SmallHD Focus 504 vs Cine 5: Which 5 Inch On-Camera Monitor to Buy

Choose the Focus 504 for a light, bright 5 inch monitor on a gimbal or compact camera. Choose the Cine 5 if you shoot outdoors in strong light or on a high-end cinema build. Both are 4.97 inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreens at 1000:1 contrast. The big differences are brightness, power input and camera control.

This guide compares the SmallHD Focus 504 and the SmallHD Cine 5 so you can pick the right SmallHD on-camera monitor in India.

SmallHD Focus 504 vs Cine 5 compared

Brightness: 1000 nits or 2000 nits

The Focus 504 is rated at 1000 nits and the Cine 5 at 2000 nits, which SmallHD describes as bright enough for full visibility in direct sunlight. If you work outdoors in harsh light, that gap decides it. For studio, indoor and shaded shooting, 1000 nits is enough.

Weight and power

The Focus 504 weighs 0.31 kg and can run from a USB-C port, which keeps a gimbal or handheld build simple. The Cine 5 takes a wider 10V to 34V DC input on a 2-pin locking connector, which suits larger camera power systems.

Camera control and build

Both use an anodised aluminium unibody. The Cine 5 adds a joystick and back button for use with gloves on, and offers optional RED DSMC2, KOMODO and V-RAPTOR control with the licence and cable sold separately. The Focus 504 lists licences for RED, Sony, ARRI and Canon control, sold separately and coming soon.

Which should you buy?

• Gimbal, handheld or compact mirrorless: the Focus 504.
• Outdoor, sunlight or cinema builds: the Cine 5.
• Need a bigger reference screen on a desk or in a suite? See the Flanders Scientific XMP vs DM guide.

What both monitors have in common

Both SmallHD monitors use a 4.97 inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreen at 443 PPI, with 3G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections, a 3.5 mm headphone jack with metering up to 8 channels, and anodised aluminium bodies. Both run SmallHD software and take 1/4"-20 mounts. The decision is not about picture quality in a dim room. It is about light, power and camera control.

Focus 504: light, USB-C and Wi-Fi

The Focus 504 has integrated Wi-Fi and runs SmallHD PageOS, with customisable pages, exposure and focus assist and LUT support. It has three locking USB-C ports, and the PVC port carries power, DisplayPort Alt Mode video and data. Power can come from a 2-pin locking connector at 10V to 17V or from USB-C, at 10W for the monitor alone. It weighs 0.31 kg, measures 136 x 88 x 23.9 mm and has four mounting points with ARRI locating pins. The box includes a clear screen protector and a SmallHD 16GB USB flash drive.

Cine 5: sunlight and cinema builds

The Cine 5 is rated at 2000 nits, runs PageOS 5 and adds a joystick and back button for use with gloves on. It has six 1/4"-20 mounting points, an SD card slot, a micro USB port and a locking USB port, and accepts 10V to 34V DC power. Optional RED DSMC2, KOMODO and V-RAPTOR control is available, with the licence and cable sold separately. It weighs about 0.42 kg.

Pick by the camera you use

• Mirrorless on a gimbal or handheld rig: the Focus 504, for weight and USB-C power.
• Cine camera on a larger rig with cine batteries: the Cine 5, for the wider power range and camera control options.
• Mostly outdoor shooting in strong light: the Cine 5, for brightness.
• Mostly indoor, studio and event work: the Focus 504 is bright enough and lighter.

Both operate between 32 and 105 F, so plan a different monitor or a sunshade for very cold or very hot locations.

Rigging notes for either monitor

A 5 inch monitor is only as good as its mount. Both models have 1/4"-20 mounting points, so a standard arm or cage bracket fits. Check which side of the camera the screen will face and where the cables will leave it, then confirm the connectors you need: SDI for a cine camera or HDMI for a mirrorless body. Both have a 3.5 mm headphone jack with audio metering, which helps when you monitor sound on set. Finally, keep the monitor out of extremes: SmallHD lists 32 to 105 F as the operating range.

Frequently asked questions

Which is brighter, the Focus 504 or the Cine 5?
The Cine 5, at 2000 nits against 1000 nits.

Are the screens the same size?
Yes. Both are 4.97 inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreens.

Which is lighter?
The Focus 504, at 0.31 kg.

Can I order one in India?
Yes. Availability changes, so message us for current stock and delivery time before you order.

Do both monitors have HDMI and SDI?
Yes. Both have HDMI 2.0 in and out and 3G-SDI connections.

Does the Focus 504 have Wi-Fi?
Yes. SmallHD lists integrated Wi-Fi on the Focus 504.

Can the Cine 5 control a camera?
Optional RED DSMC2, KOMODO and V-RAPTOR control is available, with the licence and cable sold separately.

Browse the full SmallHD collection or the wider monitors range. All monitors we sell are genuine, warranty-backed and delivered across India.