Field monitor for the HPX 300

tommygunn I am looking for a monitor that will work with both the HPX300 and the Canon 5D MK2. So my needs are similar to yours. Have you looked at the Manhattan LCD vs. the DataVideo Monitor?
 
Hi Jason,

I have looked at the Manhattan gear. Reason I like the DataVideo version more: V-mount (since i use IDX batts), HD/SD-SDI, HDMI, Component, and Composite....under $1k. I do like the resolution of the Manhattan stuff, but the reasons above outweigh.
 
Wanted to let you guys know I worked with my new datavideo monitor and I'm impressed. Great picture. Plenty of inputs. Thumbs up.
 
tommygun, thank you for the update it is helpful. How is color the color on the monitor and how much time does it take to setup? I will be in the field (literally in fields, beaches, mountains) by myself and want a quick setup and tear down. I am looking for a monitor that will give me a WYSIWYG color reproduction and a monitor to help me with focus. Although I am getting used to focusing on the LCD screen. If I could find a monitor that would help me tweak color in the field so I don't have to do it in post, well that would certainly be a time saver.
Does any of this relate to your needs? Thanks!
 
Jason,

I will primarily use this as a monitor for corporate IMAG. So i won't spend a great deal of time dialing it in at each event. However, calibration is pretty straight forward thanks to in-part an easy to navigate menu. I was impressed with the clarity and color reproduction of the picture. Particularly in 4:3 SD. HD looks sweet as well.

I'm not sure how the color reproduction would suit you and your style. I did had a Marshall 7" HD/SDI and I think this monitor looks a little better in color/sharpness.

Plus, with the HDMI input, its dual functionality with the HPX300 and 5/7D can't be beat.

Does this help?
 
Hi Tommy, Yes it does help although I am still on the fence with what to do. With most of my productions produced for web I am trying to research if A.) having an external monitor will help me with color in the field (I know now it will help with focus) B.) If I can find a monitor that is small enough to use in the field but robust and "just" large enough to dual purpose in the studio for a production monitor and C.) If I even need a production monitor in the studio for web productions.
So your post has helped me with some of my questions. I started a post about whether or not one needs a production monitor for web only productions but so far no one has responded so it is either a bad question or no one has the answer.

Or course if I could get my money tree in the backyard to start producing again I would just buy both! :-)
 
Hi Jason. I was in a somewhat similar position as you recently and here's my solution:

1) Samsung P2370HD LCD panel with full 1080p resolution and the typical I/O options (including HDMI). I got mine at Costco for $270 - pretty killer deal (and comes with HDMI cable).

2) Datavideo DAC-8 - Markertek $375 (price matched B&H) which takes the HD-SDI output from the 300 and outputs HDMI for the LCD panel. It works perfectly and - if you lose any quality at all - I can't see it. Great for pulling focus, checking color, composition, etc.

3) Matthews 861862 bracket - $190 Markertek (price matched B&H). This allows mounting the LCD (using standard VESA config) to a C-stand for on location usage. I'd been looking for an option like this for some time - thanks to Matthews for seeing the need and filling it!

So, that's it. It makes for a fairly portable option that weighs about 20lbs. with stand, bracket and monitor. My clients have been thrilled to be able to see the quality I'm shooting on set and it's been great for me to be able to really see focus, etc.

This monitor combo is also a good option for post. I have a larger, 25" (P2570HD) Samsung LCD monitor (same series - also full 1080p) installed in my edit suite and use it every day for monitoring. I use a Matrox MXO 2 Mini to get the signal out of my Mac Pro and into the panel. The only bad thing is you do need to watch the vertical angle at which you monitor. Being an LCD panel, it can look darker if you're seated too far below the "sweet spot." Otherwise, these 2 Samsung options have been great for me. There's also a 27" version for sale (P2770HD) if you need the extra screen real estate.
 
Jason,

IMO: I think the Datavideo will be perfect for your situation. Plus, it works with your 5Dii. If you need a true, accurate color representation, you generally have to step up to a larger, true production monitor. For my corporate shoots that are going to TV or DVD, I will use my JVC DTV-24L1U 24" monitor on the set. If it is only for web, or low budget, i will use the Datavideo as a reference. And for my IMAG stuff, the Datavideo is a great choice. I really think this a good choice for you. Buy it and try it.
 
mountainmedia,
Thanks for that input, I have looked into this solution but for field use but that size is too large for me to cart around. I am going to be shooting sunrise footage in solo fashion so having as little gear as possible is best. But you have enlightened me on a few other things so thank you for your post.
 
I have a few other questions related to using a field monitor and rather than start a new thread I will post to this one. I am still having a tough time deciding on a field monitor to use in the following environment:

HPX300 is being used with Anton B. batteries in the field where there is zero electric available. Everything being filimed is in HD @ 1080/60i and we really do need the monitor to help with focus. The HPX300 Anton B. battery connection plate has a small dual pronged gold power supply output which is labeled 10A Max. I am having a tough time IDing what on Camera/Field monitors might work best, perhaps be able to use that power output, if that is a bad idea; and we do not want to spend more than necessary. Any thoughts, experiences on the same would be very helpful.

David
 
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Mountainmedia: I looked up the Samsung you mentioned and I didn't see what inputs are compatible with the 300. There are no BNC style SDI inputs. I was considering a $3000 Panasonic BT-LH1710, it's considered the Gold Standard for on location monitoring, so if you say this 23" Samsung is looking great I will consider it. I'll bring my 300 to Costco to test it, but I don't see the inputs that will work.

I will scrimp and save in certain areas but as a freelance DP I have always felt I should get the best monitor possible so the clients on location like what they see. Lately I hired a fellow Chicago HPX 300 shooter from your directory (thank you!) and he had a $1000 Marshall that looked liked junk next to my $4000 Panasonic BT-LH900A, all our settings matched. So if you're freelance and need to IMPRESS clients, and really see where the problem areas are, save on other things but never the monitor.

Also, Tuesday I did a cooking show video and I had a dark skin chef in a white chef coat. Having the built in waveform monitor of the BT-LH900A was very helpful and I don't think these less expensive monitors have waveforms?

P.S. I have 2 Apple Cinema Displays for editing. Does anyone on this board know if I can detach them form my post set up and use them in the field with the 300? I don't believe so.
 
nedcam said:
Mountainmedia: I looked up the Samsung you mentioned and I didn't see what inputs are compatible with the 300. There are no BNC style SDI inputs. I was considering a $3000 Panasonic BT-LH1710, it's considered the Gold Standard for on location monitoring, so if you say this 23" Samsung is looking great I will consider it. I'll bring my 300 to Costco to test it, but I don't see the inputs that will work.

I will scrimp and save in certain areas but as a freelance DP I have always felt I should get the best monitor possible so the clients on location like what they see. Lately I hired a fellow Chicago HPX 300 shooter from your directory (thank you!) and he had a $1000 Marshall that looked liked junk next to my $4000 Panasonic BT-LH900A, all our settings matched. So if you're freelance and need to IMPRESS clients, and really see where the problem areas are, save on other things but never the monitor.

Also, Tuesday I did a cooking show video and I had a dark skin chef in a white chef coat. Having the built in waveform monitor of the BT-LH900A was very helpful and I don't think these less expensive monitors have waveforms?

P.S. I have 2 Apple Cinema Displays for editing. Does anyone on this board know if I can detach them form my post set up and use them in the field with the 300? I don't believe so.
Click to expand...

Ned, I thought the onboard waveform monitors of the 300 could be displayed on any attached monitor?
 
Never thought of that, thanks!

I do believe I found my answer about using the Apple Cinema display as a larger HD monitor, and I am awaiting info from Matrox. Seems Matrox makes a small box that converts the SDI signal to something the display will use.
 
nedcam said:
Mountainmedia: I looked up the Samsung you mentioned and I didn't see what inputs are compatible with the 300. There are no BNC style SDI inputs. I was considering a $3000 Panasonic BT-LH1710, it's considered the Gold Standard for on location monitoring, so if you say this 23" Samsung is looking great I will consider it. I'll bring my 300 to Costco to test it, but I don't see the inputs that will work.
Click to expand...
Hi Ned. If you re-read my initial post regarding the Samsung, it mentions the need for a datavideo adapter to take the HD-SDI signal and convert it to HDMI for monitoring. It's an extra step but - based on my tests - doesn't degrade the signal in any appreciable way. That and the entire package is still much less than $1,000 for quality monitoring on a larger screen.
 
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