small hd dp4 or new ac7?? (not the oled one)

[cathstrat]

Hi -- I need to get an on camera monitor. The ac7 is not that much more in dollars than the dp4 (monitor only) but it's WAY bigger. I'm nervous about getting the dp4 because it's not that much bigger than the onboard lcd -- but will the ac7 be too clunky to use on the AF100 when I'm not using a tripod?

alternatively, would you recommend getting the dp4 with the evf?

Thanks for your tips. Did a search for ac7 on the forum but didn't come up with anything.:huh:

cathy

 

[mcbob]

Depends... how will you need to use it?

If you need a relocated EVF for shoulder mounting purposes, the AC7 will be slightly cumbersome.

If you need a large external monitor for super-accurate focus and easy visibility for director/client/etc monitoring, the DP4 may underwhelm.

I tried to split the difference with a DP6, and am now finding that it's a bit too large for shoulder work, and a bit small for more than one or two people to effectively monitor. It's an OK interim solution, but when budget permits I'm back to EVF shopping.

 

[ggrantly]

I like the Cool products, and they are a really nice company. You want to talk to the president, no problem. Customer service is excellent.

The DP4 is not as sharp or detailed as the DP6 by a long shot, but is plenty good enough for focus in the field. The VF option works well, and the flip up aspect is great. If I had a complaint is that it's a bit heavy. I feel a bit guilty if I put it on a camera shoe. On a shoulder rig or and arm, it's fine. The DP6 is simply excellent. I've heard a few gripes about color rendition, yellow issues, but I wouldn't expect to do color grading on a small field monitor. The color seems good enough to me. Firmware features are periodically updated by Cool and they have added new features which is awesome.

Grant

 

[Erik Naso]

As far as weight goes is the Zacuto EVF lighter than the DP4 EVF? I think it's smaller or more compact. I haven't tried one yet. I have the DP4 EVF and it's pretty good. The 1:1 feature helps for focus and peaking also works well.
When using Lumix lenses the Push To Focus feature is better than an EVF for focus. I rarely use an external EVF with Lumix lenses attached just the built in viewfinder/LCD is good enough. This is for light weight handheld shots. In a rig then the DP4 comes out. tried to avoid the rig.
One thing thats strange with the DP4 is the resolution on the image. It sometimes has a weird look to it. I can't really explain it. Not fuzzy but just strange.