My “Go-To” Portable Editing Set-Up

by Johnnie Behiri

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In this Gear Guide, I would like to skip talking about a specific camera, since those change constantly from review to review. The same goes for lenses. I also won’t be covering audio or lighting setups here, but instead will focus on the “day after” – my go-to portable setup for editing and viewing footage.

Here at CineD, we take pride in conducting independent and honest camera and lens reviews. Now, if you have been following us for a while, you might have noticed that for these kinds of reviews, we do our best to avoid testing a camera by “waving it around just like that,” but actually come up with a meaningful short story – one that might not change the world, but will allow you to watch footage and, more importantly, also determine how the equipment performs in “real-world filming scenarios.”

These mini-documentaries are mostly backed up by our personal assessment of the camera (or lens), and we provide an evaluation about this specific piece of equipment, mentioning whether it works well for us, or if we have to work hard around its limitations to come up with good results.

We’ve often been asked about the sort of equipment we use for filming and editing these mini-documentaries, so this time we’re taking the initiative to share a bit more detail. As I’ve mentioned before, I would like to share my “go-to” setup when I’m done filming and need the time to view the clips or start assembling an editing rough cut.

Asus PA16USV (a secondary display monitor)

I’d like to start with an unexpected new tool in my “go-to” arsenal, the Asus ProArt PA16USV, 15.6-inch, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display. This one falls right into the category of: “I didn’t know I needed it until I used it”… Below you will find a summary about what this monitor is all about, but if you haven’t got the time to read it all, let me conclude what I really like and appreciate about this monitor next to what I think could be improved.

What I like

The monitor’s size is perfect for on-the-go editing and viewing footage work! It is lightweight but still feels well-built. Although the monitor can be powered with the included (small) brick, it can be connected via a SINGLE USB-C for simultaneously transferring video, data, and power. This is how I move around with this monitor without worrying too much about connectivity to my laptop. I also appreciate the simple yet flexible stand that extends from the back of the monitor, making it easy to place the display next to my computer.

Recently, we took the monitor with us to IBC and handed it over to our dedicated editor, Jeff, who worked with it for the first time. He was so impressed with the compact size, ease of use, and responsiveness of the display that it was hard for him to say “goodbye” to it at the end of the show.

What I would have loved seeing enhanced

For some, the viewing angle won’t be sufficient, and the matte screen is not for everyone. (Personally, I like it as it helps with reflections.) On top of that, the display comes without a dedicated sleeve. I wish it had one for worry-free traveling. Working on a Mac, both Jeff and I occasionally had to reboot the screen for it to be recognized by the Display widget. Speaking of which, for an enhanced working experience, I recommend downloading it, as it supports faster menu navigation without requiring you to touch the monitor buttons themselves. (Various colour spaces with good colour accuracy of ΔE<2 can be selected, like Adobe RGB, P3, as well as HDR and more.). The Windows version is a bit more “flexible,” while the Mac one is more limited; nevertheless, it was very useful for me to use.

Also to note, for some, the PA16USV might not feel “premium enough”, taking into consideration its price, which is a bit on the higher side ($999 to be exact).

Last but not least, make sure to download the ICC color profiles (including installation instructions), drivers, and tools for the monitor so you can grade your footage more accurately. True, it is not a “grading monitor” per se, but it is still very pleasant to grade with it and get a very good sense of the look of your footage. Oh, and for those who are concerned about the environment, its packaging can be reused/folded as a monitor hood. Well done, Asus!

For those who would like to have a deeper understanding of the monitor specifications and capabilities, here we go: (Info is taken from the company’s PR material)

Product Overview: The ASUS ProArt Display is designed for professional video production environments that require color accuracy, connectivity flexibility, and reliable performance. Its combination of factory-calibrated precision, professional SDI connectivity, HDR support, and ergonomic design makes it suitable for content creators who need accurate monitoring. The monitor bridges portable convenience with professional performance, making it appropriate for on-set monitoring, post-production work, and collaborative review processes.

Target audience: The ASUS ProArt Display 15.6″ 4K UHD HDR Portable Monitor is designed for content creators in film and video production. This display targets Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs), video directors, camera operators, focus pullers, and camera assistants who require accurate color reproduction and reliable performance in on-set environments.

Display technology and visual performance: The monitor features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with 4K UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing four times the pixel density of Full HD displays for sharper visuals with greater detail reproduction needed for professional video work.

Color performance is factory-calibrated to achieve Delta E <2 accuracy with Calman Verification. The display covers 100% of both sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamuts while supporting 16.7 million colors. This color coverage makes it suitable for accurate color grading, post-production work, and on-set monitoring where color fidelity is important.

The IPS technology provides 170° viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, ensuring consistent color reproduction regardless of viewing position. This is useful in collaborative environments where multiple team members need simultaneous viewing access from different angles.

HDR capabilities and performance: The monitor incorporates HDR10 technology with 400 nits maximum brightness, delivering improved dynamic range with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The 1200:1 contrast ratio contributes to better image depth and detail differentiation, particularly important when working with high-contrast footage or scenes with subtle lighting variations.

ASUS has implemented multiple PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) curves for different HDR workflow requirements. PQ Hard Clip preserves the original curve until maximum luminance, PQ Optimized reproduces accurate gradations for optimal HDR performance, while PQ Basic provides general HDR functionality.

Professional connectivity solutions: The connectivity options reflect the monitor’s professional orientation, headlined by 12G-SDI capability that distinguishes it from consumer displays. SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is the industry standard for professional video transmission, with BNC-type connectors that lock securely into devices. The 12G-SDI provides four times the bandwidth of standard 3G-SDI, enabling transmission of uncompressed 4K video at 60Hz with low latency directly from camera equipment.

The monitor also features USB-C with DisplayPort Alt. Mode support for single-cable solutions that simultaneously transfer video, data, and power. Additional ports include USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 for 5 Gb/s data transfers, HDMI 2.0 for display compatibility, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for private audio monitoring.

Professional applications

The monitor addresses specific professional roles. DITs use it for on-set color grading and workflow management, providing the accuracy needed to present footage to directors and clients. Directors benefit from accurate on-set monitoring for decision-making regarding lighting and framing. Focus pullers and camera assistants rely on its resolution and color accuracy for precise focus adjustments, supported by a 5ms GtG response time that ensures smooth motion without ghosting.

Display features

Picture management includes Picture-by-Picture (PbP) functionality, allowing simultaneous viewing of multiple input sources side-by-side, with individual color profile configuration for each window, including sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 2020, and custom user modes. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) provides flexibility for secondary input sources.

QuickFit Plus overlays customizable grids for improved alignment and preview capabilities. Center Marker and Safety Area features provide real-time preview assistance during shooting, while the Ruler function displays actual-size measurements with customizable sizing options.

Ergonomics and design

For extended professional usage, ASUS incorporated TUV Rheinland-certified Flicker-Free technology to reduce eye strain and a Blue Light Filter to minimize blue light exposure while maintaining color accuracy.

The portable design includes a built-in kickstand, included mini stand, and 75 x 75mm VESA mounting pattern. Adjustability includes 3° to 21° tilt, ±30° swivel, ±90° pivot, and 5.1 inches of height adjustment for comfortable viewing in various workspace configurations.

EU purchasing links for the Asus ProArt PA16USV: UK, Italy, Benelux, Poland: here and here.

Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (The now-discontinued M2 Max)

Yes, this is the laptop I’ve been using since 2023, a 16″ MacBook Pro M2 Max with 32GB memory and 2TB storage for “on the go” editing. While this specific Apple laptop is already discontinued, the M4 Max (and the older still available M3 Max) are the ones to rule this space. In all honesty, I haven’t touched a Windows computer in ages, and those may be great too, but I’m fine working with the familiar rather than the unknown.

To summarize, the main improvements of the M4 over the M2 include CPU and GPU performance, memory bandwidth, display, Thunderbolt 5, cooling, as well as camera and microphone capabilities.

In other words, if I’m happy to work on a 2023 M2 Max, I guess I’ll be thrilled to work on an M4 Max…

At the heart of my ability to freely work around the world, I promise to update this Gear Guide when I replace my Apple 16″ MacBook Pro with newer hardware.

Angelbird Performance CFexpress Type B Card Reader and V4 recording media

Here at CineD, we have been working with card readers and recording media from Angelbird for some time, and I must admit that their latest batch is truly awesome! The beauty of the new Performance Card Reader lies in its ability to function as a dedicated device for editing directly from it. Top this off with a new CFexpress Type B V4 card (in any capacity) and you get a powerful mini system which is perfect for editing and watching footage while traveling. Personally, I’m using 1TB and 2TB cards as those are great to use inside the camera, especially when recording RAW video.

Product overview (Form Press material). Card reader: The Angelbird Performance CFexpress Type B Card Reader is a USB-C connected device that reads CFexpress Type B cards at speeds up to 40 Gb/s via USB4.

Key specifications: The device features a single CFexpress Type B slot, though XQD cards are not supported. It connects via USB-C with USB4/40 Gb/s support and is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, and Android systems. The reader is bus-powered, requiring no external power source, and includes an active cooling system with a built-in fan. An LED status indicator displays different colors (orange/blue/white/flashing) for various operational states. The design incorporates a recessed USB port for connection protection and comes with a 12.6″ USB-C cable.

Primary functions: The device transfers files from CFexpress Type B cards to computers and other devices, updates firmware on Angelbird CFexpress Type B cards, and enables direct-from-card editing capability.

Target use: Video and photo professionals working with large raw files who need fast, reliable card reading without thermal performance drops during extended transfers.

Product overview (Form Press material) Recording Media: The Angelbird 1TB AV PRO SE CFexpress v4 Type B Memory Card is a high-performance storage solution designed specifically for photographers and videographers who need to capture 12K+ raw footage and extended shutter bursts. This card delivers impressive maximum read speeds of 3700 MB/s and write speeds of 2300 MB/s, with sustained performance at 3500 MB/s read and 2100 MB/s write speeds.

The card incorporates Stable Stream technology to maintain consistent performance throughout recording sessions, while advanced thermal management prevents overheating during intensive use. Built to withstand extreme conditions, it offers protection against shock, vibration and operates reliably in temperatures from 10 to 162°F. The card features futureproof v4 technology and maintains minimal power consumption to preserve camera battery life.

Additional protective features include host power loss protection, and the card supports TRIM and SMART functions depending on the operating system. Angelbird provides in-house data recovery services for both hardware and software issues, and customers can access a full, limited 3-year warranty by registering their product on the Angelbird Personal Service Portal within 30 days of purchase. The card’s rock-solid construction and advanced engineering make it suitable for professional applications requiring reliable, high-speed storage performance.

The bag to carry it all

We can endlessly discuss gear, but at the end of the day, it needs to be stored somewhere for easy and safe transportation. Now, in this section, I’ll not talk about the bag/trolley I’m using for moving my filming equipment, but rather my editing gear. So here is a small anecdote. Years ago, on a flight, I came across foldable bags from Matador, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There is no other company that I know of that produces such versatile and useful soft bags. Besides daily use of my Matador bag, I primarily use it as my personal item bag when flying. This allows me to distribute weight easily between the carry-on bag and the Matador. Unfortunately, the exact bag I’m using (SEG30) appears to be discontinued. However, the SEG45 Travel Pack, which is slightly larger but still “on-board safe”, or even the newly released GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack, would be great alternatives. In short, alongside my editing equipment, I can easily pack my personal essentials for two to three days, including running shoes!

Summary and conclusion

These are the key products in my portable editing setup, each of which performs well in its respective category. The Apple laptop allows me to watch and cut footage (even RAW) easily, in addition to exporting clips quickly with hardware support (not only software). The Asus PA16USV Display has grown on me as an essential part of my mobile setup. The size, ease of use, and picture quality allow me to judge my footage and more. Angelbird’s performance card reader, along with their range of fast recording media, has met my needs, and I think it’s worth your consideration as well. And, last but not least, thank me later for using some of the very useful Matador traveling bags!

Happy filming, editing, and traveling!