Investing in a monitor, suggestions?

R

ReelFilmGeek

Well-known member
Hey guys I currently have a T2I with the magic lantern hack and I am looking in to getting a monitor for the camera. My two ideas where either a cheap monitor just to use with the T2i for now because of its limited output resolution and magic lantern already gives me some really nice features, or the second option was something like a DP4. Its at the high end of what i really could spend but it seems more future proof and better quality, but along with its price is only what 4.2 inches? Is that a little small to use as an external monitor instead of something like a 5in or 7in monitor from CoolLCD?
 
ReelFilmGeek said:
Hey guys I currently have a T2I with the magic lantern hack and I am looking in to getting a monitor for the camera. My two ideas where either a cheap monitor just to use with the T2i for now because of its limited output resolution and magic lantern already gives me some really nice features, or the second option was something like a DP4. Its at the high end of what i really could spend but it seems more future proof and better quality, but along with its price is only what 4.2 inches? Is that a little small to use as an external monitor instead of something like a 5in or 7in monitor from CoolLCD?
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I vote for the DP-4. I think it would be great to configure for handling. Love to have one but gonna have to save up.
 
I use a Lilliput with my T2i, and it's fine since the T2i's output during recording isn't that great anyway. The advantage, though, to purchasing something of higher quality is forward compatibility. If you go with a better camera later, your monitor won't be obsolete.
 
Alex H. said:
I use a Lilliput with my T2i, and it's fine since the T2i's output during recording isn't that great anyway. The advantage, though, to purchasing something of higher quality is forward compatibility. If you go with a better camera later, your monitor won't be obsolete.
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That's what I was thinking but then again I could just drop a cheap amount of cash on a lilliput for now, live with it since the T2I output isnt that great and when i do upgrade their is probably a good chance of a newer better monitor. Im just wondering if any of the advantages of the DP4 would be that noticeable and helpful on a T2I with the magic lantern hack.
 
Having ML on my T2i has been great. The focus and exposure tools are very handy, and I've had no problems working with the Lilliput. There is, however, a better offering from the same folks that sell the Lilliput monitors (CoolLCD).

I've found that the 7" monitor is a bit large on the T2i, even when mounted on a shoulder rig. If I had it to do over again, I'd go for a 5". Plus, they now have a 5" Ruige monitor that seems to have some higher functions. I haven't used it, but I've been tempted to get one just to see what it's capable of. Alas, I have Christmas shopping to do instead...
 
This is the way I think about situations like this.

If you know you want to get a nicer monitor later down the road, why spend $200 on the lilliput, only to spend another $450-$600 (depending on what package you get) on the DP4.

I know it's a wallet stinger to spend that kind of money but you will save a lot of money in the long run and you will be much happier with the higher quality DP4.

If you can't afford the DP4 and need a monitor right now, than get the lilliput.

If you can afford the DP4 or can stand waiting till you have enough money, than get the DP4.

 
Tim Nitsch said:
This is the way I think about situations like this.

If you know you want to get a nicer monitor later down the road, why spend $200 on the lilliput, only to spend another $450-$600 (depending on what package you get) on the DP4.

I know it's a wallet stinger to spend that kind of money but you will save a lot of money in the long run and you will be much happier with the higher quality DP4.
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The other train of thought... Why spend good money on an item you can't really take advantage of. By the time the OP purchases a camera which can take advantage of the features the DP4 offers, something even better/cheaper will likely be available. Just playing devils advocate.
 
Alex H. said:
\ If I had it to do over again, I'd go for a 5". Plus, they now have a 5" Ruige monitor that seems to have some higher functions. I haven't used it, but I've been tempted to get one just to see what it's capable of. Alas, I have Christmas shopping to do instead...
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I was actually looking at that monitor and I'm now leaning more towards the cheaper option and if I do decide to get one it might be the Ruige, if I do ill let you know how it is. Still waiting on a few other factors and the monitor might be put on my wish list because I also have been looking at some steady cams for music video work, plus a new computer. Looks like i need to find some more freelance work.
 
Try to make the monitor camera agnostic as well. Get one that can do HDMI and SDI for future proofing, and a wavform is a very big plus.
 
The problem I've seen with cheaper monitors is viewing angle - it can be all over the place, and how do you know what's "right"?

Small HD is great; but you can often find a used Marshall 5" (V-LCD50) on eBay for $250 or so. Pretty fabulous panel on that thing, blue-only, HDMI, 1:1 switch, peaking, etc. And you can get battery plates for about $30, for many DSLR and video batteries. Small HD now has a seriously nice focus assist - but the problem with DSLRs is a focus assist often thinks "everything's in focus" due to the aliasing.

That said, I never use the damn thing on my DSLR unless it's on a crane or crazy rig. I cannot STAND the delay, and the screen being cropped means I'm not getting much benefit. (smallHD gives you a full screen or so I understand. A SmallHD would be a nice long-term investment).

I've found a loupe is my never-take-it-off device of choice. I can focus just fine with even a cheap one. The Canon LCDs are nice color-wise, and I've found I can rely on the histogram when shooting a still to check levels.

One tip for focusing on a monitor though - get a pair of those cheap drugstore reading glasses. I freaking love those for using LCDs without viewfinders. I've got 'em stuffed in every bag.
 
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