Viltrox DC 550 PRO Review - A BUDGET Video Monitor with PRO FEATURES for Filmmakers
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Recently had the chance to test the Viltrox DC 550 PRO monitor. This budget-friendly monitor packs a punch with some pro-level features. In this post, I’ll dive into what I love about it, what could be improved, and whether it might be a good fit for your gear collection.
First Impressions
The Viltrox DC 550 PRO is a sleek, affordable monitor that comes in two flavors: the standard 550 and the PRO version. The main difference? The PRO has touch screen controls, which the regular version lacks. The PRO version runs just under $200, while the non-PRO is around $168. If you’re a fan of touchscreen controls, the PRO might be worth the extra bucks.
Unboxing
Let’s talk about what’s inside the box. You get a nice carrying case, HDMI cables, a USB-C cable (but no full-sized HDMI cable, which might be a bit of a hassle for some setups), and a hood to keep glare at bay. The monitor comes with an NP-F battery that’s pretty cool—it’s white and you can tap it to check the battery level.
Build Quality and Features
For a budget monitor, the build quality is surprisingly solid. It doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky and has a matte finish that gives it a more professional look. The 5.5-inch LCD screen might seem small, but it’s about the size of a smartphone, making it compact and lightweight—a nice touch if you're on the go.
The monitor itself features a power button, a rotating knob, and a few customizable function buttons. On the back, you’ve got a quarter-inch thread for mounting (which is handy if you’re shooting vertical video), a USB port, a DC input, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The only downside? You’ll need a hex key to adjust the tilt. I’d suggest getting a quick-adjust tool to make things easier.
Performance
With a resolution of 1920x1080 and a brightness of 1200 nits, this monitor holds up pretty well. It has an ultra-wide viewing angle, so multiple people can check the monitor at once without distortion. While it’s not the brightest monitor on the market, the included hood helps out in sunny conditions. The PRO version allows you to pinch to zoom, which is a neat feature not found in the non-PRO model.
Menu and Customization
The menu is packed with features: histograms, vector scopes, waveform monitors, focus peaking, false colors, and more. You can also load custom LUTs via an SD card, though this monitor doesn’t support recording directly. It’s got options for adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and even a fan speed control (though in my experience, the fan is pretty quiet).
Pros:
Professional Features: It includes many high-end features found in pricier monitors.
Build Quality: Sturdy and well-built for a budget monitor.
Portability: Lightweight and compact.
Battery Indicator: Handy feature for monitoring battery life.
Cons:
Interface Learning Curve: The menu can be a bit tricky to navigate at first.
Tilt Adjustment: Requires a hex key, which can be inconvenient.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a budget monitor with professional features, the Viltrox DC 550 PRO is definitely worth considering. It’s well-built, feature-packed, and surprisingly affordable. If you’re a regular user of video monitors, I’d love to hear how this one stacks up against your current gear. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
