Can anyone recommend a good "On Camera" 6" - 8" type monitor with SDI in and out that can be attached to the EX1?

One that will help with focus and color?

Thanks,
G

Hello, the PMW-EX1 have a built in 3.5" LCD monitor with a resolution of 640x480, this is a new record in this price class of camcorders. Focus controls on this monitor is not more a problem. Only the viewfonder is not so ideal for focus controls ("it's the same mini lcd panel of the HVR-Z1") but you can switch in color or black and white.

But when you want a bigger control monitor, with SDI build in, i reccomend the 7 inch Marshall V-R70P-HDSDI, he has same vertical resolution as the built in 3.5 inch monitor of the PMW-EX1. To attach this monitor on the acessory shoe, Marshall Electronics have special adapters for the monitor.

The website is really informative.

http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/vr70phdsdi.html

Alessandro Zumstein

Hello, the PMW-EX1 have a built in 3.5" LCD monitor with a resolution of 640x480, this is a new record in this price class of camcorders. Focus controls on this monitor is not more a problem. Only the viewfonder is not so ideal for focus controls ("it's the same mini lcd panel of the HVR-Z1") but you can switch in color or black and white.

But when you want a bigger control monitor, with SDI build in, i reccomend the 7 inch Marshall V-R70P-HDSDI, he has same vertical resolution as the built in 3.5 inch monitor of the PMW-EX1. To attach this monitor on the acessory shoe, Marshall Electronics have special adapters for the monitor.

The website is really informative.

http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/vr70phdsdi.html

Alessandro Zumstein

You might want to contact Marshall on the shipping date of their new V-LCD65SB-AFHD or the V-LCD84SB-AFHD. One's 6.5" and the other is 8.4", These are made for field use and are higher res as well (just the 6.5"). I for one would very much appreciate the lower reflectivity (SunBrite™ technology! We have the one Alessandro mentioned and it's hard to use in the field. A great little monitor, but limited for field:

http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/v-lcd65sb-afhd.html
http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/v-lcd84sb-afhd.html

It looks like either could be a good match for the EX1.

Wow, i haven't see never before this model of monitor from Marshall, thanks.
One of this monitors i must have for my field produktions.

www.izzotek.com
they got kit for 15" tru HD screens.
or 8" 720p

http://izzotek.com/achat/produit_details.php?id=266

www.izzotek.com
they got kit for 15" tru HD screens.
or 8" 720p

http://izzotek.com/achat/produit_details.php?id=266

PAL area: Acc. to the manual when using 24p, you will need NTSC monitor!
AP

where did you see this ?

We have the one Alessandro mentioned and it's hard to use in the field. A great little monitor, but limited for field:


Have you tried something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162755-REG/Kata_KT_VB_002_2_B_MOMO_2_B_Monitor_Operating_Case.html that or the portabrace one seem to work pretty well for us.

where did you see this ?

A norwegian Sony distributor confirms that there is no 24p PAL on EX1, one has to use 24p NTSC settings. All EX1 shipped has both PAL and NTSC std.
The monitor must display 24P and connected to HD-SDI or analog component plug, using 720P or 1080P depending on the modus set.
It's also possible to use downconverted HD til SD NTSC (for 24P footage) SDI, composite.
Recordings in 720/25P, 720/50P, 1080/25P or 1080/50i can be downconverted to SD PAL

where did you see this ?

Page 108 to 110 in the English manual (3-280-015-11(1).
In the setup menu list on page 108 is 24p only listed under NTSC.
Page 109 shows output signals on different connectors and settings to downconvert HD to SD (NTSC)

Hello, do you have the users manual, can you give me a link o download this document?

Thanks Alessandro Zumstein

Hello, do you have the users manual, can you give me a link o download this document?

Thanks Alessandro Zumstein

Try this address
http://www.sonybiz.net/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1193315622075

At the bottom of the page you will find a file to download, named: XDCAM EX clip browser.
It's a complete dist product CD, several languages
Its a 130 Mb zip file to be unpacked.
The eng user manual for PMW-EX1 is aprox 4,5 Mb PDF-file.

Hi. I am relatively new to the world of HD video and am going to be purchasing an EX1 in a few months time. I was wondering if anyone could steer me in the direction of a high-quality hd field monitor. I have never needed field monitor before, as I was using sd cameras and could achieve critical focus quite easily, but I am well aware of the fact that CF is much more difficult to achieve if one is using HD cameras. Laser-sharp focus is extremely important to me as I am going to shoot low-budget features. Price is a consideration, but I am more concerned with getting the best possible picture quality I can from the ex1. Any advice is highly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Spencer Dickson

P.S. One thing I am not sure of is the size of the monitor. I assume that the bigger the better, provided it is of high-quality. I can't see myself being happy staring at an 8.5 inch screen.

I can't see myself being happy staring at an 8.5 inch screen.

Then your probably also not going to be happy when you pay as much as your camera for a real HD field monitor of that size.

Good Luck!

I assumed that it would cost upwards of $5000 for a "decent" monitor. Can hd cf be achieved easily on an 8.5 inch screen?

The short answer to your last question is no.

I cannot comment on the EX1 as I shoot with a Canon XH A1, but the diddy screen on the A1 is superior to any 8" or less screen I've ever seen for detail (IMO).

Is it enough for critical focus? Ah, well, that depends.

After a great deal of buggering about, I finally settled on this way of doing things, may not be your cup of tea, but sure works for me.

Less than 10 metres (35 feet): Zoom fully in on subject. At that range the amount of detail in the camera LCD is usually adequate (with the benefit of Peaking and Magnify) to get it right 98% of the time.

More than 10 metres: Zoom fully in on target.

Pull out my Nikon 1200s Laser rangefinder (from holster on belt) and zap the target, making sure I'm more or less in line with the camera CCD workings. Feed the resultant distance into the lens manually and shoot. Success rate: 100%

If I'd bought the equivalent Zeiss** unit I could use the latter tecnique as close as 1 metre, but I didn't, as the Zeiss (1 - 500 metres) doesn't have the legs for more than 500 metres (I think) and the A1 manually focuses to about 950 (the Nikon goes from 10 to 1200 metres).


Sure as hell beats the crap outta lugging a 24 " HD screen and power supply around - tho' I suppose it doesn't have that added "wow" factor.

Exceedingly cost effective (and exceedingly accurate) focusing, however.


CS


PS. ** Could be a Leica!

That is so practical man! I have to try that. How much did the laser-unit set you back?

I happen to be a very practical Canadian.

In NZ dollars, a lot more than Cannuk ones, that's for sure.

Depending on what you go for, I guess anywhere from $100 to $500 Can.

Check 'em out - it would seem that the good 'ol "Focus Pullers" of old are now "Laser Shooters', at least, they have been with the last few film crews we've had through Dunedin doing feature films.

I strongly recomend either the Leica or Zeiss, only because they are far more accurate (to within an inch over 500 metres, I think) than the Nikon, which is only accurate to within .5 of a metre (however, I can't focus the Canon to anything less then +/- .5 metre over 20 metres so it doesn't really matter much in my case.

Sure beats any other way of focusing in my book (heck, there's even no need to figure, back a bit, in a bit, what? Just dial it in and it's done. Magic.)


CS

That would alleviate my concerns about focusing in general. I wouldn't constantly be relying on my eyes. I am buying one of those asap. I love when things can be exact and duplicable.

Hey chris...I was wondering where I could go to purchase a Zeiss/Leica range-finder. I asked a local camera shop and they were clueless, so I got the impression that they are not typically used for filmmaking. I was also wondering if the laser/radiation of a range-finder could cause damage to ccds/cmos chips/sensors, seeing as you said to get the laser in line with the chips.

A laser measure is a nice backup tool, but if you're measuring, a good-ol tape measure (fiberglass type) will work wonders. If it's an indie feature, and they're giving you time to take focus marks, then doing it with a real tape can save you a few hundred dollars, which you could later put towards more acc's for the camera.

HOWEVER:

Have you ever seen the EX1 in person??? I'm guessing not if you're asking about portable LCD's for focus. The flip-out screen on that camera is breathtaking. It's really a giant leap forward in small LCD's - very high res, very nice color, and it's transflexive - you can see a bright picture even in full sunlight (like the Z1u's). The peaking is good enough to pull accurate focus based on the LCD. And, the lens itself is very nice and linear so you can do the old zoom, focus, zoom-out, and know for a fact that it'll stay sharp.

Separate LCD's are nice to have, but certainly not required for a camera with such a great lens and built-in LCD (If focus is your concern). If the issue is that you need to show a director a live picture, then start thinking about buying an LCD. But keep in mind - the EX1's LCD is a VERY rare breed in that it is daylight viewable. Just about every HD LCD out there is very very very dim and will be essentially worthless outdoors unless completely tented.

Try basspro.com and search on rangefinder.

The short answer to your last question is no.

I cannot comment on the EX1 as I shoot with a Canon XH A1, but the diddy screen on the A1 is superior to any 8" or less screen I've ever seen for detail (IMO).



Chris,

At my work we own a Z1, Canon A1 and now a Sony EX1.

The screen on the EX1 is a thing of beauty. I can't stand the screen on the A1 compared to the Z1, so if you think the A1 screen is great just wait until you get your hands on an EX1 to play with!!!

The previous poster is right about not needing an extra LCD monitor with the EX1. Awesome screen, easy to pull focus with.

Daniel Weber

As a beta tester for the EX1, I have been using the TV Logic LVM-071W with Waveform and vector. best i seen in its class.

As a beta tester for the EX1, I have been using the TV Logic LVM-071W with Waveform and vector. best i seen in its class.

Just saw that monitor and its larger sibling a few weeks ago being demo'd at a local tv station. I was impressed with the flexibility of that little monitor.

Hope you're having a good holiday!

-gb-

Guys, what LCD monitor do you recommend for the EX1

Are you using TV Monitors (like the Aquos) or Computer Monitors (Samsung/Dell/Cinema Displays).

Output will be from an NLE over DVI --> DVI (or HDMI)

Thanks
Paul

I think it's hard to beat the new Dells.

I don't have one, but I have several older models, and the new ones are only better, with expanded color gamut, contrast ratio and such.

Hi Paul,
I'm using a 52" Aquos (D92 series) to monitor the timeline via a black magic intensity card. For the computer I tried the 24 and 30" apple cinema, the 27" dell, and the 30" samsung. I kept the 27" dell. It is my favourite general purpopse computer monitor right now.

The new 24" dells are nice. They have lots of input options. I have two and love them. Can't beat the price either.

Louis how do you calibrate the D92? And will it play real time from the timeline?

Gene do you use FC?

Thanks All !

Eric & Gene
Are you referring to this monitor:2407WFP-HC

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-5647

I think I might shoot for that - or the 27" like Louis mentioned.

Louis if i'm not mistakenm, you can only get 1080i (not 1080p) over the Black Magic card right? How does 1080i look on the Aquos - do you not get artifacting? I have a Sony HD CRT screen for my 1080i - looks really nice. For all the progressive - will go to LCD

Louis do you find the increased contrast ration on the Aquos makes the picture look better - vs. the Dell computer monitor?

Thanks again!
Paul

Hi Paul,
I do what I described in the blackmagic monitoring thread as "poor man's calibration". I use my "spyder-style" calibration tool which I use with photoshop to get accurate calibration on my computer monitor. Then I set the monitor beside my TV, display two identical images from photoshop (one on the screen and on via the black magic card to the TV) and try and tweak the TV till it looks right.) To my knowledge you cannot load ICC picture profiles into the video capture card the way you can for your graphics card. I wish there was an automated way to calibrate the TV they way I do my monitor for still photography, but I don't know if that exists. If it does I would love to know about it.

...Lou

As a cheap temporary solution to use with Intensity Pro, I got the BenQ G2400W, $400. It has HDMI and DVI, so I can swap between using it as a video monitor and extended desktop. I've seen no artifacting on 24p footage.

Quality is very nice so far, though calibration limited of course. I'm interested in the new Lacie 324 http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11034 as a future higher-end unit doing the same thing.

Rob,

My EX1's shipping out by Monday and I'm trying to put together a quick edit solution. I've got Final Cut 2 on the way and I've got a Mac Pro desktop. I've ordered the intesity pro card as well. Just to be clear, the only monitor you're using is the Benq, or are you using a two monitor setup? Thanks

Hi Folks,

Camera should be here by the end of this work week. trying to get all the ancillary stuff in line before then.

I'll be cutting on FCS 2 and have a quick monitoring question.

If I get this monitor: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-5647

What card do I need on my Mac pro to take advantage of the 1080p footage?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Jamie, it's a normal DVI interface monitor, your Mac Pro should already have two ports built in so I doubt you need to buy anything further.

If your looking at colour correction monitoring then this wouldn't be the right way to go, you'd need to be spending a whole lot more. For editing and non critical coloring etc it will be fine though, I use a Dell 24" along with my Apple 23" on a Mac Pro and I much prefer the Dell to the Apple display.

regards

paul.

Thanks for the quick reply Paul. This is not color critical stuff, so I think I'll go for the dell, I've read lots of good stuff about it.

I am in a process of buying an SD/HD monitor (portable if possible) to couple it with my EX1 and JVC GY DV 500 as well. Questions are:

1. CRT or Flat
2. I am on budget (yeah good luck to me asking for HD monitor)
3. What are my options brand-wise (European region only)
4. Is it possible to have a descent SD/HD monitor at the same time?
5. I know that size matters with HD but if I could get away with a 10'' or little wider and battery operated...
6. Can I calibrate it myself for SD/HD?

Ok after hours (well just under 1 hour really) of searching I can't find the answer to my question. I have a Sony EX1 in the post and i plan to be shooting 1080p for work which will be shown on tv, alot of colour correcting/grading will be done to the footage. My question is this, do i really need a HD monitor for such work as my broadcast target will be SD, i ask this because i have just ordered a JVC TM-H150CG and as my reasoning has it, i believe i should be able to edit on my timeline whether that be a hd or sd timeline and then firewire an output to the monitor and work on it from there. Does this make sence, or am i overlooking a major comprimise etc? Thanks as usual people.

Ok so we all know the EX1 is capable of some extraordinary images and i imagine alot of you are editing on a hd timeline and so i am wondering what are you using to monitor your footage for accurate colour correction/grading?

I my self am using a JVC TM-H150C simply because thats all i can afford right now and as i do a lot of colour grading i'm assuming it will be better than judging colours accurately on my pc monitor. My work is usually for broadcast and dvd output for clients.

So what’s your monitor setup?

Dell 24' HD LCD. They now have the 27". very popula woth the Vegas Pro crowd. Color and contrast match big screen 1080p LCD very close.

Michael,
My Dell Ultrasharp Monitors (24") arrived yesterday. I didn't have a chance to hook up my new MacPro yet before I went away for the weekend but I did hook up my EX-1 to the monitor via the component. It looked pretty nice, but I found that it was a bit noisier than on a nicer LCD, and in low light areas saw some very faint horizontal lines (this on 1:1 aspect). Have you ever plugged in the EX-1 directly to your monitor like that and noticed similar results? I wonder if it will look diferent when played through FCP.

BE

I have done this with my Dell 2405. It is one generation older than the current Dell 24" so I don't know if the results are the same. Anyway - using the component inputs gives a way way way worse picture than when playing back media from the computer. In my case that means Avid Media Composer. I find that I can judge colour and brightness/contrast pretty well when using the fullscreen mode in the Avid.

Benjamin, you're not the first one to report the lines in EX1-via-component image; I must say I'm not seeing anything like it on my Fujitsu-Siemens monitor.

The component in on the DELL 2405 is awful. Like you said, playback from your computer will be FAR better. Also, using an SDI>DVI adaptor blows away the component input on the DELL.

Dell 24' HD LCD

Michael - - How close do you sit to this monitor?!!
On a side note... have you seen 'Spinal Tap'? The scene in which the band members sketch plans for new stage props (they want huge Stonehenge-like things, as I recall), and when estimating the size they want, they put two little lines instead of one, next to all their figures. A classic.
Cheers,
Malcolm

good to know it is not my camera. I saw a similar thing on a cheaper Sony LCD HDTV through the component in. I went to the place I bought it and they hooked it up to their Sony HD CRT and it looked great through the component. I just tried the inputs on a top-end Sony LCD and it too looked great. I think it must be just cheaper monitoring that exhibits weird artifacts.

I use a JVC Tube HD monitor DT-V1910CGU - much better than any flat panel by far - HD SDI / Component / HD SD, almost 1000 line horizontal resolution -
perfect for grading and any field related issues ( not visible on flat panels of course )

I also use a JVC 26 inch HD flat display, but I must say it's normally OFF.

I suppose I should add that I have realtime full raster component output from my edit system in HD or SD - great with After Effects as well.

Paul

So related to the problem I mentioned earlier in this thread. I played back some footage on a high-end Sony LCD HDTV and it looks great. In 1080 modes. This is a 1080 set and the 720p footage has all these vertical lines appearing across the whole image. This was the reverse of the problem I saw at home when the 1080 stuff on my Panasonic plasma (720 set) would show vertical lines.
I really want to know if other people have seen this. The footage looks fine in FCP, but why is it scaling badly out of the component out?

BE

I wonder why almost all are using the graphic/display card video preview.Why not use a HD video in out card like BM, AJA or even the Matrox MXO to preview
the video to an HD monitor/TV through SDI/Component. Will get true sharp
real colour. I know it is additional investment, though should consider.

rajiv