Phil A

I was under the impression motion cadence is also heavily dependent on the codec used, intraframe vs interframe.

That's interesting, thanks so much for the input. I started it up multiple times within a few minutes but it always took long to start. Might it make a difference if using it with a Speed Drive connected or not? I guess it depends. If I would shoot narrative or in a controlled setup I'd go for 7 inch and mount it directly to the tripod head instead of to the camera. But if you want to stay mobile and a bit more subtle, with the monitor on the hot shoe or a small cage, I think 5 inch is better to handle. Guess it comes down to personal preference.

I wonder how the new stabilized Tamron primes (35 1.8, 45 1.8, 85 1.8) would fare for video use on the 5D III. Could be a killer combo for small video + photography kit.

As I've said, if I could live with the start up time I'd actually prefer the PIX-E5 over the SmallHD. It's a great thing. Just a bit disappointing with the start up time as I'm sure that could have been circumvented with a bit better optimized software or more capable/optimized hardware. I thought I made it clear that in the end you chose between the monitor with included EVF versus the recorder with included monitor, no matter the decision you won't lose. I actually considered keeping the PIX-E (because I wanted to keep it, the SmallHD doesn't work with the Samsung NX1) so I tried to come up with a workaround but due to the fact that it gets hot to the touch to dissipate heat over the metal housing and uses active cooling via fan, it probably won't survive long if you put it into your camera bag (i.e. killing air circulation) without powering it off. And before the question comes, I wouldn't consider the BM Video Assist. It doesn't do LUTs, it doesn't do 4k recording, the monitor panel is apparently not on the same quality as Atomos, SmallHD and VideoDevices.

I've searched YouTube for videos to cross check my observations and I found one rather weird unboxing video where the PIX-E5 gets mounted and powered on. The video shows the splash screen at the end for over 10 seconds when they power it on, then the unboxing abruptly ends without the PIX-E5 ever arriving on the regular screen. I considered mine defective but it seems that is regular behaviour. I think it's sad because it's otherwise a really impressive gadget, it seems amazingly solid in build and reliable, I'd consider that a huge oversight for a device retailing at 1600€ sans batteries or media. I've noticed how basically no unboxing videos show the powering up of devices and the review videos typically already have them running or are cut between the footage. It's hard to find such kinks without actually having the device in hand. I found a video where someone powered the Atomos Shogun and it seamed close to instantaneous, like the SmallHD. What a pity that Atomos makes no up-to-date 5" monitor/recorder. Seeing how there was a PIX-E5 vs Atomos Shogun comparison on Cinema5D a while ago I'm somewhat surprised how that didn't get commented on, I think they're rather thorough normally.

But that one has no log profile, probably less dynamic range and no internal recording.

Hey guys, I'm not sure anyone cares, considering that these are two quite different creatures, but while I have both the SmallHD 501 and PIX-E5 still here I made a rough comparison between the two. Quick upfront comment: the SmallHD 501 is a pure field monitor while the VideoDevices PIX-E5 can record in ProRes to a Speed Drive (a mSata SSD in a proprietary USB3 case). I have only tested the monitor functions and not the recording. If you're looking for an alternative to a Shogun or Odyssey you will want the PIX-E. The SmallHD 501 allows to attach the sidefinder attachment, turning it into a not perfect but good EVF. As most know, both of them are field monitors with 5 inch 1920x1080 pixel IPS screens. Both of them run on dual batteries so you can hot swap during use, the SmallHd using the ubiquitous Canon LP-E6 while the PIX-E5 takes the just as common Sony L batteries. Both monitors have a lot of exposure, focus and framing helps and can load LUTs from a SD card, a great feature to separate them from the cheaper low budget offering when shooting LOG profiles. So far with the similarities, I'll go a bit deeper on the specific stuff and differencies. Models and operation: The Small HD 501 is the cheaper 500series model, lacking the SDI in- & outputs that the more expensive SmallHD 502 brings, otherwise boasting exactly the same features. There's also more expensive 7 inch models. The SmallHD operates completely over the joystick plus back button, you'll won't have smudges on the screen like with a touch screen. The VideoDevices PIX-E5 is the more expensive 5 inch PIX-E due to the SDI in- & outs, there's also a cheaper PIX-E5H that only has HDMI . Just like with SmallHD, VideoDevices also makes a 7 inch model. While the SmallHD has a very minimalist operating approach, the PIX-E5 on the other hand features a twist & push know on one side, 13 buttons on the front and touch screen in addition. I'd give the point here to the PIX-E, it's just more pleasant to set up and toggle the functions. Operating system logic: The 501 offers a page logic. You can create multiple pages that you set up with the tools of your choice (in whatever combination you need) and then just left-right jump with the joystick between the pages. So you might have one page with all your tools to set the right exposure and then the next page with your framing guides and focus helps. Nifty. On the PIX-E5 you can activate and deactivate the different tools with the buttons on the bottom of the screen, configure them by holding the button. Works easy and quick, especially on combination with the touch screen. I'll give this point to the SmallHD. While I think setting up the tools is quicker on the PIX-E, you only set them up once and then toggle between pages on the 501 while you would always turn tools on and off on the PIX-E. But this is by a hair, I think both is perfectly fine, might be a draw for others. Exposure tools: Both have configurable zebras, false colour, histogram, waveform and vectorscope. They feel slightly laggy and pixelated on the PIX-E but that's nit picking. A clear draw. Focus tools: They both have colored edge peaking in configurable strength and color. The 501 features additional edge sharpening that emphasizes in focus edges so it's really easier to pull focus directly from the full screen video without the distracting peaking colors. It works quite well in my opinion and is better than colored edge peaking when using a nice big 5 or 7 inch monitor. The PIX-E5 features a cool zoom function to punch in on the picture via touch screen, you can even move the zoomed frame area. Which is better? It depends. For me I'd say the full screen edge sharpening is better for run & gun where you want to keep an eye on the whole frame while the great punch in is good when shooting from sticks or in a more narrative setting. Inputs & Outputs: Both feature HDMI and SDI depending on the model as well as doing loop through. The point goes clearly to the PIX-E5 though as it has 4k via 6G SDI and HDMI while the Small HD only does FullHD. In addition the PIX-E5 can do FullHD up to 120fps (not that most consumer/prosumer cameras would even give that out, they only do it internally). Image lag: I've tested this point because a lot of people complained about the image lag of the PIX-E5 with roughly 5 frames of delay. VideoDevices really improved this a lot with the last firmware updates. Both monitors show a comparable amount of delay connected via HDMI to a Samsung NX1 or Nikon D750. If shot the camera screens and monitors with the iPhone in 240fps and both monitors lagged roughly the same behind the camera screens and reality. Keep in mind that if you do loop through, there will be additional delay. The SmallHD won't work on the NX1 but it works when looping through the PIX-E5 (makes you wonder how SmallHD is incapable to fix this if even that is enough?) but obviously it will lag even more then. This is probably only relevant for the people who want to run multiple monitors/recorders on one camera to have separate view for operator and focus puller (and director). Recording: DUH! PIX-E5 because the SmallHD 501 is no recorder. In addition the PIX-E5 comes with the PIX-LR module to high quality audio features such as phantom powered XLR inputs. Weight and size: The SmallHD 501 is smaller by quite a margin, I didn't measure them but you can see it on the picture or look it up in the tech specs. The SmallHD 501 weighs 205g without batteries and 365g with my two aftermarket LP-E6. These bring 2000 mAh each. The VideoDevices PIX-E5 is 450g without batteries and reachs 635g with two aftermarket NP-F550 (2900 mAh each) or, if you need a lot of juice, 1050g with two NP-F970 (7800 mAh each). We don't have to discuss this, it's clearly in favor of the SmallHD 501. This was when using them as pure monitors, if you add the Speed Drive to record to the PIX-E5 will get even heavier. So when shooting with a A7s with a vintage lens, the PIX-E5 with batteries and media is as heavy as the camera. This is actually on the level of the bigger Shogun. One reason clearly is the superior build quality. While the SmallHD 501 is in no way flimsy, the PIX-E5 has a massive metal housing used for robustness and to dissipate heat (it also has an active cooling fan but the volume is perfectly fine). Start up time: Here comes the last point in my list and the absolute deal breaker for me. Everything above would be perfectly fine with both monitors and I think both are great choices but depending on how you want to shoot, the start up time of the PIX-E5 will be unacceptable. I've stopped the time between pushing the button / shoving the slider and the image appearing on screen for both monitors multiple times. SmallHD 501: 3 seconds PIX-E5: 32 seconds For me that was just not workable as I like to pull the camera out of the bag, flip it on and shoot. I often won't want to stand around 30 seconds and wait for the monitor to power on. If you're shooting a music video or a narrative that might be fine though, it's more some documentary & travel style situations where I see this as a problem. So this is my rough and brief impression of the two monitors (slash recorder). To be honest I think the VideoDevices PIX-E5 is the more extensive product, especially with the recording function, but due to the difference in weight and start up time I see the SmallHD 501 as more usable in my personal opinion and goals. I'm sure I forgot something and will then add that later. If you have any questions, just ask. [edit] There is further information about the startup time of the PIX-E5 further down in this thread.

Can't wait for the 1mm f/0.05 lens

There's a DigitalRev test out for the video aspect. The rolling shutter is really massive. I also had to smirk that certain lenses will make it impossible to mount the A6300 on a longer quick mount plate like most fluid heads use because the mount is too close to the bottom.

I think the X70 has a 3G-SDI out, that will only do FullHD but not 4k.

Ignoring the fact of "promise & deliver", the read out time for the rolling shutter seems to be really, really good. I think people will still be happy with a lot of camera for a great price with the UM4.6k

I know, that combination was actually my original plan. Add the Sidefinder and you're good to go. There's an official post on the Blackmagic Forum that explains more about the reasons for canceling GS: https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=45691 I have to agree though, the communication shows the Ursa Mini 4.6k to be the new star of BMD, deservedly so. The BMMCC is just some random product and gets basically no mentioning at all.

But you lose the possibility to use it without an external monitor so you'll always have to rig it. I guess I could live with that. It will run you 1200 € in Germany while a used BMPCC is like 700€. I'm really torn to be honest. I'm curious how the menu is implemented with only the few buttons, even less than the BMPCC. Is there any video available? Edit: I think my feelings have to do with the fact that this is roughly identical to the BMPCC. A camera available since 2013. In the time between a lot of cameras have released in the price bracket or slightly above that are very attractive. I like the RAW and ProRes possibility... but you get no 120fps, you get no 2.5k or 4k, no weather sealing, no inbuilt NDs, etc. I feel BMD is moving on in it's portfolio orientation and moving "up hill" with Ursa Minis. They are great but they're too big & heavy for what I'm interested in. I'm curious how they'll position themselfes for the future. The whole business behaviour in this case gave me a bad taste.

I have to agree. The only thing you get with the BMMCC against the BMPCC is the 60fps and the better battery but as a trade-off for losing the screen. That camera could have been a big success last July but seeing how it took them until now to basically just move the BMPCC sensor in a different body, that's kinda weak. Most people will fare better with a used BMPCC for half of what a new BMMCC costs... but maybe I'm speaking just out of disappointment. It's 28 weeks later... the zombie cam has arrived... but we'll see in a few weeks what they announced for "July".

It will with 99% probability look exactly like BMPCC footage. People were discussing about the possibility of improved moiré, less infrared pollution when using NDs, etc. but I think if that would be the case, BMD would have milked that marketing cow.

I understood it as the feature has been scrapped from plans. He didn't talk anything about the BMMCC. No global shutter anymore so basically a BMPCC that changes screen for bigger batteries and has a 60fps mode. To be honest I think it's kind of disappointing that the scrap one of the highlight features without any impact on price... but then they've probably calculated so close to cost and burned so much in development that the prices have no additional margin to compensate.

It of course depends on your local law. That's why in the end most advice will turn towards "contact a local lawyer with experience in the field". What's valid in Canada might not match USA might not match Germany might not match you name it.

Ok but then you shoot 1080p. The NX1 also has really low RS in 1080p and quite bad one in 4k. I thought we're talking about shooting in the cameras' best image quality. It's kinda bothering that you have to choose between image quality and rolling shutter. Nevertheless impressive what they've put into such a small, cheap camera.

The A7s is just up there with the worst offenders regarding rolling shutter. Which is somewhat surprising.

If you talk about normal, current Canon lenses like the L series stuff, I would rule out the NX1. There's no way of electronically controlling the aperture with these because there are no smart adapters for Samsung.

There's no rolling shutter because stills use the mechanical focal plane shutter while video uses the electronic shutter. It's quite obvious on cameras which can shoot both mechanical and electronic shutter (A7s, X-T1, ...), one has clear rolling shutter and the other not.

Just to give closure, I'm sticking with the NX1 for now. I like the easy to achieve colors and except for low light it's quite good. I'll sit out until after NAB or maybe Photokina before making any decisions. ...even though I've just got the offer for a 1Dc with 2 years warranty for 4000$ but it's a quite big camera.

Wouldn't a C100 with external recorder be an even cheaper and qualitatively equal choice?

I think that's still valid but at 699 Chf (when last seen in a online store) vs 3500 Chf, who cares? I think the Sony A7rII and A7sII are just overpriced for the compromise you'll have to make. I considerd getting a A7r II + Speedbooster but then you look at 4200 without lenses and you have bad slow motion... or you could get A7s II but then you get rather lackluster auto focus and only 12 Megapixel for stills. And both, for my completely personal perception, have really meh colors (apparently to White Balance problems?). I would take it for 2000 - 2500 $, but not for 3500 € like in Germany. European prices are still crazy.

Hearing about those "GH5 will be 6k" rumors makes me really annoyed. There's basically no really good, usable large sensor 1080p camera (I know, 5DIII ML, but a lot of people don't want to deal with the tinkering) and we jumped to 4k with weak codecs, now we'll directly jump on to 6k with probably the same weak codec but even more post issues? Forums are full of people arguing that you can't get the good stuff because SD cards are too slow for higher quality, but why can't we at least get 10bit out of the cameras via HDMI? The High Frame Rate also doesn't go out so you shoot 120fps FullHD on some super compressed codec. Are clips with the BMPCC out there that look like detailed, polished, modern footage e.g. like out of a commercial? All I find on VIMEO is low resolution / badly focussed, dark muddy grades stuff that looks like FilmConvert overdone times 10. I think the image out of the BMCC 2.5k is amazing but that camera ergonomics are meh, the extra resolution really helps over the BMPCC sensor in post for the finished product though. BMCC 2.5K sensor in a C100 body with Sony IBIS and active MFT mount... TAKE MY MONEY!