Best External Monitors For Blackmagic
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC 4K) turned heads when it launched, but users quickly ran into a common frustration: the built-in monitor. Shooting in bright sunlight? Good luck seeing anything through that glare. And the small screen didn’t help either.
Still, the Blackmagic camera remains a favorite among YouTube creators, vloggers, and indie filmmakers. It’s got an integrated touch screen, solid resolution, and a compact body that’s easy to carry around.
The fix is simple: grab an external camera monitor for your Blackmagic setup.
A quality external monitor means every shot comes out looking sharp. If you’re tired of squinting at that tiny screen and want your footage to match your skill level, here are some solid options worth checking out.
Here are the Best External Monitors For Blackmagic
| External Monitor | Dimensions | Weight | Resolution | Brightness | Input Port | Output Port | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LILLIPUT A11 4K External On Monitor Camera | 9.92 x 0.98 x 6.18 inches | 1.21 pounds | 1920 x 1200 | 320 nits | HDMI, AC | HDMI | Yes |
| ANDYCINE C7 Field Camera Monitor | 9.25 x 6.77 x 3.66 inches | 3.04 pounds | 1920 x 1200 | 2200 nits | HDMI | HDMI | Yes |
| Atomos Shinobi 5-inch HDMI 4K Monitor | 5.94 x 1.24 x 3.6 inches | 7 ounces | 1920 x 1080 | 1000 nits | HDMI | None | Not included |
| VILTROX DC-90HD 4K HDMI Monitor | 225 x 155.5 x 21.5 mm | 820g | 1920 x 1200 | 350 nits | HDMI, AV | HDMI | Yes |
1. LILLIPUT A11 4K External On Monitor Camera
The LILLIPUT A11 is a popular pick in the filmmaking world, and it’s easy to see why. It sports a 10.1-inch LCD screen with strong resolution and a wide color range. The viewing angles hold up well, even under direct sunlight.
The software is straightforward and easy to navigate, with plenty of features packed in. Port selection is equally impressive, giving you options for different setups. Since it’s compact and lightweight, carrying it around isn’t a problem.
Along with the monitor, you’ll get a sunshade, shoe mount, mount plate bracket, HDMI A to C cable, HDMI micro cable, 12-volt DC adapter, handbook, and an f970 plate.
It works with F series battery plates.
For more on this, take a look at our how to connect blackmagic to computer guide.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.92 x 0.98 x 6.18 inches
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Brightness: 320 nits
- Input port: HDMI, AC
- Output port: HDMI
- Battery: Yes
2. ANDYCINE C7 Field Camera Monitor
The ANDYCINE C7 packs a 7-inch IPS panel with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 1200:1 contrast ratio. The viewing experience is really solid. It’s glare-free, and the brightness level is high enough that you can actually see your shots in natural light.
With a pixel density of 440, viewing angles are excellent. It’s also small and light, featuring HDMI input, HDMI output, and an SD card port.
The built-in software runs smoothly and covers all the features you’d expect from a modern field monitor.
In the box, you’ll find an HDMI to mini HDMI cable, an HDMI to micro HDMI cable, a tilt arm, carrying bag, battery charger, battery, manual, and warranty card. Sony’s F and Q series batteries are compatible with this unit.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.25 x 6.77 x 3.66 inches
- Weight: 3.04 pounds
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Brightness: 2200 nits
- Input port: HDMI
- Output port: HDMI
- Battery: Yes
3. Atomos Shinobi 5-inch HDMI 4K Monitor
Photographers and vloggers will appreciate what the Atomos Shinobi brings to the table. The display is glare-free with solid viewing angles, and it’s bright enough to use outdoors in daylight.
On a similar note, our how to use blackmagic camera as a webcam article has more practical tips.
One thing that really stands out is the color spectrum. The wide range makes it easy to see realistic images in real time, which is a big deal when you’re shooting on location. It has HDMI input but no output ports.
The pre-installed software isn’t quite as feature-rich as some other monitors on this list, but it still gets the job done for most setups. Keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a battery, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
Sony F and Q series batteries work with this monitor.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.94 x 1.24 x 3.6 inches
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Brightness: 1000 nits
- Input port: HDMI
- Output port: None
- Battery: Not included
4. VILTROX DC-90HD 4K HDMI Monitor
BMPCC professionals tend to like the VILTROX DC-90HD 4K monitor, and it comes in various sizes.
The mounted monitor has impressive dynamic range and enough brightness that shooting on a sunny day won’t slow you down.
The monitor is also easy to clean and maintain. It’s small, lightweight, and includes a micro USB connector, AV input port, charge port, and charging cable. The embedded software lets the camera handle different functions without any fuss.
When you buy this external monitor, you’ll also get an F550 battery, sunshade, type A to type C HDMI cable, micro HDMI cable, fabric bag, and a hot shoe attachment.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 225 x 155.5 x 21.5 mm
- Weight: 820g
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Brightness: 350 nits
- Input port: HDMI, AV
- Output port: HDMI
- Battery: Yes
Final Thoughts
One of the main reasons filmmakers and video creators reach for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is its ability to capture high-quality images and smooth video.
It’s affordable and highly portable, but without an external monitor, the camera just won’t deliver the image quality you’re after.