Smallhd DP6 vs DP4 EVF

M

Matthew B

Well-known member
I know these sorts of comparisons are usually done to death, but I would really appreciate AF100 users opinions on which of the two they find more useful. I am looking to buy one of the two very soon and really want to hear some real world opinions, particularly from those that have used both. Which one do people prefer? What do people like about each of them? And for those that have both, which one do they find themselves using more often?
I understand that both aren't very colour accurate, but is one closer than the other? Does one have features that the other doesn't?
 
i have both. I bought the DP4 EVF first then picked up a B-Stock DP6 and saved $300. Right now I prefer the DP6. The resolution is very good for pulling focus which is the main reason I use an external monitor for the AF-100.

I’m not going to go to deep here on features since you can see them all on Vimeo. http://vimeo.com/smallhd They cover all that well. I believe both have the same firmware features now with the exception of a battery power indicator that shows how much voltage is left. The DP6 doesn’t have that.

The SmallHD battery for the DP6 is also a great product. Last longer than using two 5D batteries and it’s slim profile makes it look like its part of the monitor. I bought two and that will cover me for a long day of shooting.

The EVF is more for handheld situations. The problem is positioning it quickly can be a pain. However in bright sun it beats a sun shade on the DP6 which works ok. It does get a lot of light leak around the monitor because the neoprene doesn’t touch the monitors front leaving a small gap where light gets in.

Would I get rid of my DP4 EVF? Nope. It’s to good not to have in the bag for when I need it. Its a very good small monitor. The DP6 Is just awesome!
 
They are two different tools.
DP6 is great for critical focus pull and is destined to the 1st AC.
DP4 is to replave the viewfinder and is a great tool for framing.

If you are alone it depends on your liking.
If you are used to shoot with a monitor, go DP6, if you can't live with a viewfinder then DP4 it is.

I own the DP6 and love it over all other monitors.
 
We use both (DP6 w/ SDI and a DP4) and they are for 2 different uses. A DP6 is used for pulling focus and is higher res. A DP4 is generally for DSLR use and personally, we ONLY use a DP4 on B-rigs with push-to-focus due to the lower res. If you want the "better" screen the PD6 w/SDI is it.
 
I have the DP6. Before I had it, I had a heck of a time trying to focus anything on the AF100! I had many shots that I just couldn't tell were out of focus. With the DP6, that has dramatically decreased. However, I still to this day, have focal issues occasionally. It's just super difficult to tell if the AF100 is in focus. But there are ways around that, by turning up sharpness, etc.

In response to Erik's post earlier, I don't really have issues with light leakage from the neoprene sleeve, and I shoot in the blinding desert sun. I just mash my face in the sleeve while I'm shooting so i can cutout all the glare I can. This also pushes the sleeve into place. Has worked so far.

I essentially use the DP6 as a big EVF for both my eyes if that makes any sense.
 
I don't mind spending a little bit extra for the added security of SDI, I just don't like putting all my trust in a consumer-type connection, HDMI is just too delicate in my opinion. Besides I'm one of those people who will buy it once, buy it right.
 
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... not to mention that if you ever use a big camera crane, you'll want to run a long SDI cable down to your monitor...
 
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