Kraken Monitor - Ultra Bright 5.5” 4K V2 Underwater Monitor
The Kraken Ultra Bright 5.5” 4K V2 Underwater Monitor, also referred to as the Kraken 5.5" Underwater Monitor KR‑MON02 V2, is a professional-grade Kraken underwater viewing device designed for advanced underwater imaging. With IPS 4K LCD technology and 3000 nits brightness, it outperforms traditional monitoring tools, allowing videographers and camera operators to frame, focus, and expose accurately at depths to 80 m (266 ft).
Manufactured by Kraken Sports, this monitor integrates seamlessly with nuerous underwater housing systems, leveraging standard M16/M24 bulkheads and an included ball mount. Unlike standard housing monitors, it is self-contained, meaning it requires no external protective housing while underwater. Its rugged anodized-aluminum design ensures durability and reliability for the professional user.
Designed for compatibility with high-end cameras—such as RED Komodo or Canon EOS C70—the monitor enables 4K HDMI input and output (with optional SDI support at lower resolutions), while embedded video assist tools, including focus peaking, waveform, false color, histogram, audio meters, and LUT support, provide a full production suite for accurate monitoring.
Built to perform in challenging conditions, the monitor boasts light-sensing auto-dimming, fan-cooled LED backlighting, and a robust 4-hour runtime at peak brightness, powered by interchangeable Kraken lithium-ion batteries (compatible with Hydra lights). Weighing approximately 2.14 kg on land (0.56 kg underwater buoyant), it provides ergonomic balance and is easily mounted to your camera housing.
All critical specifications are detailed below.
Main Features Kraken Ultra Bright 5.5” 4K V2 Underwater Monitor
Display & Depth
- 5.5″ IPS 4K LCD (1920 × 1080 native resolution)
- Ultra Brightness: 3000 cd/m², auto-dimming via ambient light sensor
- Depth rated to 80 m / 266 ft without optional housing
Video Signal
- 4K HDMI input & output (3840×2160 @ up to 30 Hz; 4096×2160 @ 24 Hz)
- Optional SDI input/output (1080p max)
Visualization Tools
- Histogram, waveform, vector scope, RGB parade, iris tools
- Focus Assist (color edge peaking)
- Zebra stripes & false color display
- Check field (R/G/B/Mono), pixel-to-pixel, image freeze, flip, zoom
- Safe area, center marker, nine-grid overlay
Performance & Power
- Approx. 4 hours continuous runtime at full brightness using Kraken lithium-ion battery
- USB-C Power Delivery charging (charger & cable included)
- Power draw ≤ 20 W
Build & Controls
- Rugged anodized aluminum enclosure
- 1/4″‑20 ball mount included
- Ambient light auto dimming, adjustable brightness, contrast, color temp, tint, saturation
- Operating temperature: –20 °C to +70 °C
Dimensions & Weight
- 142 × 86 × 28 mm housing
- Land weight: 2.14 kg; underwater: ~0.56 kg
Benefits of the Kraken Monitor
- Exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight thanks to 3000 nit brightness.
- Self-contained design eliminates need for extra housing—less bulk, fewer points of failure.
- Comprehensive monitoring tools include false color, waveform, focus assist for precision image control.
- Full 4K workflow compatibility with HDMI in/out supports daisy chaining to recorders or secondary displays.
- Reliable runtime & modularity with Kraken battery ecosystem—swap batteries between dives.
- Equipment protection with high build standard and IP-grade sealing to 80 m, reducing risk in harsh environments.
Key Features:
- 5” High-Brightness Display; Clear visibility even in direct sunlight
- Sleek New Design – More compact and stylish without sacrificing durability
- Dual 21700 Battery System – Long-lasting power in a convenient form
- Fully Articulating Mounting – Compose from any angle with total flexibility
- Designed for Underwater Use – Built tough for serious divers and creators
- 3000nit Brightness
- IPS 4K LCD panel (SDI 1080p only)
- 4K HDMI signal input/output
- BurnTime: 150 Minutes @100% Brightness
- Focus Assist, Zebra Exposure and False Color Function, 4K HDMI Signal Input, Histogram, Anamorphic Mode
***Be sure to set camera OUTPUT to 1080p. You can record in any resolution, but the output must be 1080.
Please view our in depth review video of the Kraken 5.5" Monitor V1, which goes through set-up and use of the monitor underwater
- Display Size: 5.5″ IPS, 1920×1080 native
- Brightness: 3000 cd/m² (auto-dimming)
- Depth Rating: 80 m / 266 ft
- Inputs/Outputs: 4K HDMI I/O, optional SDI 1080p I/O
- Monitoring Tools: Histogram, waveform, false color, zebra, etc.
- Power: Kraken lithium battery (~4 hr runtime), USB‑C PD
- Weight 2.14 kg (land) / 0.56 kg (underwater)
- Dimensions 142×86×28 mm
- Ball mount
- HDMI cable
- 2 x 21700 batteries (uses 2 at a time)
- USB charging cable
- M16 bulkhead with ribbon adapter (including micro mini and regular HDMI tips)
- M24 open bulkhead with micro mini and regular HDMI pig tails
- Spare orings
- Everything needed to make the monitor work with an m16, or m24 bulkhead housing
What depth can the Kraken underwater monitor reach?
It’s rated to 80 m (266 ft) depth—safety-tested for professional dives. Exceeding this may void warranty.
How long does the battery last underwater?
At full brightness (3000 nits), expect approximately 4 hours of runtime per battery.
Can I use this with non Kraken housings?
Yes—compatibility via HDMI bulkheads (M16/M24). You'll just need a matching bulkhead port.
Is it easy to read in bright sunlight?
Absolutely—the 3000 nit IPS panel is designed for visibility even in direct sun glare, perfect for tropical dives
Does it record footage?
No. The monitor is a display device only. For recording, pair it with a recorder like Atomos Ninja series via HDMI.