Monitor SDI

N

naavt

Well-known member
I assume that SDI connections have some kind of advantage over HDMI ones. I'm assuming that because SDI monitors are always more expensive than their HDMI counterparts. I'm buying a Marshall V-LCD70XP monitor. The case is:

Which Should I buy? The HDMI or spend more $200 for the SDI one?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions
 
HDMI connections and HDSDI connections carry pretty similar video, and for monitoring purposes, both are probably very very similar.

That's not to say that there is no difference though! HDSDI is a professional format, and it's being used on everything from the AF-100 to the Alexa. You can buy one monitor and use it on almost anything, in almost any situation. While HDMI is great for prosumer cameras, even some of them don't have HDMI plugs, and if you move up to a more professional camera, you'll need to upgrade monitors. Also, since HDSDI uses BNC connectors, they're locking, and yet easy to remove. No more worries about it getting almost pulled out mid-take, or it not being in fully and not getting signal. You can also run HDSDI over longer distances, up to 300 feet if using the right cables. HDMI has been known to get funny over 50 feet or so. I believe that the Marshalls with HDSDI also have loop-through, another valuable asset.

There's a lot of use in getting an HDMI monitor (I should know, I just bought one) because you can easily plug it into a lot of cameras without any kind of adaptors, and with DSLRs, it's your only choice - that's why I bought one. But if you're in a situation with a camera that has both, go for the HDSDI. It's just so much nicer.
 
tomthemacman said:
...and with DSLRs, it's your only choice - that's why I bought one. But if you're in a situation with a camera that has both, go for the HDSDI. It's just so much nicer.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tom,

This is for connecting a GH2, so HDSDI is a no go?

Also... If later I want to connect it to a professional camera, is there any adapters in the market for HDSDI > HDMI connections?
 
Yes, from a GH2 HDSDI is a no go.

Only get it if you plan on buying something more advanced in the near future.

If i were you, i would get the Small HD DP6. Its a fantastic monitor that can grow with you as you change camera formats. It has Component RBG, HDMI and HD SDI. Its really great.
 
TimurCivan said:
Yes, from a GH2 HDSDI is a no go.

Only get it if you plan on buying something more advanced in the near future.

If i were you, i would get the Small HD DP6. Its a fantastic monitor that can grow with you as you change camera formats. It has Component RBG, HDMI and HD SDI. Its really great.
Click to expand...

No one is selling the Small HD over here in Europe. So if I wanted one I had to import it and pay 23% taxes over it's price plus shipping, plus customs fees! It's a hassle I'm afraid :(
 
You can upgrade the Small DP6 to an HD SDI it says. Is this procedure complicated where you send it in for some time?
 
naavt said:
No one is selling the Small HD over here in Europe. So if I wanted one I had to import it and pay 23% taxes over it's price plus shipping, plus customs fees! It's a hassle I'm afraid :(
Click to expand...

Thats terrible!
 
I agree, SmallHD DP6 is the way to go. I would contact the company about their SDI upgrade. I emailed them a few months ago bc I bought the HDMI version and wanted to know the cost of the upgrade. I was told $515 covers shipping in both directions and the upgrade. Of course, for europe the shipping will be more, but worth looking into.

I am actually about to list the HDMI only version for sale here because I friend is selling me the SDI DP6 shortly. PM me if you did you research and feel like its the monitor for you!
 
3G SDI can carry uncompressed 10 bit signals that are up to 2k in resolution. It can also carry up to 16 tracks of audio. SDI also carries timecode. For 3D signals, you need dual-link SDI.

HDMI 1.4 can carry compressed signals up to 4k in resolution. It carries audio, but I'm not sure how many tracks, probably 6. There's no timecode. HDMI can also carry a framepacked 3D signal.
 
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