What do you use as field monitor with A1 at DVinfo.net

Chad Ream · March 22nd, 2007, 04:42 PM

I am preparring for a new production this summer, this one being the first shot in HD and with the A1. I realized that my Sony field monitor is not going to accept any signal from the camera.

What are other people using for field monitors. What form of connection, component?

We don't have the budget for a new HD monitor, but I am wondering how well an inexpensive HD LCD TV will work. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Chad

Daniel Browning · March 22nd, 2007, 05:39 PM

As high-definition videographers, we have very few field monitor choices. At the low end, there are DVD players with 480x234 resolution, composite input, and batteries to be had for under $100 (e.g. SC-178DVD 7").

Spending $600 will net a mid-range 640x480 monitor, again with composite input, but will likely require a separate battery system. (Such as the Ikan V8000W with ten AA batteries.)

At the very high end, there are the 7-9" Marshall, Ikegami, Varizoom, and Sony monitors at prices between $1,200 and $5,000. Although they accept HD input, the best of them feature a paltry 800x480 display resolution. Ostensibly, their outragous prices are justified by their color accuracy, viewing angle, contrast, brightness, build, knobs, support, etc.

Attaining critical focus and seeing true detail requires resolution, and there are *no* high-resolution options that don't compromise on price, weight, battery life, portability, or resolution.

If you are willing to compromise on battery life and portability, you can get an A/C HD monitor or TV with component inputs for very cheap. You'll need an A/C-D/C converter, lots of batteries, and a heavy-duty mount for it.

March 22nd, 2007, 04:42 PM	#1
Chad Ream Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Portage, MI Posts: 38	What do you use as field monitor with A1 I am preparring for a new production this summer, this one being the first shot in HD and with the A1. I realized that my Sony field monitor is not going to accept any signal from the camera. What are other people using for field monitors. What form of connection, component? We don't have the budget for a new HD monitor, but I am wondering how well an inexpensive HD LCD TV will work. Any thoughts? Thanks, Chad

March 22nd, 2007, 05:39 PM	#2
Daniel Browning Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 949	As high-definition videographers, we have very few field monitor choices. At the low end, there are DVD players with 480x234 resolution, composite input, and batteries to be had for under $100 (e.g. SC-178DVD 7"). Spending $600 will net a mid-range 640x480 monitor, again with composite input, but will likely require a separate battery system. (Such as the Ikan V8000W with ten AA batteries.) At the very high end, there are the 7-9" Marshall, Ikegami, Varizoom, and Sony monitors at prices between $1,200 and $5,000. Although they accept HD input, the best of them feature a paltry 800x480 display resolution. Ostensibly, their outragous prices are justified by their color accuracy, viewing angle, contrast, brightness, build, knobs, support, etc. Attaining critical focus and seeing true detail requires resolution, and there are no high-resolution options that don't compromise on price, weight, battery life, portability, or resolution. If you are willing to compromise on battery life and portability, you can get an A/C HD monitor or TV with component inputs for very cheap. You'll need an A/C-D/C converter, lots of batteries, and a heavy-duty mount for it.