LCD Monitor

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dmchord

Active member
First of all, you guys have been really helpful so far, and I just wanted to throw out another thanks to everyone who's put their two cents in. (Incidentally, I'll probably be going with the Miller Solo DV10 when I scratch up the loot.)

My HVX205A is in the shop right now. At first I thought that it not maintaining focus when zooming out was me, but I compared it with a Sony and that camera maintained focus through a zoom, where mine didn't. Anyway, while I did buy a US Warranty with the camera, the people I got it from (Time2Envy) told me it's still under their 90 day warranty. They told me to ship it to them, and they would ship it to Panasonic, and it would take about 4 weeks. Does that sound kosher? I have to admit I'm a little anxious about having packed up and sent my camera back after only a few weeks.

In any case, my real question for today is about an external monitor. I realize that, lens issues aside, the lcd on the camera isn't going to cut it. Before I sent it off to the doctor, I hooked it up via firewire to my macbook pro and tried using OnLocation for monitoring. That allowed me to see what was or wasn't in focus, but on a couple of ocassions, the image on the laptop was looking good, but the cameras lcd showed a much darker image. When I imported the footage into FCP, it was too dark, so the OnLocation monitoring was lying to me. Also, I just read a couple posts about laptop displays not being an accurate indicator of what you're taping, so I'm going to have to get something to use "in the field." (I said "in the field," like I'm a shooter or something!)

I'm thinking a seven inch monitor that I could mount to the camera or tripod would be cool. What do you guys think about that? As I learned from our discussion of tripods, you get what you pay for...but money is an object. I mean, I'm pretty sure I can't buy an el cheapo special and get any worthwhile results, but I can't exactly go top of the line, either. I'm not even sure I can go middle-of-the-line, whatever that is. Any suggestions?

Would either of these be worth even thinking about?

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-LCD-Monitor-C...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nebtek-Panasoni...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

(Tried to use HTML to shorten these up, but it didn't work!)
 
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The first item stinks. I have it. It made me realize how importatnt it was to spend money on a good monitoring system. For focusing and framing and based on a limited budjet I would go with the Ikan V8000HD. I compared it with more expensive brands and yes if you go higher end it will be better but not in all situations. What I like to use a monitor for is only focusing and framing properly so Ikan is the way to go.
 
i have the ikan. and for framing and focus i LOVE it! but for accurate color and exposure, youre not going to find anything for under about $2000
 
Hey dmchord I've been using Solo DV10 sticks for a few months now. They are light, they're smooth, and really versatile. My only caution you need to know about is its weight limit. The DV10's are suited to handle a load of up to 10 lbs. The camera you're using probably wieghs about 5 lbs, if you're going to add a 35mm adapter and rails that adds another 2 lbs or so. Then on top of that you may be attaching your monitor. What I'm saying is right now my rig is right at about 10 lbs and I can't add anything else. I don't mean to scare you away- it is a great tripod, just know before hand how much weight you will need it to handle.
 
dmchord,

I spent 2 full days at NAB last week checking out 7" monitors and 35mm
adapters.

I guess the best way to answer your question is with a question. What's your
budget?

I looked at the Nebtek for $1,945.00 / Marshall (several choices) and the iKan.

I'm leaning towards the Marshall V-LCD70P-3GSDI (http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/v-lcd70p-3gsdi.html). It has some really nice
features, looks relatively clean and accurate and the price is workable. About
$1,100.00 if you shop around. Has a peaking feature for focus and false color
for exposure to mention a few.

It also leaves my wallet not completely flat so I can work towards the 35mm adapter. Good luck on your selection.

The iKan was OK but was pretty limited as far as extra's.

Mark
 
Not to change to course of the thread, but concerning the tripod mentioned: I bought the Miller ds20/solo legs combo based on threads I read here, and while it is light there are some things to consider. These are great light legs for packing into the wilderness, but if you're working fast, I find it a pain to adjust 6 leg twists as opposed to the type of legs that have a one-stage, 3 adjustment method. And for my hpx 170, without any adaptors or anything, the DS20 has too much drag for my light camera. A fast pan lefts these light legs off the ground. If you don't mount the monitor on your camera, you might be fine with the DS10, even with the adaptor. Try it out in a store if possible.
 
It's interesting to me that pixel response time of the LCD is something that doesn't seem to be a variable / big issue for most. It doesn't seem to ever show up on most LCD spec sheets either... However I know there is a big difference between the lower end & more expensive LCDs...

Anyway, something to take into consideration. You will probably need to write to the manufacturer to find out what there's is.

Also, Flanders Scientific is about to release a 7" LCD and a 9" later in the year. The 9" won't be cheap but they told me that the 7" would be very competitive with other 7" LCDs on the market with much better features & quality. I just did some instructional videos with them for their website (which were shot with the 170) and I was really, really impressed with their monitors. It was quite an education in the differences between lower & upper end LCDs.

http://www.flandersscientific.com/
 
Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY from and eBay seller/company called Time2Envy. They sell grey market cameras. I purchased a Canon from them and it was an import and they refused to accept the return, even though their auction clearly stated the US version of the camera. I just dont want anyone else to have to go through what Ive had to go through with this company!
 
I have a Manhattan monitor (B version) with 2 extra batteries and I love it. I still use the camera for setting exposure, but for framing and critical focus the monitor is a life saver. I would personally recommend getting the A version because it is $100 cheaper and I find the resolution without 1:1 pixel mapping to be more than enough.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask away.

Cheers,
Ryan
 
I just received my SmallHD monitor this week. The 1280x768 native resolution is simply amazing for a portable monitoring solution; perfect for critical focus. My previous monitor was 800x480 and they simply aren't in the same league...

Check them out at www.smallhd.com. Great monitor < $1000
 
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