Why Don’t Cameras Have Better Built In Screens?

[Alt Shoo]

Something is bugging me with camera manufacturers. We live in a world where our smartphones have these amazing high resolution screens. Super bright, super sharp, and packed with detail. Even affordable camera monitors that you can attach to your rig offer incredible image quality. So why don’t hybrid and cinema cameras come with built in screens that match this level of quality? And why are the screens they do have so small?

 

I get it, manufacturers want to keep the cameras “compact.” But let’s be real. Once you start adding external monitors, cages, batteries, and other gear, that compact idea goes out the window. Your camera isn’t small anymore. It’s a rigged up machine  

 

A bigger, high quality built in screen could save so much time and effort. No extra gear, fewer cables to manage, and one less thing to power. It just makes sense, right?

 

Cameras are getting better and better in every way higher resolutions, faster processing, incredible dynamic range, 32bit audio.  So why not the screens? It feels like a missed opportunity.

 

I’d love to see cameras that embrace bigger, brighter, and better built-in screens. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about making the shooting experience smoother and more efficient. What do you think? Would you prefer a cinema camera with a killer built in screen, or are you fine sticking with external monitors? 

[Andrew Reid]

I absolutely agree that we should be seeing much more progress than we are there...

Seems like a bit of a cartel thing with Sony stitching up the supply side of LCDs or something.

Obviously there is a need to prioritise physical controls and body size, which means fitting in a big monitor isn't easy unless you change the design concept radically.

And this is where the Japanese are very reluctant to innovate.

The overall design concept of mirrorless cameras is extremely static and samey.

[MrSMW]

I despise (using) an external monitor.

For commercial use I get it, but for more run & gun event shooters, never mind hybrid shooters, using rigged out set ups is a PITA.

 

[Andrew Reid]

I also despise it, the form factor is terrible. Poor balance, top heavy, overcomplicated, poor battery life, unreliable, wobbly cable, you name it... And the advantage is minimal, the main use case for a rig is to make it look more fancy... in front of clueless clients.

[Alt Shoo]

You bring up some really valid points, especially about the lack of innovation in the overall design. It does feel like camera manufacturers are stuck in this loop of “samey” designs, prioritizing compactness and physical controls at the expense of what could be a game-changing feature. A truly great built-in monitor.

 

The idea of a “cartel thing” with Sony dominating the supply side of LCDs is interesting, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the industry politics are playing a role in why we aren’t seeing progress. But even with those limitations, it feels like there’s so much room for improvement. A redesign of the camera body to accommodate better monitoring could push things forward, but as you said, there’s a clear reluctance to break away from traditional concepts.

 

I also think the hesitation to innovate might come from the fear of alienating loyal users who are used to the current form factor. But at some point, manufacturers need to take risks. If phones, drones, and even affordable monitors can pack in amazing screens, why not cameras?

 

It’s frustrating because we’re not asking for flashy extras. Just practical tools that would make our work easier. Hopefully, someone eventually decides to break the mold and push for better built in solutions. Until then, we’ll be stuck rigging up and wishing for more.

[Alt Shoo]

Is Sony truly the main manufacturer for these screens? Sheesh, sensors and screens??? No good. 
 

I just picked up the GH7, and I’m thrilled about finally being able to record raw internally, such a huge step forward! But, it’s frustrating that I still have to attach an external monitor just to get a better viewing experience. I shouldn’t have to do that. The internal screen just doesn’t cut it when it comes to detailed monitoring, especially for critical focus or exposure checks.

 

For all the innovation in the camera’s internals, it feels like the monitoring experience is still stuck in the past. It’s a bit of a letdown, considering how far we’ve come in other areas. Hopefully, the industry starts listening to what users actually need and steps up soon.

[MrSMW]

And gimbals.

Another PITA.

I’ve had mixed results using the latest IBIS in my S5ii so almost certainly picking up an OSMO Pocket 3 next Spring.

 

 

[Alt Shoo]

Totally agree… gimbals definitely have their place, but they’re not always the solution for every situation. I’ve had plenty of headaches balancing the camera and dealing with all the extra components like monitors, cables, and batteries. It’s such a hassle when time is tight.

 

That’s actually why I invested in the Ronin 4D. For those times when I need a specific stabilized shot, it’s been a lifesaver. I’ve been pairing it with the GH7, and together they’ve been a solid combo for getting great results without the endless setup. It’s nice to have that kind of versatility when the job calls for it.

 

Also, props to you on planning to pick up the OSMO Pocket 3! That’s a smart move. It’s so compact and efficient for quick, stabilized shots. I think it’s going to be a great addition for those times you just need something simple and reliable.

[Al Dolega]

A tilting EVF would address a lot of these concerns. Sure you can rig an external EVF but they're always huge and expensive. The built-in EVFs in mirrorless are already pretty great, and compact, they just need to articulate.

I always wondered if it would work to have a 5-5.5" or even 6" screen, that is basically the size of the entire back of a mirrorless body; on a fairly typical tilt mechanism, with most of the buttons meant for your right thumb hidden under the screen. So you pull the screen away from the body (or even just tilt it up), and your thumb fits under the screen to use the controls. You could have touchscreen controls that pop up when the screen is pushed flat against the body. You could also have the screen slide an inch or two to the left, to reveal the buttons.

I'd also love to see grips rotate. Like a C100/200, FS5 etc- but without the grip being huge and stood off from the body. The Canon XC10 has this done pretty well. This combined with a tilting EVF (again like the C100ii or C200, not the stupid loupe the XC10 has) makes handheld shooting so much more comfortable.

[Alt Shoo]

I think EVFs are great in controlled environments or bright conditions, but they can be impractical when you need peripheral vision or quick adjustments.

As for the articulating screen idea, it’s clever. A larger screen that tilts, slides, and hides buttons underneath could be ideal if designed well and built to last. It’d keep things compact while improving usability.

The rotating grip is another cool idea.  Canon nailed it on the XC10 and their cinema cameras. Adding that to mirrorless bodies could make handheld shooting so much more comfortable. Camera companies should really explore these kinds of features. 

[MrSMW]

12 hours ago, Alt Shoo said:

Also, props to you on planning to pick up the OSMO Pocket 3! That’s a smart move. It’s so compact and efficient for quick, stabilized shots. I think it’s going to be a great addition for those times you just need something simple and reliable.

I think so.

I have bought and sold 3 gimbals, each time determined to make it work and each time it failed.

Not so much the actual units failed, though they did for me in certain regards, but in the end the conclusion that I needed the ability for maybe 5% of any job and it was not worth either dedicating a camera to this, or the set up if not.

Over the years, I have tried various action cams but none of them really worked in the role I needed them to.

I had the OG Pocket and it was OK but a few limitations so sold it and tried a full sized gimbal for the third time.

The latest one addresses my issues with that and the name says it all, pocket. That is exactly what I need; something I can whip out of my pocket (or bag), switch on, shoot, put it away again.

[Thpriest]

Wasn’t there a kind of preRonin 4D that was like a bigger Osmo Pocket but with a M43 sensor and interchangeable lenses? That would probably be the sweet spot if it had the latest M43 sensor (or the GH5S sensor).

[Thpriest]

I thought other manufacturers would follow Blackmagic’s lead with the big screen the put on the Pocket 6K (I think 🤔). Seemed a good idea at the time. I think the fact that these cameras are still based on “photo” cameras is part of the problem. 

[Thpriest]

Ok, it was the DJi Zenmuse x5. The same set up with a modern PDAF sensor and I’m in!

[zerocool22]

Blackmagic had been doing that for a while. Allthough it comes at a price, it drains the battery faster. + makes the body a lot bigger.

[eatstoomuchjam]

On 12/1/2024 at 8:45 AM, Thpriest said:

Ok, it was the DJi Zenmuse x5. The same set up with a modern PDAF sensor and I’m in!

Do you mean the Osmo Pro and Osmo Raw which used the Zenmuse X5 (shared with one of the Inspire drones)?  They didn't come with any screen at all - maybe one was available as an add-on purchase, though.  The way I used my Osmo Raw was with my phone as the screen (which does make for a big/nice screen).

The Ronin 4D, FWIW, has a pretty big screen as well - not as big as a BM Pocket 6K, but definitely bigger than most mirrorless cameras.

[Tim Sewell]

On 11/30/2024 at 8:17 PM, Al Dolega said:

I'd also love to see grips rotate. Like a C100/200, FS5 etc- but without the grip being huge and stood off from the body. The Canon XC10 has this done pretty well. This combined with a tilting EVF (again like the C100ii or C200, not the stupid loupe the XC10 has) makes handheld shooting so much more comfortable.

Where I am at right now - A rotating grip would, in my view , make my FX30 nigh on perfect for my needs.

[Al Dolega]

On 12/1/2024 at 12:25 PM, zerocool22 said:

Blackmagic had been doing that for a while. Allthough it comes at a price, it drains the battery faster. + makes the body a lot bigger.

As I understand it, Blackmagics have such a high power draw because of their processors- they use programmable FPGAs instead of ASICs, which are much more efficient. If a cell phone with an almost-identical screen can be just as bright and have hours and hours of battery life (while also doing processing, transmitting, GPS etc), I don't think a bigger screen would have a big impact on battery life for a camera.