SmallHD FOCUS – 5″ Monitor for $499

by Graham SheldonApril 26^th, 2017

Monitor manufacturer SmallHD, long known as a maker of hard to break field and on-camera monitors is showing off a new affordable 5-inch monitor called the SmallHD FOCUS at NAB 2017. It features a newly designed mounting system and can even send power to the camera — all for a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Image: Graham Sheldon

smallHD FOCUS 5″ monitor

I loved everything about the so called “DSLR revolution”, with the possible exception of one thing: managing all the different types of batteries required to build a more ENG style rig was a bit of a pain. Having a monitor that will power your small DSLR camera feels like a streamlined and intuitive way to solve that particular headache. Powering your DSLR externally with a larger battery will also mean a significant increase in runtime. The monitor and camera is powered by using a single L series Sony battery, which according to SmallHD will provide several hours of battery life on your favorite Sony mirrorless DSLR body.

The monitor itself is bright, controlled by touch screen, and provides many of the tools you are used to using on most professional monitors these days, such as: waveform, false color, focus Assist, 3D LUTs and magnify.

Image: SmallHD

The included mount will turn a full 360 degrees and a cold shoe provides additional room for accessories, such as a shotgun mic (pictured above), or small on-camera LED light.

SmallHD’s FOCUS will initially be available as HDMI only, which makes sense given the companies’ targeting of the DSLR community with this monitor.

Availability: Pre-Orders begins in May, with shipping starting in June.

Pricing: $499