1. Introduction
The VILTROX DC-550 is a high-performance 5.5-inch camera field monitor designed to enhance your video production workflow. Featuring a 1200 nits high-brightness IPS touch screen with 1920x1080 resolution, 4K HDMI loop in/out, and a suite of professional monitoring functions, it provides clear and accurate visual feedback for DSLR and mirrorless camera users. This manual provides detailed instructions for its proper use and care.
Video Description: An official VILTROX video showcasing the features and applications of the DC-550 and DC-550 Pro camera field monitors, demonstrating its use in various filming scenarios and highlighting its key functionalities like brightness, color accuracy, and monitoring tools.
2. Getting Started
2.1 What's in the Box
Verify that all components are present in your package:
- 1x DC-550 Camera Video Monitor
- 1x Sunshade Hood
- 1x VILTROX NP-F550 Battery
- 1x VL-550 Cold Shoe Adapter
- 1x Type-C Cable
- 1x Standard HDMI Cable
- 1x Mini HDMI Cable
- 1x Carry Case
- 1x User Manual
- 1x Packing Box
Image Description: The VILTROX DC-550 camera field monitor displayed with its full set of accessories, including the sunshade hood, NP-F550 battery, cold shoe adapter, various cables, and a carry case.
Image Description: A visual representation of the VILTROX DC-550 package contents, showing each item neatly arranged and labeled for easy identification.
2.2 Monitor Components Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your DC-550 monitor:
Image Description: An exploded diagram illustrating the various components and ports of the VILTROX DC-550 Pro monitor, including the radiator air inlet, battery release button, shortcut keys, rotary knob, and display.
3. Setup
3.1 Powering the Monitor
The DC-550 offers multiple power options:
- NP-F Series Battery: Insert a compatible NP-F series battery (NP-F550/NP-F750/NP-F970) into the battery slot on the rear of the monitor. An NP-F550 battery is included.
- DC IN: Connect a 12-18V DC power supply to the DC IN port.
- Type-C Power Bank: Use a 5V 3A Type-C power bank for convenient portable power.
Image Description: The VILTROX DC-550 monitor displaying its various power input options, including the NP-F battery slot, DC IN port, and Type-C port for power bank connection.
Image Description: A close-up view of the rear of the VILTROX DC-550 monitor, showing an NP-F battery securely installed in its designated slot.
3.2 Mounting the Monitor
The monitor can be mounted using the two 1/4" screw holes or the included VL-550 cold shoe adapter.
- Attach the VL-550 cold shoe adapter to your camera's hot shoe or a compatible rig.
- Secure the monitor to the cold shoe adapter using the 1/4" screw.
Image Description: A close-up image of the VILTROX VL-550 Cold Shoe Adapter, used for mounting the monitor to a camera or rig.
3.3 Attaching the Sunshade Hood
The quick-release sunshade hood helps reduce glare and improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Align the sunshade hood with the grooves on the monitor's frame.
- Gently press until it clicks into place. It can be removed quickly when not needed.
Image Description: The VILTROX DC-550 monitor shown with its quick-release sunshade hood installed, demonstrating how it helps block strong light for better outdoor viewing.
3.4 Connecting to a Camera
Use the provided HDMI cables to connect your camera to the monitor.
- HDMI Input: Connect your camera's HDMI output to the monitor's HDMI IN port. The monitor supports 4K HDMI signals up to 30Hz (3840x2160p, 4096x2160p).
- HDMI Loop Out: Use the HDMI OUT port to send the video signal to another monitor or device.
- Audio Monitoring: Connect headphones to the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to monitor audio.
Image Description: A close-up view of the VILTROX DC-550 monitor connected via HDMI, highlighting the 4K HDMI input and loop out capabilities for seamless integration with camera systems.
Image Description: A detailed shot of the 3.5mm headphone jack on the side of the VILTROX DC-550 monitor, indicating its audio monitoring capability.
4. Operating the Monitor
4.1 Basic Controls
The DC-550 features both touchscreen and physical button controls for intuitive operation.
- Touchscreen Control: Navigate menus, adjust settings, and zoom in/out of your shot using pinch-to-zoom gestures and simple taps on the screen.
- Physical Button Control: Use the wheel button (press/rotate) for quick selection and function adjustments. Additional shortcut keys (F1/F2/F3/F4) can be customized for frequently used functions.
Image Description: A hand interacting with the VILTROX DC-550 monitor, demonstrating both the touch screen functionality and the use of the physical rotary knob for control and navigation.
4.2 Display Features
The 5.5-inch IPS display offers excellent visual quality for critical monitoring.
- High Brightness: 1200 nits (cd/m²) for clear visibility even in daylight.
- Full HD Resolution: 1920x1080 at 30Hz for sharp images.
- Wide Viewing Angles: 160° IPS panel ensures consistent image quality from various perspectives.
- Color Accuracy: REC-709 color calibration for true-to-life color reproduction.
Image Description: The VILTROX DC-550 monitor showcasing its 5.5-inch IPS HD display with key specifications like 1200cd/m² brightness, 1920x1080 resolution, REC-709 color calibration, and 160° viewing angle.
4.3 Professional Monitoring Functions
The DC-550 includes a comprehensive set of tools for precise video monitoring:
- Parade Waveform: Visualizes the luminance and chrominance levels of your video signal.
- Oscillogram (Y): Displays the luminance waveform.
- Vector Graph: Shows the color saturation and hue.
- Brightness Histogram: Illustrates the distribution of brightness levels.
- Auxiliary Focus (Peaking): Highlights in-focus areas for precise focusing.
- Audio Column: Displays audio levels.
- Image Flip: Flips the image horizontally or vertically.
- False Color: Uses color overlays to indicate exposure levels.
- Zoom: Magnifies parts of the image for detailed inspection.
- Gridlines: Assists with composition.
- Color Temperature: Adjusts the color temperature of the display.
- Pixel to Pixel: Displays the image at its native resolution.
Image Description: The VILTROX DC-550 monitor displaying a range of professional monitoring tools, including 3D LUT, color space, audio column, safe area, mark ratio, image flip, full waveform, zoom, gridlines, color temperature, false color, focus peaking, exposure, histogram, vectorscope, and pixel to pixel.
4.4 Custom 3D LUT Upload
Import custom 3D LUTs via an SD card to preview specific color grades or camera Log modes directly on the monitor.
- Save your .cube LUT files to an SD card.
- Insert the SD card into the monitor's SD card slot.
- Navigate to the 3D LUT menu option and select your desired LUT for application.
Image Description: A hand inserting an SD card into the VILTROX DC-550 monitor, illustrating the process of uploading custom 3D LUTs for color grading and monitoring.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
- Screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for electronics screens. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with a screen cleaning solution (avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol).
- Body: Wipe the monitor body with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners directly on the device.
5.2 Storage
- When not in use, store the monitor in its protective carry case to prevent dust and scratches.
- Keep the monitor in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Remove the battery if storing for extended periods to prevent leakage.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your VILTROX DC-550 monitor, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Ensure the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted, or that the DC power adapter/Type-C power bank is properly connected and supplying adequate power.
- No Video Signal: Verify that the HDMI cables are securely connected to both the camera and the monitor. Check the camera's video output settings to ensure it's sending a signal. Try a different HDMI cable if possible.
- Display Issues (e.g., flickering, incorrect colors): Check the input source resolution and refresh rate to ensure compatibility with the monitor. Reset monitor settings to default if necessary.
- Touchscreen Unresponsive: Power cycle the monitor. Ensure the screen is clean and free of moisture or debris.
- Overheating: Ensure the radiator air inlets are not obstructed. Operate the monitor in a well-ventilated area.
Image Description: A detailed view of the radiator air inlet on the VILTROX DC-550 monitor, highlighting its role in heat dissipation for optimal performance.
If problems persist, contact VILTROX customer support for further assistance.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | VILTROX |
| Model Number | DC-550 |
| Screen Size | 5.5 Inches |
| Display Type | IPS Touch Screen |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 (FHD 1080p) |
| Max Input Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Image Brightness | 1200 nits (candela_per_square_meter) |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.77:1 |
| Viewing Angle | 160° |
| Contrast Ratio | 1200:1 |
| HDMI | 4K HDMI Loop In/Out (HDMI 1.4) |
| Power Input | NP-F series battery, DC IN 12-18V, Type-C 5V 3A |
| Product Dimensions | 1.12 x 6.5 x 3.58 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.12 pounds |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official VILTROX website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
VILTROX Official Website: Visit the VILTROX Store on Amazon
