If you’ve ever squinted at your tiny camera screen while filming outdoors, you already know that on-camera monitors aren’t just a luxury; they’re a necessity. And Viltrox has been quietly making some of the best budget-friendly field monitors around. But when it comes to choosing between the Viltrox DC-550 PRO (5.5") and the newer DC-X2 PRO (6"), which one actually earns a spot in your camera bag?
Let’s unpack the real differences.
Size & Brightness: Can You See What You’re doing?
The DC-550 PRO is no slouch; it packs a punch with 1200 nits of brightness, which is enough to handle most outdoor conditions without squinting or throwing a jacket over your rig.
The DC-X2 PRO, though slightly larger at 15 cm, falls behind in raw brightness with 500 nits. It's still viewable in shaded environments or studio setups, but under direct sunlight. The DC-550 PRO holds the advantage here. If you film weddings at noon or do field shoots in the African sun, don’t play yourself.
Winner: DC-550 PRO (for outdoor use)
Resolution & Colour Accuracy
Resolution? They both come in at a crispy 1920 x 1080, perfect for telling if your subject is blinking or just judging you. The DC-X2 PRO edges ahead with 100% sRGB coverage, a wide colour gamut that’s ideal for anyone grading footage or working with brands who care about accurate tones.
Winner: DC-X2 PRO (for colour-critical work)
Tools for Creators
Both monitors come with your essentials:
• Histogram (so you stop blowing out skies)
• Focus peaking (aka “how to tell if you missed the eyes AGAIN”)
• Zebra lines (stripes = danger)
• False colour (trippy but useful)
• 3D LUT support (because LOG footage out of camera looks like sadness)
The DC-550 PRO just takes it a step further with RGB waveform, vector scope, and 4K HDMI pass-through, basically, a mini post-production studio on your camera.
Winner: DC-550 PRO (for advanced monitoring workflows)
Connectivity & Power Options
Both monitors are HDMI-in/out ready, but the DC-X2 PRO adds SDI and USB-C support, offering more flexibility for users who jump between camera systems or want USB-C power delivery.
The DC-550 PRO includes traditional NP-F battery support, 12–18V DC, and Type-C 5V/3A, giving you strong power flexibility too.
Winner: DC-X2 PRO (for versatility)
Build & Portability
The DC-550 PRO is compact at 280g, with a sturdy yet travel-friendly design. It includes a quick-release hood and rugged build that’s well suited for harsh shooting conditions.
The DC-X2 PRO is slightly larger, also slim and ergonomic, but better suited for shooters who want a clean touchscreen experience on rigs or tripods, not necessarily handheld gimbal work.
Winner: Tie (depends on your shooting style)
So… Which Should You Get?
Choose the DC-550 PRO if you:
• Film outdoors a lot
• Need advanced monitoring tools (waveforms, RGB parade)
• Want 4K HDMI pass-through
• Value high brightness above all
Choose the DC-X2 PRO if you:
• Need SDI or USB-C support
• Want better colour accuracy (100% sRGB)
• Prefer a slightly larger screen
• Shoot mostly in controlled lighting
Final Thoughts
Both the Viltrox DC-550 PRO and DC-X2 PRO punch well above their weight class, and price tags. It really comes down to how and where you shoot. One is a rugged, high-brightness beast made for harsh light and tighter shots. The other is a refined, colour-accurate workhorse built for creators who want flexibility, clean setups, and colour you can actually trust. Either way, you’re getting a monitor that’ll make you wonder why you ever trusted your camera’s built-in screen. (Seriously, you deserve better than that tiny lie-box.)