Portkeys BM7 II DS
A pro 7-inch field monitor whose standout is a 2200-nit panel for genuine daylight viewing, paired with HDMI and 3G-SDI plus wired and wireless camera control. It's a strong choice for FX, RED and ARRI rigs where you need to ride exposure outdoors and trigger the camera from the monitor. There's no built-in recorder, so crews needing capture should pair it with a dedicated recorder.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall74±6Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| size (in) | 7Sourced | Sourced |
| inputs | HDMI, 3g SdiFlagged | Flagged |
| recorder | noSourced | Sourced |
| brightness nits | 2200Sourced | Sourced |
3/4 detail specs sourced · 1 flagged for verification. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- wired/wireless camera control
- RED/ARRI/Sony FX rigs
- ultra-bright daylight monitoring
Who should skip this
- Hybrid shooters who won't use camera control — the control features carry a premium that pure monitoring users waste
- DSLR/mirrorless creators on HDMI-only bodies — much of the protocol-level control targets cinema cameras
- Budget builders — a bright monitor-only panel costs far less than this control-focused 7-inch
Where to buy
List price $899
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
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Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard photo / video setup.
Upgrade path
Buying today, the Atomos Ninja Ultra scores higher for less — the smarter pick in field monitors unless you specifically want this one. See it →