US manufacturer of professional on-camera monitors and recorders featuring high brightness and precise color reproduction.
Technical Details
The current SmallHD Vision series monitors achieve color accuracy of Delta E <2 and cover 100% of the Rec.709 color space. Typical models like the SmallHD 703 Bolt feature 7-inch OLED displays with 1920×1200 pixels, integrated Teradek receiver for wireless signal transmission, and SDI/HDMI inputs. The devices offer focus assist (Focus Peaking), exposure aids like Zebra and False Color, and 3D LUTs for color correction. Battery operation is via Sony NP-F or V-Mount batteries with runtimes between 2-8 hours depending on the model.
History & Development
SmallHD was founded in 2008 by Wes Phillips in Brooklyn and initially established itself with compact 5-inch monitors for DSLR cameras. In 2012, the company expanded its product line to include larger monitors and introduced the first version of the SmallHD 702 Touch in 2015. In 2018, it was acquired by the Vitec Group, giving SmallHD access to expanded development resources. The Vision series, introduced in 2020, integrated wireless transmission technology directly into the monitors for the first time.
Practical Application in Film
SmallHD monitors are used as Director's Monitors, Focus Puller Displays, or camera viewfinders. On productions like "The Mandalorian," the camera department utilized SmallHD 703 Ultrabright monitors for precise focus control in LED volume environments. Typical workflows include their use as client monitors for directors and producers, with touchscreen operation enabling quick menu navigation. The False Color function visualizes exposure values in real-time, while Waveform and Vectorscope offer precise exposure and color control.
Comparison & Alternatives
SmallHD primarily competes with Atomos (Ninja series), Blackmagic Design (Video Assist), and IKAN monitors. While Atomos devices offer additional recording functions, SmallHD focuses exclusively on monitoring quality and color accuracy. TVLogic and Flanders Scientific offer higher-quality reference monitors at significantly higher prices. SmallHD monitors are particularly suitable for mobile productions and documentary work, whereas TV Logic is more commonly used in controlled studio environments.