Hello everyone,

I was wondering what people's various thoughts are regarding a video monitor for the 5D or 7D camera (thinking about getting one soon for VIDEO shooting).

Is it almost impossible to pull focus without a large monitor?
Any suggestions on what type of monitor and size, to get, or if its even needed?

Thoughts would be great....I am coming from the Sony ex1 camera.

It depends...

The pros pull focus with a tape measure and calibrated marks on the lens. The AC doesn't even look at the monitor. The camera op is responsible for watching for focus problems and will ask for a re-shoot if the AC "buzzes" focus.

If you will shoot solo on a shoulder mount, get a loupe. No need for a monitor then. I find that focusing roughly with the lens and finely with the feet is effective when shooting with a shallow DOF on a shoulder rig.

For use on a tripod, dolly, jib, etc, a monitor is recommended. Most use a 7-inch version. If it's a documentary, you need to focus using the monitor. If it's a narrative or pre-rehearsed shot, you can focus to preset marks.

Jon is spot on. One more thing to add, the drawback on the 5d is that it switches to standard-def when you press record, so using the monitor to get critical focus is pretty tough while recording. I've had shots that at the time looked fine but were too soft when I pulled it up in playback.

I think a Zacuto Zfinder or LCDVF (I have these) is the best for pulling focus, but like Jon said those are only useful for certain shots.

The best thing to do is investing in a follow focus that you can mark up. Also, the free firmware "Magic Lantern" allows you to set a focus point in-camera and the length of time for the camera to adjust to the focus point when a particular button is pushed.

One more thing to add, the drawback on the 5d is that it switches to standard-def when you press record, so using the monitor to get critical focus is pretty tough while recording.

Yes, I certainly agree. However, a possible workaround for this could've been to magnify during recording -- but unfortunately even that feature is disabled while recording. (Yet another thing on my wish list for Tramm..).

-- peer