SmallHD, known for compact high definition field monitors, announces the new 501, the second field monitor in its new-platform 500 Series of 5-inch full HD on-camera monitors. It will be on display at the upcoming Cine Gear Expo and joins the award-winning 502 monitor and Sidefinder viewfinder introduced at NAB 2015 and is available immediately.
Just like the 502, the compact feature-packed camera-top monitor 501 delivers 1920×1080 resolution images with sharpness and detail. Only differing from the 502 in its input/output capability, the 501 simply features a full-size HDMI in/out interface, creating a $300 savings over the 502 due to this reduction in circuitry.
“By eliminating the high-speed SDI interface and signal cross-conversion, we’re able to cut the price below $900,” says SmallHD co-founder Wes Phillips. “The 501 delivers a crisp and color-accurate display that is sharper than the newest iPhone, and high end features like HD waveform and 3D LUTs, making it the perfect professional camera-top monitor for smaller HDMI based cameras—not to mention that it integrates perfectly with the Sidefinder HD viewfinder accessory coming this summer.”
The 501 boasts all the world-class software features found on the highest-end SmallHD products, and makes them quick and easy to access. The 501’s menu system is easily navigated with the flick of the thumb, and can display a huge range of critical features in an instant–from framing guides, focus assist, false color and zebra exposure indicators, to HD waveform, image capture and 3D LUT import capability.
Same as the 502, the 501 can also be used as the display for SmallHD’s award-winning Sidefinder electronic viewfinder, transforming it into a high definition monitor/EVF combo. The Sidefinder is a union between either of the 500 Series monitors and the SmallHD patent-pending, custom-designed EVF Loupe. The Sidefinder 501 (501 and Loupe) will be priced around $1200.
The 501 has the same sleek 2.95” x 5.78” x 0.80” (75mm x 146.8mm x 20mm) form-factor as the 502, and weighs in at only 7 ounces (0.2 kg). Both 500 Series monitors are rugged, housed in an aluminum frame with a rubberized coating, and extremely portable—small enough to be carried in the pocket. Power comes from up to two Canon LP-E6 style batteries, or LP-E6 style adapters that provide power from the AC wall plug or from a D-tap connector on a pro battery power system like Anton Bauer. Draw is minimal, allowing all-day operation off of two LP-E6 batteries under normal use.
The 501 monitor is shipping now. The Sidefinder EVF Loupe will be available this summer for $300.