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Portkeys has rolled out a significant free firmware update covering nine monitors in its current lineup. The update brings expanded camera control for a wide range of new Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Blackmagic Design bodies, alongside a one-to-many collaborative control system, improvements to Log Stops exposure monitoring, a new Calman-compatible color calibration tool, and a host of UI customization options.
Portkeys has built a reputation over the years as one of the more proactive monitor manufacturers when it comes to post-launch software support. We’ve covered the company’s recent hardware launches extensively, including the BM5 IV and BM5 IV WR, the LH5C, and the LS7P. This latest firmware update extends the feature set of all three, along with several other models in the range.
The update is available now as a free download from the Portkeys firmware page and applies to the following monitors: LH7P (V1 and V2), LH5P V3II, LH5P V3III, LH5C, LS7P, BM5 V4, BM5 V4WR, and BM7IIDS.
One of the more substantial additions is the broadened camera control support via Wi-Fi and USB Type-C. The update adds compatibility for Sony a7V, Alpha 9III, FX6, and PXW-Z380; Nikon ZR, Z8, and Z9; Canon EOS R5 II, EOS R6 III, EOS C50, EOS R1, EOS C400, and EOS C80; Panasonic LUMIX GH7; and Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K via Bluetooth. Sony FX3, FX30, and FX2 users gain the ability to switch between Shutter Angle and Shutter Speed modes directly from the monitor, a practical addition for operators who frequently toggle between cinematographic and time-based shutter notation.
Resolution control for the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K is now included, as is a recording duration display for Sony cameras. Touch Focus and Touch Focus tracking frame functionality extends to Sony and other supported models, allowing users to select and reposition the camera’s autofocus tracking box directly on the monitor’s touchscreen. This is particularly relevant for gimbal and shoulder-mount setups where reaching the camera body during a take is not practical. Exposure, EV, white balance, color temperature, and ND control have also been refined for Canon, Sony, and ARRI cameras.
The one-to-many collaborative control system, which Portkeys first introduced as a hardware feature on the LS7P, is now more broadly available through firmware. The system allows a single Portkeys monitor to control multiple compatible cameras simultaneously, which could simplify workflows on multi-camera shoots where consistent settings need to be maintained across bodies. It is worth noting one limitation: when the one-to-many system is active on the LS7P specifically, Wi-Fi connectivity to Sony a7V, FX6, and PXW-Z380 is not available concurrently.
Log Stops, the stop-based exposure overlay system that maps image luminance against a camera’s LOG profile, receives several targeted improvements. Users can now optionally hide the overlay charts while retaining the underlying analysis, Sony camera LOG data synchronizes automatically, and the system can detect pre-LUT processing stages. LUT loading has been streamlined for faster workflow integration, and user-added LUT files can now be displayed directly on-screen. Color Bars are now accessible within the Log Stops interface, and Dynamic Range control has been added to System Settings.
It should be noted that the LH7P ships in two hardware variants, V1 and V2, which cannot be cross-upgraded. Log Stops functionality is exclusive to V2. Users should verify which variant they own before expecting that feature.
Select monitor models gain a new color calibration tool that integrates with Calman calibration software. The implementation supports all major color probes, including solutions from Datacolor, Jeti, SpectraCal, and X-Rite. Independent switches for calibration data sets, covering DCI-P3 and D65, give operators more control over display accuracy in different grading or monitoring environments.
On the interface side, the update adds customizable crosshair length and thickness, adjustable thickness for guide frames and grid lines, and a new black color option for guides, crosshairs, and grids. The Anamorphic function has been relocated from the Image to the Function page, consistent with how Image Flip is already organized, and now includes full-screen mode and position adjustment capabilities. Italian has been added as a supported language.
Gesture Zoom has been added to the function list, and the Auto Screen-Off feature will now activate when no input signal is detected. The Stretch Leg mode has also been refined: the Exit key now clears the screen, and the Confirm key wakes the UI.
One important operational detail: this update is described by Portkeys as a cross-version upgrade, which triggers a forced device reset. Users should back up any saved settings, LUTs, or profiles before proceeding with installation.
All firmware files and release notes are available at portkeys.com/firmware-updates.
For additional information, please head to the company website here.
Are you using any of the supported monitors, and which new features are most relevant to your current workflow? Let us know in the comments below!
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Johnnie Behiri is a documentary filmmaker with more than three decades behind the camera: he learned the craft in daily television news gathering, filmed for Japan's public broadcaster NHK, and spent eight years shooting and editing for BBC News. He joined cinema5D in 2011 and has co-owned and co-run CineD and MZed ever since. Johnnie writes many of CineD's camera reviews, co-hosts our weekly Focus Check podcast, and heads CineD's manufacturer relationships and product development.