5D MKIII monitor up to $1000?

S

Steve Zissou

New member
I'd like to get a monitor to replace my aging Lilliput, and I'm in the market for something that I can trust for not just for focusing, but that can replace the monitor on my 5D Mark III for the complete workflow.

The SmallHD AC7 HDMI looks good, but it's a few years old, and I'm wondering if it's still a wise buy at $600. I was considering the Atomos Ninja Blade for $995 in order to also get recording capabilities that go beyond what my camera offers, but I'm afraid the 5" screen might be too small, or at least not a huge difference from what I have on camera.

Unfortunately I have nowhere to test any of these, and all I can is watch video reviews.

If anyone could offer their opinion or suggest alternatives, I'd greatly appreciate it :)
 
The Shogun could be something to consider, but twice the price of the Ninja unless you get the bare bones version ($1700).
 
The Marshall looks good, are you happy with it? Can it replace the camera LCD?

The Shogun is well out of my price range, the work I do can't justify this kind of cash.
 
Love the Marshall - it gives me the same visual that the LCD does. I can focus with it along with knowing what I see on the monitor is what I'm recording.


 
The Ninja Blade is great as a recorder, but it's lacking a bit for critical focus at times because of the smaller screen, even though the resolution is great. It also doesn't have all the focus assist features of the SmallHD line. I've found that it does have really nice colors though.

I would give serious consideration to the new SmallHD 501. It's newer technology than the Marshall, has more features, and from everything I've heard is an excellent monitor. It's also a better size IMHO than the Marshall or AC7 for a DSLR. At $899 it's within your budget and I think you'd be much happier with it.
 
SmallHD 501 + Sidefinder.

Eventhough you said you don't want 5", to me it is plenty. I look at the iphone 5 and the screen is crystal clear.

It is
- full 1080p
- 170 degree viewing anble
- 400 NITS (good for indoor shooting)
- super light weight (198 lbs)
- uses 1 or 2 LPE6 batteries
- has battery level indicators in PERCENTAGES for each battery compartment
- drains each battery one at a time when both compartments are occupied with an LPE6
- each battery is hot swappable
- usable with the sidefinder in case you are shooting during the day outside and the sun is peaking through the sky
- upgradeable; smallhd is known for giving free upgrades

Outside of the 501, I'd recomment sticking to a true native 1080p monitor because your image will be 1 to 1 (sharper) and your image will take up the whole screen and not be interpolated or letterboxed by the monitor.

The only exception is the SmallHD DP7 Pro High Bright, which is 720p native BUT it has 1500 NITS for viewing in DIRECT SUNLIGHT. I've used it and it works like a charm for the outdoors!
 
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Thanks for the suggestions and photos, they're very helpful.

The Marshall looks great, I'll certainly consider it.

As the SmallHD 501 goes, it was one of my contenders as well, but I'm worried that the screen is too small. If I don't get the loupe, is it better than the LCD on the camera by being only 5"?

I guess the resolution and the features are enough to compensate for the smaller screen? Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't 1080p look much better on such a small screen compared to something bigger?
 
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