very stupid question

[7evenup]

im sorry in advance for my idiotic question but can i use a laptop for an external monitor on a d90?

please dont kill i know its a stupid question

thanks

[Martin Koch]

Thats a good question!
It's possible but unfortunately it costs quite a lot of money:

You could use Nikons Camera Control Pro Software to see the Liveview image on your laptop.
Or NKRemote (http://www.breezesys.com/NKRemote/liveviewfinder.htm)
Or you use the excellent Dragon Stop Motion (http://www.dragonstopmotion.com/cameras/nikon_d90.html)

In all cases the camera is connected via USB and the live view size is 640 x 426.

[jeracravo]

You can use any LCD monitor with HDMI input...

[7evenup]

let me get this straight i can plugin my d90 to a laptop but i cant watch a liveview mode on the laptop because i need to buy nikons software?

isnt there another free option to view the d90 from a laptop?

i dont need any controls from the laptop just the video stream since i want to you a crane...

and whats the cheapest monitor i can buy that i can use as monitor....can i just use my desktop monitor for this kind of shot?

thanks in advance

[sinapps]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260529795573&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
$215 for 7" with HDMI

[Lammy]

Just get a cheap second hand portable DVD player that has an AV input for $30

[Michael Carter]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260529795573&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
$215 for 7" with HDMI

You'll need a way to power that - try LCD4video.com, they have various solutions.

You'll also need some way to mount it, again, try the above link.

Likely they have a kit there with everything you need, though they may not have HDMI compatible stuff that cheap.

I use one of their kits on my crane, not amazing high-def quality, but fine for framing.

[armeeuff1]

I searched recently myself for a monitor that I could wear around my waist when I recorded live bands and extended the camera up on an extended monopod to get a high shot. I was rec'mnded to go to Ebay which I did and bought a Sony DVP-FX820 for about $120. Has a switchable input/output, good color, but what sold me was the screen can be turned completely around and laid flat, back onto the unit, if desired. I might even buy another one soon. Good luck!

[7evenup]

thanks for the help can anyone answer me if there is a free software like camera control pro?

ohh and someone who tried the camera control pro for shooting video...how was it, is it any good.should i even consider buying it?

thanks

[Adam J McKay]

I know there is an app for the iphone that allows you to monitor it on the phone, so I imagine there is some software out to allow you to use it on a computer.

[Martin Koch]

thanks for the help can anyone answer me if there is a free software like camera control pro?

ohh and someone who tried the camera control pro for shooting video...how was it, is it any good.should i even consider buying it?

thanks

Camera Control Pro and NKRemote show a good looking LiveView image at roughly 15 fps. You can see how it looks here: http://dpmac.com/cameracontrol/

By the way I have to step back a bit. I sold my D90 some time ago and if I remember correctly I was able to push the video recording button on the camera and still see the Live View image during recording. But since I'm not 100% sure anymore and since I can't test it right now we need confirmation from someone with the Nikon software and a D90 or D300s. I'm only 99% sure that it worked. Sorry.

Ayway before you shell out the money for the rather overpriced Nikon software (Canon users get it for free by the way) buy a lilliput monitor as suggested.

[7evenup]

thanks for the help i will buy a lilliput monitor for my next shoot but i need something for right now for this weekend

can anyone with a d90 and camera control confirm how will it work for me if il use a crane?

[Martin Koch]

Sorry that I didn't think of this earlier.
The solution is so simple: :embarasse
Just download the 30-day trial version and try yourself:
http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14428/~/camera-control-pro-2.0

If it works let us first know then test it again this weekend. :smile:
Note that the longest USB cable allowed is 5 m / 15 feet

[7evenup]

whoa...there is trial...why didnt i look for myself :/

il check it right away...martin why is the usb cable cant be over 5 m?

[Martin Koch]

why is the usb cable cant be over 5 m?


More than that is outside the USB specifications (http://www.usb.org/developers/usbfaq/#cab1) and will not work reliable.

[7evenup]

i didnt know that...thanks il test it out and post it here

thanks for all your help you guys are great

[7evenup]

update:

no luck with any of those softwares

Nikons Camera Control Pro and Dragon Stop Motion doesnt even work for some reason
NKRemote is the only one that worked and i cant shoot video with it only stills :(

so there is a dissapoitment...i dont know what other options i have instead of buying a monitor

thanks guys

[Michael Carter]

.i dont know what other options i have instead of buying a monitors

Well, you could consider buying a monitor...

Not trying to be a smartass, but spending a few $$ for something purpose-built for a specific task is often well worth it.

You could look into 7" car LCDs, and track down battery packs, AC adapters, input cables... you could check out lcd4video.com and get a complete setup that you can use for years.

Also, you don't need HDMI for D90 - I've hooked a 7" up to the composite out (the cable's included with the D90) and it's fine for focusing/framing/crane use.

If you want a monitor for a steadicam or a crane, trying to duct-tape a laptop or a portable DVD player may be more hassle than it's worth - a purpose-built monitor will have things like shoe mounts & adapters.

Can't recall if money's a huge problem for your current needs, but a monitor can be a good investment and even a standard-def kit with a so-so LCD should sell fast on eBay or here when you upgrade.

[Martin Koch]

update:

no luck with any of those softwares

Nikons Camera Control Pro and Dragon Stop Motion doesnt even work for some reason
NKRemote is the only one that worked and i cant shoot video with it only stills :(



I'm sorry to hear that. Why does the software not work? Didn't you get it to run on your computer? To make it clear none of these applications allows to start video recording from the computer but you only asked for a quick monitor solution.