Field monitor : )

Jay Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez

Coffee Member
I had the opportunity (thanks Chris) to see a field monitor in action during my production this past weekend and now I can't see shooting a film without one.

So, what makes a field monitor a good field monitor? I'm so clueless with all of this X-amount of lines and under/over scan and ratio options stuff. So, so, sooooo clueless.

I'd like to keep it at or under $1k so throw some recommendations at me.
 
I am shopping for a monitor as well. I don't have any experience as of yet but I have seen the JVC TM-910SU recommended. It's 9" and does widescreen and is around $600.

Another question: how would this or any monitor display when using squeeze mode?
 
I have this monitor and I'm very pleased with it. What you're looking for is a monitor that you can manually set up....Blue-only is a good feature (as it makes it easier to set up your color bars). Resolution is important when you're using the monitor to get sharp focus (there may be other reasons but I can't think of any right now). I think the 350 lines (or whatever it is on the JVC) is acceptable. Sony's the industry standard, but I have yet to feel like my JVC is lacking.

For squeeze mode, you just switch to 16:9 mode on the monitor and it'll display properly.
-Ryan

EDIT: Oh yeah, duh....underscan is probably one of the most important things about using a field monitor...especially with our humble DVX. The camera viewfinder and LCD only show the overscanned image, meaning that things can creep into the frame edges and you won't know until you go to edit.
 
HybridCreations said:
Oh yeah, duh....underscan is probably one of the most important things about using a field monitor...especially with our humble DVX. The camera viewfinder and LCD only show the overscanned image, meaning that things can creep into the frame edges and you won't know until you go to edit.
Click to expand...

Yeah, like the microphone in a few of the shots in my last short.
 
Hey coffee (I'm back again, by the way!)
Welcome to the wonderful world of field monitors!

Both those monitors recommended to you here are good. Although interestingly, the TM-900SU and the Ikegami TM9-1 are actually the same monitor...well, almost: the Ikegami TM9-1 is [almost] the same as the JVC TM910-SU which offers PAL/NTSC not only NTSC, and S-Video input. B&H's link to the JVC is:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sku=127285
The advantage of these monitors is that they offer 12V operation also (via 4pin XLR input).
They are about the smallest (9" diag.) and lowest resolution (~300 lines) I'd go for. Anything else (like HD?) might call for higher res SONYs.
eBay is actually a very good place to look for these monitors. The JVCs often go for about $100.
 
I'll add my positive review of the TM910..

We have 5 of the TM910-SUs at my school that I sugested we buy. Their home is as source monitors in out control room, but they tend to actually get more use in the field. They work great
I believe that the Ikegami IS the same monitor, just with a different sticker. And I have also seen the same monitor from Panny a while back too! All the same monitor, with a JVC tube I belive. I've never had a problem with them.

I've also seen the TM910's installed to monitor DigiBeta decks at the studios of our national broadcaster here, and belive me when I say they don't cheap out on anything. (Government run and whatnot..)

- Mikko
 
coffee said:
I had the opportunity (thanks Chris) to see a field monitor in action during my production this past weekend and now I can't see shooting a film without one.

So, what makes a field monitor a good field monitor? I'm so clueless with all of this X-amount of lines and under/over scan and ratio options stuff. So, so, sooooo clueless.

I'd like to keep it at or under $1k so throw some recommendations at me.
Click to expand...

This is a really good question. Sadly, I don't know the answer.:cry: The only monitor I've found that can be used for production and post is:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=262238&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Like you say, something equivalent to this at 1k would be amazing.
 
Chris i coulda swore u said that monitor was more expensive than that

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
It was when I purchased it two years ago. :)

The monitor was over $800 back then and the 75 foot S-Video cable was over $100.

I hate it when you buy stuff and then it seems like the price drops the day after. :(

Chris
 
Okay, I've decided to sell one of the JVCs over at the Marketplace. TM-900SU (NTSC only) for $145.
 
Jay - are you planning on going to the HVX anytime soon?
That would be something to consider when thinking about a monitor.

I've got a JVC 13" - nothing great - but it gets the job done.
It's about $200 less than the Ikegami - but not nearly as rugged.
I have to treat it with kid gloves when taking in on a shoot, it's not really meant to be a field monitor. But, it's got 750 lines - which is nice.

I'd echo the other comments - I wouldn't go any smaller than 9" and 300 Lines.
(please, no back jokes off that comment).

Let us know what you decide to go with.
 
Yeah, don't do it Coffee!

It's a software menu for chaging settings, sounds like it has the same controls as a comsumer TV.

Also, and this is a biggie: no handle! Haul that thing on location a couple of times and you'll be wishing you had something to hold it by.

..That os cours ein adition to the lack of hardware controls.

- Mikko
 
Jay,

Started this thread(the link below) sometime ago, it was very helpful in my search......... Overall there are certain specs that are a must... e.g. bluegun, 16:9 switch, under/overscan, color adjustments(P22/Phosphorus)etc...... Your locations might be a factor in deciding.... meaning most 9" monitors have a battery option, where as the 14" and up don't(might need marine battery or generator).

http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=37945

I leaned more towards Sony:
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Broadcastan...or guide.pdf

-Chris
 
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