Need an external display (these old eyes are not what they used to be)

N

nyvideo

Active member
I did some very simple shooting yesterday with my HMC40. I used a 0.9 ND filter in sunlight at mid-day to try to get a relatively shallow depth of field.

It went OK, but not every shot was wonderful. There were some major focusing problems in a couple of shots that could have benefitted from having a focus puller. One problem was in a rose garden, capturing two people walking behind some rose bushes. The other was a long shot down a sidewalk with someone walking toward the camera.

I think it’s time to get an external display. These old eyes would be helped by being able to see a bigger image.

I’m hoping to move to a newer camera at some point also. I’m considering the AF100 or its replacement/upgrade, maybe the BMDC and, depending on what it’s like when it’s released, the GH3. Hence, whatever I purchase for now for the HMC40 would have to work with any newer camera. It would be nice to have focus peaking, zebra, and histogram too.

Any suggestions from those of you who’ve used one?

TIA.
 
Have used both of the Small HD offerings, the DP4 which has a VF option, and the sharper and larger DP6. Nice image and quality construction on both. The DP4 with VF is a little heavy for the HMC40 shoe mount, so you might want to Frankenrig a different mounting scheme. No problem without the heavy but detacheable VF. Also, the Small monitors have multiple battery options, though not for the ones used on the HMC40. You can spend more money on a TV logic, which I haven't used, but many swear by. Small HD is a great company; responsive to customers and always upgrading firmware.

Grant
 
nyvideo, I had the same problem coping with ineffective EVF/ LCD on HMC40 and finally bought an IndiPro Tools Pro5 LCD 5 inch external LCD. If nyvideo refers at all to you being in or near New York City location IndiPro is located in NY city. I mention that because in my pre-purchase research I talked several times to JC at IndiPro (516-303-4465) and he was very patient and helpful. Cost less than $300 depending on any specials you might find. This is first time I have used external LCD but I have been pleased with results and features. I find I can even use it in most sunlit outdoor scenes even with the tiny sunshade it comes with--I made a bigger sunshade out of cardboard but have not used it yet. I could not make the included swivel mount (to attach LCD to hot shoe on HMC40) work so bought another one at B&H (VariZoom VariZoom VZ-Shoe Swivel Shoe Camera Mount B&H # VAVZSHOE) which works ok (LCD with heavyduty Sony battery is a bit wobbly on camera but has not really been a problem). You can get the Pro5 with several different battery attachments and I could use my old Sony batteries with it.

I have read some external LCD's do not display camera info but the Pro5 displayed data using the HDMI output--just make sure you set Video Out OSD to on (find that in one of the main menu settings). This is an important feature to make sure you have. I copied the Pro5 features shown below. I think the blue gun is important feature to calibrate the viewer but I have not yet fully figured that out despite some advice from this forum.

  • 5" Camera Monitor for DSLRs / Camcorders
  • Sony Battery Plate Included
  • HDMI Camera Input
  • 1/4" - 20 Head Ball Mount Included
  • 800x480 Resolution/600:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Monochrome and Color Peaking for Focus
  • Blue Gun/Adjustable RGB for Calibration
  • Underscan
  • Native Canon 5D Live-View Output
  • Removable Sunshade Included
Keep in mind an external viewer is one more thing to mess with and mount onto camera (adds to setup time) and I don't think it would work well for hand held operation. However, as I learn more about videography I am converting more to tripod mounted use to film sports car races. Along with Manfrotto 502HD head I just bought and a remote control and the Pro5 my shots look more "professional" than my hand held days (as expected). Overall I am glad I bought the external viewer. Dennis
 
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