External Monitor Recommendation

owaltec

owaltec

Well-known member
Hey Guys,

I want to purchase an external monitor. I want to know, from you guy´s experience, which one is the best? I bought the Ikan 5600 and I hate to say it, It was CRAP. It does not respect the colors or anything else for that matter. Which would be a good monitor that can help with the Focus, colors.. I´ve worked with the RED one cam and the monitor is the best. Which would be THAT monitor for the AF??

Thanks
 
One thing I noticed of the Ikan 5600 is that, the image you see in the monitor, is totally different than the one on the camera. Colorwise, exposurewise... Is that different on the VX7e? What I mean is, can you rely only on the external monitor to expose?
 
We find that we have a very consistent "look" (color / exposure) across all our monitors.

We rely on waveforms for exposure and not monitors but the displays do indicate that our exposures are fine right thru the chain.
 
Love my SmallHD DP6. It's great for in the field or location shooting when you don't have or want to lug around something bigger. I find the look and colors to be pretty close to what the camera records.
 
small hd hands down for money and whats out there. after using the dp1, i got the dp6 sdi and its amazing. so so sharp and clear, small hd battery lasts 4 hours and you dont even know it has a battery on it. now i use the dp6 for on camera and dp1 goes to the director and or client for viewing via pass through. for this price point nothing is close. get the bundle and receive so many extra accessories. for $50 more you get the 3 pack screen protectors, which are amazing, and they are $50 alone. a great value you can trust your focus on.
 
I prefer the TVLogic over the SmallHD, but they're very similar. Can't go wrong with either for the use you're describing.

Don't skimp on an arm, though!!!
 
Well, for somebody that is just now getting serious about getting into video I have what may be a naive question.

Can a HD (1920 x 1080) television be used effectively as a monitor?

I know they are not as rugged, but many cameras have a Waveform and Vextorscrope built in and the prices for a professional monitor seem to be extremely high, whereas a tv could be had for around $200.

Thanks,

Dan
 
i am not sure about new models of small hd maybe they are better, but old dp1..... not showing real colors, in fact i would say in terms of colors what i see on af101 lcd and on dp1 monitor its a day and night!

i ve seen tv logic at work - and can highly recommend it!
 
TVLogic, Small HD, Panasonic, Marshall are all good. My experience with Ikan was horrible. I am glad Shooter had better luck.
 
Ha! I use my Samsung 22inch (1080p) Computer monitor - HDMI, DVI, and VGA inputs...even has an audio out from HDMI/DVI.
Base can be removed so it can be placed on a tripod, and has a $30 Lipo battery (R/C -14.4v) to power it - 5hrs.
In all seriousness, Ikan and Small HD are the more popular monitors i've seen in the field though. Best to try everything out in the shop with a color card, go home and make your comparisons.
I use Small HD for my jobs, and like them the most.
I love my DIY setup though, just not a run and gun solution. But if i have my rig on rails or in a studio/events... its actually is pretty amazing, rocks for focusing and good colors.
DIY Cost - Monitor $130 (sale), then Battery - charger - dc/ac: $45
 
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I went the cheapo route and got a Ruige 5":

http://www.coollcd.com/5-inch-ruige...lcd-field-monitor-for-video-cameras_p794.html

1:1 pixel map with peaking- it saved my focusing on a short PSA I did recently when the AF's peaking wouldn't show up at all. Not enough contrast I guess. After Dec promotions it only wound up costing about $250. Ruige makes components for other high end monitors like Ikan. Plus a 2yr warranty which is better than what Marshall, Ikan, and Small HD offers. Drawback is HDMI in only- no passthrough and limited color adjustments.
 
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djkoz said:
Well, for somebody that is just now getting serious about getting into video I have what may be a naive question.

Can a HD (1920 x 1080) television be used effectively as a monitor?

I know they are not as rugged, but many cameras have a Waveform and Vextorscrope built in and the prices for a professional monitor seem to be extremely high, whereas a tv could be had for around $200.

Thanks,

Dan
Click to expand...
Dan, you can use a TV, and people often do for client monitor/video village. They're fine for focus (especially when larger) and framing but may not be trustworthy for color or brightness.
 
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