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Portkeys has released the HS8 director monitor, featuring an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, and a maximum brightness of 1,100nits. The brand announces it as a versatile monitor with HDMI/SDI video input and output ports. The Portkeys HS8 sells for less than $400 and is packed with a plethora of features, so let’s check it out!
After releasing the highly affordable HD7H on-camera monitor a month ago, Chinese monitoring solutions specialist Portkeys is already back with one of their first director’s monitors: the HS8. The company continues to offer affordable monitoring solutions for filmmakers and content creators, and the HS8 is no different, as it comes packed with many exciting features for its price range, such as HDMI and SDI video input/output ports and a built-in Sony NP-F dummy battery plate with power passthrough, that can be used to power camera accessories such as a wireless video receiver.
The Portkeys HS8 is the first director monitor from the brand. Built of aluminum alloy, the HS8 weighs 675g/1.48 lbs and measures 208 x 133.7 x 50.5mm/8.18 x 5.26 x 0.20in. As people around the set usually touch the monitor, there is a user-replaceable protective glass that screws in front of the display, which is a nice add-on.
The 8-inch screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1200, a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. When you invest in this kind of gear, you want it to perform in as many situations as possible, and with these numbers, the monitor should perform in low-light interior scenes as well as exterior daylight shootings.
Another essential characteristic to look for in a monitor like this one, no matter its price range, is how color-accurate it is. In that regard, every HS8 unit is color-calibrated before it leaves the factory and features a 10-bit (8+2 FRC) panel.
Regarding connectivity, we can find the video and power input ports at the bottom of the monitor, which are recessed to prevent accidents. These ports include one DCI 4K60P HDMI and one 3G-SDI 1080P60 video input port, and an HDMI and one 3G-SDI video output port. Both video output ports support resolutions up to 1080P60. Furthermore, the Portkeys HS8 supports cross-conversion from HDMI input to SDI output and from SDI input to HDMI output. A 3D LUT can be output via the SDI and HDMI ports to assure consistency throughout the monitoring stages.
At the bottom, there is also a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-A port to install updates and custom LUTs. A DC 7-20V power input with a locking DC 5.5×2.1mm barrel connector powers the monitor for an extended time via a V-Mount/Gold Mount battery and the included D-TAP to screw-in DC power cable.
The HS8 features a dual Sony NP-F battery plate. Portkeys reports that two Sony NP-F970 batteries can power the monitor for around five hours. One of the most interesting characteristics is the addition of a Sony NP-F power output dummy battery with power passthrough (8V/10W) to connect and power a wireless video receiver at the back of the HS8. This plate can rotate 360° via the big yellow knob at the center.
At the back, we have VESA 100 x 100 mounting points to install the monitor on different supports by an optional monitor mount. At the top, the Portkeys HS8 has four user-assignable buttons, an On/Off switch, a button to switch from HDMI to SDI input, and a dual-function menu/scroll wheel.
For increased versatility, the unit features four 1/4″-20 mounting points with locating pins on each side of the monitor. In most scenarios where you would use this monitor, many accessories will be around, so it is always good to have the possibility to rig gear without the need for a cage. Anyway, the monitor could also be used bare without adding much weight to your monitoring setup for run-and-gun situations.
The Portkeys HS8 features a bunch of tools that can be displayed simultaneously for a better and more accurate monitoring experience:
The Portkeys HS8 is now available to order and retails for $399/€421.95. The monitor ships with a D-Tap to locking 5.5mm power cable, a screen cleaning wipe, a USB key, a set of M3 Allen screws, an Allen key, and replacement cup head gaskets for the protection screen.
For more information, please visit Portkeys’ website here.
What do you think of the Portkeys HS8? Have you used monitors from the brand in the past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Jose Prada is a London based filmmaker and musician who loves to tell stories. He started in the industry twenty years ago, working in different areas of filmmaking. He co-founded JRVISUALS, where he works as a director, DoP, editor and colorist.