Perfect monitor for EX1 / 7D under $1000?

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wcmary

New member
I have an ex1 and a 7d and need a monitor so I can put the thing on a crane. Plenty of cheap ones on ebay, but I doubt their focussing ability is all that wonderful.
Important to me:
Has to have native inputs to support both cams (ie, no adapter required to plug in the HDMI for 7D)
Has to have high enough resolution to focus accurately
Has to be under $1000
Has to be at least 7", but no more than 10"

Battery life should be at least 6 hours, or easily upgradable to this.
I'd like it to be viewable without a shade in sunlight, but am willing to forego this in favor of the other options.

I'd really appreciate some suggestions. Thanks in advance!
 
I have an EX3 and 7D myself, and I have the smallHD dp1x. It fits all of your criteria, except you'll need to figure out a battery solution of your own if you truly need 6 hours of battery life. IMO, that is a pretty tall order, given your budget. I have two of the smallHD batteries, and they last around 2 hours each. I charge one while using the other, and never find myself without power. The batteries are cheap enough that you could get three or four though, if you need that many.
 
Go with the SmallHD DP6, for the SDI its only $1300.00. It's the better investment, Highest res, small and lite. their battery on the DP6 last for 4.5 hours. It can be updated via firmware. It's "HD" you will never need another monitor again. It will do Composite, component, HDMI, SDI and soon 3G. Has focus assist, 1 to 1 mapping (picture blow up for focus) Soon to have exposure assist Very reasonably price accessories as well.

It's the best monitor for the price, period. I have one and its really the best "small monitor" picture you will ever see. All that you want, for under a 1000.00 dollars is just not going to happen. And for 6 hours you will have to go a/c or do a d-tap to a full size Anton B brick. No monitor an do 6 hours unless heavily batteried.

Plus the DP1X is now discontinued, they have just enough for warranties and repairs for current DP1x owners.
 
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Thanks, guys!

Thanks, guys!

Wow, I'd never heard of smallHD. I was looking at the Marshall of the same price range and am happy I posted. These guys seem to blow Marshall away.
Couple of quick additional questions, though -
1. Why on earth did they discontinue the DP1x? Was it a lemon? I really wish the DP6 had its size...
2. The site says they are backordered on the DP6, but ship within 5 days. Have any of you had this come up? How good are they in getting it out that quickly?
3. Lastly, how long have they been in business? I'm blown away by the amount of videos and features these guys have come up with, but still it's a factor, you know...

Btw, 6 hours of battery life was allowing additional funds for extra batteries. If I go with the smallHD, I'll get the Canon mount and a couple of Pearstone batteries, which is actually cheaper than getting their native one:-)

Again, thanks SO MUCH for the tip!
 
Oh, and one more thing. Looking at the acrylic case and the neoprene sleve to protect it (I do a lot of action / wilderness stuff). My experience with neoprene is that it's pretty snug - will it fit with the acrylic case attached, or do I have to take it off if I want to store it?

Thanks again!
 
wcmary said:
Wow, I'd never heard of smallHD. I was looking at the Marshall of the same price range and am happy I posted. These guys seem to blow Marshall away.
Couple of quick additional questions, though -
1. Why on earth did they discontinue the DP1x? Was it a lemon? I really wish the DP6 had its size...
2. The site says they are backordered on the DP6, but ship within 5 days. Have any of you had this come up? How good are they in getting it out that quickly?
3. Lastly, how long have they been in business? I'm blown away by the amount of videos and features these guys have come up with, but still it's a factor, you know...

Btw, 6 hours of battery life was allowing additional funds for extra batteries. If I go with the smallHD, I'll get the Canon mount and a couple of Pearstone batteries, which is actually cheaper than getting their native one:-)

Again, thanks SO MUCH for the tip!
Click to expand...


Because they didn't plan out a business model. I remember when this company started up a while back promising a 9 inch monitor under 800 bucks. then they finally came out with the dp1, which was around 900. then they discontinued that and came out with the dp1x, which was over a grand. then they discontinued THAT now apparently and are only selling a 5 inch monitor? I just don't understand these companies sometimes.
 
have they stopped the Dp1x ?

the reality is that the 5 inch one is great, the Dp1x is quite big and heavy, (I have 2) and a 5inch moitor is more suited to the core market, handheld rigs steadicam etc

one problem with the smallHD and sub $2k marshalls is viewability in the sun

my only problem with small hd is daylight viewing (thier shade is great)

I am currently considering a transvideo monitor for daylight steadicam use

but they really cost
 
As in any business things happen...I think SmallHD had lost their supplier of the DP1X screeen.Thats why it was discontinued. Also the neoprene case fits just fine with plexy cover, you just can't have a battery mounted.

FYI Sam, I sent you a PM, I have a 5.6 Transvideo that s excellent shape and looking to sell for very good price. Lets talk!
 

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OK, so I went for it. It stretched the budget well past my limits, but considering the quality, I'm will to live cheaply for a while.
DP6-SDI for $1299, plus the following accessories:
StrongArm 6 ($79)
Acrylic Screen protector ($19)
DP6 Neoprene sleeve ($19)
6ft mini-HDMI to HDMI cable ($9)
1.5 ft mini-HDMI to HDMI cable ($9)
DP6 Sunhood ($49)
Canon mount ($49)
2 Pearstone (Canon substitute) batteries ($79.90)
25 foot 75ohm BNC cable from amazon ($10.49)
25 foot HDMI to HDMI cable with HDMI to mini HDMI adapter (couldn't find a decent priced mini to HDMI cable, so I hope the adapter doesn't degrade the signal too much... $8.49 + $10.92 adapter)

Thanks again for your advice and help!
 
there will be no degradation in signal, as it's digital. the signal either locks and displays, or if a single bit of information has been lost of altered it will not work! Length shouldn't be an issue either, hdmi 1.3 specs tested and approved several cables up to 40 feet I believe. Use 35 footers myself, ever had a problem.
 
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