Few things are more frustrating than a day exterior shoot where you can't see the monitor due to bright glare. While monitor shades can help, and having a grip hollywood a 4x4 floppy behind the camera is even better, the best possible solution is a monitor bright enough to survive in an outdoor environment. An additional benefit of a super-bright monitor is the ability to handle the brightness needs of high dynamic range imagery—though that only requires around 1500 nits to qualify.

The new SmallHD UltraBright monitors far surpass that requirement with their 2200 and 2500 brightness ranges.


Smallhd_503_ultrabright_front_view503Credit: SmallHD

Like all the monitors in the SmallHD line, the new 503 UltraBright 5" Monitor and the 703 UltraBright run PageBuilder OS and come with the expected features, including 3D LUT capability, HDR image preview, waveform and scopes, and split screen mode for comparing inputs and settings.

The SDI and HDMI connections are in/out and allow for cross conversion between formats, and power is input through a Lemo connector. The 703 also allows for output of power through a second Lemo connector for powering further accessories, such as a Teradeck video receiver.

Smallhd_503_ultrabright_in_use503 mounted to a gimbal rig.Credit: SmallHD

Both monitors are available now for pre-order at B&H for a late March ship date. During the pre-order period, the bundles come at a discount of more than $300 and include D-tap cables and both a storage sleeve and a hard case.

The 503 bundle is $2,199, and the 703 bundle goes for $2,599.

Tech Specs:

  • 2500cd/m² (nits) Bright 1920x1080 IPS LCD for the 703
  • 2200cd/m² (nits) Bright 1920x1080 IPS LCD for the 503
  • HDR preview
  • 3D LUT integration
  • Waveform and Vectorscope
  • Milled Aluminum Unibody Housing
  • Native mount adapters for Anton Bauer Gold/V-mount and Sony L-Series dual battery plates
  • SDI and HDMI video connections with cross conversion
  • Split screen compare mode
  • Lemo power in (703 has Lemo out as well)
  • Soft Neoprene Storage Sleeve
  • Hard Case