Monitor question / recs?

[Todd Sheridan]

Maybe this isn't the appropriate place to ask this sort of thing, and I apologize if it isn't....

I am in a market for a monitor, and had a question. Also, I was wondering what others were using, of if anyone had any recommendations, etc.

My primary question is: are there any real practical benefits right now to buying something with 3G/SDI inputs, as opposed to just SDI inputs?

As for recommendations, here is what I am looking for:

- at least one SDI (or 3G/SDI, depending on the answer to my question) AND an HDMI input, as I will be using this with both my FS700 and my 5D.

- good resolution

- Ultimately, I would like to have something big enough that it makes sense as a "step-up" from the LCD, but small/light enough that I could, in theory, mount it to a rig or the camera and carry "hand held". I'm thinking something like a 7" might work? Or maybe that would be too heavy.

- If it could run on the same Sony L-series batteries that the camera runs on, that would be great

- Under $2000 would be preferable.


I'm not finding anything that is "ideal". There is a JVC 7" that seems to meet most of my requirements (except, I think, the Sony battery thing) that is pretty economical (around $1400), but apparently it is plastic and not necessarily very well made.

Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts or recommendations, or an answer to the 3G/SDI thing, it would be appreciated.

[Daniel Weber]

Go for the SmallHD DP6. It has everything that you are looking for. Probably the best bang for the buck in a field monitor. Make sure you order the one with both HDMI and SDI. They have specials on their bundles right now. You can save up to $300, if my memory serves me.

Daniel Weber

[Bill Parker]

Also the TVLogic. TV Logic 5.6" LCD HD/SD-SDI HDMI Monitor VFM-056W - Filmtools

You'll hear arguments for this & Small HD - both very good.

[Todd Sheridan]

Thanks guys. Looks like Small HD has a 7" coming out in the Fall that is going to only weigh about one lbs. I may hold out for that one.

[John Mitchell]

If you are talking about one for use with the FS700 then a monitor that can be converted to a viewfinder with a loupe makes sense (because the existing viewfinder is top mounted, difficult to wrangle and midrange). However they are generally smaller than traditional field monitors so I doubt they'd work well on a crane or steadicam rig. Zacuto, Cineroid and Alphatron all make good products (the Alphatron was developed by TV logic) - all are expensive. There's a review by Alister Chapman on YouTube of the Alphatron which is higher resolution than the rest.

Alphatron EVF-035W Viewfinder Review with Alister Chapman - YouTube

SmallHD also make a viewfinder model that is a bit cheaper than the others.

[Todd Sheridan]

Thanks John. I don't think I'm necessarily looking for a powered viewfinder. I'm sure it would be useful in certain situations, and ultimately, I probably need a few products - a powered viewfinder, a smaller field monitor, and a larger client monitor. But, I don't have the budget right now, so I'm trying to decide what is most practical and the best combination of these three things.

Mostly, I need something that is large enough to use for framing, focusing, matching cameras, and checking color, especially for interviews, etc. But, I also want something that is light and portable, as I often work as a "one man band", and travel around NYC with my gear in a hired car or taxi. Also, if it is small and light enough that it could be mounted to the camera top or off to the side on a rig for the occasions I go hand held, that would be great.

It seems like maybe a 7" makes the most sense at this point, especially if it's light enough to be portable.

[Kieran Steele]

Todd, the more I researched the more I've been convincing myself to wait out for a smallhd dp7.

Primarily I would use it for waveform and vectorscope and main framing monitor on sticks. Likely really handy to be able to check onboard for framing and vectorscope/waveform each setup without excess buttong pushing.

Having both hdmi and sdi with passthru, and allowing you to downstream a lut (or even downstream fx- like waveform/vectorscope), and plug in a paralinx for wireless send and record to internal sd for stedicam (presuming it's not too much work to swap it in/out) covers off so much of taking an indie set to the next level.

Its a bit of cash, but I can see myself using that same monitor for a number of years, and don't already have a dp6. At 1000nit

[Todd Sheridan]

yes, I agree. I put my deposit down on one a few days ago, I'm a little wary about buying a monitor that no one has seen, but it sounds really nice, at least on paper. and I'm excited about the oled.

[Alister Chapman]

I have the TVLogic 056W and it really is a fantastic little monitor. I like the small size as you can easily slip it in your pocket between locations. The 3G is essential if you shooting at 1080p50 or 1080p60.

[Frank Glencairn]

+1 for the TVLogic.

I tried the SmallHD, but the tunable peaking of the TVLogic won me over,

You can finetune it, acording to your sensor, camera, picture profile and lens.
Best peaking I ever saw. Also the other features like the flexible fals color are great.

The only downside IMHO, you have to send it in for firmeware updatesl.

Frank