Which external monitors work best with the Sony FX30 for cinematography?

Question

Hey everyone! I recently upgraded to the Sony FX30 for my indie projects, but I am really struggling to nail manual focus using just the built-in screen. I definitely need an external monitor to help with visibility and exposure tools.

I am looking for something with a few specific features:

High brightness for shooting in direct sunlight

Reliable custom LUT support for previewing S-Log3 footage

Solid build quality that won't lose the HDMI signal mid-shoot

I have been eyeing the Atomos Ninja and some of the PortKeys options, but I am worried about setup weight and battery drain. For those using the FX30, which monitor has been the most reliable for your cinematography workflow?

WelleraSmoth · Accepted Answer

I feel you on the built-in screen struggle. I love the FX30 but that tiny LCD is basically a guessing game for critical focus in S-Log3. I went down a massive rabbit hole trying to find a balance between brightness and weight without breaking the bank. I eventually settled on the PortKeys LH5P II 5.5-inch 2200nit Touchscreen Monitor. The big selling point for me was the build quality... it is a full metal housing which feels way tougher than the plastic alternatives. Plus, at 2200 nits, it is basically a torch. I can shoot in high noon sun without a hood and still see my exposure tools clearly. Speaking of tools, the way it handles custom LUTs is super smooth. I just keep my favorite S-Log3 to Rec709 conversion on a thumb drive and it stays loaded. If you are worried about the weight, you have to find the right balance with batteries. I usually run Sony NP-F970 Li-ion Batteries but they definitely make the rig top-heavy. If I am going handheld for a long time, I actually swap to the smaller Sony NP-F550 Rechargeable Battery Pack. You lose runtime, but your wrists will thank you. One technical tip tho... if you go with a high-brightness monitor, make sure you use a high-quality cable. I had a cheap one that would flicker every time I bumped the camera. I switched to the Kondor Blue Coiled High Speed HDMI Cable and havent had a signal drop since. Its the little things that save your sanity on set.

Spravkijyp · Answer

Quick question tho, are you planning to stick strictly to HDMI or do you want SDI for future-proofing? If you want peak technical accuracy, the SmallHD Indie 7 7-inch Touchscreen Monitor has the best exposure tools, but it is pricey. The PortKeys HS7T II 7-inch High Brightness Monitor is a 2200-nit beast for sunlight and much cheaper, tho it eats NPFs. Both are way better for critical focus than that tiny FX30 screen.

RonaldEngat · Answer

I was super worried about the weight too, so I went with the Atomos Shinobi 5-inch 4K HDMI Monitor. Its basically a Ninja without the recording stuff, which makes it way lighter and easier on batteries. I have used it with my FX30 for months and it has been rock solid for S-Log3 monitoring. Definitely worth it if you want something reliable that wont drain your kit too fast.