camera gear, cinematography
CONTROL Your Camera With This Monitor- PORTKEYS BM7 II DS
Are you tired of not being able to have full control over your camera while shooting? Well, we have the perfect solution for you! Introducing the PORTKEYS BM7 II DS, a game-changing monitor that allows you to have complete control over your camera with just a few taps on the screen. With its innovative design and advanced features, this monitor will revolutionize the way you shoot, giving you the freedom to adjust settings, focus, and even start/stop recording remotely. Say goodbye to those frustrating moments of not being able to reach your camera, and say hello to effortless control and enhanced creativity. In this blog, we will dive into the details of this incredible device and explore how it can transform your photography and videography experience.
CONTROL Your Camera With This Monitor- PORTKEYS BM7 II DS
Introduction
In this video, we will be discussing the Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS monitor and its compatibility with various cameras, including the Red Komodo X and Sony cameras. This rugged and versatile monitor offers camera control features and professional monitoring modes that make it a valuable tool for filmmakers and photographers.
Specifications
The Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS is a seven-inch touchscreen monitor with a 10-bit panel and a resolution of 1920×1080. It has a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a maximum brightness of 2200 nits. The monitor features two 3G SDI inputs and one output, as well as one HDMI input and output. It also offers cross conversion capabilities and supports various monitoring modes, including waveform, vector scope, anamorphic peaking, false color, and 3D LUTs. The monitor is red-approved for the Red Komodo and Red V Raptor cameras and supports wireless camera control for cameras from Red, Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic Design, and Z-cam. It has a built-in dual MPF battery style plate, an industry-standard 2-pin Lemo, and a 5.5mm barrel connector, all packed in a lightweight body weighing 460 grams.
Camera Control
One of the key features of the Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS is its camera control capabilities. Users can control various camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, frame rate, color temperature, EV, and aspect ratio. Additionally, the monitor allows users to start and stop recording directly from the screen. This is particularly useful for cameras like the Red Komodo X, where the record button is not easily accessible. Users can either press the record button on the screen or program one of the four customizable buttons on the monitor to act as a record button.
For Sony cameras, users need to switch the camera’s Wi-Fi band to 2.4 GHz and access the camera PC control function to establish a connection with the monitor. The Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS is also compatible with the original Komodo and Komodo X cameras. To connect these cameras, users need to change the Wi-Fi settings on the camera to ad hoc mode, change the SSID to “Komodo X1,” and set the password to “Komodo X1.” It is important to select the 2.4 GHz band for optimal connectivity. Once connected, users can easily control the camera through the monitor.
Power and Mounting Options
The Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS offers various power options, including the use of two MPF batteries or a DC power input. Notably, the DC power port features a locking screw, ensuring a secure connection and preventing accidental disconnection. The monitor also includes an industry-standard two-pin Lemo connector, ideal for cinematographers who prefer this power option. The monitor’s boot-up time is relatively quick, taking approximately seven seconds to turn on.
For mounting, the monitor features mounting points at both the top and bottom. It also includes re-locating pins, providing stability when secured in a preferred position. Additionally, the monitor has a 3/8 mounting thread with a quarter-20 adapter, offering flexibility in mounting options.
Conclusion
The Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS is a reliable and feature-packed monitor that offers excellent camera control functionalities and professional monitoring modes. Its compatibility with the Red Komodo X, Sony cameras, and other major camera brands makes it a versatile tool for filmmakers and photographers. With its rugged design and lightweight body, it is suitable for outdoor use and easy to transport. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, the Portkeys BM7 Mark II DS is worth considering for your camera monitoring needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Portkeys BM7 II DS Monitor
1. How does the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor help in controlling my camera?
The Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor offers advanced camera control functions, allowing you to access and adjust various camera settings directly from the monitor. It enables you to control parameters such as focus, exposure, white balance, and more, giving you a convenient and efficient way to manage your camera settings.
2. Which camera models are compatible with the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor for camera control?
The Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor is compatible with a wide range of popular camera models, including but not limited to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and Blackmagic cameras. Please refer to the product documentation or the manufacturer’s website for an extensive list of compatible camera models.
3. How do I connect my camera to the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor for control?
You can connect your camera to the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor using a compatible HDMI or SDI cable, depending on your camera’s output options. Simply connect one end of the cable to the output port of your camera and the other end to the corresponding input port on the monitor. Once connected, you can start controlling your camera using the monitor’s intuitive interface.
4. Can I make changes to camera settings while recording using the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor?
Absolutely! One of the key advantages of the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor is its live control feature, which allows you to make adjustments to camera settings even while you’re recording. This feature proves to be incredibly helpful in situations where you need to modify settings on the fly without interrupting your shooting process.
5. Does the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor support remote control functionalities?
Yes, the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor supports remote control functionalities. With the appropriate camera connection and configuration, you can operate your camera remotely using the monitor. This feature comes in handy, especially when you need to control your camera from a distance or in unconventional shooting scenarios.
6. Are there any software or firmware updates for the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor for camera control?
Yes, Portkeys regularly releases software or firmware updates for its products, including the BM7 II DS monitor. These updates often introduce new features, improvements, and enhanced camera compatibility. It is recommended to visit the official Portkeys website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated with the latest updates and improvements.
7. Can I customize the control interface and layout on the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor?
Yes, the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor offers extensive customization options for the control interface. You can choose and arrange various control elements, buttons, menus, and shortcuts according to your preferences. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized control layout that suits your specific shooting style and requirements.
8. Does the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor require external power for camera control?
Generally, the Portkeys BM7 II DS monitor can draw power directly from your camera using the connected HDMI or SDI cable. However, in some cases where high power consumption is expected during extended shooting sessions, it is advisable to use an external power source, such as batteries or a DC power adapter, to ensure uninterrupted camera control functionality.
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