Does Anyone Make a 5-7" Full-HD on-Camera Monitor that Isn't over a grand?

basspig

basspig

Veteran
Age and failing eyesight are making it more difficult for me to judge picture in the tiny viewfinder on the EX1 and for those shots where I can't use the eyepiece on the EX3.

I'm looking for a decent compact HD monitor that doesn't have a jacked-up pricetag. It seems that every on-camera monitor I've explored has very low resolution not suited for HD and carries the pricetag of a 65" plasma TV.

Is there anything reasonable in the $500-700 range that provides 1920x1080 on a 7" LED-backlit screen yet?
 
basspig said:
Age and failing eyesight are making it more difficult for me to judge picture in the tiny viewfinder on the EX1 and for those shots where I can't use the eyepiece on the EX3.

I'm looking for a decent compact HD monitor that doesn't have a jacked-up pricetag. It seems that every on-camera monitor I've explored has very low resolution not suited for HD and carries the pricetag of a 65" plasma TV.

Is there anything reasonable in the $500-700 range that provides 1920x1080 on a 7" LED-backlit screen yet?
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Mark - my eyesight (near vision) is getting pretty poor but I can see perfectly using the Hoodman Hoodloupe - EX1 Kit PRO http://www.hoodmanusa.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HEXKP

Maybe you already use the Hoodloupe but with magnification (3X) it is like looking at a very large high def screen.
 
As you are discovering the limitation is in number of LCD's they can squeeze in a given size at a reasonable price. Generally you won't find many full 1920x1080 screens less than 19" unless you add a couple more zeros to the end of the price.

Many people have looked for 18-19" full HD TV screens that can accept battery input because of an external transformer. Those can be had for less than $200.
 
planetweckesser: That looks like a nice option for bringing the EX1 up to par with my EX3. It may have a place in my kit for certain situations.

Though I am starting to feel the need for something larger, as even with my EX3, I am finding it difficult to see well into the eyepiece. With my right eye, I have haze, with my left eye, my right headphone cup is hitting the Sennheiser G3 receiver that's mounted on the hotshoe, and I am still not finding the situation comfortable for sure focus adjustment.

A 7" monitor would make things much better. Also for the times when I'm tripod mounted and tipping at extreme angles and can't see the on-camera display, it's valuable to have a stationary display that's mounted to the tripod.


DM_rider: that LCDRacks unit is not even HD, but the SmallHD model has potential (and also the necessary HD-SDI connection) and MIGHT be adequate for focus determination, but it's only 720P and over $1100.


Duke M.: My impressions exactly. But 19" is a little TOO big and heavy to lug around. I was looking for something that could mount to a tripod, on an articulated arm, for example.


By the time one has all the right tools to shoot a wedding video, it seems one has spent close to $80,000 on cameras, extra lenses, monitors, lighting, jib cranes, SteadiCam stabilizers and editing/DVD mastering software... videography is a very expensive business with a very low perceived market value amongst the average consumer.
 
yeah, i don't think you'll find 1080 on anything like that. you really wouldn't need higher resolution than on the new smallHD monitor. it's almost print-quality pixel density. i don't know any other monitor that will look that sharp. is 5.6" is too small? are you looking for focusing or just framing?
 
Ikan can

Ikan can

I am a big fan of Ikan, right here in Houston. I have tried all of their monitors on demo basis, I own two 8" monitors, one HDMI, one component, and I really want the 5.6" next for tight spaces. The new ones have lots of bells and whistles, but I am a meat and potatoes girl and I use them as a focus reference and for my aging eyes.
http://www.ikancorp.com/productListing.php?CategoryID=2
 
So far, the Ikan looks like the only monitor that offers the HD-SDI, LED backlight and sufficient resolution and size for focusing and spotting incidentals in the frame that could cause a re-shoot to be needed.

The Dolgin lacks a compatible input for the EX series (no HD-SDI).

The Manhattan LCD is almost 2 grand. Ouch!

Ikan is in the lead for best bang for buck, so far. It also accepts a variety of battery packs, which is nice.
 
The SmallHD DpSLR is the only logical choice if you want small and the highest res in that small size. None of those monitors under a grand come close to what they have in the DP SLR @ 1280 x 800. And 1300.00 for that monitor is a steal. If you want HD and SDI that looks good I wouldn't buy anything under a grand. You'll just wish you had spent the extra bucks. Ikans are ok, but 1024/600 vs 1280 x 800. I'll take the true HD monitor.
 
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Well since he said under $1K. I am assuming he is looking for the cheapest stuff out there. So here is the list starting with the lowest to the highest:

Lilliput 669GL - 7" 800x400 HDMI / DVI $210.00
Jag35 Monitor - 7" 800x400 HDMI / DVI input $249.00
Manhattan - 7" 800x400 HDMI / DVI $590.00
IKAN - 7" 800x400 or 1024x600 HDMI or HD SDI from $699.00 - 1200.00
SmallHD - 1280x800 HDMI or HD SDI $899.00 - 1200.00 (always on 75 day wait)
Datavideo - 7" 800x400 HDMI / HD SDI $940.00
Marshall - 7" 800x400 HDMI or HD SDI $945.00 - 1009.00

I am sure there are a few other that I dont know about that will work but these seem to be the more popular ones.

If you don't need it for critical focus then you can get away with using a smaller cheaper resolution. But if your working off an EX-1 I would think you want it for critical focus, composition and color. Just make sure what ever one you decide you check the options available on it. For example the Marshall gives you peaking and false color. Most bang for the buck IMO is the Marshall, but SmallHD does have better resolution then the rest, but when the screen is that small, IMO it doesn't make a difference.

I think it comes down to budget. But I can contest that the peaking and false color is a really nice feature to have, and the 1:1 pixel mapping that is in the Marshall, so if you can afford $950.00 go for it. If not take one of the lesser loaded monitors like the Jag35. Just my 2 cents.

Best of luck!
 
Haven't decided yet.. also in the process of lining up some more gigs to fund this and other stuff needed..

The options look expensive and low in value/bang for buck so far, because this is a limited market and a traditionally over-priced market. Even so, I'm leaning toward the Ikan, because at least I may be able to use it for focusing, which is my main challenge in the field lately.

My main requirements are that it have HD-SDI input and be capable of true HD resolution. The 1280x800 would be a bare minimum. I should be able to achieve 80% accurate focus in 1080P with that. The other offerings are sub-SD resolution, being less than 720x480.

I have the hunch that we are on the precipice of the release of ultra-high res small monitors soon, so I'm hesitant to buy these sub-par units just yet. The technology exists to make much better, and it's probably less than a year away.
 
Or an EX1 package hoodman loupe (adjustable for your individual sight) and hit the focus assist button. :thumbsup:
 
I've got the EX3 with it's nice viewfinder, but I'm finding that for long periods of time, it's difficult to see well with my right eye. I really need something that I can use both eyes to view it.
 
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