Smallhd dp4 and dp6 review

Smallhd dp4 evf

Smallhd dp4 evf and dp6

Smallhd dp4 on Glidecam hd2000

One of the biggest problems on hdslr's is the screen on the back of the camera. Small around 3 inches. Pulling focus is hard without the aid of a loupe or field monitor. When I was looking for an upgrade for a filed monitor that offered features not found in the other monitors I had, I chose Smallhd dp4 and dp6 and couldn't be happier.

I find myself using the dp4 in run and gun shooting and glidecam work. The dp6 I use more of a studio type shoots where shots are more controlled and the bigger monitor can be seen by more.

 The differences between both.  The dp4 is a 4.3 inch monitor with 800x480 led back lit panel that is bright enough for shooting outside without a hood. Coupled with the evf attachment it the biggest evf on the market.

The dp6 is a 5.6 inch monitor with 1280x800 res screen.
Both of the monitors are made from an aluminum frame. and share all the same features, which can be updated using a usb cord.

The first thing i noticed was the build quality. Being made from a milled aluminum frame these monitors are made to last. They both have a little weight but still light enough to mount to any style rig. dp4 weighing with evf 1 pound and dp6 just 12 oz.

The colors on the monitors are very accurate to what the camera lcd is displaying. So there is no guessing on what the final video will look like ungraded.

Another nice touch is the dslr full screen for canon's or any camera. Dslr full screen uses the entire screen of the monitor and not just a friction of it. Makes it that much more useable. Its nice when you're not paying for a bigger screen that downscales back to no bigger then the camera lcd.

I'm starting to shoot more with anamorphic lenses and having the feature of frame guides is nice. So when i'm in post i'm not guessing if i missed framing by not having enough image left cause I didn't frame right for the anamorphic crop.

dp4 no focus assist +

dp4 using focus assist + but not in focus

dp4 using focus assist + lens is outlined in white showing focus

The most useful feature I tend to use the most is the focus assist + When shooting with a fast prime or anamorphic wide open is a challenge to maintain perfect focus if there's a quick rack focus or racking to follow talent's movement. With focus assist+ there is no guessing if I nailed the focus. The new focus assist + makes the image darker and outlines the focus area in white. Which is useable in any shooting condition.

Both the dp4 and dp6 can be powered by a number of different batteries. Ranging from canon, sony  nikon. And the dp4 can even be powered by AA batteries. So no matter which camera you use to film you're probably have batteries to power either monitor.

The hdmi loop thru is a nice feature on the dp4. When im dping and I need a director monitor i plug in the hdmi cable and use the dp6.
I may not of covered every features these two monitors have, which is alot. These are the key features i use.

If you choose any of Smallhd's monitors you're choosing a well built and future proof monitor. And a company with the best customer service ive come across. Its nice that a company actually asked its customers for their input on what they would like to see in feature monitors or even firmware updates. Overall i'm very happy with both of my Smallhd monitors and their customer service.
check out their website
www.smallhd.com