Portkeys’ New $99 HD7H Monitor Is Among the Best Values in Video Gear

May 21, 2024

Jeremy Gray

A DSLR camera mounted on a tripod in an outdoor setting. Attached to the camera is a field monitor displaying the camera's view of lush green foliage in the background. The setup appears to be for professional videography or photography.

Videography can quickly become an expensive endeavor, with all the cameras, lenses, mics, and other accessories people need. However, Portkeys aims to make the barrier to entry a bit less daunting with its new 7-inch entry-level monitor, which costs just $99.

Sure, for under $100, users won’t get pro-level features across the board, but the new Portkeys HD7H monitor offers a lot of bang for your buck. The monitor’s 7-inch display has a 1,280 x 720 resolution, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, which is pretty bright and should work well in most outdoor shooting scenarios.

The HDMI-only monitor accepts video signals up to 4K UHD/30p or 4K DCI at 24p. It also has a 3.5mm audio out, a built-in speaker, and an AV input. The HD7H is powered via a single Sony NF-P style battery or 7.4V-24V input.

A rectangular PortKeys monitor with a black screen and dark-colored bezel. The monitor has a branded label reading "PortKeys" at the bottom center of the frame. The edges of the monitor's casing feature various input and output ports.

A close-up view of a black electronic device showcasing its control buttons and various input/output ports. The top section displays buttons labeled F1, F2, ON, OFF, EXIT MENU, and several navigation arrows. The bottom section includes USB, audio, and HDMI ports.

The 8-bit display offers tools like a luma histogram, false color, and focus peaking to help users monitor their audio and video. It also has anamorphic de-squeeze (1.33x, 1.5x, 2x, and custom ratios).

Additional features include zooming, image flip, gridlines, clip guides, display adjustment (contrast, sharpness, tint, color temperature, brightness, and more), and custom function settings.

A hand adjusts the settings on a PortKeys camera monitor mounted on a stand. The screen displays a zoomed-in, grainy, red image with the text "Peaking... On" visible. The background is blurred greenery.

A monitor displaying an image of lush green foliage is mounted on a camera rig outdoors. The sun illuminates the surrounding greenery, creating a vibrant, verdant scene on the screen and in the background. The monitor brand, PortKeys, is visible beneath the screen.

A person adjusts the settings on a PortKeys monitor mounted on a stand. The screen displays an image of a tree with green and yellow leaves against a blue sky. The background is blurred greenery.

Given that it doesn’t accept 6K or 8K inputs nor deliver a super-bright, high-res display, the HD7H is not designed for high-end cinematic workflow. However, given its lightweight design and palatable price point, it is built for a run-and-gun shooter on a budget. Not every user needs every possible feature.

Portkeys is no stranger to affordable monitors for videographers. The company’s LH5P II touchscreen monitor is also a popular. However, that model has a smaller screen (5.5 inches) and is four times more expensive ($399). Users get Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and a much brighter (2,200 nits) display with a full 10-bit HDR preview for the extra outlay.

The image shows a PortKeys monitor hood with a black finish. The hood is designed to help shield a monitor from glare and sunlight, enhancing screen visibility. "PortKeys" branding is visible on the front and side of the hood.

Close-up of a professional camera setup with a wooden handle and attached monitor displaying an image of stacked wooden pallets. The background shows a warehouse setting with more wooden pallets blurred out.

For users looking to dip their toes in on-camera video monitoring, the Portkeys HD7H is available to order now for $99. It ships with a removable sunshade, side covers, a monitor mount, HDMI cables, and a power cord.

Image credits: Portkeys