FS7: Recommend a monitor

Liam Hall

Liam Hall

Veteran
I just got back from a shoot in the US and noticed my field monitor looks like someone has run a large magnet across it - don't know if this is a new magnetic security scanner or whether it's taken a hit, but it's now complete toast and needs replacing.

What are people using for monitoring on the FS7? I'm specifically looking for something with waveform and possibly mLUTs, but most of all it needs to be tough. Not sure if I need it to RAW record in the future, so just a monitor at this point.

I'm leaning towards a TV Logic, but any better recommendations would be welcome.

Cheers,

Liam.
 
I've ordered an Atomos Shogun mostly for the monitoring, although once fs7 recording is enabled that will be grand too.
 
I've been considering trying the Atoms Shogun when it comes out. It's 1920x1200, which can obviously cover full HD as opposed to 1280x800 that most 7" monitors are. It can also cover 1/2 of UHD, which might reduce scaling artifacts when downsampling UHD/4k for display.
 
I've order the Atomos Shogun to be used primarily as a monitor, not only for the FS7 but for any camera. I might use it to get prores in both HD and UDH from the FS7 but the resolution, low power consumption and features as a monitor is hard to beat.
 
Shogun does look interesting, but I have no current need for it's extra features, so I'm still leaning towards TV Logic. Hadn't seen that Blackmagic one before. Wonder when/if it will ship?
 
TVLogic in my mind is the best value of the monitors with decent software scopes and good color rendition. The pro line of Marshall monitors are good. If the Marshall Orchid monitor is still available it is good and rugged with VERY good scopes. It is a bit bigger and heavier than the typical on camera monitors like SmallHD and such. Transvideo is the de rigueur of portable monitors with scopes but it's prices reflect that. Might want to look at Flanders Scientific. Even though they are known for their color perfect larger monitors, they have a smaller unit.
 
I'm confused why people are not mentioning the Odyssey; it's an amazing recorder, analyzer and monitor in one. The price for the HD only one is about the same as a normal decent monitor alone. If you need a 5.6", which I think is too small for any feature/commercial work, Small HD or TV Logic are both great.
 
VinceinLA said:
I'm confused why people are not mentioning the Odyssey
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I agree - it gives the options to buy the back section and move to raw/prores recording if desired.

Personally I do, however, feel it is too big to work as a shoulder monitor.

Im not really up to speed on which mon/recorders are handling the A7s/GH4 etc, I would also be considering that as you may be in a situation where you are using one of those as a bCam.
 
Liam. Depending on your application TV Logic is a strong contender. I like the fact it is true HD resolution. Had client asking about 7" vs 5.6" and with the higher res on the smaller monitor it actually made his decision for him, at that time. TV Logic is also great for light weight purposes.

They also have a great warranty program, at least here at TV Logic USA.
 
I find this and the other threads on monitors both useful and at the same time frustrating. Like many I too am trying to make a monitor decision, don't want simply a "confidence" monitor nor a "semi pro" monitor that has features but they are not necessarily accurate. Clearly there is a need for serious "monitor shootout" such as we see for almost every season of cameras. I am hopeful one of the "underwritten" contributors or sites does this soon. I am looking at the Odessy, wondering if the Shogun is a good as it is said to be and after reading the experience of some with BlackMagic monitors, I would not want to be the first to buy. Ikan has two new monitors but they are rebranders and that is always a worry. SmallHD ...well I have their EVF and it doesn't impress me, their higher end 7" monitors are at the same price point or more than Odessy and Shogun with no recorder.TVLogic, Marshal,and Flanders always seem to be the favorites. How long is a piece of rope?
 
When I first got my F55 I didn't want to break the bank and ended up with an iKan D7W 3G-SDI now replaced with a newer model - I know they probably don't have a good reputation like SmallHD or TVlogic but the D7W actually had a very impressive resolution and I have done many 4K shoots and had either my 1st AC or myself pulling focus straight off the monitor. I'm not saying the HD monitor is 4K, I'm just saying that the extra resolution gave a crispness that made it possible to work with very nicely when recording 4K.

Also it has every waveform monitoring tool under the sun: waveform, RGB parade, false color, vectorscope, and a few modes to view 3 monitoring tools at once including the video feed. Back then it was around $999.

I know ikan is sometimes referred to as "I-can't" and maybe there are cheaper better monitors out there now but hey I just thought I'd through it out there. :cool:
 
Also as mentioned in the 200 page thread, has anyone with and FS7 actually tried a monitor over HDMI mode with the camera in 24P mode? This was and still is a big problem on the F5/F55 so I suspect nothing different on the FS7... it would be good to get some feedback from current FS7 owners incase anyone is considering HDMI monitors, transmitters, etc..
 
I noticed this recently when shopping for monitors. Even the older TvLogic 5.6" monitor holds it's value very well as they are industry standards. Recently monitors are moving up to FHD resolution with some of them having LUT functions. I wonder how well Atomos monitors hold up in the used market as I am eying myself the Shogun.
 
starcentral said:
Also as mentioned in the 200 page thread, has anyone with and FS7 actually tried a monitor over HDMI mode with the camera in 24P mode? This was and still is a big problem on the F5/F55 so I suspect nothing different on the FS7... it would be good to get some feedback from current FS7 owners incase anyone is considering HDMI monitors, transmitters, etc..
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Yes, it works. You need to set HDMI output to 1080i. Its's not a clean feed though, at least, I've only got it to work with the same feed as the VF.
 
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Odyssey 7Q is a very good monitor. Plus, and this is a HUGE plus, you can upgrade it to record 4K Pro-Res, which I believe is not possible on the FS7. The Back Attachment only allows Pro-Res in HD resolutions. I've been shooting 4K Pro-Res like crazy lately (my most used format on paid jobs). It's amazingly good and very, very clean.

You can also shoot RAW, but that's not too useful since it's un-compressed RAW so the file sizes are insane.

I think right now it's on sale for $1795.

It's actually a very light monitor (like a 1 lbs or so) and I use it on my rig where the EVF should be (on an FS700) and it's a little big, but you just get used to it and the large-ish monitor viewing size can actually be very beneficial out in the field.
 
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I've used a Marshall 7" (don't know the model # but i can check tomorrow) at an employers often. It looks great, but the tools suck.
The waveform is absolutely unreadable and the red peaking ( which I love on TV Logic 5.6) is completely unreliable. Very disappointing.
 
The best monitor I've had was the BT-LH1700 from Panasonic so maybe their smaller monitors are in the same league? As far as Atomos goes I really liked the monitor on the Samurai Blade, but it was to small at five inches. I'll have a look at the Shogun this weekend.
 
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