The component signal is going to give you a better image than the s-video connection.
I bought the Marshall and received it today, with the Panasonic battery plate modification from Nebtek, which saves on having the purchase the IDX system and allows use of HVX batteries. So far, I think it's great.
I do have a question: under what circumstances do the tally indicators light up? I've got power, have run footage on the P2 card in playback and record mode, and have yet to see one of those three lamps come on.
One more thing: the cheapo hotshoe mount suggested for it is pretty flimsy. I'd go with something with more hold if you want to mount it on camera. Any suggestions on this one? I seem to recall a thread that had some info...
You know, I asked about the tally ligths and they do require their own connection (look on back of unit) and they are designed for professional production where each camera man/woman can see if they are on stand-by or record... don't know much more than that, the system probably needs some elaborate hook up to work...
The cost of the Marshall is pretty high, but think of the resale value will hold its value and reputation for a while, so its a good investment, and if you make money using it, get the good professional gear, its worth it to buy quality stuff...
I power the marshall off a 14.4 Vlink battery on the Zacuto Baseplate. It also has an adaptor to power the camera, but I've found it creates faint white lines in the picture. The Zacuto also mounts an israeli arm, where I have the marshall attached upside down for use with a 35mm adaptor.
On a jib arm, I can have the monitor right in my face. I haven't tested this, but I suppose I can put my monitor right in my face for handheld as well.
Anything on the Marshall itself is going to be too much weight. I like the all in one baseplate system. I think Redrock's power pod is similar. Other than those, your looking at strapping a battery belt somewhere...
One thing with the Marshal, is you're getting Yprb analog out. Consider this when going beyond the marshal to a directors or client monitor. We are using an AJA analog-SDI convertor SDI- Decklink- DVI - DELL