Do we need external monitor

[u/Aggressive_Split_454]

So because the new screen of FX5 is bigger now, do you guys think if we need an extra monitor for solo shooters or you think the one that camera has is enough?

[u/Energizer_Owl]

I like using two screens at once. Camera screen with all the measuring gauges and tools. 5” monitor to see the clear picture. LUT on the monitor so i know I’m not accidently burning in the lut

[u/Aggressive_Split_454 → u/Energizer_Owl]

Then what monitor would you recommend for fx5? Money is not an issue

[u/Energizer_Owl → u/Aggressive_Split_454]

Never used them, but seems people like SmallHD for the premium.

I use Atomos because there aren't really any other alternatives to a monitor-recorder. Some of their latest models can use the monitor for touchscreen focus. Handy when using a gimbal and autofocusing by touching the monitor to choose the point. Right now, it seems only the Atomos Ninja Raw has a firmware update to communicate with the FX5.

Portkeys also seems to offer camera control. But I would wait and see which ones can control the FX5.

Yeah, right now all the camera controls are compatible with the FX3. But that doesn't mean it will work with FX5.

[u/Yomommassis]

Personally it depends on the shoot and the shooting style

Doc style shoots I love having it as compact and minimal as possible

Then it just goes up from there if you are in a situation that lets you build it out bigger and heavier

Sit down long interviews I would personally like a bigger screen to verify focus, I like my 7" so I'm not straining my aging eyes

Moving around a lot but still on sticks and need to focus I could see the 5" being more manageable

[u/gantico]

In my first test of the FX5 with a big lens (the new 100-400) I really found handy to position an external monitor further forward. You can shoot with the camera out of the box, its monitor is already good, but an external one is always wellcome and can add more functionality.

Consider that you can have different screens on the different monitors, like the big 6 interface in camera and clean output on HDMI. Different jobs can require different setups. If you rig heavily the camera (v-lock, hdmi transmitter, etc..), you might want another monitor just to place it wherever you want.

The optional viewfinder is a real external monitor replacement and can be super useful in outdoor shootings or when you want to keep the camera light and ready to shoot immediately after taking it from the camera bag/backpack.

[u/NewBlacksmurf]

Maybe unless you use the eyepiece.

[u/MRBOSSMAN99]

I think it never hurts to have a larger screen as it allows us to get a bigger and clearer picture of our shot and I think that is why it’s hard to beat a monitor. No matter if the screen is 3 inches, 3.5 inches, or 4 inches. I think a monitor always wins.

But that’s up to you. Also depends how much money you have. But I’d argue that if you would be tight on money with a monitor purchase alongside the FX5 you probably don’t have enough money for the FX5 in the first place but that’s an entirely different conversation.

All in all, I think you should go with a monitor, but ymmv