LCD field monitor options

dr_stupid

dr_stupid

Active member
Hey guys,

I think this has been discussed in brief before, but I wanted to rehash it a bit. I don't have a field monitor, and I really can't afford a traditional CRT like the Sony PVM. I want something better than the camera's LCD, though, for helping me judge focus, framing, and overall exposure. Color accuracy is not something I am particularly concerned about for this application (I will not be using this for ediiting).

I was considering buying an LCD, and one of the best/cheapest options I can find from researching it is this Lilliput LCD monitor:
http://www.case-mod.com/store/lilliput-619gl70npc-lcd-vga-monitor-black-p-1744.html
 It is 7" with a resolution of 2400 x 480. It can accept composite video input, and it goes for about $250.

Another option I'm thinking about is a portable DVD player. This model is 10", has a resolution of 800 x 480, accepts video in, and sells for around $280. (And it has the added benefit of doubling as portable entertainment!)
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Code=VOX+D2011&JRSource=zdnet.datafeed.VOX+D2011

Any thoughts on either of these? My biggest question is this: for my three goals of being better able to judge focus, framing, and exposure, will either of these options add significantly to the performance of the camera's LCD, or am I better off saving my money until I can afford a professional CRT some day?

As always, thanks for your input!
 
I used a portable DVD player as a field monitor once. Worked out nicely. But I wasn't the camera operator, I was the director.

The Lilliput LCD looks interesting, but does it require plug-in power? Or can it run on batteries? If it can run on batteries, I'd say it's a good choice for it's screen resolution.

But personally, I prefer a larger screen to see what I'm shooting (which might affect your focus, framing and exposure judgement). The portable DVD player has the larger screen and it's absolutely battery powered. Just make sure the lower resolution isn't something that will be an issue for you in the future. Also, make sure it can monitor a 16:9 signal. It doesn't specify in that link you posted.

If you need a true field monitor, if it's the model I'm thinking of, I believe the Sony PVM comes with extra costs (field battery charger, extra batteries) which aren't cheap. But you should look into what the end costs would be for going that route.

Bottom line: Unless you have a real need for color correction in the near future, my choice would be the DVD player over saving for a CRT.
 
I ran across a nice $1000.00 high res- wide aspect lcd monitor a while back that had all kinds of inputs, including a firewire input for a true digital signal when attatched to a dv camera. I beleive it was about 7" or so wide. Anyone out there know of that particular screen? If so, can you lend me the name/brand/model???

Thanks!
 
I use a 17 inch wide screen LCD. I dont ever trust the colors but it gives me a great idea on framing and has no underscan.
 
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