D-Tap vs LANC Control Cable for Camera Rig
By Filmgear Canada | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare D-Tap power and LANC control cables for your camera rig. Learn which cable solves your power or camera control needs.
Quick answer
A D-Tap cable powers your monitor from a V-mount battery, while a LANC control cable lets the monitor drive camera functions. Choose based on whether you need longer runtime or remote camera control.
Power vs control: two different jobs
A D-Tap cable delivers DC power from a battery to your monitor. It replaces small NP-F batteries with a larger V-mount or Gold-mount brick, keeping your monitor running through a full shoot day without swapping cells. The PortKeys Limited D-Tap to 5-Pin Female Right-Angle Power Cable is wired specifically for the PortKeys LH5P monitor and uses a right-angle connector that sits flush against the monitor to keep the cable tidy on compact rigs.
A LANC control cable, by contrast, carries a control signal between the monitor and the camera. It does not power the monitor. The PortKeys LANC Control Cable (40cm) for BM5 monitor lets you start/stop recording, adjust ISO, and change white balance from the monitor's touchscreen. It works with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K/6K Pro, URSA Mini, URSA Mini Pro, Sony FS5/FS7, and Z CAM E2 cameras.
Why you might need both
Many rig builders end up with one of each cable on their monitor. The D-Tap cable keeps the monitor powered from the rig's main battery, and the LANC cable adds control without reaching for the camera body. If you only run one cable, think about your biggest pain point: dying monitor batteries or fumbling with camera menus.
Trade-offs at a glance
- D-Tap power cable: Solves short battery life. Connects your monitor to the rig's main battery via D-Tap. No camera control.
- LANC control cable: Solves menu access. Lets the monitor trigger record, ISO, and white balance on compatible cameras. Does not power the monitor. If your monitor already has good battery life, start with a LANC cable.
- Both cables on the same monitor: Covers power and control. The D-Tap cable handles runtime; the LANC cable handles camera functions. Adds one more cable to manage. Use both when you need all-day power and remote control on the same rig.
Product facts
- PortKeys LANC Control Cable (40cm) for BM5 monitor - Works w/ Z CAM E2, BMD BMPCC/URSA MINI/BMPC: A 40cm LANC-protocol control cable for PortKeys BM5-series monitors, compatible with Blackmagic BMPCC 4K/6K/6K Pro, URSA Mini, URSA Mini Pro, Sony FS5/FS7, and Z CAM E2. One cable lets you control multiple camera brands from the monitor, saving menu-diving time on set.
PortKeys LANC Control Cable (40cm) for BM5 monitor - Works w/ Z CAM E2, BMD BMPCC/URSA MINI/BMPC - PortKeys Limited D-Tap to 5-Pin Female Right-Angle Power Cable for PortKeys LH5P Monitor (1.6'): D-Tap to 5-pin female right-angle power cable for the PortKeys LH5P monitor, 1.6 ft, designed to run the monitor off a V-mount or Gold-mount battery. Keeps the monitor powered all day without swapping NP-F batteries, and the right-angle connector keeps the cable out of the way on top-of-camera builds.
PortKeys Limited D-Tap to 5-Pin Female Right-Angle Power Cable for PortKeys LH5P Monitor (1.6')
Which cable fits your rig?
Best for
- Rigs where the monitor runs out of battery mid-shoot — use a D-Tap power cable
- Rigs where you want to adjust camera settings without reaching the body — use a LANC control cable
Not ideal for
- Minimalist builds where every extra cable is a snag risk — pick the one that solves your main problem first
