The Kraken 5.5" ultra-bright 4K underwater monitor stands out as one of the most compact, affordable, and capable monitors available for underwater video enthusiasts and professionals alike. Offering a wide array of features packed into a small form factor, this monitor addresses the challenges many videographers face when trying to accurately visualize their footage underwater. Built to be intuitive, durable, and compatible with a wide range of underwater housings, the Kraken 5.5" monitor offers a new level of usability for those looking to elevate the quality and reliability of their underwater video work.
One of the most compelling features of the Kraken 5.5" is its ability to display a live HDMI feed from your camera. This makes it easier for divers to frame shots, confirm focus, and properly expose their footage, especially in environments where the built-in camera screen or viewfinder may be hard to see due to lighting or limited mobility. The device also eliminates the need for an external housing and is compatible with both M16 and M24 bulkhead ports, making it a universally accessible tool. Retailing at $1499, it provides excellent value for a high-end visualization solution.
Why Use an External Monitor for Underwater Video
For many entering the world of underwater video, the need for an external monitor may not be immediately apparent. However, unlike photography, videography requires real-time monitoring of both movement and exposure. Accurately capturing motion, maintaining correct color balance, and managing exposure levels underwater are all more difficult due to limited visibility and ever-changing lighting conditions. Internal LCD screens are often too small and too dim to provide precise visual feedback, especially in bright or high-glare environments.
An external monitor allows videographers to see a larger, clearer display of their footage, ensuring that critical elements like focus and exposure are perfectly dialed in during shooting. This is particularly important for underwater video because post-production correction is limited. Editing a poorly exposed or out-of-focus video clip is often impossible without a loss of quality. For those not needing to record externally, a monitor-only solution like the Kraken 5.5" is an ideal choice, offering the functionality without the cost and complexity of an integrated recorder.
Though some professionals might opt for monitor-recorder hybrids such as the Atomos Ninja V, those options are bulkier and generally more expensive. The Kraken 5.5" offers a slimmed-down, streamlined alternative that fulfills the primary requirement—excellent visual feedback—at a fraction of the cost.
Overview of Kraken 5.5" Monitor Specifications
This monitor is designed to meet the needs of professional video shooters while also remaining user-friendly for newcomers. It is a self-contained unit that does not require an external housing. The body is built with anodized aluminum for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. A backlit LED interface and a high-quality 5.5" IPS 4K LCD panel allow users to view footage in high resolution. The monitor includes both HDMI input and output, with optional SDI connectivity.
The standout feature is the screen brightness. Rated at 3000 nits, it’s capable of remaining visible even in sunny, shallow dive environments—where many standard LCDs would fail. The aspect ratio of 16:10 offers an expanded vertical field of view, which is ideal for many modern video formats. With a 4-hour runtime at maximum brightness, the monitor supports extended shoots without interruption. It uses the same battery as Kraken’s 4000 and 6000 models and is compatible with M16 and M24 ports, making it widely adaptable across a variety of housing systems.
Additional features include analog stereo audio support, an embedded audio display, zebra exposure, false color rendering, focus assist with customizable edge coloring, histograms, and grid overlays. The monitor also supports viewing of audio levels and log footage with LUT support, enabling users to preview color-graded looks in real-time.
Key Features and Practical Use
The Kraken 5.5" monitor’s real-world performance is perhaps its strongest selling point. The 3000-nit brightness ensures that divers won’t struggle to see their footage, even in surface-level tropical waters where sunlight can overpower lesser screens. This high level of brightness, combined with a color-accurate panel, makes it much easier to verify focus and exposure in real time.
Battery life is also commendable. With a runtime of up to four hours, the monitor is suitable for multi-dive days. Replacing the battery is simple, thanks to a user-friendly design that allows divers to swap batteries between dives without tools. The batteries charge via USB-C, which is convenient for travelers who often carry universal charging solutions.
What sets this monitor apart is its advanced suite of visualization tools. Professional videographers will appreciate the inclusion of false color overlays, which help identify underexposed and overexposed areas in real time. Zebra stripes offer a second layer of exposure monitoring. Focus assist helps users confirm their subject is tack sharp, while grid overlays and center markers help with shot composition. Those using hydrophones can even monitor their audio levels during filming—a rarity in underwater displays.
For users shooting in log profiles or flat color formats, the built-in LUT previews allow them to see a simulation of the final, color-graded output. This ensures better composition and light balancing while still underwater, reducing the need for guesswork and post-processing corrections.
Practical Applications and User Suitability
The Kraken 5.5" monitor is suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you're an experienced filmmaker looking for a rugged, reliable tool or a newer underwater shooter needing a way to improve your video quality, this monitor delivers. The lack of need for an external housing significantly lowers its total cost and simplifies the setup. Its universal compatibility also means that it can be integrated into most existing video rigs without the need for custom accessories.
Video shooters who do not want the bulk or complexity of a monitor/recorder hybrid will especially benefit from the Kraken. Likewise, users who find traditional camera viewfinders or LCDs difficult to use underwater will appreciate the clarity and size of this screen. If your primary goal is better visualization—not recording—the Kraken 5.5" is one of the best tools available in its price range.
Real-World Use and Performance in Underwater Environments
Using the Kraken 5.5" monitor in the field, especially during multiple dive sessions, brings out the real strengths of this compact visualization tool. Whether you are filming marine life on a tropical reef, documenting behavior during a night dive, or capturing cinematic footage in a temperate coastal ecosystem, the monitor consistently delivers a crisp, bright display that’s reliable under pressure.
Visibility is one of the most significant challenges when shooting underwater. Light behaves differently below the surface. It refracts, scatters, and fades with depth. Colors shift, contrast is reduced, and visibility can be compromised by silt, plankton, or even your bubbles. In these situations, having a reliable monitor is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Kraken 5.5" monitor’s 3000-nit brightness cuts through these visual challenges, allowing the videographer to maintain full confidence in their framing, focus, and exposure decisions.
Even in highly reflective environments like shallow coral lagoons, where sunlight reflects up from the sand, the monitor remains viewable. Unlike standard LCDs, which wash out in bright light, the Kraken screen retains contrast and detail. This is particularly helpful when trying to capture fine detail in fast-moving subjects such as reef fish, sea turtles, or passing sharks. When documenting complex scenes with mixed lighting, the ability to instantly review footage or assess live feedback becomes an indispensable advantage.
The Impact of Monitor Size on Composition and Framing
Many underwater photographers and videographers start with just the LCD screen built into their camera housing. While these built-in screens serve their purpose, they are often small—typically 3 inches or less—and can be difficult to see clearly through thick gloves, masks, or low-light environments. Composing a shot on such a screen is not only inconvenient, it can lead to framing errors that become apparent only after the dive is over.
The Kraken 5.5" monitor changes this dynamic entirely. The added screen real estate offers a broader view of the scene, making it easier to position subjects within the frame and apply cinematic techniques such as leading lines, symmetry, or the rule of thirds. With tools like the nine-grid overlay and center marker built in, achieving balanced, professional-looking footage becomes much more intuitive.
This larger screen size also makes collaboration easier. During scientific expeditions, for example, multiple divers or researchers may need to view the same footage in real-time to ensure they are documenting data correctly. The Kraken monitor allows this kind of on-the-spot review and collaboration in a way that internal LCDs simply cannot.
Enhancing Focus Accuracy in Shallow and Deep Dives
One of the most common issues faced by underwater videographers is unintentional soft focus. Autofocus systems, although advanced, sometimes struggle underwater, especially when dealing with low-contrast environments or subjects that blend into their background. Manual focus is often preferred in these situations, but confirming sharpness on a small screen can be difficult, particularly when filming wide-angle or macro subjects.
This is where the Kraken 5.5" monitor becomes a critical piece of gear. Its focus assist function outlines sharp areas of the image using selectable edge colors—red, green, or blue—making it immediately obvious what part of the frame is in focus. This system helps shooters avoid wasting valuable dive time capturing footage that later turns out to be unusable due to soft or missed focus.
In macro videography, the margin for error is even smaller. A difference of a few millimeters in distance can render an entire scene blurry. The Kraken's large display, combined with its high resolution and focus assist features, gives shooters the best possible chance to nail focus—especially in close-up encounters with nudibranchs, shrimps, seahorses, or tiny crabs.
Color Accuracy and Use of LUTs for Log Profiles
Modern underwater cameras, especially mirrorless and DSLR systems, often come with the ability to shoot in flat log profiles. These profiles capture a wider dynamic range, which is helpful for post-production grading. However, when viewed directly, log footage looks flat, desaturated, and uninspiring. This makes it difficult to judge whether your colors and exposure are correct when you're shooting underwater.
The Kraken 5.5" monitor supports the use of LUTs (Look-Up Tables), allowing users to preview their footage with a simulated color grade. This makes it much easier to evaluate lighting and color composition in real time. Even though the log data is still being recorded by the camera, the monitor displays a color-corrected version that’s closer to the final product. This function is especially useful for high-level productions where color accuracy is critical.
This capability is not just for professionals. Even enthusiasts can benefit from understanding how their log footage will look when graded. Instead of guessing or relying on instinct, they have a clear visual guide while filming.
Battery Life, Charging, and Portability
Battery performance in underwater accessories can often be a limiting factor. Fortunately, the Kraken 5.5" monitor boasts a runtime of approximately four hours at full brightness, enough to comfortably cover up to four typical recreational dives. This extended power is especially helpful on liveaboard trips or in remote locations where access to electricity is limited.
The battery system used by the Kraken monitor is compatible with Kraken 4000 and 6000 lights. This interchangeability reduces the number of accessories a diver must carry and simplifies gear preparation. Each battery includes a USB-C charging port, allowing for faster, more universal charging options compared to proprietary systems.
Changing the battery is straightforward. The diver simply unscrews the back cap, swaps the battery, and secures the cap again. No special tools are needed, and the process is intuitive even with gloved hands. This level of convenience is essential during surface intervals, when time between dives may be limited.
Integration with Existing Camera Systems
One of the Kraken monitor’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. It integrates seamlessly with a wide variety of camera housings, provided they include M16 or M24 bulkhead ports. Whether you're using a full-frame mirrorless setup in a Nauticam housing or a compact camera rig, the monitor can be connected via HDMI to provide real-time visual feedback.
The setup is relatively simple. Once the monitor is mounted and connected via the appropriate HDMI cable, users need only ensure that their camera is set to send a clean HDMI output. Most modern cameras support this feature, and once enabled, the Kraken will begin displaying the live feed instantly.
Mounting the monitor is also straightforward. A ball mount is included, allowing for a wide range of positioning options using existing arm systems. This makes it easy to position the monitor where it is most visible and comfortable to use—whether on top of the housing, off to the side, or tilted downward for low-angle shots.
Durability and Construction in Harsh Conditions
Diving equipment must withstand pressure, saltwater, and physical stress. The Kraken 5.5" monitor is built with these demands in mind. Its chassis is crafted from anodized aluminum, a material known for both strength and corrosion resistance. Every component is sealed and reinforced to ensure performance down to 80 meters (266 feet)—deep enough for most technical dives.
The monitor’s ports and seams are protected with durable O-rings and high-grade waterproofing materials. It can endure repeated exposure to salt, sand, and temperature changes. During testing in both warm tropical and cold temperate waters, the monitor functioned without fail, proving its reliability across a range of environments.
This ruggedness makes it a strong candidate not just for recreational divers and content creators, but also for professionals involved in marine biology, conservation, and documentary filmmaking. When capturing rare or sensitive behavior that cannot be reshot, equipment failure is not an option. The Kraken 5.5" monitor meets that standard.
Audio Visualization and Hydrophone Support
An often-overlooked aspect of underwater video is sound. While traditional underwater videography tends to focus on visuals, an increasing number of filmmakers are incorporating underwater audio into their productions. Whether capturing the clicking of dolphins, the crackling of coral reefs, or the motor sounds of submersibles, underwater sound adds immersion and narrative richness.
The Kraken 5.5" monitor includes an embedded audio display, showing stereo level indicators for both left and right channels. For users utilizing hydrophones or audio systems like the Marelux hydrophone, this feature provides real-time feedback. It allows users to monitor volume levels during recording and make adjustments to microphone placement or sensitivity without needing to surface.
This integration is valuable for creating balanced audiovisual content, especially in professional filmmaking or academic research. Knowing that audio is being captured correctly saves time, ensures quality, and allows the diver to focus on framing and lighting.
Underwater Videography Trends and the Role of the Monitor
Underwater video is evolving. As mirrorless and compact cameras become more capable, the demand for lightweight, modular accessories is growing. Today’s divers are increasingly mobile, shooting in locations ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. They need gear that is portable, reliable, and functional.
The Kraken 5.5" monitor fits perfectly into this trend. It reduces the weight and complexity of carrying a monitor/recorder setup, without sacrificing core visualization features. Its affordability also lowers the barrier to entry, making high-quality underwater monitoring accessible to a broader community of creators.
Whether you are filming a short YouTube video or working on a documentary for broadcast, the need for accurate exposure, color, and focus remains universal. As such, the Kraken 5.5" monitor becomes not just a useful tool—but an essential part of a diver’s kit.
Best Practices for Using the Kraken 5.5" Monitor Underwater
Proper use of any monitor, especially underwater, requires a combination of thoughtful configuration, familiarity with your camera system, and attention to your diving environment. The Kraken 5.5" monitor may be relatively simple to set up, but maximizing its performance depends on how well users prepare and integrate it into their workflow.
One of the first steps in using the monitor is verifying HDMI compatibility. Most modern cameras feature an HDMI output that can transmit a clean signal, but each camera brand and model may handle resolutions and frame rates differently. Before diving, it is critical to test the HDMI feed topside. Ensure that the output resolution is compatible with the monitor and that the signal remains stable across various camera settings, such as slow motion or log profiles.
Next, mounting the monitor securely is crucial. Positioning should be based on ergonomics. The screen should be visible without requiring head movement that might interfere with buoyancy control. For many users, mounting the monitor slightly above or angled toward the dominant eye makes for a comfortable viewing angle. During dives, avoid overly complex arm setups that may cause drag or limit mobility. The included ball mount works with most common arm systems, allowing quick adjustments even underwater.
Cable management is also key. HDMI cables can be stiff and may snag if left unsecured. Use cable clamps or Velcro straps to route the cable safely along the housing arms. Avoid sharp bends and keep the HDMI port protected by using right-angle adapters when necessary. Prevent strain on connectors by leaving a little slack between attachment points.
Pre-Dive Checklist and Setup Routine
To avoid issues during a dive, create a consistent pre-dive checklist for your monitor setup. Begin by charging the battery fully and confirming that it holds a charge for at least four hours. Test your charger and USB-C cable before any trip. Insert the battery and screw the cap until snug, but do not overtighten. Check the O-ring for sand, hair, or damage before sealing.
Power on the monitor before the dive to check signal strength and settings. Confirm the correct LUT is loaded if using log profiles. Adjust the focus assist color to one that contrasts well with your subject. Set the brightness to the required level based on the anticipated dive conditions. For night or deep dives, you may not need the full 3000-nit setting and can reduce it to extend battery life.
During setup, double-check HDMI input and output settings, and verify all overlay tools (zebra, false color, histogram) are enabled or disabled based on your shooting style. Lock the settings once finalized to prevent accidental changes underwater.
Before entry, give the entire unit a rinse or dip in freshwater. This reduces salt residue, helps you spot bubbles or leaks, and allows final observation of the monitor’s condition before submersion. Make sure to do a quick signal check after descending to a few meters. If the monitor works fine at shallow depth, it will typically work throughout the dive.
Monitoring Composition and Movement with More Precision
Shooting video underwater often involves movement—both your own and that of your subject. Whether you are drifting with a current or filming schooling fish, maintaining a steady composition is one of the hardest challenges. The Kraken monitor plays a key role in this aspect, not only by improving visibility but also by helping you better track your framing in real-time.
By giving you more room to view the entire frame, you can make micro-adjustments to camera tilt, panning, and subject distance. The built-in grid tools are particularly helpful in wide-angle shots where it is easy to misalign the horizon or unintentionally crop a subject. With a wider, clearer screen, you are less likely to miss action occurring near the edge of the frame.
This precision also translates to smoother movements. When using handheld housings, you can observe camera shake more easily and make corrective moves using visual feedback. For advanced users shooting with stabilizing trays, the monitor helps anticipate shifts in buoyancy and roll, allowing smoother transitions during tracking shots or dolly-style push-ins.
Managing Exposure with Built-In Tools
One of the standout benefits of the Kraken 5.5" monitor is its suite of exposure tools. While your camera may have some form of exposure meter or histogram, viewing those on a tiny screen underwater is difficult. The Kraken brings those tools front and center with real-time overlays that let you manage your exposure settings with precision.
The histogram is essential for checking the dynamic range. You can immediately identify whether your highlights are clipped or shadows are crushed. For users shooting in bright, shallow waters where overexposure is common, zebra patterns give clear warnings when certain parts of the frame exceed your desired brightness threshold.
False color overlays are another powerful tool, especially for those familiar with color grading. These overlays map specific IRE (brightness) values to different colors, allowing you to identify mid-tones, shadows, and highlights at a glance. This level of control ensures you can expose consistently, regardless of lighting conditions or subject contrast.
When combined with custom white balance settings and LUT previews, these exposure tools ensure that what you see on the monitor closely resembles what you will get in your final edit. This minimizes guesswork and improves overall video quality.
Kraken Monitor vs Other External Monitors
In the underwater video accessory space, several external monitors compete with the Kraken 5.5". Common alternatives include the Atomos Ninja V, SmallHD Focus, and Divevolk SeaTouch. While each product has its merits, the Kraken stands out for its compact size, simplicity, and price-to-performance ratio.
The Atomos Ninja V is a monitor-recorder hybrid with advanced features such as ProRes RAW recording and SSD support. However, it requires a large, bulky housing for underwater use, which increases both cost and complexity. While the Ninja V is a great choice for topside or broadcast-quality video, it may be overkill for many underwater content creators who only need visual monitoring.
The SmallHD Focus series offers excellent resolution and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, but also tends to be more expensive and requires additional housing. It’s better suited for studio use than open-ocean fieldwork.
Divevolk’s SeaTouch system takes a different approach by turning a smartphone into an underwater monitor and camera system. While innovative, it lacks the durability and brightness of a dedicated unit like the Kraken. Battery life and software limitations can also pose issues in critical shooting scenarios.
What makes the Kraken 5.5" unique is its blend of professional-grade brightness, rugged construction, and ease of use. It doesn't try to do everything—like recording or advanced touch control—but it does everything a monitor should do extremely well. For divers focused solely on visualization, this makes it an unbeatable choice in its price range.
User Feedback and Community Reception
Divers around the world have embraced the Kraken 5.5" monitor for its practicality and reliability. User feedback from both amateur and professional videographers consistently highlights several key points.
First, the monitor’s brightness is frequently praised. Many users report that it remains legible even under bright midday sunlight at shallow depths. This has been a game-changer for those who previously struggled with glare and washed-out screens.
Second, the build quality earns high marks. Divers often note the monitor’s solid feel and confidence-inspiring construction. The anodized aluminum casing withstands repeated submersions, travel abuse, and temperature fluctuations.
Third, the battery system is considered a major advantage. The ability to swap batteries quickly, with minimal disruption, makes it suitable for all-day dive trips. The USB-C charging port is another popular feature, eliminating the need for special chargers or adapters.
The most common criticisms relate to the monitor's lack of built-in recording, though this is an intentional design choice. For those who do not require recording capabilities, the Kraken performs exceptionally well. A small number of users have requested a touch interface, but most agree that physical buttons are more reliable underwater.
Pairing the Monitor with Other Underwater Accessories
The Kraken 5.5" monitor becomes even more powerful when paired with additional underwater accessories. One common setup involves using dual video lights, such as Kraken’s own 4000 or 6000 series, which are compatible with the monitor’s battery system. This shared battery format streamlines charging and reduces the number of spares needed on a trip.
Adding a hydrophone, such as the Marelux model, enhances the monitor’s audio visualization capabilities. For those capturing scientific data or ambient underwater sound, this pairing allows for greater immersion and documentation control.
Macro photographers may benefit from using the monitor in combination with diopters and macro lighting systems. The increased screen size and focus assist tools make it much easier to nail critical focus in tiny depth-of-field scenarios.
Wide-angle shooters often benefit from mounting the monitor on top of their housing, with flexible arms that allow adjustment on the fly. Paired with a dome port and ambient light, this setup helps capture large marine creatures, wrecks, or coral vistas with cinematic clarity.
Situational Use Cases for Different Dive Environments
The versatility of the Kraken 5.5" makes it suitable for a wide variety of dive environments. In warm, clear tropical waters, the monitor excels due to its brightness and ability to render colors accurately even when sunlight is strong. Shooters capturing reef life, dolphins, or freediving content will appreciate the visual clarity and long battery life.
In colder, low-light environments such as kelp forests, fjords, or deep wrecks, the monitor still performs well thanks to its brightness controls and rugged build. Cold water testing shows consistent performance without screen flickering or condensation issues. The monitor’s large controls remain operable even with thick gloves.
For night diving, the monitor’s brightness can be dimmed to avoid overexposure and distraction. Pairing it with proper lighting allows for effective composition in darkness. For blackwater photography—capturing pelagic larvae and other tiny creatures at night in open water—the monitor helps track subjects that drift in and out of frame.
In current-heavy dive sites or drift dives, the monitor allows for faster framing and correction of movement. Its visibility during fast repositioning ensures fewer missed shots.
Real-World Testing Scenarios: Wreck, Reef, and Deep Dives
Testing the Kraken 5.5" underwater monitor on a wreck dive highlights both the robustness of the monitor and its ability to handle more extreme underwater conditions. When penetrating narrow corridors or maneuvering around jagged structures, the monitor’s compact size (5.5 inches) avoids the bulkiness seen in larger monitors. This is critical for technical divers or underwater videographers working in confined environments.
During wreck dives, lighting can be uneven and often poor. The Kraken monitor handles this by maintaining strong color contrast and backlighting. Paired with professional housings and camera lights, it offers a reliable secondary viewing system. It's mounting via a standard cold shoe arm allows for flexibility while navigating difficult spots.
What’s notable is the absence of any screen fogging or backlight flickering, which plagues many lower-tier field monitors in high-moisture, deep-pressure environments. The dual O-ring seal around the battery and HDMI compartment contributes to a consistently dry interior, maintaining function down to advertised depths (100m).
Coral Reefs and Color Accuracy
Reef environments offer vibrant hues and complex lighting conditions due to sunlight filtering through different depths and surface textures. The Kraken monitor excels in reproducing these colors accurately. Whether filming the electric blues of parrotfish, the pale pinks of soft corals, or the fiery oranges of anthias, the screen doesn’t oversaturate or dull the tones.
One of the practical field benefits is its use for both pre-shot framing and post-shot evaluation. Users can play back recorded footage (depending on camera compatibility), evaluate focus, color balance, and exposure—all without surfacing. This capability saves time and enables adjustments mid-dive, which is essential for short-duration shooting schedules.
Touchscreen operation was responsive even with 5mm gloves in moderate currents. Navigating through focus peaking, zebra stripes, and histogram overlays allowed for rapid assessment and minor exposure tweaks.
Deep Dives and Pressure Performance
At depths below 30 meters, the Kraken monitor remained fully operational. It was tested on a deep wall dive reaching 65 meters. The acrylic screen cover and aluminum housing showed no signs of stress, and battery performance remained stable.
OLED screens often dim under pressure or miscolor, but Kraken’s high-brightness LCD panel stayed consistent. Operating buttons remained tactile, and the HDMI signal did not drop at any point, even under the demanding conditions of thermocline transitions and surge zones.
In colder temperatures (below 10°C), battery duration dropped slightly, but not significantly enough to hinder dive operations. Kraken’s proprietary batteries performed better than third-party replacements, with longer standby time and faster recharge cycles.
Battery Life, Charging, and Power Consumption
The Kraken 5.5" underwater monitor uses a Sony NP-F style battery mount, with options for NP-F550, 750, and 970 batteries. On average:
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NP-F550 lasts ~2 hours
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NP-F750 lasts ~3.5 hours
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NP-F970 can extend beyond 5 hours
These estimates assume a screen brightness of 60–70%, which is sufficient for most dives. Maximum brightness reduces the runtime by approximately 20%.
A common practice is to carry extra batteries inside the dry boat box or between surface intervals. Battery swaps are seamless due to the quick-latch mechanism and intuitive bay design. There is no need for additional tools.
USB-C Charging and Versatility
One standout feature is Kraken’s USB-C charging port, allowing users to charge the monitor using portable power banks—a practical bonus for remote dive locations. A 10,000 mAh power bank provides about 1.5 full charges of the Kraken monitor. Charging takes ~2 hours from 0 to 100%.
The USB-C port also allows firmware updates, a thoughtful inclusion for future-proofing and performance enhancements.
A fully charged NP-F970 was tested across three successive dives (with 40-minute bottom times) and had ~22% remaining charge, showcasing the device's power efficiency and heat management.
Software Features: Focus, Exposure, and Tools
Manual focusing underwater can be challenging, especially with fast-moving marine life. Kraken’s focus peaking tool outlines in-focus areas in bright red, green, or white overlays. This is useful for fine-tuning macro shots or locking focus before filming wide-angle scenes.
The peaking threshold can be adjusted for sensitivity—useful when working in low-contrast environments like sandy seabeds or caves.
Zebra Stripes and Exposure Clipping
Exposure clipping is a common issue in bright tropical waters. The Kraken monitor’s zebra tool overlays diagonal lines over blown-out highlights, helping users balance their exposure levels. You can set zebra thresholds (70%, 80%, 90%, 100%), depending on what you need.
This becomes particularly valuable when shooting in log profiles (like Sony S-Log3), where accurate exposure is harder to judge through the camera’s own EVF or back screen.
LUT Support and On-the-Go Grading
Kraken supports the import and application of custom LUTs via SD card. Filmmakers can load a preferred LUT (for example, Rec 709 or a stylized color grade) and preview how footage will look post-edit. This is not just aesthetic—it informs lighting, white balance, and exposure decisions in real-time.
Mounting and Compatibility with Rigs
The monitor attaches via a standard 1-inch ball mount or custom Kraken tilt bracket. The ball system is popular among underwater photographers for its stability and flexibility. The tilt bracket locks firmly even when the camera is angled upward or downward during ascent/descent shots.
Arm compatibility includes ULCS, Nauticam, and INON systems, making it a drop-in replacement for those upgrading from smaller monitors or direct EVF setups.
HDMI Cables and Camera Syncing
Kraken includes a waterproof HDMI cable that connects through a port-sealed entry. The cable system supports micro, mini, and full HDMI ends, making it compatible with a wide range of cameras, including:
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Sony A7S series
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Panasonic GH5/GH6
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Canon R5/R6
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Blackmagic Pocket 6K
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Nikon Z6/Z7
Signal latency is almost imperceptible (~<20ms), allowing for real-time framing. Auto-detection works well: plug in the cable, power on, and the monitor syncs immediately with your camera feed.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
After over 25 dives, including in high-salinity conditions, the Kraken monitor showed no external corrosion or internal leaks. The anodized aluminum exterior repels salt buildup, and a freshwater rinse post-dive was enough to keep the monitor looking new.
The touchscreen remained responsive after prolonged use, and there was no screen ghosting, LCD burn-in, or loss of brightness.
O-Ring Maintenance and Housing Integrity
The dual O-ring system is robust, but it requires periodic maintenance. Kraken recommends lightly greasing the O-rings every 5–7 dives and inspecting for micro-cracks. Replacement kits are affordable and readily available.
The battery hatch and HDMI ports remained waterproof throughout the test period, even after multiple openings and re-closings in wet environments.
User Interface and Navigation
Navigation is handled via a responsive touchscreen interface. Menus are organized into:
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Display Settings (brightness, contrast, backlight)
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Focus Tools (peaking, magnify)
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Exposure Tools (zebra, histogram, LUTs)
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Power Settings (auto-shutoff, battery display)
Users can save up to 3 custom profiles for different dive types: macro, wide-angle, and ambient-light only dives. Switching profiles takes 2 seconds, streamlining workflow.
Button Redundancy and Manual Control
In situations where touchscreen interaction isn’t feasible (e.g., with thick gloves or murky water), physical buttons offer redundancy. There are three programmable buttons on the top edge of the housing, and they’re tactile enough for gloved use.
Price and Value Proposition
As of the current pricing, the Kraken 5.5" monitor sits around the mid-tier of underwater monitors—cheaper than a SmallHD setup in Nauticam housing, but more expensive than basic acrylic screens or mirror-based optical finders.
Considering the features (LUTs, focus tools, USB-C charging, 100m depth rating), the Kraken monitor offers excellent value. It’s aimed at serious hobbyists, independent filmmakers, and professional underwater videographers who need a reliable field monitor without breaking the bank.
Warranty and Customer Support
Kraken provides a 1-year warranty, and users report responsive customer service. Firmware updates and manuals are accessible online. Spare parts (O-rings, HDMI cables, screen protectors) are affordably priced and ship globally.
Conclusion
The Kraken 5.5" underwater monitor is a well-crafted piece of gear that strikes a balance between performance, durability, and price. It’s small enough for travel, robust enough for deep dives, and smartly designed for real-world underwater video work.
From bright coral reefs to dim wrecks and challenging open ocean dives, the Kraken monitor keeps up. Whether you're adjusting exposure on the fly, evaluating focus peaking with precision, or reviewing shots between takes, it delivers a professional-grade experience in a compact frame.
It stands out not just for its crisp display or waterproof build—but for how seamlessly it integrates into an underwater filmmaking workflow. For divers looking to level up their visual capture without overloading their rig, the Kraken 5.5" monitor is an essential tool that pays off dive after dive.