SmallHD Focus Pro 5″ Monitors for RED Cameras Announced

News

by Jeff LochJuly 17^th, 2020

SmallHD announced four new monitors designed explicitly for RED camera shooters: the SmallHD Focus Pro. The Focus Pro and Focus Pro OLED are 5″ monitors with a single SDI input that can control your RED Komodo or RED DSMC2, similar to the SmallHD Cine7. Let’s take a closer look at these rugged monitors!

SmallHD Focus Pro Lineup

The SmallHD Focus Pro is a new lineup of 5″ monitors, currently consisting of four monitors. This series of field monitors is based on the success of the original SmallHD Focus, a small lightweight, “budget” monitor that only features HDMI connection. However, the SmallHD Focus Pro monitors are made to work in conjunction with RED DSMC2 and RED Komodo cameras. However, you can use them with any camera if you want to.

The SmallHD Focus Pro on a RED Komodo mockup. Image credit: SmallHD

These four SmallHD Focus Pro monitors can be divided into two categories: SmallHD Focus Pro monitors, and Focus Pro OLED versions. Then, you’ll have the choice between RED DSMC2 versions and RED Komodo ones. There is no difference in the monitor (DSMC2 vs. Komodo); they are just two different software licensees. SmallHD Focus Pro LCD and OLED are the two display options.

Image credit: SmallHD

SmallHD Focus Pro Features

The SmallHD Focus Pro monitors are made out of milled aluminum for a weight of only 9.6 oz/255 grams. The LCD version has a resolution of 1280 x 720 and a maximum brightness of 800 nits, which should be barely enough for viewing it in bright daylight shooting conditions. The OLED version has a better 1920 x 1080 resolution, but a maximum brightness of only 350 nits. Also, both versions are touchscreen displays.

In terms of input, the SmallHD Focus Pro monitors only have an SDI input port on the left side. If you feed a 3G-SDI YCC 4:2:2 10-bits signal, the maximum resolution it will take is 1080p60. On the right side, you’ll find a 5-pin output for Camera Control, as well as a 2-pin locking connector for power input (7-16.8v power input). Talking about power, there is also a built-in Sony L-type bracket at the back of the monitor.

Image credit: SmallHD

The SmallHD Focus Pro monitors feature three 1/4-20″ mounting points: one at the top, one at the bottom, and one on the right side. Finally, there is a stereo mini-jack output and an SD card slot to load your own LUTs.

Image credit: Phil Holland

OS4 and Camera Control

Both the LCD and OLED versions of the SmallHD Focus Pro feature SmallHD’s OS4 software. OS4 gives you access to all the monitoring tools you need, including customizable frame guides, exposure assist, high-resolution 3D LUT overlays, histogram, vectorscope, waveform, and focus assist.

The main selling point of these new on-camera 5″ monitors is the Camera Control function. Indeed, the Focus Pro can connect to your RED Komodo or DSMC2 via the locking 5-pin USB port. Then, via the touchscreen menu control, you’ll have access to camera operations and project settings. You can adjust nearly every camera setting such as recording formats, resolution, frame rates, shutter speed, aperture adjustment, autofocus, output tone map, highlight roll-off, 3D LUTs, Rec/Stop, and more.

Image credit: SmallHD

SmallHD Focus Pro Hinge Mount

Finally, SmallHD released a friction-based hinge mount for its Focus Pro monitors. It is compatible with both the LCD and OLED versions and is designed to mount your monitor on the RED Komodo.

The hinge mount features a center 1/4-20″ mount with anti-spin locating pins and attaches to the Komodo with two 1/4-20″ screws. You can adjust the friction by loosening or tightening the hinge screws.

Image credit: SmallHD

Pricing and Availability

All products are currently in pre-order stage and should ship in August 2020. For RED Komodo users, the SmallHD Focus Pro LCD is $599, and the OLED version is $699.00. If you use a RED DSMC2 camera, the Focus Pro Kit LCD is $849.00, while the OLED version is $949.00.

The SmallHD hinge mount retails for $99.00, and it looks similar to the GDU Komodo monitor mount, which costs only $79.00. For more information, please visit SmallHD’s website here.

What do you think about these new SmallHD Focus Pro monitors? Do you consider getting one for your RED Komodo? Let us know in the comments below!