Focussing better. Monitor and/or Follow Focus?

[Vertical]

I am wondering what will make a bigger impact to how well I focus video. I am only doing hand held video. What makes a bigger impact to focussing, a monitor or FF?

And since I want to keep my setup as portable as possible, would a 4-6 inch monitor make a difference in focussing from the onboard 3 inch screen?

Is anyone using a monitor smaller than 7 inches?

 

[mattsand]

if you're pulling by marks a follow focus is better, if you're doing it by eye a monitor. why not both? ;-)

/matt

 

[BMFM FILMS]

In live view u can zoom in on the footage live on the LCD, so that gives a good indication of focus, but then again that could fool you but it's just a trick u can use if u don't want to pay for monitors.

 

[Ralph Oshiro]

I just bought this Hoodman 3x loupe thng-a-majig to assist in single-operator EVF focusing:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573167-REG/Hoodman_H_LPP3_HoodLoupe_Professional_LCD_Screen.html

Covers the full three-inch D90 EVF, and actually works pretty good. Planning on using some improvised rubberband rig to hold it onto the camera somehow.

 

[squig]

I just bought this Hoodman 3x loupe thng-a-majig to assist in single-operator EVF focusing:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573167-REG/Hoodman_H_LPP3_HoodLoupe_Professional_LCD_Screen.html

Covers the full three-inch D90 EVF, and actually works pretty good. Planning on using some improvised rubberband rig to hold it onto the camera somehow.

forget the rubber band- http://www.vuzix.com/iwear/products_av310w.html no HD unfortunately composite only.

the loupe seems like a good budget option, maybe a dab of silicone to hold it in place?
let me know how you go with the rubber band. I'm definitely going with one of these 2 options, a 7" LCD really defeats the purpose when it comes to the D90's portability and stealth.

 

[Ralph Oshiro]

forget the rubber band- http://www.vuzix.com/iwear/products_av310w.html no HD unfortunately composite only.

the loupe seems like a good budget option, maybe a dab of silicone to hold it in place?
let me know how you go with the rubber band. I'm definitely going with one of these 2 options, a 7" LCD really defeats the purpose when it comes to the D90's portability and stealth.

Absolutely! I was also considering this type of display and mentioned it in another thread. Lemme go find it because I think there was another option.

 

[squig]

Absolutely! I was also considering this type of display and mentioned it in another thread. Lemme go find it because I think there was another option.

Yeah I saw that thread which led me to the link I can't seem to find it now. The link in the thread didn't work however. I'd love to try a pair out but sadly nobody sells them in Australia. So if anybody gets a pair please post a review.

 

[neka]

nice hdmi portable (hd) monitors and kits
http://www.manhattanlcd.com/category_s/1.htm
4-5 hrs on tekkeon 3405 battery
http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypowerall.html

d90 zoom is good for initial focus, not so good for racking/following

 

[squig]

I'm thinking the equivilent of a 40" display hanging off my nose should help me focus even if it is only SD. It'll be great for running around with a steadicam until I get hit by a car!

 

[squig]

$295 is not too bad for the HD LCD, but the glasses are $250 and gunable. Whoever it was that was running around manhattan with the D90 and Vuzix glasses please tell me they are amazing. I can't find the damm post!

 

[squig]

found it- http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=154451&highlight=monitor
mrmoe is using them

 

[Thebes]

I remember a while back hearing that Nikon intended to introduce a head-mounted display... not sure if this is a mock-up or the actual device... and in this story its a media player, but it might well take composite in.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081201/162145/

I think I'd prefer the one eye form factor, better for safety etc.

 

[Thebes]

I just bought this Hoodman 3x loupe thng-a-majig to assist in single-operator EVF focusing:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...H_LPP3_HoodLoupe_Professional_LCD_Screen.html

Covers the full three-inch D90 EVF, and actually works pretty good. Planning on using some improvised rubberband rig to hold it onto the camera somehow.

How do you find using this to work out? I mean, is it ergonomic, do you handhold with it or just use on tripod, etc?

Normally I keep my D90 somewhat below eye level and well braced against its strap when I handhold. I might be able to use it on my shoulder mount somehow though, that could be cool. Tripod seems like it would be awkward?

 

[squig]

there's a one eye tactical version, very cool- http://www.vuzix.com/tactical/taceye_products_gmd.html

I think I'll just go for a lobotomy so I can head mount the D90.

 

[squig]

How do you find using this to work out? I mean, is it ergonomic, do you handhold with it or just use on tripod, etc?

Normally I keep my D90 somewhat below eye level and well braced against its strap when I handhold. I might be able to use it on my shoulder mount somehow though, that could be cool. Tripod seems like it would be awkward?

there are some cheap Indian shoulder mounts on ebay

 

[squig]

there's a one eye tactical version, very cool- http://www.vuzix.com/tactical/taceye_products_gmd.html

I think I'll just go for a lobotomy so I can head mount the D90.

erm forget about the tactical version, they cost over $4000! killin aint cheap!

 

[Ralph Oshiro]

How do you find using this to work out? I mean, is it ergonomic, do you handhold with it or just use on tripod, etc?

Normally I keep my D90 somewhat below eye level and well braced against its strap when I handhold. I might be able to use it on my shoulder mount somehow though, that could be cool. Tripod seems like it would be awkward?

Normally, for handheld shots, I've been using my DV camera shoulder mount (designed for a DVX100-sized camera), and it actually works great. However, I've only tried out my HoodLoupe for a few minutes tonight, since I only just got it yesterday. Actually, what I've been doing is hand-holding the camera without the mount, and pressing my eye against the loupe, using that pressure alone to hold the loupe, positioned on top of the D90's EVF. Not great, but it works. But I'm much steadier with the shoulder mount. So, I'm thinking to get some thin rubber somewhere (or some big-ass rubber bands), and make some sort of custom elastic retaining harness for the loupe to attach to the D90 body.

 

[squig]

Normally, for handheld shots, I've been using my DV camera shoulder mount (designed for a DVX100-sized camera), and it actually works great. However, I've only tried out my HoodLoupe for a few minutes tonight, since I only just got it yesterday. Actually, what I've been doing is hand-holding the camera without the mount, and pressing my eye against the loupe, using that pressure alone to hold the loupe, positioned on top of the D90's EVF. Not great, but it works. But I'm much steadier with the shoulder mount. So, I'm thinking to get some thin rubber somewhere (or some big-ass rubber bands), and make some sort of custom elastic retaining harness for the loupe to attach to the D90 body.

Are you saying you don't have a steady head?

It's tempting, it would go well with my cavision shoulder rig....but the glasses would be better for steadicam use.....decisions decisions. Where to get thick "big-ass" black rubber bands?......When I started this film project I hadn't anticipated a worldwide rubber band hunt!

 

[squig]

You could attach the hoodman in a similar way to how you would attach a long telephoto lens to either rails or a baseplate. You'd just need to find a suitable metal ring to wrap around the hoodman body just beyond the focus ring. And then connect the ring to the rods or baseplate. Maybe a metal ring from a plumbing supplier or a gun scope ring would work. It would look a bit more pro than the rubber bands! And it wouldn't be so annoying when you need to change batteries. I think I might get one myself and have a go.