony users now get the ability to adjust white balance and color temperature directly from their BM5 III WR monitor. The list of currently supported Sony cameras is pretty extensive, ranging from Sony Alpha to FX Cinema Line bodies.

Full firmware release notes

Moreover, the update brings a long list of fixes and improvements. Following are the full firmware release notes:

1. Fixed the disconnection issue with Nikon Z8
2. Fixed the refresh issue on the camera control page
3. Added ARRI MINI WiFi control
4. Added NIKON WiFi control
5. Added white balance and color temperature control for Sony cameras
6. Fixed the instability of feedback data in Panasonic USB control
7. Resolved control issues with Panasonic S5M2X
8. Fixed slow feedback issue when using the Tilta Motor for AB point operation
9. Removed the function where the record button on the motor control page would start AB point operation simultaneously
10. Added touch focus for Canon R5 (in both photo and video modes)
11. Added Wi-Fi control for Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark I|
12. Fixed the incorrect display of the aperture value in 1/8 increments on Canon R5
13. Resolved freezing issues during shooting on some SONY cameras
14. Added Wi-Fi control for Panasonic DC-BGH1 and Panasonic DC-BS1H
15. Fixed issue with FPS control list jumping on KOMODO X
16. Added support for KOMODO X recording format 6K 1:1 2X and fix the touch focus issue in this mode
17. Fixed the wired control issue with KOMODO X
18. Fixed occasional disconnection issue with Sony FX-30
19. Fixed recording issue with Canon EOS R6 Mark II
20. Optimized touch focus for Canon EOS R6 / Canon EOS R6 Mark I|
21. Added touch focus for Canon EOS R6 and improved related controls
22. Fixed the issues of camera control
23. Modified image browsing arrangement to sort in descending order by file name
24. Adjusted image browsing gestures: swipe down for the previous page, swipe up for the next page, following smartphone usage habits
25. Added two types of wired control for RED (EXT and CTRL); EXT for KOMODO wired interface, CTRL for DSMC2 series
26. On the RED(CTRL) page, enable parameter control using a scroll wheel, switching via the sub-page’s scroll wheel icon
27. Added a background color to the “X” exit button when the image overlay function is active
    • Operational changes: in the latest version, the image overlay function can only be exited via the exit key or the “X” button, removing the previous swipe-to-exit method. Users can now adjust overlay blending using touch gestures (left/right swipe) or a knob
28. Updated the features image capture and overlay to support USB browsing and saving JPG files
29. Added camera control for Panasonic DC-S5M2
30. Resolved issues where SONY A1 and SONY ILME-FX30 occasionally disconnect during control, and where shutter and exposure compensation cannot be controlled.
31. Fixed the issue where SONY cameras, without a memory card or with incompatible cards (speed too low for recording formats), display incorrect states when pressing the monitor’s record button
32. Improved mode control for Sony cameras
33. Changed the autofocus/touch focus mode for KOMODO to tracking autofocus
34. Fixed the inability to control Panasonic BGH1 menus via touch on the monitor
35. Resolved abnormal behavior of the PEAKING function at 1080l resolution.

Price and availability

The latest firmware update for Portkeys BM5 III WR is now available to download from the company’s website. The update is free of charge.

For more information, please visit Portkeys’ website here.

Are you an owner of the Portkeys BM5 III WR 5-inch on-camera monitor? What do you think of these new features? Are you upset that you cannot install CINENORM OS? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!