Using Macbook laptop as location monitor at DVinfo.net

Richard Siberry · January 4th, 2009, 07:02 AM

Can I use a Macbook Pro laptop computer as a monitor when shooting with my XH-A1?. I do not want to capture to the laptops hard drive, I simply want to be able to monitor my shot without having to look at either the cameras eyepiece or it's built in monitor. What, if any, software would I need and what cables for the connection? Thanks for the input.
Rich.

Colin McDonald · January 4th, 2009, 07:25 AM

Haven't done it recently but you can use iMovie (or Quicktime Pro if you don't mind the aspect ratio being wrong for 16:9). There will be a timelag though - that can be a pain. That's assuming a FireWire connection (6 pin Mac end 4 pin camera end). You can use other outputs (composite or component) but you would need extra hardware.It might get rid of the time lag though.

Bill Pryor · January 4th, 2009, 11:19 AM

I have done that with a 17" MacBook Pro. Open iMovie, expand the window to full screen, and it works great. The aspect ratio works with 16:9 automatically, assuming you have the latest version. As mentioned, there is a lag, but if the purpose of the monitor is so someone else can watch, log takes, etc., then that is OK.

January 4th, 2009, 07:02 AM	#1
Richard Siberry Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York, NY Posts: 30	Using Macbook laptop as location monitor Can I use a Macbook Pro laptop computer as a monitor when shooting with my XH-A1?. I do not want to capture to the laptops hard drive, I simply want to be able to monitor my shot without having to look at either the cameras eyepiece or it's built in monitor. What, if any, software would I need and what cables for the connection? Thanks for the input. Rich.

January 4th, 2009, 07:25 AM	#2
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Haven't done it recently but you can use iMovie (or Quicktime Pro if you don't mind the aspect ratio being wrong for 16:9). There will be a timelag though - that can be a pain. That's assuming a FireWire connection (6 pin Mac end 4 pin camera end). You can use other outputs (composite or component) but you would need extra hardware.It might get rid of the time lag though. Last edited by Colin McDonald; January 4th, 2009 at 08:11 AM. Reason: Connection details added

January 4th, 2009, 11:19 AM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I have done that with a 17" MacBook Pro. Open iMovie, expand the window to full screen, and it works great. The aspect ratio works with 16:9 automatically, assuming you have the latest version. As mentioned, there is a lag, but if the purpose of the monitor is so someone else can watch, log takes, etc., then that is OK.