As technology in the film industry continues to evolve, so too does the competitive landscape of camera control monitors. ARRI, a long-standing giant in the industry, recently announced its latest innovation.
The CCM-1, a camera control monitor built in collaboration with SmallHD. Offering full camera control for ARRI’s ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF, the CCM-1 represents an intriguing new option for professionals seeking to streamline their shooting process. This piece aims to provide a detailed comparison of the ARRI CCM-1 and its main competitors in the market.
The ARRI CCM-1, described as a 7-inch onboard monitor that affords total control and access to camera menus, promises to redefine camera configuration possibilities. Notably, the CCM-1 boasts ARRI color accuracy, a bright display, customizable controls, and a robust build1. The monitor’s detailed and dynamic display is immediately noticeable, with sensor-level monitoring functions taking advantage of the sensor’s full resolution1.
In comparison, let’s look at a primary competitor, the SmallHD 703 Bolt. A well-received choice among professionals, the 703 Bolt is known for its bright, full HD display, wide color gamut, and wireless video receiver. While it offers an impressive feature set, it lacks the ARRI color accuracy that comes with the CCM-1. Also, the CCM-1’s dedicated menu button providing quick access to the familiar menu of the MVF-2 stands as a unique, user-friendly aspect not seen in the 703 Bolt.
The CCM-1’s user interface also stands out. All functions are adjustable via a touchscreen or buttons and a joystick, offering easy, one-handed operation1. This design places the CCM-1 ahead of the Atomos Shogun 7, another strong competitor that leans heavily on its touchscreen interface. Though effective, the Shogun 7’s touchscreen might not offer the same level of tactile control seen in the CCM-1.
Finally, ARRI’s CCM-1 comes with an innovative sun hood and a two-axis MAC-1 monitor arm. The inclusion of these accessories provides enhanced value for the CCM-1, distinguishing it from competitors like the TVLogic F-7H mk2, which offers similar performance but does not include these valuable extras.
In the end, the ARRI CCM-1’s design and feature set suggest a promising step forward in the camera control monitor market. With superior color accuracy, flexible control options, and valuable bundled accessories, the CCM-1 holds a strong position against established competitors.
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