Hi
Is there an external small (about 7") monitor that you can connect onto the Sony camcorder (Z5 is the one I have) that can also display some status settings like the build LCD monitor?

Stelios

Hi Stelios - I've moved this to our monitor forum. Quite a number of external monitors will do this, just read through other posts in this forum. Depends on what you want in terms of price and quality, there's a big range of both.

There should be a menu option on the Z5 that controls whether the status display is sent to the external screen. However, some things won't display on the external screen, such as focus peaking and zebra patterns IIRC.

Thanks Boyd for your answer. What I have in mind is the ikan V8000HDMI 8" at $795 although I see that they have a new one now the V5600 5.6" for $699 with higher resolution (1021 x 600) Vs the V8000HDMI (800 x 480). I wonder if the difference in resolution is important as I always shoot in SD and not HDV. Also I see that the DP1 monitor is having good reviews here but unfortunately it requires it's own battery to work where as the iKan V8000HDMS can use the Sony L type batteries with a special bracket that fits at the back of the monitor.
Again if I only shoot in SD 16:9 is the resolution 800 x 480 OK?

Stelios

If it was me, I would choose the smaller, higher resolution, cheaper Ikan monitor. The more resolution you can have, the easier it would be to nail critical focus, even if you are shooting SD. Not to mention that you would have less bulk on the camera and more bulk in your wallet. That all sounds good to me.

Hi Stelios I just got one of these if you are after a lower budget monitor and have posted a report on it elsewhere in this section:Allcam 7" Portable Analog & Digital TV Freeview: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allcam-Portable-Digital-Freeview-Recorder/dp/B001AS4E9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252482039&sr=8-1)

Hi Stelios I just got one of these if you are after a lower budget monitor and have posted a report on it elsewhere in this section:Allcam 7" Portable Analog & Digital TV Freeview: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allcam-Portable-Digital-Freeview-Recorder/dp/B001AS4E9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252482039&sr=8-1)

Gary
This Allcam monitor is not a HD one is it? and I couldn't find your report. If you can post a link please.
I am thinking now of getting the ikan V5600 HDMI one. Anyone here bought this monitor?

Stelios

No Stelios it is not HD .