SmallHD revives Focus with the Focus 504: a 5‑inch 1080p monitor with full‑size I/O and Wi‑Fi camera control

SmallHD has revived the Focus family with the Focus 504, a compact 5‑inch on‑camera monitor that brings larger‑monitor features into a smaller chassis. The company describes the new unit as the “smallest, slimmest monitor yet”, and packs a surprising set of professional connections and power options into an aluminium body that tips the scales at 310g.

The screen itself is a 4.97‑inch IPS touchscreen with a native 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution (443ppi). SmallHD rates the display at a maximum brightness of 1000 nits and a 60Hz refresh rate. Internally the monitor processes video at 10‑bit while driving an 8‑bit panel, and SmallHD has included a 33‑point calibration LUT stored inside the unit plus support for 17‑point user LUTs loaded from removable media.

Video I/O is unusually generous for a compact monitor. The Focus 504 offers one full‑size 3G‑SDI BNC input and one BNC output, alongside one full‑size HDMI 2.0 input and one full‑size HDMI 2.0 output; SmallHD says the monitor can cross‑convert in both directions. On the SDI side the unit accepts 3G‑SDI, HD‑SDI and SD‑SDI signals in YCC 4:2:2 10‑bit up to 1080p60. The HDMI 2.0 input will take signals as large as 2160p30 and 1080p120, which the Focus 504 downscales for display on its 1080p panel. Audio is carried over HDMI or SDI, with metering for up to eight channels and a 3.5mm headphone output for monitoring.

SmallHD has added wired‑and‑lockable convenience where it matters. The monitor includes a built‑in Sony L‑Series battery slot, a locking 2‑pin DC input that accepts 10V to 17V, and a locking PVC USB‑C port that can accept 5V to 20V and supply up to 25W. Two further locking USB‑C ports provide 5V/1.5A accessory power and USB data. The company rates the monitor’s power draw at 10W for the screen alone and says the unit can draw up to 35W maximum.

One feature that distinguishes the Focus 504 from SmallHD’s earlier small monitors is an internal 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi module intended for camera control. SmallHD says the module will support wireless control of ARRI, Sony, RED and Canon cameras, but the camera‑control functionality is not active at launch — the company describes the capability as “coming soon” and warns that camera control requires separate licences that are sold individually.

SmallHD positions the Focus 504 as the entry point to its current 5‑inch range, listing it at $999. That places it below the Cine 5 ($1,649) and the Ultra 5 ($2,249), although the Focus 504 is still intended as a higher‑spec compact monitor rather than a budget unit. On brightness it sits between small field monitors and SmallHD’s higher‑brightness models: at 1000 nits the screen is daylight‑viewable in most conditions, but it does not match the Cine 5’s 2000 nits or the Ultra 5’s 3000 nits.

SmallHD’s product page lists Rec.709 coverage in two places that do not match: the product text claims “100% Rec.709”, while a technical‑spec table on the same page lists 97% Rec.709. The company also notes that the Focus 504 does not record video — it is a monitoring tool only.

The package includes a 16GB SmallHD USB‑A/C flash drive and a clear screen protector. SmallHD also offers a Focus 504 Sunhood for $129, a replacement bottom flag for $29 and spare clear screen protectors for $29.99.

On the connectivity and calibration front the Focus 504 is well equipped for a compact design. The internal 33‑point LUT allows factory calibration to be saved in the monitor, and users can load 17‑point LUTs from removable media for on‑set matching. For SDI workflows the unit accepts YCC 4:2:2 10‑bit signals up to 1080p60; HDMI inputs up to 2160p30 and 1080p120 are accepted and downsampled for display.

SmallHD has kept workflow details familiar: the monitor runs PageOS 6, the same operating system the company rolled out across its current monitors. PageOS 6 includes the usual SmallHD tools and overlays, and the company points to PageOS 6 as the software layer that will host camera control and other features as they become available.

For users who need tethered accessory power, the two locking USB‑C ports give 5V/1.5A accessory power alongside USB data, while the lockable PVC USB‑C port doubles as a power input (5V to 20V, up to 25W). The built‑in Sony L‑Series slot and the 2‑pin 10V–17V input give the monitor flexibility on rigs and cages. SmallHD lists operational temperatures and other mechanical dimensions in the full spec sheet.

There are a few things to note if you are comparing compact monitors. The Focus 504’s 1000 nits will hold up in most daylight shooting scenarios, but it is not intended to replace ultra‑bright on‑camera monitors for very bright outdoor work. Nor does it include recording capability. The camera control promised via the internal Wi‑Fi module will expand the monitor’s feature set substantially, but that capability is not available immediately and each camera vendor’s control licence is sold separately.

SmallHD’s return to the Focus name brings a compact monitor that tries to bridge run‑and‑gun portability and a pro feature set. It may appeal to shooters who want full‑size video I/O and robust power options in a light aluminium package, and who plan to add wireless camera control once those licences and firmware are available.

If you need a quick checklist: 4.97‑inch 1920 x 1080 touch screen, 1000 nits, full‑size SDI and HDMI in/out, built‑in Sony L‑Series battery slot, locking power and USB‑C ports, internal 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi for future camera control, and a $999 price point at launch. SmallHD ships the monitor with a 16GB USB‑A/C stick and a clear screen protector, with optional sunhood and spare parts sold separately.

For on‑set buyers who prioritise brightness above all else, the Cine 5 and Ultra 5 remain brighter options. But for operators who want comprehensive I/O and versatile powering in a compact 5‑inch package, the Focus 504 represents SmallHD’s new baseline for the size class.