30/03/2026 7:05 pm
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I finally pulled the trigger on the Sigma fp L and man this thing is tiny but that sensor is just incredible for the landscapes I am shooting up here in Oregon. I am doing this documentary project next month and really need a proper monitor to nail my focus because the back screen is kinda hard to see in bright sun and honestly its just too small for my eyes.
I am totally torn between the Atomos Ninja V and the Blackmagic Video Assist 5 inch 12G. I have heard the Ninja V is the gold standard but I also heard the Blackmagic might play nicer if I want to get those BRAW files out of the Sigma... plus the screen on the BM is supposed to be super bright for outdoors. My budget is capped at about $650 max since I already spent a fortune on the EVF-11 and some L-mount glass lately.
Here is what I am looking for:
- Needs to be light enough for handheld or hiking
- Good visibility in daylight (it rains here but when the sun is out it is BRIGHT)
- Solid mounting options because the fp L is basically a Lego brick
- Reliable recording because I cant afford to lose footage on this trip
The Ninja seems more popular but is the Blackmagic better for the fp L specifically? Or is there some other small 5 inch monitor I should be looking at that wont break the bank? I am getting a bit overwhelmed with all the cage setups and cable configurations honestly...
3 Answers
11
30/03/2026 7:05 pm
I am still kinda figuring out the best rig for my fp L too, but I would suggest being really careful with the Atomos Ninja V 5 inch 4K HDMI Monitor-Recorder if you plan on using DaVinci Resolve. It works great, but the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5 inch 12G HDR is way better if you want to record BRAW without a huge hassle. Honestly the BM screen is 2500 nits so it wins for visibility in the sun, tho it is a bit heavier for hiking. Just a heads up, the fp L uses a micro HDMI port which is basically a disaster waiting to happen. Make sure to get a cable clamp or a cage. I almost broke my port the first week because the cable kept wiggling. Also, the BM might push your budget if you dont already have fast UHS-II SD cards, so keep that in mind. The Ninja needs SSDs which are cheaper per GB, so check your total spend before jumping in.
11
30/03/2026 7:30 pm
Been thinking about your budget. Tbh, I am satisfied with the Portkeys LH5P II 5.5 Inch 2200nit Monitor and an external SSD.
- Excellent daylight visibility
- Camera control features It works well.
4
30/03/2026 7:50 pm
Late to the party but I agree about brightness. I once tried to save cash with a generic brand and the colors were so off I missed focus. If you record internally, the SmallHD Action 5 5-Inch HDMI Monitor is a rock solid choice. Its light for hiking and leaves budget for a SmallRig Cage for Sigma fp Series 2273 to keep those ports safe. Stick to internal. Simple is safer.
