Having an external camera screen is helpful for videographers and still photographers. There are several advantages, including better screen resolution and visualization. And an external camera screen gives you a larger display and better viewing angle options.
The Atomos Ninja 5.2 4K Recording Monitor is our top choice for external camera screens. You can record 4K video at 60 fps with internal playback. And it has all the features and ports you need for high-quality photography and video recording.
An external camera monitor can be a game-changer for shooting video or stills. It gives you more freedom and flexibility, helping improve your photography and videography.
Giving you a much improved view of what you’re shooting, external camera screens offer far better creative control. But you need one that watches your objectives, skill level, and budget.
Screen size is one of the most important aspects. But you also need to consider screen brightness and whether the monitor has the correct ports. You also need to make sure it’s compatible with your camera.
First, you’ll see a quick rundown of our list of the best camera monitors. In the next section, we’ll look at each camera screen in more detail. And the final section looks at some key features you must consider when buying an external camera screen.
Now we take a closer look at all the best external camera screens for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
| Brand |
Brand
Atomos
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
5.9 x 3.6 x 1.2 inches / 15.1 x 9.1 x 3.1 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
360 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
5.2 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 9
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
1000 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
Yes
|
| Ports |
Ports
HDMI (2.0) 4K / 60p input and output, 3.5mm stereo microphone, 3.5mm headphone, remote jack
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for a reasonably priced pro-grade monitor for videography
|
The Atmos Ninja 5.2 is a popular monitor due to the well-calibrated HDR screen and support for the following:
The maximum screen resolution is only 1080p. But it can still record 4K video at 60 fps and display anamorphic lens footage with 2x, 1.5x, 1.33x, or Panasonic’s 4:3 aspect ratio.
In fact, the Atomos Ninja 5.2 can even improve the quality of footage your camera can shoot! For example, if you have a Panasonic Lumix S5 II, you can shoot 12-bit RAW instead of 10-bit 4:2:2.
Many features are also available, including multi-level exposure tools and waveforms. There’s a built-in vectorscope. And you have tools for focus peaking, zebra stripes, and a false-color function.
It also has built-in playback options. So you can review your latest shots without exporting the media files to another device. And you have inputs for sound recording equipment.
You can easily share footage with other devices using Atomos RemoteView. It allows you to watch recorded footage on other Atomos devices, iPads, and Mac laptops.
A responsive touchscreen is a big improvement on older Ninja models. But it remains a lightweight external camera screen for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The performance is excellent, and the price is more than reasonable.
| Brand |
Brand
Blackmagic Design
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
7.6 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches/ 19.3 x 13 x 3.7 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
825 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 9
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
2500 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
Yes
|
| Ports |
Ports
HDMI input and output, BNC, SDI input and output, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C (3.1 Generation 1), UHS-II SD card slot
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional video and photography, RAW shooting
|
The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7 3G is at the top end of the market for on-camera monitors. Plus, it’s one of very few that can capture Blackmagic’s RAW code video. (When you shoot with a model from its Pocket Cinema Camera range.)
The screen resolution is Full HD, so it’s an excellent external screen display. It’s a good option for high-quality video recording. This monitor allows you to capture 4K at 60 fps. And you can use it with pro-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as Blackmagic Design videography cameras.
It has RAW compatibility. It has all the ports you need for professional recording. And it also offers 3D LUTs, professional scopes, exposure tools, and focus-assist features.
The screen is incredibly bright. The brightness adjustment goes all the way up to 2500 nits. This strong illumination helps you see all the details of your shot. It also helps when shooting in direct sunlight.
| Brand |
Brand
LILLIPUT
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
7.5 x 31.5 x 0.8 inches/ 18 x 12.4 x 2 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
320 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 10
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
500 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
No
|
| Ports |
Ports
4K HDMI 1.4 input and loop output, 3.5mm headphone jack
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers and videographers on a budget, DSLR cameras, indoor shooting
|
The Lilliput A7s is the most affordable 7-inch on-camera monitor if you don’t need to record your footage. It has buttons and a scroll wheel rather than a touchscreen.
It also fits onto a DSLR hot shoe, can cope with 4K video (with loop-through HDMI output), and has two customizable function keys. It offers similar bells and whistles to more expensive on-camera monitors.
Advanced functions include the following:
There’s also focus peaking, a pixel-to-pixel scan, and an image flip. All these features are designed to make life easier for videographers.
The camera monitor has a good 170-degree viewing angle. It’s also lightweight yet durable. And it includes a Velcro sun hood, silicone case, and ball mount.
It isn’t the most advanced monitor. And it isn’t ideal for outdoor shooting. But it’s a good budget-friendly option for DSLR users.
| Brand |
Brand
FEELWORLD
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
5.6 x 3.4 x 1.1 inches / 14.2 x 8.6 x 2.8 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
365 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 10
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
2200 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
No
|
| Ports |
Ports
4K HDMI input and loop output, 3.5mm headphone jack
|
| Best For |
Best For
DSLR cameras, shooting in bright sunlight, camera rigs
|
The real strength of the FeelWorld FW279 is its large, bright screen. It’s contrasty and the high resolution is perfect for shooting outside in direct sunlight.
The color calibration settings allow excellent color rendition. There are plenty of monitoring tools, like focus assist, zebra stripes, and histograms. It’s also designed to work with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
It’s a lightweight external camera screen. That makes it easy to attach to your DSLR camera rig or stabilizer setup. And there’s no need to transfer the media first.
It also has built-in speakers. This lets you watch playback with audio. Or you can also use the headphone jack for better audio playback.
The display isn’t a touchscreen, which is a drawback. But you get a lovely 160-degree viewing angle. This wide-angle view gives you more viewing options. And it makes it easier to get the exact shot you need.
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
8.8 x 7.6 x 2.5 inches / 22 x 19 x 6.3 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
866g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1200 x 800
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 9
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
450 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
No
|
| Ports |
Ports
4K HDMI input-output
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners
|
The Neewer F100 is a basic monitor with a large screen. It’s ideal for beginner Canon cameras. It has various “extras,” including an AV-HDMI cable and a hot shoe ball head. You also get a shoe mount and a sun hood.
Screen resolution and brightness are limited. But this external camera screen does have a 1200:1 contrast ratio. It also offers basic features such as zoom assist, scanning, and focus peaking. These are excellent tools if you’re new to using an on-camera monitor for photography or video.
The F100’s screen comes with a high-quality mental mount. It attaches to your camera’s hot shoe. And it’s strong and sturdy, so there’s no unwanted movement when viewing your picture.
It’s a basic camera monitor. But the build quality is strong overall.
| Brand |
Brand
Atomos
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
9.6 x 7.2 x 3.9 inches / 24 x 18 x 9.9 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
577 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 9
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
2200 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
Yes
|
| Ports |
Ports
HDMI (2.0) 4Kp60 and 2Kp60 and input and output, 3.5mm stereo
|
| Best For |
Best For
Enthusiast videographers, photographers, and vloggers
|
The Atomos Shinobi 7 monitor is essentially a stripped own version of the Ninja 5.2, only you can’t use them as an external recorder. Despite this, it’s still a great option for budding videographers and vloggers.
This bright, 7-inch version has log conversion. So you can preview the look of RAW footage and upload LUTs from an SD card.
There aren’t many major differences between the Shinobi 7 and the 5-inch version, other than the screen size. That’s why we think the 7-inch version is better value for money.
The Shinobi 7-inch is an excellent device when shooting photography in Live View. You can shoot from more angles. And its brightness allows you to shoot outside in bright sunlight. It also has HDR settings for even better image viewing.
| Brand |
Brand
FEELWORLD
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
7.1 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches / 18 x 12 x 1.8 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
320 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 10
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
450 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
No
|
| Ports |
Ports
4K HDMI input-output, 3.5mm stereo headphone
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner photographers and amateur vloggers
|
The FeelWorld T7 is a budget-friendly version of the FW279.
It doesn’t have 2200-nit brightness. But it makes up for it with a large screen, slim design, and wide 160-degree viewing angle. It is also a lightweight external screen. So it’s not a burden when attached to your rig.
Despite being lightweight and compact, it’s a durable camera monitor. And it has a strong aluminum frame. This is reassuring when compared to some of the plastic-framed competitors.
You also get an excellent range of monitoring tools. It includes color calibration technology, a focus peaking filter, a histogram, exposure controls, and a false-color function.
The low-brightness level does let you down when shooting outside. But the Full HD resolution is sharp and vivid. The Feelworld T7 can also cope with higher video resolutions, so you can pair it with your 4K camera.
| Brand |
Brand
SmallHD
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
7.1 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches / 18 x 12 x 3.3 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
737 g
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
7 inches
|
| Screen Resolution |
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
|
| Aspect Ratio |
Aspect Ratio
16 • 9
|
| Brightness |
Brightness
1000 nits
|
| Touchscreen |
Touchscreen
Yes
|
| Ports |
Ports
HDMI (Type A) input and output, BNC (3G-SDI/HD-SDI) input and output, SDI and HDMI embedded audio, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) headphone output, barrel (10 VDC) power input, and USB 2.0 (Micro-USB) input
|
| Best For |
Best For
Big-budget photographers and videographers in need of a compact monitor
|
The SmallHD Cine 5 camera monitor boasts a large, bright, crystal-clear display. And most users will appreciate the responsive touchscreen display.
It also has various video assist tools such as professional image analysis, advanced pixel zoom, color correction, and unlimited real-time 3D LUTs.
The 1000-nit brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio make it a good option for outdoor shoots. And the long battery life allows you to work for longer without interruptions.
The Cine 5 has in-house software for its on-camera monitors. This gives you enhancement and editing tools without buying additional software. It is an expensive external camera screen. But it’s a pro-level piece of equipment for photographers and videographers.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an external monitor. These include size, weight, screen resolution, and brightness. It is also good to look for a touchscreen, recording capabilities, and the number of input and output ports available.
This is a trade-off. A smaller camera monitor will be lighter and more portable. But a larger one will give you a better view of your pictures or log footage.
The on-camera monitors in this list are all 5 to 7 inches in size (measured diagonally). But you still need to consider other factors.
These include the size and weight of your camera and how you plan to connect them. And you also want to consider whether you generally shoot handheld, with a gimbal, or from a tripod.
There are three important factors for the optical features of external monitors.
High-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras now offer many monitoring tools to help videographers. They include zebra stripes and focus peaking. But an excellent external monitor will offer all that and more… plus the ease of use from a larger screen.
Two features that might be very important are touchscreen control and recording directly to the monitor. (The Atomos Ninja V, Blackmagic Design HDR, and the Atomos Shogun 7 can record.)
Wireless monitors have an added benefit. They allow you to walk around without being tied to the camera. Some even offer a “focus following” system. This lets you adjust the focus remotely from the camera monitor rather than the camera.
In photography, compatibility is a big issue. This is especially true when it comes to external monitors.
It’s no good buying one if it won’t “talk” to your camera. So it’s important to work out which video formats and codecs you’ll use.
You also need to know which microphones and headphones you’ll use. And you want to determine whether your external camera monitor has all the right connections.
Some monitors are specifically designed to be on-camera monitors mounted on the hot shoe of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. It’s convenient if the external camera screen has a built-in “tilt arm.” It lets you spin the monitor 360 degrees (both vertically and horizontally).
Alternatively, you can link the camera and external monitor with an HDMI cable. And most monitors also allow you to “loop” footage to other monitors or devices. This is handy if you’re working with an assistant on set.
Are you still on the fence about buying an external monitor? Here are the main advantages:
The best external camera screen is the Atomos Ninja 5.2 4K monitor. It provides a 5-inch, 1000-nit HDR display. And it gives you 10-bit color and a Full HD resolution. It offers great value. And all considered, it’s the best camera monitor right now.
We’ve provided plenty of camera screen options. There are options for indoor and outdoor shooting. And we have monitors for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals. So you won’t fail to find a fantastic external camera screen that meets your needs!
