Spencer
This is a really solid monitor for what it offers. Is it SmallHD level? No. But for the price it's actually a killer deal.
Pros -
Bright
Sturdy
OS is decent
Cons-
Battery plate doesn't like some NP's/Very Stiff
Power draw eats through smaller bricks
I had it fully reset all settings by accident once and have no clue what happened
Doug M.
If there’s anything I’ve come to expect from Feelworld, it’s quality, value and innovation, and their SC6 6-inch monitor doesn’t disappoint. Moreover, considering the scope of the SC6 Field Monitor kit and its all-aluminum build quality, it’s an excellent value. It comes as a fully accessorized kit that includes options not often found with more expensive monitors. Plus, it’s a full featured monitor in terms of the color, exposure analysis, and compositional aids it offers. Moreover, it can handle 3D LUT’s; what you see on screen, especially when using imported LUTs, is what you get on export; used knowledgably, the monitors analysis tools are exceptionally accurate. Built into the SC6 are a full array of analysis tools for checking focus, exposure, color 1along with on-screen sound monitoring. Additionally, all on-screen (OSD) tools are adjustable for x-y coordinates; they can be moved and arranged on the display according to the user preferences. In fact, the screen display is fully adjustable for color, contrast and brightness.
For those that have experience using a touchscreen monitor, FeelWorld’s SC6 menu system should be relatively intuitive. Once powered on, double tapping the center of the screen brings up the OSD of the various menus and sub-menus; a single tap hides them again. Once selected, each tool has options specific to its parameters, including the adjustment of its X-Y screen position, when applicable. A short swipe up from the bottom of the screen brings up the shortcut’s menu. A swipe up on screen left brings up the screen’s backlight adjustment, while swiping up on screen right brings up the volume control. Additionally, the screen can be zoomed in/out using touch control. When powered on, short presses of the power button lock/unlock the touchscreen. Navigating by the use of the touchscreen and OSD is fast, efficient and accurate; the screen is sensitive and responsive.
With its compact form factor, light weight and rugged metal build the SC6 is optimized for grab and go shooting. By the use of its fully adjustable hot shoe mount, it can be attached directly to the hot shoe of a DSLR camera, a camera cage, video rigs and stabilizing gimbals. Besides the on/off button, physical controls include three programmable quick access buttons and a “Menu Knob” along the op of the monitor. The menu knob is an interesting feature and functions as both a knob and a button. It can be used to bring up the shortcut menu, OSD menu and sub-menus. With no menus on-screen, it can be used to adjust volume and brightness simply by turning it to the right or left; this function is programmable too.
Additional physical features include the basics; HDMI in and out, a headphone jack for real time audio monitoring, a USB-C port for uploading LUTs and firmware updates, a power indicator light, standard 1/4" threads on the bottom and side, and an in/out power USB-C port for powering the monitor, importing LUTs and firmware updates; the monitor can even be used to power the camera via the USB-C port. On the back of the monitor there’s also 12V DC power in/out and SDI (Serial Digital Interface) in/out connections.
The SC6 monitor’s maximum brightness is stated as 1500 cd/m2 or, if you like, 1500 nits (1 cd/m2 = 1 nit), a very respectable level of backlighting for a monitor at it price point. Outdoors, the screen and tools retain visibility and clarity in bright environments, even tools like focus peaking are easily decerned. Visibility can be further enhanced by the use of the included sunshade. The monitors compact size, crystal clear IPS display and its gray anodized aluminum frame give it a jewel-like presence; the fabrication is beautifully done and, in my opinion, makes for a very appealing form factor.
The SC6’s display is fully adjustable for color temperature, grayscale viewing range (Auto, limit, or full), numerical RGB inputs, contrast, brightness, etc. There is also an HDR feature for viewing with an extended contrast range. Other options include user preferences for the amount of time an on-screen menu is displayed, OSD transparency and the display color (blank screen) when no signal is being received.
Another key feature of the SC6 monitor is “User Switch,” allowing the user to switch between up to four unique working environments. This allows the user to avoid screen clutter by setting up separate display environments for each task or analysis group. To this end, the user sets up the OSD with a group of preferred menu items that may include exposure tools, focusing aids, marker, grid, and so forth, then it’s automatically saved as a set. Each of up to four environments can be quickly recalled using the touchscreen navigation. By this means, separate, discreet tool sets can be saved for exposure, focusing, cropping, color analysis, or what have you, then quickly switched from one to another, thereby creating a repeatable workflow while avoiding distracting screen clutter. These sets are retained when the monitor is powered off and can be changed and updated at will. This is not only a feature of convenience, but one that will enhance organization, speed and user workflow. Additionally, the SC6 can do Screen captures and image overlays, thus ensuring image alignment and framing continuity between shots.
The SC6 includes four built-in LUT’s, SLOG2, SLOG3, LOGC and VLOG, while an additional 32 user defined LUTs can be imported from a flash drive through the monitors Type C USB port; LUTs are accessed and enabled by turning on the LUT switch via the OSD menu. When enabled, the LUT currently in use is displayed at the top of the display. In addition, the SC6 incorporates an internal, user controlled, variable speed (1 – 5) cooling fan; it’s quiet, almost silent, and wasn’t picked up by the camera’s built-in or external microphones. Nonetheless, it can be turned off completely if need be.
As the seller notes, the SC6 Monitor has multiple power options. Included in the delivery is a rechargeable NP-F750 battery that plugs into the back of the monitor, there is the USB-C input that can be used to power the monitor from a power bank of V-Mount Battery, and a 12V DC input as well, also for powering the monitor rom a V-Mount battery or the like.
With both HDMI in and out ports, the SC6 can provide HDMI loop-out to another device such as a wireless video transmitter or another monitor, e.g., for client viewing. Additionally, the SC6 will pass through 4K@60fps signals, while utilizing the REC 709 color space for standardized color consistency across platforms. In all respects, the SC6 is a joy to use. It’s solidly built, simple to operate, and provides a suite of professional quality analysis tools that if used properly, provides very accurate fly-by-instrument color rendition and exposure. Moreover, its compact size makes it ideal for use on a gimbal, travel, and as an on-camera.
At its price point, considering the scope of what’s included in the kit, its capabilities, the all-metal build, its digital tools and features, the SC6 is an excellent value. Its strengths are its touchscreen navigation, the convenience of saving user preferences as separate groups, and its milieu of professional analysis tools, in fact, more than most will ever use. Furthermore, its aluminum encasement provides a sturdy and durable platform. For those that prefer a compact monitor, or even a second monitor, it’s an excellent choice; personally, I enjoy using it.
Along with several cables for HDMI connections and charging, a sunshade is included, the adjustable monitor mount, the FP-F750 battery, a branded cable tie, a small USB adapter and semi-hard zippered case that holds everything. Comparatively, Feelworld’s SC6 Field Monitor represents a lot of value for the cost, but I encourage others to do their own due diligence to see for yourselves. I think it’s a hard bargain to beat.
