Portkeys LH5C On-Camera Monitor Released With Camera Control Features

Monitor News

by Johnnie BehiriNovember 6^th, 2025

Subscribe to News - Accessories

Portkeys has introduced the LH5C, a compact 5.4-inch on-camera monitor featuring wired camera control capabilities, MOVNORM OS, and comprehensive monitoring tools for $199.

Shenzhen-based monitor manufacturer Portkeys continues to expand its lineup of professional field monitors with the release of the LH5C. This lightweight on-camera display combines essential monitoring features with professional camera control functionality at an accessible price point, positioning it as a practical solution for independent filmmakers and small production crews.

Display specifications and physical design

The Portkeys LH5C features a 5.4-inch LCD touchscreen with 1920 x 1152 resolution (1080p) and an 800-nit brightness rating. The display offers a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 178-degree viewing angle, providing visibility in various shooting conditions. Color accuracy is supported through Rec.709 coverage and 85% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, while the 10-bit panel (8+2 FRC) ensures smooth gradation without visible color banding artifacts.

At just 162 grams (5.7 ounces) and measuring 13.5 x 8.2 x 2.2 cm (5.3 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches), the LH5C maintains a compact footprint suitable for mirrorless and cinema camera setups. The monitor includes a built-in Sony L-Series battery plate on the rear panel and draws only 7.5W of power, allowing a Sony NP-F550 battery to provide approximately three hours of runtime. Extended operation is possible through the USB-C 3.0 5V power input, which accepts power from portable batteries or larger V-Mount and Gold Mount battery systems.

Connectivity and mounting options

The LH5C features an HDMI input supporting resolutions up to DCI 4K at 30p and 1080p at 60 frames per second. The HDMI input is located on the left side of the monitor alongside a 3.5mm headphone output for audio monitoring. The right side includes an HDMI output port (supporting up to 1080p60), a USB-C 3.0 power input, and a 1/4″-20 mounting point with anti-twist grooves.

Additional connectivity includes a USB-A port at the bottom of the unit for loading up to 20 custom LUTs and saving freeze frame images to the included mini USB stick. A micro-USB camera remote port provides the connection point for wired camera control cables. The monitor ships with an MH-2 cold shoe mount for camera attachment, with a second 1/4″-20 mounting point located at the bottom of the unit. The top panel houses a main menu/UI lock switch, power indicator, and power switch.

MOVNORM OS monitoring tools

Portkeys equips the LH5C with its MOVNORM operating system, which provides touchscreen access to professional monitoring and image analysis tools. The interface includes 3D LUT monitoring with HDMI output pass-through capabilities, allowing users to load up to 20 custom LUTs via the USB-A port. Anamorphic de-squeeze functionality supports 10 standard aspect ratios (including 1.33x, 1.5x, 1.8x, and 2.0x) plus custom ratios ranging from 0.25x to 4.0x.

The freeze frame feature allows operators to capture and overlay reference images over the live video signal, which can be particularly useful for stop-motion animation or matching shots across takes. A 360-degree color grader enables real-time adjustment of hue and saturation for specific color ranges within the image.

Focus assistance tools include peaking with customizable colors, a custom peaking frame, and gesture-based zoom functions. Exposure analysis is provided through RGB and Luma waveform displays, Luma histogram, zebra patterns, and customizable false color with 13 different color options, including ARRI false color presets. Framing tools encompass crosshair, check field, guides, grids, and rectangle crop overlays, while audio meters display input levels.

The monitor also includes a vertical extension feature for portrait-mode shooting, which can elongate the lower portion of the frame and pass this modified signal through the HDMI output. Standard monitor adjustments cover backlight, contrast, color temperature, sharpness, chroma, brightness, tint, HDR/HLG support, and horizontal/vertical image flip functions.

Camera control functionality

Despite its compact dimensions, the LH5C includes a dedicated camera remote interface supporting wired control via micro-USB, mini-USB, USB-C, or LANC cables, depending on the camera model. The monitor is compatible with cameras from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Z CAM, and Blackmagic Design, including popular models such as the Sony FX3, FX30, FX6, and Canon EOS C80 and C400.

Once connected, users can adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance directly from the monitor’s touchscreen. Select camera models support Touch Focus functionality, allowing operators to tap the screen to reposition the camera’s autofocus point without accessing the camera body’s controls.

For Sony camera users, the LH5C introduces a Focus Tracking frame feature that enables direct manipulation of the camera’s subject tracking box through the monitor’s touchscreen interface. This capability extends the monitor’s control integration, making it function as a natural extension of the camera’s autofocus system.

Availability and package contents

The Portkeys LH5C is available now for $199 and ships immediately. The package includes a mini USB stick, sunshade with protective rubber covers, MH-2 cold shoe mount, a LANC control cable, and a USB-C cable.

Additional information is available on the Portkeys website here.

Are you looking for an affordable on-camera monitor with camera control capabilities, or do you prefer dedicated hardware controls over touchscreen interfaces?