C100: Using Canon C100 with SmallHD AC7 OLED SDI Field Monitor

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Sfernald

Active member
So I just picked up this monitor and have been testing it with my C100. Let me just say that it is 7.7 inches of badassness. It really makes up for the crappy viewfinder and small LCD on the C100. Now after using one, I really don't know how I lived without it. I mean, it just makes such a difference being able to compose from a big monitor like that. The Canon is light and the AC7 adds about 10 ounces, but a c100 still has to be one of the lightest rigs out there. I have it mounted on the hot shoe and I can tilt it forward or back depending on if I'm carrying it high or low. It really makes a difference composing when handholding having that huge monitor to frame from. I just don't know why I suffered before with tiny screens and crappy viewfinders which I have to jam my eyeballs into.

And that's not to mention the focus assist tools. I set it on max and can now confidently focus a moving subject with a still lens. As in it is a NIGHT AND DAY difference. The tool along with the size of the screen helps an absolutely astonishing amount. There are a lot of focus settings I haven't even played with yet, but as far as I'm concerned, this SOLVES the focus problem.

The exposure tools I haven't quite figured out yet, but still use the c100 LCD as an exposure aid and then use the AC7 for composition and focus. It's nice to be able to work with the two screens in parallel. I'm sure the exposure tools are great; I just haven't spent any time with them yet.

i'm sure any big monitor is great, but just wanted to mention that this AC7 seems particularly special when considering technology, price and weight. The screen is absolutely gorgeous. I could watch a movie on it and it is practically the size of my ipad. It is much lighter than you think, but the unit is well built and solid. I got the monitor with HDMI and SDI in case I decide to buy a different camera. And the price (I bought the top of the line for $1300) just seems incredibly reasonable for what you get. Great company. Great product.

it really makes the C100 more of a joy to use because I think it compensates for its biggest weakness.
 
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No, not at all, lol. I just love the product. I wouldn't rave about something unless I really liked it. I am pretty picky, returning about 50% of everything I buy. Bt as I said its not just the AC7 that I'm thrilled about, it's just that I've never used a large field monitor with my camera before.
 
Yeah, I want waveforms and it would be cool if you could apply a lut on the image. I would love those two features. But it is kickass as it is. Since there are firmware updates, we just might get additional features though.
 
Wow, they make you pay for this features too. Those tools come pretty standard on the nice marshalls
 
I have the TV Logic which I paid aprox 1300.00 for. It has WFM and Vector plus just about everything you would want and need.
 
Gary Huff said:
Is there a comparable display with a waveform monitor that's less than $1600?
Click to expand...
Not sure what you're asking but.....

The Ikan D5w 5.6" has Waveform, Vector Scope, & RGB Parade for under $1000.

The Ikan D7w ISP 7" has Waveform, Vector Scope, & RGB Parade for under $1070.

The DP7 Pro SB (non OLED) is $1600 has Waveform Vector Scope.

The SmallHD PRO OLED is $2000 has Waveform, Vector Scope

The SmallHD PRO OLED-SX is $2700 has Waveform, Vector Scope, & RGB Parade

I was hoping for a firmware update that could add waveform to my DP6 but that never happened. Probably more involved than software.
 
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I also have the AC7 OLED on a C100 and I will back up everything he said. I used it for the first time on a shoot last weekend and it was a completely new experience. Previously, I had a DP4, which offered no real benefit over the C100's LCD and had a very different color cast that I could never quite get rid of. The AC7 is something completely different. It is much easier to calibrate and you will definitely want to do it before shooting. The increased saturation and contrast that the monitor offers over standard LCD will really throw you off if you aren't careful. Now, though, I fell completely comfortable composing and focusing with just the monitor. I use the AC7 for visuals and the C100 for waveforms and peaking and/or zebras. Also, I prefer using false color over a waveform monitor for exposure. For me, the best part is that I can use glass filtration now and feel like I can be sure of what I'm getting.

At one point while shooting, an actor was looking over my shoulder and said, "I really can't believe how good that monitor looks." OLED really is that noticeable.
 
Marshall 5.6" MD has many features and it's also a great display. The only thing lacking is image h/v flip but as you can mount it on either side I see this as a minor thing. It's also a pretty decent size to mount on camera compared to the larger 7" monitors. I use mine on the F3 and it's just the right size.
 
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