Monitor solution... advice

niugnep

niugnep

Active member
I have a job coming up soon and I need a better monitor solution than I currently have for it. Basically, I need an HDSDI monitor in my equipment package, which I don't currently have.

I'm looking at two monitors right now the IKAN VX7e (http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=313) and the Marshall 70XHB (http://www.marshallmonitors.com/products/monitors/V-LCD70XHB-3GSDI/index.html). I have to have image flip for steadicam operation and I'd like HDMI for an inexpensive wireless solution down the road that would allow my AC to pull focus, etc.

IKAN: it has HDMI out as well but only 350 NIT it's really not good enough for running with the steadicam outside... (I mean, I could do it... but I'd love something better).
Marshall: No HDMI but at 800 NIT I like this much better, but the resolution isn't as good as the IKAN.

The monitor also needs to work with both the Red MX and the Epic (for this job, I'll be shooting on the MX).

Are their monitors that I'm missing here? I looked at Manhattan, but coudn't find anything I could consider.

Cheaper is better, obviously... but it's got to do the job and get me past just this next show.

Suggestions?
 
I looked at small HD before, but at only 300 NIT and no indication of the ability to flip the image (which I need for steadicam operating in low mode), small HD simply isn't qualified for the task. Unless they have a monitor I'm missing...

On a side note: I really need to update my signature. Ouch.
 
First, the DP6 does have image flip, check the user manual. I can't account for the difference in brightness between the Small DP6 and the others. What I can tell you is the DP6 is an excellent monitor that is entirely useable under any circumstances. Like any other monitor, in bright outdoor conditions, a hood may be needed. In recent threads about monitors, most opinions held the DP6 and the TV-Logig to be the best in this size range with fans of both, but maybe a edge towards the TV-Logic. I like the construction of the DP6, and the excellent customer service, and without a doubt the image is top shelf for focus. The DP6 also has the ability to update firmware, so as Small develops new features, the monitor can be updated. With any of these small monitors there is some grousing about accurate color, and the DP6 is no exception. But I'm not so sure that is the true purpose of an on-cam monitor. In any event, the color seems good to me for field use.

Not sure why the DP6 wouldn't be "qualified". In the size range it is one of the best.

Grant
 
+1 for the DP6. It's a fantastic monitor.

The only one missing from your list, in my opinion, is the TV-Logic, like ggrantly suggested. It's definitely the most expensive out of the bunch, but also has the most - and some of the best - features, like waveform and HDMI-SDI loop-through (720p), which may not mean anything for you as a Steadicam Op.
 
Well, just going by the specs listed on the website, I thought it didn't have image flip which *dis*qualifies it from the running of a monitor that meet my needs. ;)

Thanks for pointing me to user manual though. I'm glad to see it does have image flip.

Although, as fantastic as the TV-Logic monitor looks (and it really does), I dl'ed the user manual and couldn't find image flip anywhere. That's a must have feature, as far as I'm concerned. So...

I'll have to give the SmallHD another look. I've worked with it before as an assistant camera and really enjoyed the experience. I am concerned about the 300 nits though... that's not exactly what I would hope for since so much steadicam work is outside, in bright sun and even though you can put a sunshade on, you don't always end up in a position in relation to the monitor that will allow the sunshade to be of any good.

Thanks for advice.
 
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