PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition Released – 7” HDMI & SDI Monitor in a Tough Body

Monitoring News

by Francesco AndreolaAugust 3^rd, 2021

PortKeys recently released a Metal Edition of their HS7T monitor. This upgraded version features a 7-inch 1920×1080 display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits, an all-aluminum construction, a new peaking algorithm, and a plate on the back to host a wireless video transmission system. The monitor is now available for $399.

One of the things I love the most about my PortKeys BM5 is its build quality. The aluminum alloy makes the monitor sturdy and reliable. Moreover, it is packed with professional features that come at an astonishing, affordable price.

However, the 5-inch display of the BM5 is a little too small sometimes, especially for focusing or precise monitoring tasks. There’s some good news though since PortKeys is now improving their 7-inch monitor lineup by introducing a Metal Edition of their already-existing HS7T monitor. Let’s take a look at the improvements.

PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition: all-metal design

The biggest improvement over the old plastic version is, of course, build quality. In fact, the new PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition features an all-aluminum alloy, which makes the monitor stronger and more durable. Furthermore, this metal construction also helps with heat dissipation.

Another great addition is on the backside of the monitor. In fact, the new design includes a plate on the back of the screen to comfortably host a wireless video transmission system.

Moreover, a NATO-type clamp has been added to the bottom, which provides better flexibility when rigging the monitor. The NATO clamp also allows the screen to be attached to a handheld bracket: a great option for a run and gun director’s monitor setup. Four 1/4”-20 threaded holes on the body provide even more mounting options.

Display, video signals and monitoring functions

The HS7T Metal Edition still features a 7-inch 8-bit IPS display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 and a viewing angle of 178°. The screen has a contrast ratio of 1200:1 and it can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits. This is not as bright as the BM5 (2200 nits), but it starts to be usable under bright sunlight.

The great thing about the BM5 and HS7T is that they are equipped with both HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs. 4K video signals up to 30fps and FullHD up to 60fps are supported over the HDMI, while the SDI connections only support 1080p signals up to 60fps.

All the professional tools that you might need to monitor your image are still available, including support of 3D LUTs as well as Histogram, Zebra, False Color, De-Squeeze, and Zooming functions. Moreover, PortKeys claims that a new peaking algorithm will make focus pulling easier with this monitor, even though they do not thoroughly explain how.

PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition: power options

The HS7T can be powered by two hot-swappable Sony L-Series batteries or via the 4-pin LEMO input (DC 7.4~24V). Moreover, the monitor can supply power for any wireless video transmission system attached to the back: a helpful feature when trying to keep the monitor setup clean and compact.

Key features

• 7” IPS display
• 1920×1080
• 1200 nits
• All-aluminum alloy
• HDMI & SDI inputs and outputs
• Dual-swappable Sony L-Series batteries
• 4-pin LEMO input (DC 7.4~24V)
• Plate for wireless video transmission system on the back
• New peaking algorithm
• Professional monitoring tools
• Support for 3D LUTs
• 19×12.4×4.1 cm
• 520g

Price and availability

Overall, the PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition seems to be designed to meet both focus pullers’ and director’s needs, even though it would have been great to see an even brighter 7” option from this company. We’ll probably have to wait a little longer for that. Meanwhile, the PortKeys HS7T Metal Edition is available for purchase on the PortKeys website. Retail price is $399.

Featured image credits: PortKeys

What do you think about this upgrade of the PortKeys HS7T monitor? Share your experience with PortKeys products in the comments below.