Why are the Ikan monitors so hard to find?

i like mine just fine. it has its pluses and minuses, but at the price its (IMO) the best option out there.

its a new product from a small company. the first batch just went to retailers about 4 weeks ago.
 
I received my ToteVision today, and I'll have to say that Im impressed. I demoed it to a friend who had played with the IKAN at NAB. I have not personally seen the IKAN, but he was impressed enough that he canceled his IKAN order (which he was tired of witing and waiting for) to buy the ToteVision 703HD KIT. It is about the same price (a little less in fact), and has better contrast ratio and longer battery life. I will post some pics up when I get back from my vacation next week.
The jury is still out of course untill I put it through the ringer, but first impression is good. I thought about the Marshall, but its just overpriced, especially after a long conversation with a Panasonc rep today. The Marshall (which I have used many tims) is not in the same class as the forthcoming Panasonic monitor. It is however definitely a step up from the ToteVision, but not for the price. I'm sure I'll eventually get the Panasonic by next year, but for now at $700 for the whole kit (totebag, Battery, charger, and monior) its serviceable for focus, framing, and color balance (for the HVX). Worth a look for sure.
 
try http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/ik8000/ for the ikan, that's where they (ikan manufacturer) reccomended i get it from since they were out. i talked to the rep at ikan and he said B&H only had about 15 of them and they sold out before they could even change the out of stock message on their website.

i like my ikan and i think its worth the price, HOWEVER i think something is wrong with mine (one of the items in the menu function doesnt display correctly) and am sending it back. the place i bought it from said they would ship me out another unit when they get their next shipment in next week an once i receive the new one i can send them back this one i have a minor issue with. other than that i'm satisfied. all i need it for is focusing and framing and playing back my takes for the actors. this is my first monitor but i can see where the more expensive monitors are probably more enhanced in menu functions, features, color/contrast and whatnot but the tradeoff is more $$$ and i'd rather spend that on other equipment for production.

now if i could just find a freaking sunhood and a case that fits it...... :undecided
 
I wish I could do some real comparisons between monitors. That's why I'd like to see them on display. The Ikan and Totevision both sound good are both in my price range, but it's hard to make a decision without physically checking them out.

We really need a full review with pictures and stats from all popular on-camera monitors.
 
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