Sony has announced two new professional monitors that also function as dedicated camera controllers for its Cinema Line cameras. The new RM-DP7 and RM-DP5 combine monitoring, camera control, focus operation, and physical controls into a single device. The 7-inch RM-DP7 is priced at €3,300 / £2,800, while the smaller 5-inch RM-DP5 costs €2,500 / £2,100. Both are expected to become available in January 2027.

More than an external monitor

The main idea behind the DP7 and DP5 is relatively simple: instead of using an external monitor only to view the image, Sony wants filmmakers to control the camera directly from it. At launch, the units will support the Sony FX5, FX3 ($4,298 on Amazon), FX2 ($2,698 on Amazon) and FX30 ($2,098 on Amazon). Compatibility with the FX6 ($8,876 on Amazon) and BURANO is planned through a future firmware update in the second half of 2027. Sony’s BIG6 interface provides access to important shooting parameters from the monitor. Operators can adjust functions including exposure settings, focus and, when using compatible power zoom lenses, zoom without physically accessing the camera. This could be useful when the camera is mounted on a rig, crane, gimbal or positioned somewhere that makes its own controls difficult to reach.

Physical controls are a major part of the design

Sony has not relied solely on a touchscreen. Both monitors include physical buttons, a multifunction dial and assignable controls. They also include a detachable control knob designed for precise focus operation with compatible Cinema Line cameras. The monitors can additionally use touch focus and tracking when working with supported autofocus functions. This makes the products closer to dedicated camera control stations than conventional on-camera monitors.

2,000-nit Full HD displays

Both models use Full HD 1920 × 1080 touch displays capable of brightness levels of up to 2,000 cd/m², making them suitable for monitoring in bright outdoor environments. Sony says every unit is individually calibrated using technology derived from its professional video monitoring products. Users can also import up to 16 LUT files in addition to six built-in presets, allowing filmmakers shooting in formats such as S-Log3 to monitor an image closer to the intended final look.

DP7 adds 12G-SDI

Connectivity is one of the main differences between the two models. Both support HDMI input and output and wired camera control. The DP7 adds 12G-SDI input and output, including SDI and HDMI cross-conversion and support for 4K transmission. Sony also plans wireless operation using selected third-party video transmission systems. The company currently mentions the Hollyland Pyro Ultra ($1,699 on Amazon) and Teradek Bolt 7 as planned compatible systems. Power options include Sony BP-U batteries and USB Power Delivery. The larger DP7 additionally includes a locking DC power input.

A premium accessory for the Cinema Line ecosystem

At €3,300 for the DP7 and €2,500 for the DP5, these are clearly not positioned as conventional inexpensive camera monitors. Instead, Sony appears to be building a more integrated production ecosystem around its Cinema Line cameras, where a monitor can become a remote interface for operating the camera itself. For solo filmmakers and small crews, that integration could simplify rigs by combining several monitoring and control functions into one device. The pricing, however, places the DP5 and DP7 firmly in the professional accessory category. The Sony RM-DP5 and RM-DP7 are scheduled to start shipping in January 2027.