In the world of focus pulling, the need to keep critical lens information visible without obscuring what matters in the frame is a constant challenge. This on-set battle for focus pullers is about to get a helpful new solution, though: ARRI and SmallHD have announced a collaboration on lens data overlays.
Set to be available through an expansion license for ARRI’s Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX hand units, this SmallHD Monitor Overlay License will be able to display focus and iris scales and other lens data in personalized layouts.
Will this help focus pullers stay oriented on their marks while maintaining a clear view of the live image? That’s the goal; let’s check whether it will yield the right results.
SmallHD Monitor Overlay License for ARRI Hi-5
Credit: ARRI
From what we’ve seen, the results of this collaboration do look quite promising, as the result is Hi-5 lens data overlays that integrate with SmallHD’s Add-On API framework.
“The new Hi-5 monitor overlays were developed in consultation with focus pullers on set and reflect ARRI’s ongoing commitment to solutions that enhance real world workflows. We’re pleased to have collaborated with SmallHD on implementing these overlays, which were requested by the Hi-5 community and make our hand units even more versatile.” - Christine Ajayi-Scheuring, Product Manager ARRI Camera Accessories.
This collab combines a familiar Hi-5 user experience with SmallHD’s popular PageOS 6 monitoring platform and works pretty much like any other license that expands the functionality and third-party compatibility of the Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX.
What is cool about this partnership is that with this license, Hi-5 users can view focus scales, iris values, focal length, FocusBug CineRT data, and lens information on a supported SmallHD monitor by simply connecting via USB-C or the Hi-5’s 4-pin SERIAL connector.
Overlay Adjustability and Usability
Credit: ARRI
Overall, this is a nice option for focus pullers or DPs looking for more than just overlays, but overlays that offer adjustable opacity, position, and size; on/off visibility control; persistent settings after power loss; light/dark themes; and up to three individually customizable pages with savable layouts.
“We’re excited to position PageOS as a truly scalable platform that supports customizable workflows, and ARRI’s Hi-5 lens data overlay is the first Add-On in SmallHD’s API framework. This integration lets focus pullers view native ARRI Hi-5 lens data directly on their monitor, without additional hardware or external overlay solutions. After licensing, they just connect their Hi-5 and the SmallHD monitor becomes a fully integrated focus-pulling display.” - Matt Eidenbock, Product Manager for SmallHD.
For touchscreen monitors in particular, the overlay elements can be dragged and dropped to any position on the display, which is a nice perk. So far, support is confirmed for the models listed below:
- SmallHD CINE 5
- SmallHD CINE 7
- SmallHD CINE 13
- SmallHD Ultra 5
- SmallHD Ultra 7
- SmallHD Ultra 10
- SmallHD 703 Ultrabright
- SmallHD 1303 HDR
- ARRI CCM-1
Price and Availability
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License for Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX is available now on ARRI’s website here.
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