Shimbol, a Chinese manufacturer of monitor and wireless video solutions, has recently introduced a bright 5.5” on-camera monitor, the Shimbol Memory I Pro. It offers 2000 nits, HDMI and 3G-SDI in and out, and the ability to record full HD MP4 video files on an SD card.
The first time that Shimbol was detected on our radar was back in March 2022 when we reported on their ZO600M – a 5.5-inch monitor with built-in wireless video capabilities. You can read all about it here.
Now, the company is back with a brighter screen of the same size, this time combining a monitor with a video recorder. So let’s take a quick look at the new Shimbol Memory I Pro!
Shimbol Memory I Pro – features
Starting with its monitoring features, the Shimbol Memory I Pro is equipped with a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen LCD display with a viewing angle of 178°, a contrast ratio of 1200:1, and a claimed maximum brightness of 2000 nits. This should make the monitor clearly viewable even when shooting under harsh sunlight.
The device is equipped with both HDMI and 3G-SDI input and output ports. It accepts DCI 4K and UHD 4K HDMI video signals up to 25fps and 30fps respectively, while the 3G-SDI input is limited to 1080p60. Moreover, the monitor can perform SDI to HDMI signal conversion.
Looking at the recording function, the monitor has an SD card slot that allows you to record MP4 versions of the video signal you’re monitoring. However, recording is limited to 1080p60. This can come in handy for instant playback or for having a lightweight version of your footage to instantly share.
The monitor is equipped with some of the most common monitoring functions – such as focus peaking, waveform, false color, and framing tools – and also supports custom 3D LUTs. These can be used during monitoring and playback, and can also be applied to the recorded footage.
Design and power
The Memory I Pro features a CNC-machined aluminum body. It has two 1/4”-20 threaded mounting holes, one at the bottom and one on the right side. The device weighs about 305g and measures 147.8×88.8×26.5mm.
The back of the device integrates a Sony NP-F style battery, but the monitor can also draw juice from an external power source via its DC input port. According to the company, power consumption is less than 12W.
Price and availability
The Memory I Pro is now available to pre-order from B&H for $459. The monitor comes with a tempered screen protector, an SD card, an HDMI cable, and an SDI cable.
For more information, please visit Shimbol’s website.
What do you think of the Shimbol Memory I Pro monitor/recording? Do you believe its recording capabilities can play a role in your workflow? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
