Anybody Else Feel my Pain?: Mini HDMI Output.

C

colebennett

Active member
I just recently purchased a used SmallHD DP6 field monitor for my Canon 5D Mark II. I absolutely dig this monitor. I used it for a few hours on a shoulder rig and tripod, and it did everything I needed it to, with no issues. A few days later, I took it out for a spin on a Philip Bloom Pocket Dolly. A few minutes into using it, the monitor connection cut out. It didn't seem too unusual, considering I was sliding the camera back and forth - with the monitor clamped to the tripod. I wiggled the cable a bit (on both ends), and it reconnected. Not a huge deal. But as I spent more time with it, the connection became more and more intermittent - and it became clear that it was on the camera (mini) end of the cable. It's now at the point where it's practically NOT connecting just as much as it is connecting.

My questions:

1. Have you experienced this level of intermittency with mini HDMI? Is it a common issue?

2. Is it likely that SmallHD's new Canon port protector will remedy this issue?

3. Is it just as likely that buying a high quality mini HDMI cable will remedy the issue?

4. What other thoughts and experience do you have with this issue?

Thanks for reading! I need to jump on a solution sooner rather than later.
 
When I used 7D for my shooting, I broke those Mini-HDMI cables ALL THE TIME. The Mini end is a terribly delicate connection and when the internal pins come loose there's really not much you can do about it besides buying a new cable. A port protector is designed to remedy this problem but they are a little spendy and unwieldy at times.

My advice? Go to eBay and buy a half-dozen cables at a time for $2 a piece, then keep an extra (or two) in your bag at all times. I've seen no difference in the quality of a $2 versus a $30 cable - unfortunately they all break.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Speed-...s_Adapters&hash=item2c66013629#ht_3403wt_1176
 
Yea, i've had a few bad HDMI cables... Mini and full sized connections go bad. I'd buy a few gold plated el'chepo cables and always have them in your kit.
 
Really Right Stuff has a "Cable Relief Spacer" that mounts on an L plate:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=CRS&type=0


It locks the cable and adds some extra space for clearance. I have not had a chance to try it yet (I bought one used about 3 months ago, but FedEX lost it.)

I use the RRS L plates on every camera I buy, so if you aren't using those you might try teh one you linked too. I love the RRS plates and clamps, they are on everything I own - tripod, monopod, slider, Redrock Shoulder Rig, Zacuto Target Shooter, etc.

Good luck!

Best,
Michael
 
Thanks so much guys! Your answers have given me some relief. I was getting a little stressed about this nagging issue - not knowing if it was something big or small. I'll take your advice and buy a couple HDMI cables for the bag. I've had someone offer to sell their SmallHD port protector here on DVXuser, so I think I'm going to go that route for now - but @unadog - that Cable Relief Spacer is a good thing to know about - much more versatile than the port protector if you're going to be using different camera bodies.

Thanks again!
 
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