I saw on FB that Fotocore/Scubalamp has a new monitor. Specs seems quite interesting but I don't know its weight underwater.

On Facebook there's even a video:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FLf8vppof/

I got the user manual.

Unfortunately, underwater it's 740g negative.

MR5.5.pdf

Are the main differences between this and the UM5.5 the presence of physical buttons and USB charging?

14 minutes ago, shokwaav said:

Are the main differences between this and the UM5.5 the presence of physical buttons and USB charging?

Yes.

Things I don't like:

1. A weight of 740 grams is truly a lot. My current monitor is 260g, and I already had to add PVC bars. To counterbalance an additional 500g, I'd need to change the float arms, and there's no guarantee my whole setup would even be balanced then.

2. I'm not thrilled about the USB charging. The monitor is always attached to the camera housing. I'd have to move the whole setup near an outlet to charge it, which is annoying, if not dangerous, especially when I'm not charging it at house. In many diving centers I would never leave the whole housing in the charging area.

3. Last but not least: that new, extra-long cable gland sticking out the left side could really interfere with or limit the monitor's movement.

In a short time, Fotocore/Scubalamp have released several iterations of their monitors, along with various strobes. This shows a great capacity for design and production. Unlike the strobes, which I've seen countless professional photographers use and provide valuable feedback on, IMHO, I believe they lack input on their monitors from serious users of these tools.

Long story short: still looking for the perfect cheap monitor.

12 hours ago, Davide DB said:

Yes.

Things I don't like:

1. A weight of 740 grams is truly a lot. My current monitor is 260g, and I already had to add PVC bars. To counterbalance an additional 500g, I'd need to change the float arms, and there's no guarantee my whole setup would even be balanced then.

2. I'm not thrilled about the USB charging. The monitor is always attached to the camera housing. I'd have to move the whole setup near an outlet to charge it, which is annoying, if not dangerous, especially when I'm not charging it at house. In many diving centers I would never leave the whole housing in the charging area.

3. Last but not least: that new, extra-long cable gland sticking out the left side could really interfere with or limit the monitor's movement.

In a short time, Fotocore/Scubalamp have released several iterations of their monitors, along with various strobes. This shows a great capacity for design and production. Unlike the strobes, which I've seen countless professional photographers use and provide valuable feedback on, IMHO, I believe they lack input on their monitors from serious users of these tools.

Long story short: still looking for the perfect cheap monitor.

I heard from a local dealer where I am located that a model changed to a built-in battery will be released when purchasing a monitor about a month ago.

Looking at it now, it seems that can upgrade the firmware as well as the built-in battery.

I didn't like built-in batteries, so I canceled the order and ordered it again, but the old one arrived

As you said, the hdmi cable is on the left side of the monitor, so the buoyancy agent keeps interfering when moving the arm.

To be honest, since HDMI underwater cables have a long history of being fragile whatever brand you use, the sideway exiting cable is probably providing less strain to the cable than the up/down usual location of connectors (the other alternative is monitor with back straight output). I see that as an improvement in terms of durability but on the other hand, yes it eats side space which might interfere with arm location/handle.

ressurecting this thread as I am looking at this monitor now... tempting to replace my shinobi and spend only 1200 instead of 5000 for Ultra5.

The game changer for me is 1) ability to turn on and off HDR/LUT processing underwater (shoot standard in picture mode, Slog3 in video and 2) rotate the picture for when I am underwater with EMWL without relay lens.

These 2 are real sticking points for me. Buoyancy can be easily dealt with using back mounted float cut to dimension and required volume. The flat back is actually very good.

As for battery charging inside - not a big deal. Looking at battery spec and consumption it is going to last easily whole day - 4 dives on a liveaboard - which is more then enough and this is the way I operate with Shinobi and NPF970 battery - charging overnight.

Now if only there would be any feedback as to how reliable this monitor is.

Hi Roman,

Give a look at the Seafrog option. It's an housing for a popular commercial model which is sold on Amazon Prime too (here in Italy). So you could just try it on your desk if it has all the features you need.

Very nice find David! It seems to check all the boxes except for image flip (for EMWL use without relay). This video shows user assignable features for custom buttons

they allow to flip screen but its screen on control only it seems...

Another wish would be whether it could accept Nauticam cable - I need L shaped output for my configuration.