10 Best External Camera Screens: Guide for Every Budget

Improve your shooting with external screens for your camera.

Many videographers or photographers discover that their viewfinder is too tiny, so they decide to start searching for an external camera screen. Thanks to a better screen resolution and visualization, it can simplify your video and image shooting routine greatly.

However, the task of selecting the best model is troublesome, as the screens are available in multiple sizes, have different brightness, monitoring tools, etc. Moreover, the price of on-camera screens varies considerably.

Those who want to turn their hobby into a professional activity should acquire an external camera screen to shoot sharp, creative, and professional videos. Also known as an external on-camera monitor, this add-on can be attached to both an action camera and a bulky still camera.

In this guide, we have rounded up the greatest models that can be connected to a camera using HDMI or SDI connections. The advantage of such monitors is that they feature larger screens in comparison to viewfinders of a standard camera. Moreover, they have higher brightness and better color reproduction.

Screen size: 5" | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 1000 nits | Ports: HDMI (2.0) 4Kp60 input and output, 3.5mm stereo microphone, 3.5mm headphone, remote jack

The Atomos Ninja V lets you capture 4Kp60 10-bit HDR clips right from your camera’s sensor using HDMI 2.0. Coupled with a 1TB Atom SSD mini, it can record 4K clips with a duration of up to 150 minutes.

The Ninja V can comfortably record at a 10+ stops range from Log/ PQ/HLG signals in real-time. An anti-glare screen of excellent quality accurately represents images and makes them clearly visible even in the daylight. With a properly configured one-touch operation, you can get an excellent recording every time your turn your camera on.

Screen size: 7.2" | Resolution: 1920×1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 1500-3000 nits | Ports: HDMI (2.0) 4Kp60 and two 12G-SDI (backward-compatible) input and output, 3.5mm stereo headphone output

The fans of the Ninja V will also like the Atomos Shogun 7 as these models are quite similar. The only considerable difference is that the screen size of the latter is 7 inches. The Shogun 7 is a perfect solution for pros who shoot with the best cameras. A variety of I/O ports also appeals to photographers. This camera monitor has an array of handy features that make the Shogun 7 ideal for capturing different events.

HDp60 SDI ISOs x 4 recording is another strong side of the Atomos Shogun. Besides, the recorded file can be exported in XML format.

Screen size: 7" | Resolution: 1920×1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Brightness: 500 nits | Ports: 4K HDMI 1.4 input and loop output, 3.5mm headphone jack

The Lilliput A7S 7" Full HD Monitor is one of the best monitors for cameras as it is packed with many top-notch functions available in more expensive premium models. The screen comes in an exquisite red rubber case. It is equipped with an HDMI 1.4 input, which allows capturing video and images in UHD 4K resolution,

Besides, the Lilliput A7S 7" has some extra camera features for setting the exposure level, creating a histogram, etc.

Screen size: 5" | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 2500 nits | 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

The Blackmagic Video Assist is an all-in-one solution for recording professional videos, which also serves as a portable monitor with OVF functionality. This model includes codecs, which lets you shoot clips of excellent quality. SDI and HDMI camera owners will enjoy top-rated record codecs.

Another argument in favor of the Blackmagic Video Assist is that it uses 12G‑SDI and Ultra HD HDMI connections and supports a variety of formats. Besides, it comes with an LCD with vibrant colors.

Screen size: 7" | Resolution: 1920×1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Brightness: 2200 nits | Ports: 4K HDMI input and loop output, 3.5mm headphone jack

The Feelworld FW279 is an external camera screen fitted with a 323 PPI IPS LCD and Loop-Through HDMI for videos of the highest resolution. Besides, it comes with an IPS LCD of excellent quality, which allows you to see clear images even when looking at the screen at an angle. It doesn’t have any issues with contrast or colors.

Moreover, the monitor has an array of features for checking the quality of a picture. These are tools for analyzing the exposure (a histogram, false colors, zebras), options for evaluating focus (peaking and magnification), and features for making sure that an image is properly framed (markers).

Screen size: 5.2" | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 1000 nits | Ports: HDMI (1.4) 4Kp30 input and loop output, 3.5mm stereo headphone output

Developed by Atomos, the Shinobi is a compact on-camera monitor with a variety of top-notch features. The most appealing aspect for photographers is a bright screen with HDR capability for seamless filmmaking and photography experience. A durable battery, which provides the necessary power for the device to run all day long is no less important.

You can see clear images even in daylight thanks to a 5”10-bit HDR or SDR screen. Another considerable advantage is the Anti-Reflective coating. Anti-fingerprint technology guarantees that your device will stay clean and neat.

Screen size: 5.5" | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 500 nits | Ports: 4K HDMI Input and Loop Output, HDMI Output application connect to a wireless transmitter

The Feelworld FW568 is one of the most popular monitors for cameras that lets you see large, clear pictures with vibrant colors. Besides, it provides a 160º viewing angle in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Fitted with one removable 1/4 screw, the FW568 can be mounted at the bottom or side. Many photographers prefer installing a camera on a handheld stabilizer, whereas other shooters want to use a screen as a high-definition viewfinder attaching it to the top of a camera. The latter option is less reliable.

The DC output port allows you to power your camera from an NP-F L-series or LP-E6 battery attached to the monitor. It enables you to use your shooting device longer than most mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

Screen size: 5.5" | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 450 nits | Ports: 4K HDMI input and loop output, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack

Many users consider the A6 Plus to be the best external camera screen, as it offers a variety of options at an affordable cost. Histogram, a false-color function, and peaking tools ensure a seamless video shooting experience. Besides, it is fitted with the 8V DC output for powering DSLR cameras.

Thanks to HDMI ports, the device supports popular formats and allows you to shoot in 4K, HD, and SD. You will enjoy using this 500 cd/m2 bright, 440 PPI, 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreen with a 170-degree angle of view.

Screen size: 7" | Resolution: 1920×1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 1000 nits | Ports: HDMI input and output, BNC input and output, SDI and HDMI embedded audio, 3.5 mm headphone output, barrel power input, and USB 2.0 input

The SmallHD Indie 7 is a camera monitor with an array of features. Besides a bright and large touchscreen display, it has smart monitoring features, which makes the Indie 7 to be one of the top-rated models available on the market today.

A durable, high-quality aluminum body makes this screen an optimal option for heavy use. The Ethernet port lets a photographer control wired camera settings via the touchscreen UI.

Shooters often choose the SmallHD Indie 7 because it provides intuitive control over the advanced settings of professional cinema cameras. You can use touchscreen configuration options to quickly adjust the settings.

Screen size: 7" | Resolution: 1920×1200 | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Brightness: 1000 nits | Ports: 4K HDMI Type-A (HDMI 1.4) input and output, 3.5mm headphone output

The R7 is one of the most affordable high-quality monitors with 7-inch screens. This model features a bright 400ppi display, which is great for capturing videos outside. It has a user-friendly touchscreen and buttons.

Thanks to OCR, the Desview R7 has a solid, scratch-proof, and shock-resistant display. You don’t need to use buttons as it has a touchscreen. The manufacturers used high-quality plastic to make to increase the durability of its body. Besides, you won’t notice any shakiness when pressing the opposite edges of a screen.

Although a camera external monitor makes your video shooting setup heavier and might be expensive, it is a handy accessory that enhances your filming experience taking it to a more professional level.

The larger the screen is, the more convenient filming experience you will get. Large monitors are heavier and more expensive. The most common sizes are 5-inches and 7-inches. Such devices allow you to see everything in detail. For shooting videos, it is better to get a 7-inches model, which costs more.

Many monitors for cameras feature HD displays, whereas some compact models like the Small-HD 5 have a 720p resolution. Of course, 1080p is more suitable for professional shooting.

The difference between 4K and HD 5 or 7-inch displays is very subtle. If you are on a budget, there is no need to buy a 4K model.

Screen brightness is measured in nits. The more nits it supports, the brighter the screen will be. A proper level of brightness allows you to get a clear picture even in direct sunlight. The minimal satisfactory value is 300 nits. To get decent results when filming outdoors, opt for screens with a minimum of 500 nits of brightness. If your budget allows, select a 2,000-nit screen that allows you to see everything clearly without any glare.

External monitors allow you to focus on your subject when shooting films and create recordings externally if necessary. In some cases, photographers need to shoot clips without saving them on the main memory card. This is when an on-camera screen will come in handy.

Besides, it can record videos as long as a battery and a memory card allow, unlike a standard camera that lets you capture videos, the duration of which does not exceed 30 minutes.

Another reason why it is reasonable to purchase an external screen is that it has a variety of tools and features. It simplifies your filming routine and makes it more enjoyable. Among the most useful functions are focus peaking zebras, false color waveforms, RGB parades, 3D LUT previews, audio meters, horizon indicators, etc.

There are external screens for every budget on the market, from affordable models that cost several hundred dollars to devices with more sophisticated features that cost up to several thousand bucks. The price depends on the manufacturer as well. All in all, the more expensive the model is, the more top-notch features it has.