Hello Everyone,

I wanted to start a thread on External Monitors. If any of you guys are using any and you would like to share what model you are working with and some of the pros and cons as well as features. (eg. Resolution, Widescreen crop, Focus/Peaking Aids). Also if you have any behind the scenes video or pictures of your Rig + Monitor please post them.

SMALL HD has released a new 6" line of External Monitors (600$) geared towards DSLR's boasting Highest resolutions. (1280 x800)
http://www.smallhd.com/Products/DP6.html

Also IKAN has just released the new 7" VH7 monitor for 449$ boasting many features.
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=274

Also IKAN has a "DIRECTOR 4.3" Screen + LANC Controller" 450$. Its basically a screen that you can also use to control your camera from a remote location and use as a LANC as well
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=56

Right now i'm leaning towards the Ikan but have not yet reviewed them. Anybody have any other recommendations.

Chris,

I have the "director" and have been very disappointed with it. The fist unit had a bad battery and the lance feature would zoom on its own. The second unit still has the same lance control problem, and the on and off switch broke off. I have really bin looking at the small HD monitor.

Dan
Forever Moments Video Productions (http://www.forevermomentsvideo.com)

Interesting i guess that speaks volumes to the build quality. Strange coming from a company as reputable as IKAN. I definitely wont be purchasing one of those anymore! Thanks for the heads up Dan.

Chris,

I thought the idea of the Director was a great idea, but it never worked right. It does work well as a monitor.
I saw one of the small HD old models is in the classified section.Keep us posted on your purchase.

Dan
Forever Moments Video Productions (http://www.forevermomentsvideo.com)

I have been using the Ikan V8000HDMI 8" monitor for over a year now. I started using it with the PD170 and this past spring continued using the V8000hdmi with the NX5U. It connects with an HDMI cable.

The monitor works great indoors but outdoors it needs a sun shade.

Steve