Web Productions, Still need a production monitor?

Spotlight Media

Spotlight Media

Well-known member
Folks,
For those of us that are shooting primarily for web delivery would you suggest still utilizing a production monitor for color? And if so what, if any, recommendations would you have for a monitor that can be used in the field (on the HPX300 for color and sharpness) but also in the studio plugged into a Matrox Mini for color correction, etc.

If I do need a monitor I would prefer to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
 
Jason,

To continue from my previous thread....
I go into every shoot the same, whether its for web, DVD, TV, mobile, etc. Every shoot is different and use of a monitor isn't always a viable option, especially if its run and gun. Even talking heads don''t require a monitor all of the time.

For me, I have a good understanding of the camera's output with corresponding scene file - without using an external monitor. The onbard LCD and VF are pretty darn good for most situations.

Regarding your statement about finding monitor for field and studio, I recommend the JVC DTV24L1U. It is reasonably priced and offers good features.
 
Tommy.
Thanks again... I guess I have confused people. What I meant was is there a need for a production monitor in the studio when doing web productions. When you are in post producing a DVD or for TV you have to worry about colors, white - blacks being broadcast safe, etc. With web productions does one even have to worry about those things? And if you don't have to worry about those then do you even need to concern yourself with a production monitor, for the studio.
 
Jason,

Like I said, I go into every shoot the same regardless of current delivery. Even though they may be for web now, the client may come back later and may want some or all of the footage for TV spots. Plus, i may want to use the footage for my demo reel.

So, regardless of delivery, I treat every shoot as if going to TV or DVD. And I always use a production monitor in the studio. I have a Matrox MXO that I use to monitor a Sony CRT and JVC 24".
 
Tommy,
Thank you for that, perhaps it is more of a frame of mind question for me... rather than a gear question. I will have to ponder this as most of my stuff currently will not be run on TV but in the future that may change. Good points.
 
Green Tree Digital said:
Tommy.
Thanks again... I guess I have confused people. What I meant was is there a need for a production monitor in the studio when doing web productions. When you are in post producing a DVD or for TV you have to worry about colors, white - blacks being broadcast safe, etc. With web productions does one even have to worry about those things? And if you don't have to worry about those then do you even need to concern yourself with a production monitor, for the studio.
Click to expand...

Jason, I think this is a frame of mind thing which might not be healthy. This line of thinking reminds me of people saying that if a camera is good in low light conditions maybe they can get away without the need for lighting.

You use a production monitor because it is true for color and exposure. Just as you use studio audio monitors. They are something you can lean on and trust to be calibrated. These are tools you want to use for every project.

I am guessing but it sounds as if you might not own a studio monitor. If you do not, I would strongly suggest you invest in a good one. I say invest because these are as important as your camera in the production chain as all of your editing decisions will be based on this one piece of gear.

More to your point, I often edit for broadcast, create a new file then bump-up the gamma for internet use as the color space difference usually leaves the internet footage looking a bit underexposed.
 
Just a heads up that JVC has discontinued the DT-V24L/D and
there are very limited stocks on this monitor (B&H is out, Adorama
had one).

The street on the L is $1495US .. and that is a screamin' price for a color
accurate LCD .. plus it comes with calibration software for
Xrites, etc.


If I recall, the street on this not too long ago was close to $3k.

jeff
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top