SmallHD has recently introduced a new 5-inch HDMI on-camera monitor: the Action 5. It features a touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1080, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits. The monitor comes with a simplified version of SmallHD’s PageOS software that packs the most common monitoring tools. It is now available for $329.
SmallHD has always been very attentive to the needs of professionals working in our industry as their products are more high-end. Now, the company is aiming to bring the high quality they’re known for to a new product designed having beginner filmmakers and content creators in mind.
Indeed, the new SmallHD Action 5 offers an easy-to-use approach for those users looking for a compact monitor to use on the go without the sophisticated technicalities required by more complex productions. Let’s take a closer look.
SmallHD Action 5: features
The new SmallHD Action 5 is a compact and lightweight HDMI-only on-camera monitor. It features a 5-inch touchscreen LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. The screen covers the Rec.709 color space and its maximum brightness of 2000 nits easily makes it a daylight-viewable monitor.
The unit features single HDMI 2.0 input/output ports on the left side that support FullHD, 4K UHD, and 4K DCI video signals up to 60fps, 30fps, and 24fps respectively. Moreover, a 1/8” headphone jack allows users to monitor audio on set.
The Action 5 comes with a simplified version of the popular PageOS software that can be found in more professional SmallHD monitors, called ActionOS. It still comes with all the fundamental tools that users need to monitor their image on-set, such as Focus Assist, Expose Tool, Look Tool, Frame Tool, and LUT support.
SmallHD Action 5: power and design
There are several ways to power the new SmallHD Action 5. Its battery plate on the back accepts both Sony L-series and Canon LP-E6 batteries, but the monitor also supports 12V DC IN power sources. Furthermore, the unit can also provide power to additional accessories via its 8VDC output placed at the bottom.
SmallHD products are usually built tough and this new entry seems to be no exception. The monitor will only add about 240g/8.5oz. to your camera build thanks to its solid aluminum construction. The body features three 1/4”-20 points for mounting accessories: on the right side, at the bottom, and on the back.
In the box
- 5-inch Monitor
- Screen Protector
- Hinge Mount (cold-shoe to 1/4″-20)
- USB Flash Drive (for updating firmware/LUT)
- Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable (18in/45cm)
- Micro-HDMI to HDMI Cable (18in/45cm)
- Microfiber Screen Wipe
- 2x Replacement M3 screws (for pan/tilt adjustments)
- M3 Allen Key
Price and availability
Although SmallHD monitors usually aren’t exactly the cheapest monitors out there, the new Action 5 comes at a very affordable price. Indeed, this new 5-inch monitor is now available for purchase from the manufacturer’s website for $329.
What do you think of the new SmallHD Action 5 monitor? Do you often feel the need for such a bright display during your shoots? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
