GH4 Aputure VS-2 FineHD not impressed, or maybe I am doing something wrong

F

funkytwig

Active member
The monitor arrived today. Charged the batteries and gave it a whirl with my GH4. I am very underwhelmed.

  • First this is the magic arm is a nightmare. Very fiddly to set up and when set up does not feel very solid. Main issue is the hot-shoe mount but getting it solidly connected to the monitor was also problematic. Feels like I have to really tighten it up and may be overturning it. Think a simple ball joint attachment may be better (when connecting monitor to hot-shoe)
  • Secondly the colors were way off, in a way that changing the color settings there were still massively off. When I white balanced and set to 6500 color setting it was better but I was expecting a lot more. Whatever I do it is verry diferent from the GH4 monitor.
  • Lastly it does not seem that sharp. Previously I has a 800 (I think) pixel monitor. It was a while ago but it felt sharp. This does not.

The monitor is saying it is accepting a 4k image. I am wondering if there is a setup thing I have missed. Has a google for setting up the monitor with the GH4 but could not find anything. Any advice greatly revived.

Ben
 
funkytwig said:
First this is the magic arm is a nightmare.
Click to expand...

This is why I don't use magic-arms to hold monitors. There are a few expensive cine-grade magic-arms that work great, but they are in the $200+ price range. I use short ball-heads with 1/4" threaded bolt on both ends to mount my monitors to my GH5 camera cage. My monitors are really solid when mounted this way.

funkytwig said:
Secondly the colors were way off, in a way that changing the color settings there were still massively off.
Click to expand...

The Aputure VS-2 is a low cost monitor, so it's unrealistic to expect accurate color. I am currently using a 7 inch Marshall monitor that I paid $800 US for and even it's colors are slightly off. I figure I have to go with something like one of the ATOMOS monitor/recorders that can be calibrated with an external hardware sensor if I want truly accurate color.
 
This monitor with only accept UHD, 3840x2160, not Cinema 4k, 4096x2160. You can adjust the color some with RGB in the menu, just be aware when you go lower with the numbers you are also lowering brightness and will affect your black levels. Also, this monitor will crush blacks if the camera is not set to 16-235 luma. I think the sharpness is fantastic. I hate the reflective screen. It's useless in bright environments. The hood sucks too, awkward to put on and take off and covers part of the screen. I bought a different one that velcros on instead of the straps-- https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01I3ELVSE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
Had too many broken Noga(s) so switched to Wooden Camera’s ULCS arms.

https://www.woodencamera.com/ultra-arm-mini-monitor-mount-1-4-20-to-1-4-20-p/233200.htm

Added a “Hot Shoe” Ball for use with cage’s Cold Shoes.

https://www.woodencamera.com/ultra-arm-ball-hot-shoe-p/233000.htm

Been wanting to test AbelCine’s Cameo Swivel Mount, but haven’t got the chance. Love how small it is.

https://www.abelcine.com/buy/monito...ware/cameo-swivel-mount-for-on-board-monitors

https://www.abelcine.com/uploaded/articlemodel/ca/cameo-swivel-mount-5_v1.gif
 
Last edited:
Yes, sorry, UHD. did spot this http://www.smallrig.com/cool-ballhe...ble-ballhead-w-shoe-mount-1-4-screw-1135.html. The reality is I would probably only use the monitor when I use a tripod so I guess I am looking go a medium sized magic arm. Maybe https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Photr-11-I...iversal-Clamp-Camera-Flash-Hotshoe/1536957836. I could justify £30-40 but I kind of bluw my budget on the monitor. I only seem to be able to find stuff around £12, then it goes to £80+, I dont seem to be able to find anything in the middle.
 
I have that smallrig unit. I also have the Ultra Arm by Wooden Camera. The smallrig is not solid enough for my needs. YMMV.

On the other hand, if you don't need rotation, this unit by smallrig is brilliant and very compact:

http://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-dslr-monitor-holder-mount-1842.html

Personally, my favorite combo so far has been these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYKVQ9...NR&pd_rd_r=APB0NW209FMH7T5CAQQA&pd_rd_w=fu65L

combined with a sturdy but simple ball mount. Everything is quick release and I can still swing in any direction.
 
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