AC90: external monitor for AC90
- Thread starter gaddster
- Start date
The little screens on many new camcorders have a very nice high-resolution image. Whether or not you want/need to use an external display will depend on a few different things.
If you're running around all day doing run-n-gun on a wedding, it's not that practical to have an LCD panel along for the ride. However, a 7" LCD can be quite helpful for long tripod-mounted shoots, regardless of how nice the onboard display is.
I had to get bifocals a few years back as the near vision was going away. I found myself getting eye strain and blurred vision when trying to focus on the camera LCD for long periods, for instance a wedding ceremony, or especially during long stage events running several hours to all day perhaps.
I picked up an iKan VL7 with HDMI input 2-3 years ago and that has been a real blessing. I also got a clamp and articulating arm so the LCD can be easily mounted to the tripod. An LCD can be mounted the camera shoe, but with smaller cameras may stress the mount or make the camera front-heavy on the tripod, causing the camera to want to tilt down. That's why I clamp it to a tripod post or leg, positioning the LCD alongside the camera rather than on top. Can be powered with a camcorder battery or AC adapter.
The VL7 is not HD at 800x480, but the image is good enough to check focus and framing, and is definitely easier on the old eyes! The step up would be the VK7i with 1280x800 resolution. There's other vendors of course, but iKan is what I've used. If you wish to use an LCD while going hand-held, there are 5" models that might be more suitable for that need.
iPads and laptops don't have video inputs, so those would not help. Some new camcorders do offer monitoring via WiFi, but that is more a preview quality, with some time lag, and not suitable for critical monitoring during a shoot. More for remote camera monitoring, such as balcony camera, with some ability to start/stop, zoom, etc. from a smart phone. Not offered on the AC90 though anyway.
Thanks
Jeff Pulera
If you're running around all day doing run-n-gun on a wedding, it's not that practical to have an LCD panel along for the ride. However, a 7" LCD can be quite helpful for long tripod-mounted shoots, regardless of how nice the onboard display is.
I had to get bifocals a few years back as the near vision was going away. I found myself getting eye strain and blurred vision when trying to focus on the camera LCD for long periods, for instance a wedding ceremony, or especially during long stage events running several hours to all day perhaps.
I picked up an iKan VL7 with HDMI input 2-3 years ago and that has been a real blessing. I also got a clamp and articulating arm so the LCD can be easily mounted to the tripod. An LCD can be mounted the camera shoe, but with smaller cameras may stress the mount or make the camera front-heavy on the tripod, causing the camera to want to tilt down. That's why I clamp it to a tripod post or leg, positioning the LCD alongside the camera rather than on top. Can be powered with a camcorder battery or AC adapter.
The VL7 is not HD at 800x480, but the image is good enough to check focus and framing, and is definitely easier on the old eyes! The step up would be the VK7i with 1280x800 resolution. There's other vendors of course, but iKan is what I've used. If you wish to use an LCD while going hand-held, there are 5" models that might be more suitable for that need.
iPads and laptops don't have video inputs, so those would not help. Some new camcorders do offer monitoring via WiFi, but that is more a preview quality, with some time lag, and not suitable for critical monitoring during a shoot. More for remote camera monitoring, such as balcony camera, with some ability to start/stop, zoom, etc. from a smart phone. Not offered on the AC90 though anyway.
Thanks
Jeff Pulera
I see HDMI to ipad connectors offered...but I think the signal is one way, from the iPad to a TV...but maybe there is an app that allows the reverse...? I use an Ikan VH8, $399, that offers 1365x768 resolution. For more info check out this other posting: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?307083-Ikan-VH8-LCD-Field-Monitor-Very-Good-Value
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
We use a Marshal HDSDI 7" with the 160 and love it. For smaller run and guns we use the Sony 5" HDMI monitor which is light weight and the battery lasts all day.
I don't trust myself pulling focus on such a small built in LCD screen.
If your looking for true color, get a pro monitor with calibrations. Using an ipad will most definitely not be accurate color representation.
I don't trust myself pulling focus on such a small built in LCD screen.
If your looking for true color, get a pro monitor with calibrations. Using an ipad will most definitely not be accurate color representation.