FS7: Black Tragic Monitors

M

morgan_moore

Major Contributor
Some cheep deals on these right now.

Any drawbacks on the FS7.. via SDI and/or HDMI

Luts?
RGB histos/wafeform?

(clearly the thing would need ree-engineering to hood the sun and protect the micro sdi)
 
Ordered one yesterday, after seeing the 50% discount. I think no waveform - histogram only at the mo, but recent firmware added LUTs, making it a contender to the 702.

I don't plan to record with it on the FS7 - just looks a very useful (and cheap at the mo) 7" monitor with LUT capability for when I just need something a little bit bigger and for playback with a LUT. I'm happy with XAVC as an acquisition codec - although 4K XAVC is still very sluggish when editing on PP on a maxed-out brand new 5K Retina iMac.

Also plan to use it with the A7Rii - recording capabilities may come in use then. Also adds better quality sound recording if I'm solo with the A7Rii - most of the time, I've got Cath with her Zoom F4, timecode-linked with a Tentacle, but this gives another option.

Will report back - hope to get it Monday/Tuesday.

Ben.
 
Interesting to hear report asap I was thinking of the 5 in.

Yep no recording, just a picture with LUT.

My DP6 does not do nice HDMI from the FS7 which means that not all monitors talk to the FS7 well via all channels hence desire for user knowledge.

My 502 bust SDI probably needs to go back to USA (months!) .. SmallHD are now losers since Vitec destroyed them.

S
 
A Production Company I work with has a few of the 5" BMVA, & I've used them quite a bit to record ProRes from the FS7, & sometimes the GH4. Unfortunately they haven't been updated to the most recent firmware, so I haven't tested the LUT support, or False Color.

If desired SmallRig sells a Cage with LCD Hood, & SDI Cables with Mini-BNC connectors.
 
Initial thoughts:

Built like a tank - makes the 702 feel like a toy
But it's heavy too
UI nice - touch screen means fingermarks, but I've got a microfibre cloth
Will only do 3840x2160, not 4096x2160
LUTs load into internal memory - 6 available

BUT...

Green tint and zero colour adjustment (only brightness/contrast) reduce usefulness to almost zero.

I have emailed CVP to get them to investigate, but I suspect it will be returned next week.

FFS, Blackmagic.
 
If the cupcake was a piece of Blackmagic production equipment

wV2Nysx.gif
 
The green tint is a known issue from day one sadly. There is a thread on BM's user forums that explains how to develop a LUT to get rid of it but that is WAY beyond my skill set so I can't really comment. So I'm pretty sure you will be sending it back....
 
bengiles said:
Initial thoughts:

Built like a tank - makes the 702 feel like a toy
But it's heavy too
UI nice - touch screen means fingermarks, but I've got a microfibre cloth
Will only do 3840x2160, not 4096x2160
LUTs load into internal memory - 6 available

BUT...

Green tint and zero colour adjustment (only brightness/contrast) reduce usefulness to almost zero.

I have emailed CVP to get them to investigate, but I suspect it will be returned next week.

FFS, Blackmagic.
Click to expand...

Ben, Have you checked the firmware version as I have read that the latest V2.3.1 update should have improved the image.
Peter
 
2.3.1 was released on 22nd Dec 16, however units still being delivered now may have an earlier software version. I think version 2.3 in November 16 provided several improvements so worth checking to see if you have a version prior to 2.3 if so could be worth upgrading software. I have also just had one delivered from cvp and it is on V2.1 software June16 so I need to update mine.

BM web site
What's new in Blackmagic Video Assist 2.3.1
•Improved functionality with the 3D LUT interface on the Video Assist and the Video Assist 4K
•General performance and stability updates
------------------------------------------
What's new in Blackmagic Video Assist 2.3
•Add LUT monitoring for both the Blackmagic Video Assist and Blackmagic Video Assist 4K
•Add MXF wrapper to DNxHD for the Blackmagic Video Assist
•Add DNx different bit-rates - DNxHD 220,145 and 45 for the Blackmagic Video Assist
•Add False Color monitoring to the Blackmagic Video Assist
•Add expanded options for Focus Assist to include Red, Green, Blue and White as well as Peaking
•Add manual control for screen orientation
•Add extended HDMI luminance range for the Blackmagic Video Assist
•Improves screen colorimetry on Blackmagic Video Assist
•Improves fan audible noise on the Blackmagic Video Assist
 
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Thanks. What I'm saying is that I upgraded it yesterday at 1pm to the latest available firmware.

No change to the green cast.
 
I'm saving up all my pennies for one of those tasty looking new SmallHD 703 2500(!) nit monitors.
 
Hi Ben. I had a look on the BM forum for the method of calibrating the VA and this is the best info I could find
https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/...3925&p=310484&hilit=Spectral’s+Calman#p310484
I think somewhere in a similar thread it describes the methodology in more detail but I couldn't find it, sorry.
At least this will give you a starting point or more likely convince you it's not worth the trouble and send it back��
I use mine mainly on theatre shows to get past the 20 minute shut off on DSLRs so given my context the green colour cast is pretty irrelevant given that the colour changes from minute to minute.
I hope that helps.
 
Interesting for log shooters. Simply make a slightly magenta lut.

Personally I never use a monitor to actually judge colour (which might mean I miss some subtle changes that could happen on set) but use RGB histo or WFM, usually pointed at a grey card or stopped down and point at the fixture. To me the lack of RGB evaluation is something really missing from the monitor.

As for the new SmallHD.. do you really trust them since Vitec bought them? My 2008 and 2013 SmallHDs are great. My 502 has been a hassle and is built like a toy.
 
bengiles said:
Thanks. What I'm saying is that I upgraded it yesterday at 1pm to the latest available firmware.

No change to the green cast.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ben for letting me know, disappointed to hear that there is no improvement. I have been busy so have not got round to updating mine yet.
 
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