View Full Version : Poor Man's Field Monitor


G. Lee Gordon
October 21st, 2008, 10:46 AM
I have searched the threads and all the information is actually to technical. It by passes my needs. I am starting a barebones operation and need a field monitor, for perspective only (will worry about color correction later). Any suggestions? I will be filming HD from a JVC-200. Once again, I just want to know that I', framing my shots properly and it needs to look impressive/professional for investors at the shoot.

Edward Carlson
October 21st, 2008, 11:50 AM
Any portable DVD player would do this job, assuming you don't need an HD monitor. If you do need HD, portability will suffer unless you are willing to get a real field monitor, at the cost of way more money.

Chris Barcellos
October 21st, 2008, 12:35 PM
I bought one of these set ups. Better rez than my DVDPlayer, which I used originally, but it is still SD.



7? LCD Monitor Studio Bundle w/ 12v Battery Kit - LCD4Video (http://lcd4video.com/products.php?product=7%E2%80%9D-LCD-Monitor-Studio-Bundle-w%7B47%7D-12v-Battery-Kit)

Greg Laves
October 21st, 2008, 04:50 PM
You might look for a used Sony PVM-8041, 8042, 8044 professional field monitor. Newer ones have a 4:3, 16:9 switch. They can be powered by batteries or AC. Porta Brace makes great cases. Relatively small, light and portable.

Gints Klimanis
October 21st, 2008, 05:02 PM
I have this portable HD monitor with the Tekkeon 3450 battery pack:

Manhattan LCD (http://www.manhattanlcd.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=23)

G. Lee Gordon
October 21st, 2008, 11:13 PM
I do need HD and I would like the option to shoot 4:3 & 16:9.

Guy Cochran
October 22nd, 2008, 12:55 AM
At the DVeStore, we have the IKAN V8000HD's in "B Stock" for $650 + 5% off for dvinfo.net chronies. Is that considered poor man or too much? We also include the little BNC to RCA adapters if the 200 needs 'em. The "deluxe kit" is included which gives you a hard case, Sony battery and charger.
The quality of the picture if very good via component. I've tested it on the Sony FX1, Panasonic HVX200P, and the new Sony S270U. It's not as good as the Panasonic 8" via HDSDI, but hey, we're on a budget right?

Gints Klimanis
October 22nd, 2008, 12:17 PM
There is a ManhattanLCD HD kit for $699 including the Tekkeon battery.

M. Paul El-Darwish
October 23rd, 2008, 01:48 PM
Indeed. I'm done shooting the stills of the Manhattan LCD PRODUCTION (not kit) 10.9" and have offered it in the 'Marketplace' without power adapter or battery for $550 plus shipping. Special DVinfo.com member price :) Ikan has nothing like it at that price.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/954731-post9.html

There is a ManhattanLCD HD kit for $699 including the Tekkeon battery.

Gints Klimanis
October 23rd, 2008, 02:43 PM
Any portable DVD player would do this job, assuming you don't need an HD monitor. If you do need HD, portability will suffer unless you are willing to get a real field monitor, at the cost of way more money.

You're indeed correct about the price. I've gone this route and found only a couple of DVD players that are worth it by comparing a dozen on display. Right now, the sharpest available under $200 is the Sony FX820. Even with its SD display, it exceeds the on-camera LCD display except in Expanded View mode, available on a number of HDV cameras.

Samuel Ko
October 23rd, 2008, 04:26 PM
Indeed. I'm done shooting the stills of the Manhattan LCD PRODUCTION (not kit) 10.9" and have offered it in the 'Marketplace' without power adapter or battery for $550 plus shipping. Special DVinfo.com member price :) Ikan has nothing like it at that price.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/954731-post9.html

sorry for being off topic. Im curious as to why I cannot access that page.
I want to purchase some camera items myself too.