C100: SmallHD 503/703 ?

I've used the 502, 702, and AC7. Overall they're pretty nice. Colors aren't amazing on the 700 series; the AC7 OLED looked nicer, but the 700 series is sharper at 1080p, which is what is more important to me. I wouldn't say it's super sharp, though.

The only small field monitor I've seen and really liked the image from so far was the Sony DVF-L700 7" Full HD Monitor, which lacks in feature set and is expensive, but has a great image. I've found the Atomos image to be weak. I don't have much experience with the Odyssey. Marshall seem to have not been keeping up with current tech; they used to be pretty standard and now are scoffed at. I have a Marshall which came with my Steadicam.

I'm tempted to buy the 703. It's $400 off until March 31st when the introductory price ends.

The 703 is 13 watt power draw, and the 702 is 11 watt power draw, so it's impressive that they've more than doubled the nits while keeping the power draw low. Their older DP7-PRO HIGH BRIGHT monitor was 24 watts, so quite a bit more.

Unfortunately the 703 is a good amount heavier at 26 oz vs 17 oz for the 702. And with the 500 series, their 503 is 16 oz while their 502 is 9 oz.

I think one of the main reasons for the 502's popularity was how light it was, though the lack of view-ability in sunlight was certainly a downside. The 503 will certainly add more noticable heft to a lightweight camera like the C100, but maybe for the heavier C300 Mark II the extra weight won't be as noticeable.
 
Have you looked at the Atomos options? They all have 1500 nit output and have some nifty features for the price.

-gl
 
I just pre-ordered the 703. Guess we'll see when it ships. Says April, so I wouldn't be too surprised if that means May. Worst case it takes too long and you can cancel your order.
 
I was looking at the Bright Tangerine Titan Support Arm. Looks quite nice, supports 17.6 lbs.

What's wrong with using L-series batteries? They'd be lighter than V-mounts, and probably last less long. You could also mount the V-mount to the back of the camera setup as it often is on more rigged out rigs; that'd probably feel more ergonomic than having a five lb monitor/arm/battery lop-siding your whole camera setup. I didn't see a Canon LP-E6 battery plate option, which I think they had for the 702; I guess they figured those batteries don't have enough juice even though it's only 2 watts more power draw than the 702.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TOVP5dW38U
 
Yep bad ju ju.

Small have the best computer firmware software running their monitors. End of. The software and WFM is amazing.

BUT

Really they do not have the robustness of a +$1000 product.

Anything costing more than $1000 should be sort of made for use on location.

Bottpm line a small knock broke the SDI on my 502.. the cable management is just appalling.

Small beefed up the design but dont even answer my emails about getting mine mended/upgraded.

Screens can be super shiney unless you get some sort of cover. matt stick on thing

The EVF mod was poorly rated.

A real shame - I have a DP1 and Dp6 and they are solid, my 502 is much more childish.

Check Transvideo if you want tools for grown ups.
 
I see SmallHD in behind-the-scenes shots being used on big sets pretty often. Hacksaw Ridge, for one.

I see Steadicam Ops commonly using Transvideo monitors, but for an on-camera monitor I don't see them that often (like I do with SmallHD), though perhaps it could be because their branding/logo isn't as apparent.


4hP28UX.jpg
 
Eric Coughlin said:
I see SmallHD in behind-the-scenes shots being used on big sets pretty often. Hacksaw Ridge, for one.

I see Steadicam Ops commonly using Transvideo monitors, but for an on-camera monitor I don't see them that often (like I do with SmallHD), though perhaps it could be because their branding/logo isn't as apparent.


4hP28UX.jpg
Click to expand...

Just looking at the hood, I'm guessing it's probably a DP7 Pro. i.e: before they became part of Vitec.

None of their new stuff impresses me. The interface/menu looks like dealing with Windows software and having to use those damn little dummy battery adapters to run them instead of a straight power input just looks sloppy and messy. The touchscreen interface on the DP7 Pro OLED is amazing(still). I was lucky enough a few days ago to stumble across Charles selling his DP7Pro. I jumped on that the second I saw it. BEST on-camera monitor I've ever owned. I'm so glad I'm gonna have a second/spare, now.

It's a shame smallHD has become a part of Vitec. Stories like Sam's are more and more common. I remember emailing back and forth with Wes in the early days, even late at night, and being asked for feedback and suggestions and even seeing some of my suggestions implemented into firmware updates. I've even seen broken monitors replaced in a day. Now guys have problems just trying to get replies for warranty service.
 
I have a SmallHD 501/Sidefinder- love it, with the exception of the LP-E6 batts. Need lots of them when run & gun with the Sidefinder, but when shooting interviews, I use a 10,000 mAh phone battery, lasts all day.
 
Eric Coughlin said:
I see SmallHD in behind-the-scenes shots being used on big sets pretty often. Hacksaw Ridge, for one.

I see Steadicam Ops commonly using Transvideo monitors, but for an on-camera monitor I don't see them that often (like I do with SmallHD), though perhaps it could be because their branding/logo isn't as apparent.
Click to expand...

For a big set they are desposable - for the weekend warrior they are fine for the journeyman the are more challenging.

RnG - yep I've been emailing wes. Honestly I'm suprised he would not give me a new 502 - I feel that as an owner of 2 dp1s Im a shareholder :)
 
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