SmallHD
ActiveOverview
SmallHD designs and manufactures on-camera, studio, and production monitors for professional cinematographers, videographers, and photographers. The company is recognized as the creator of the world's first high-definition on-camera monitor and has established itself as a leading innovator in professional monitoring solutions. SmallHD serves both independent filmmakers and the cinema industry with products emphasizing display quality, rugged construction, and accessible pricing relative to professional-grade equipment.
History
SmallHD was founded in 2008 by Wes Phillips and Dale Backus, who used their personal earnings to launch the company with the goal of making changes in the film industry. The company gained recognition as the creator of the world's first high-definition on-camera monitor, establishing its position as an innovator in on-camera monitoring. SmallHD is now part of the Vitec Group's Creative Solutions Division, which has enabled the company to expand its product offerings and partnerships within the filmmaking solutions industry.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| On-Camera Monitors | Compact field monitoring for production | $500 - $3,000 |
| Ultra Bright Series | High-brightness outdoor monitoring | $1,200 - $4,000 |
| 4K Monitors | High-resolution studio and production monitoring | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Studio Monitors | Stationary production and color grading | $1,500 - $6,000 |
Manufacturing
SmallHD designs, builds, and ships all products from the United States, with manufacturing and headquarters operations based in Cary, North Carolina. The company maintains in-house production capabilities to ensure quality control and rapid fulfillment, offering free shipping to USA and Canada customers.
Notable Products
- SmallHD Focus Series - Compact on-camera monitors designed for independent filmmakers and field production
- SmallHD Ultra Bright Series - High-brightness monitors engineered for outdoor and bright-light filming conditions
- SmallHD 4K Monitors - Professional-grade 4K resolution monitors for cinema and high-end production work
Reputation
SmallHD is respected within the professional filmmaking community for pioneering affordable high-definition on-camera monitoring and maintaining strong build quality and software tools. The brand is known for combining advanced technology with accessible pricing, making professional-grade monitoring solutions available to independent creators. The company has built credibility through its focus on rugged construction and industry-leading software features, though it operates in a competitive market with established competitors offering similar capabilities.