Portkeys Announces LH5C Compact On-Camera Monitor With Camera Control

Portkeys has introduced the LH5C, a compact 5.4-inch on-camera monitor with HDMI input/output and wired camera control. The monitor runs the company’s MOVNORM OS and includes a full set of monitoring tools aimed at solo operators and small crews, costing just $199.

What’s New

The LH5C focuses on three areas: small size and low weight, core monitoring features, and built-in wired camera control for popular cinema and mirrorless systems. It accepts HDMI up to DCI 4K at 30p, outputs up to 1080p60, and supports on-monitor adjustments and tools such as waveforms, false color (including an ARRI preset), and LUT handling with HDMI LUT passthrough.

A micro-/mini-USB, USB-C, or LANC connection enables wired control of supported cameras. For certain models, touch-driven focus control and a Sony-only focus-tracking frame are available.

Key Specs

• 5.4-inch LCD touchscreen, 1,920 x 1,152 resolution

• 800 nits brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178° viewing angle

• 10-bit (8+2 FRC) panel, Rec.709 and 85% DCI-P3 coverage

• HDMI input up to DCI 4K30, HDMI output up to 1080p60

• 3.5 mm headphone output

• USB-C 3.0 5 V power input

• USB-A for loading up to 20 custom LUTs and saving freeze-frame images

• MOVNORM OS with LUT monitoring and LUT HDMI output

• Anamorphic de-squeeze: 10 presets (1.33x, 1.5x, 1.8x, 2.0x, etc.) plus custom 0.25x–4.0x

• Image tools: RGB and luma waveform, luma histogram, zebra, customizable false color (13 colors including ARRI), peaking, gesture zoom, custom peaking frame, crosshair, guides, grids, rectangle crop, audio meters

• Adjustments: backlight, contrast, color temperature, sharpness, chroma, brightness, tint, HDR/HLG, image flip (H/V)

• Wired camera control via micro/mini-USB, USB-C, or LANC for selected models, support includes aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, touch focus on select cameras, Sony-only focus tracking frame

• Built-in Sony L-Series battery plate, ~7.5 W power draw

• Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.2 x 2.2 cm (5.3 x 3.3 x 0.8 in)

• Weight: 162 g (5.7 oz)

• Mounting: 1/4"-20 top/right with anti-twist grooves, plus bottom 1/4"-20, MH-2 cold shoe mount included

• In the box: safety box, mini USB stick, sunshade with protective covers, MH-2 cold shoe mount, micro-to-full HDMI cable, full-to-full HDMI cable

Camera Control and Compatibility

The LH5C’s wired control targets popular cameras from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Z CAM, and Blackmagic Design, such as the Sony FX3, Sony FX30, Sony FX6, Canon EOS C80, and Canon EOS C400. After establishing a cable connection, supported settings can be adjusted from the screen; on some cameras, users can set the focus point by touch. Sony users also get a touch-driven focus-tracking frame.

Power and I/O

A built-in Sony L-Series plate supports batteries such as the Sony NP-F550. Portkeys lists power consumption at about 7.5 W, which the company says yields close to three hours from an NP-F550. USB-C 3.0 5 V input allows external power from a power bank or larger brick. The left side hosts HDMI input and a 3.5 mm headphone jack; the right side provides HDMI output, USB-C power, and a 1/4"-20 mount with anti-twist grooves. A USB-A port on the bottom handles LUT loading and freeze-frame saves, and a micro-USB port is used for camera remote control.

Tools for Monitoring

MOVNORM OS brings a standard toolset: waveform and histogram for exposure, zebra, customizable false color (including an ARRI mapping), peaking and gesture zoom for focus, framing guides, and audio meters. LUT workflows include on-monitor preview and HDMI passthrough. Anamorphic shooters can choose from common de-squeeze presets or dial in a custom factor. Additional utilities include a freeze-frame overlay for continuity or stop-motion and a “vertical extension” option that stretches the lower portion of portrait-orientation images, with the result also sent to HDMI out.

Why It Matters

For small crews and owner-operators, reducing accessories and menu dives speeds up setups. A compact monitor that combines essential exposure/focus tools with wired camera control can replace a separate remote or reliance on a camera’s smaller screen. On productions that mix cameras, the ability to load looks, de-squeeze anamorphic, and pass a LUT to an external recorder or director’s monitor helps maintain consistency. The low power draw and L-Series battery plate keep rigs light, and the inclusion of HDMI in/out plus audio monitoring covers the basics for hybrid photo/video jobs and gimbal work.

Price and Availability

The Portkeys LH5C is listed at $199 and is shipping now. It comes with a safety box, a mini USB stick, a sunshade with protective rubber covers, the MH-2 cold shoe mount, LANC control cable, and UBS-C control cable.