Is PortKeys $99 HD7H Monitor the best value 7″ field monitor on the market?
May 22, 2024
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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PortKeys has announced the new PortKeys HD7H ($99) monitor. As the name suggests, it displays an HD picture, but only 720p, on a 7″ display. Even though it only displays 720p, it can receive video signals up to 4K in resolution.
It also sacrifices a few things that the higher-end monitors have. There’s no touchscreen for a start. Although there is an intuitive array of buttons that keeps your most useful tools at your fingertips. But it’s not a bad display for your first.
PortKeys HD7H – A $99 low-budget king?
Although the PortKeys HD7H does lack a lot of the features we see on higher-end and even mid-level monitors these days, it also doesn’t come with the associated price tag. At $99, the Portkeys HD7H is one of the cheapest 7″ monitors out there.
There are others out there, that perhaps aren’t quite as bright. Maybe they don’t accept a 4K signal. Or they just lack some features that you need. But there are also plenty of excellent capable monitors out there from other brands on the used market that are an even better deal than this.
But if you want to buy new, it’s hard to beat at this price. Even though there’s no touchscreen, you do still get overlay enhancements. So, you still get professional tools like the luma histogram, false colour and focus peaking.
Powered by Sony NP-F or DC input
It can be powered by either a single Sony NP-F battery on the back or through the 7-24v DC barrel jack input – if you want to set it up in a more permanent location. The screen puts out 1,000 nits of brightness, which isn’t exactly dim, but it will often struggle on bright days.
It has a 178° viewing angle, thanks to its IPS display, which lets you get a good view of the scene even if you’re looking from an odd position. It’s built from ABS and polycarbonate plastic, so it’s not as tough and durable as some higher-end displays with machined aluminium housings.
If you’re on an ultra-low budget and looking to get your first monitor… This looks like it could be a great one that won’t break the bank to get you started.
Price and Availability
The PortKeys HD7H is available to buy now for $99. Shipping is expected to begin in a couple of weeks.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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