PortKeys LH5P II 2000 nits 5.5" Touchscreen Monitor Review

17 Jul

Written By GFX GFX

The PortKeys LH5P II is an impressive 5.5" monitor that packs a lot of features into an affordable package. With its bright 2000 nit screen, robust build quality, and extensive camera control capabilities, this monitor is a game-changer for on-location shooting.

Bright and Daylight Viewable

The standout feature of the PortKeys LH5P II is its 2000 nit brightness. This makes it incredibly usable even in direct sunlight, a common issue for many field monitors. The reviewer notes that their primary monitor, the SmallHD 702 Bright, struggles in bright conditions with its 1000 nits, while the built-in LCD on their Canon C300 Mark II is "almost unusable" outdoors. In comparison, the PortKeys LH5P II shines brightly, allowing the user to clearly see the image even in the harshest lighting conditions.

The monitor also has adjustable backlight settings, allowing the user to dial down the brightness for indoor use without making the image look dull. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining color accuracy and visibility in a variety of environments.

        
                Specifications
                Details
            
                Size
                5.5″
            
                Screen
                IPS touch screen
            
                Input
                Full-Size HDMI in and out
            
                Dimension
                144x90x30.8mm
            
                Viewing Angle
                178°H/178°V
            
                Brightness
                2000nits
            
                Resolution
                1920×1080
            
                Contrast Ratio
                1000:1
            
                Weight
                285g
            
                Color Depth
                10bit (8+2 FRC)
            
                Material
                Aluminum Alloy + Toughened Glass
            
                Input Voltage
                DC 7~24V

Excellent Build Quality

The reviewer was impressed by the build quality of the PortKeys LH5P II, noting that the frame is made of CNC aluminum alloy, making it strong yet light. This is a surprising find for a monitor at this price point, as many affordable options tend to use all-plastic construction.

The battery plate holds the Sony NP-F style battery securely, and the Wi-Fi antenna is neatly integrated into the back of the monitor, keeping the overall design compact. The reviewer also appreciated that the antenna is removable, allowing users to omit it if they don't plan to use the wireless control features.

Accurate Color and LUT Support

Out of the box, the reviewer found the color accuracy of the PortKeys LH5P II to be slightly off, but they were able to easily correct this using the monitor's RGB and tint adjustments, as well as the color temperature settings. The 10-bit (8+2 FRC) panel provides excellent detail and crispness.

One of the standout features of this monitor is its support for 3D LUTs. This is particularly useful when shooting in flat log profiles, as the LUTs can be loaded from a USB drive and applied to the image, allowing the user to see a more accurate representation of the final look. The reviewer appreciated that the monitor can display the waveform either before or after the LUT is applied, providing valuable feedback on the image.

Comprehensive Camera Control

The PortKeys LH5P II offers extensive camera control capabilities, allowing users to access and adjust settings on a variety of camera models, including Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Blackmagic, and Z CAM. The touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate menus, adjust parameters like focus, iris, and shutter, and even trigger the camera's record function.

The reviewer tested the monitor with a Canon C300 Mark II and a Z CAM, and found the controls to be responsive and well-integrated, providing a level of functionality that feels like an OEM product. While the focus control was a bit slow, the ability to access the camera's main menu and make changes directly on the monitor was a valuable asset, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Powering Options

The PortKeys LH5P II can be powered by a single Sony NP-F style battery, with the reviewer using the Core SWX Nano F 6300mAh batteries for all-day shooting. The monitor can also be powered via a 5-pin Lemo to D-tap cable, which is sold separately by PortKeys.

Conclusion

The PortKeys LH5P II is an impressive and affordable 5.5" field monitor that delivers on several key fronts. Its bright 2200 nit screen, robust build quality, accurate color, and comprehensive camera control features make it a compelling option for a wide range of video production applications. It offers excellent value and is a must-consider for anyone in need of a daylight-viewable, feature-rich on-camera monitor.

GFX GFX