DIY idea - Fresnel magnifier for small LCD monitor?

jackcklam

Active member
Just thinking out loud here.

I'm wondering if anyone has thought about using a page / TV magnifier fresnel screen to enlarge a small LCD monitor for the director's viewing pleasure?

Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Page-Size-Magnifying-Sheet/dp/B001NDLUQQ/ref=pd_sbs_op_4
http://www.lssproducts.com/product/4625/screen-enlarger

Before you start laughing out loud, let me explain my rational.

- I am tempted by the DP6 monitor. It is a perfect size for onboard use. But I can imagine it being to small when used as the director's monitor.
- I can't afford, and don't want to buy, a 17-inch monitor.
- We all know judging composition and performance on a tiny monitor vs a 17-incher vs a movie screen are all different games. One can be tempted to frame too tight when screen size is too small.
- The DP6 has full 720 resolution on the panel, but it may be just too densely packed for the eyes.
- I was trying to imagine a super-size LCD loupe for the DP6, then fresnel screen came to mind.


Limitation:
- I know brightness, contrast, black level, and color will all be messed up. But obviously we are not looking for accuracy here. I am more interested in letting the director see/feel the shot on a bigger canvas.

- Resolution and sharpness may be no good too. Perhaps there are different type / grade / fineness of fresnel screen to choose from?

- It will probably become much darker. Maybe not even usable outdoor. Perhaps an oversized DIY sunhood (with an overhead black cloth) may do the trick. This way the director can stick his face to the hood and disappear into his personal (foldable) mini theater?

Making sense here? :happy:
 
I don't know about the second one but forget the cheep sheets, they'll just blur out everything outside the very center.
 
Check out the 10.6 in monitors here
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/803...esolution-RM-RMVB-support-VGA-input-HDMI.html
There is a thread talking about them under the GH1 forums. They aren't quite 720p but they are the same resolution as most monitors in that size range and will be much much more accurate than a fresnel magnifier. You could also get an hdmi splitter and a second lilliput monitor for yourself on the camera, all for under the price of a DP6.
 
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