View Full Version : Field Monitor - What kind to buy???


Jon Omiatek
June 24th, 2005, 08:41 AM
I would like to purchase a field monitor to use for a preview monitor instead of using my tv. Anyone have an suggestions. I would prefer to keep it under $750 if possible. I have a few friends who use JVC monitors but their models are not in production anymore.

Thanks,

Jon

Bruce S. Yarock
June 27th, 2005, 05:16 AM
I just bought a Sony 8044q on ebay. Make sure it's the 8044q 0r the 8045q. They are workhorses,have that crisp Sony trinitron image, and are industry standard. You can get one in the $500 range.Make sure you get the model that's switchable between 4:3 and 16:9.
Another thing to check-ask how old it is.The guy who sold me mine said he didn't know, but when I got mine, I turned it over and the date was underneath. It was made in 1996.Although it in great condition, I wouldn't have paid as much($530 plus shipping) if I knew it was that old.The new Sony model is the PVM 9l3, and costs $1050. (kinda wish I had spent the extra $$ and gotten a new one).
I used it yesterday on a shoot, and it was really helpfull.
Good luck
Bruce S. Yarock

Tommy James
June 27th, 2005, 09:31 AM
The problem with the Sony 8044q is that it only supports 450 tv lines of horizontal resolution. Can you imagine if computer monitors supported only that level of resolution ? JVC makes a 10 inch HDTV multi-format monitor DT-V100CGU as well as 17 inch and 19 inch models in multi format 4:3 and 16:9.
If these are too pricey a lot of guys buy a consumer LCD television and haul that out to the field. A good 15 inch LCD HDTV can be had for under 500 bucks. Some sell for around $300.