Varizoom VZ-TFT 7” 16:9

[Lucinda Luvaas]

Would it be correct to say then that the varizoom and nebtek, (sp?), etc., cam mounted monitors don't have the resolution that the NTSC monitors do like the one you've mentioned Eric?....I've seen the one you mention on BandH's site and plan to get one like that too. It would be great if there was something a bit smaller that had the same res and true color values, one that had a battery pack to use in the field.

[Eric Brown]

Originally Posted by Lucinda Luvaas

Would it be correct to say then that the varizoom and nebtek, (sp?), etc., cam mounted monitors don't have the resolution that the NTSC monitors do like the one you've mentioned Eric?....I've seen the one you mention on BandH's site and plan to get one like that too. It would be great if there was something a bit smaller that had the same res and true color values, one that had a battery pack to use in the field.

LCD monitors can be high resolution (my Apple cinema displays proved that to me) but CRT's generally do a better job of delivering truer colors, rendering fast moving objects more clearly and are better in terms of being able to view them from more extreme angles.

I guess the main question anyone has to ask is what will I be shooting? If it's narrative stuff like short films, features, etc, then a field monitor is indispensable in my opinion. It's not to say that you won't be able to use both in these circimstances, but I think the CRT is more vital.

If you're run and gun, well, that speaks for itself. The LCD/TFT is your only option outside the camera's own monitor.

Since this thread began I actually was sold on the Varizoom TFT monitor that Joseph had mentioned. I think it delivers a decent image (though not quite as sharp as the Panasonic) and it came with a boat load of accessories plus no shipping and no tax from Brian over at ZotzDigital.

The Panasonic is still a great monitor, extremely bright and clear, but value and budget talked so I bought the Varizoom. I'm watching everything down to the last penny, here.

I also talked with EVS and found the JVC I mentioned is their no. 1 seller. They are out of stock and will be getting more in. Whatever I didn't put money wise into the LCD I'd rather put into the CRT.

[Eric Brown]

[QUOTE=Eric Brown] Although the feature of a blue-only switch is nice if you want accurate color representation.

Return posting to my own post, here. The JVC does in fact have a blue switch.

[Lucinda Luvaas]

Thanks so much Eric! you're a big help.

[Rush Hamden]

Both the TMH-150CGU and the TM-910SU have been in my rental dept for years, and neither has shown signs of even a mild shift after tens of rentals each. Great performers. I agree with all of Eric's statements, CRT is still the best choice for motion and color rendering. They both have 16:9, PAL/NTSC, and blue-check:

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...Code=TMH150CGU

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...t_Code=TM910SU

I am especially pleased with the VZTFT7 from varizoom for price and quality, that for around $500 you can have a complete kit with battery and mount. I set it side by side with several other more expensive monitors, and I was impressed with the results. It also does a flip for the 35mm adapters, and is extremely lightweight. Here are the links, but bear in mind Dvinfo members get a further discount.

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...t_Code=VZTFT7U

[Peter Wiley]

Ordered the varizoom LCD monitor from B&H and sent it back. We had hoped it would help with focusing issues with XL2 as well but found that in low light the image was just not good enough to use for focus reference. Probably will go with a small CRT now.

[Joseph Andolina]

Since I got the 7" Nabtec Panosonic lcd, even though I was initially dissapointed with the resolution for focus, I don;t regret I invested in it. It still has been beneficial on shoots in the field. the Director I've worked with has found it valuable as well, especially for framing. For now, I've used a 13" tv with very good results when doing interior shots, mainly for better referance to color tempertures and exposure. Too bad it wasn;t 16:9. I still want to find the ideal field CRT monitor that has 4:3 & 16:9, along with Underscan, Blue Check, etc... AC & DC power, high resolution... Is there such a monitor with 700 lines of resolution that can be batteried powered, or can that amount of resolution only be powered by electrical power? And one that wouldn;t break the wallet?

[Carlos Manuel]

I recently brought a Sony Z1E.
I'm used to work with a Betacam camcorder (lookin trought the BW viwefinder) and a 9" CRT Sony PVM-9041QM for framing.
The 9041 has 12v input and accepts NP1 batteries, but they last for a short period of time and it's heavy to walk around with it.

I'm looking for a 7" LCD and find on this forum some options.

I ask the opinion of the people that has used this models, some feedback.

-VARIZOOM VZ TFT7 w/ 480x234x3 for $400
-NEBTEK NEB 70 PRO LI w/ 480x234x3 for $1230 (With Sony batteries=Z1)
-MARSHALL V-R70DP w/ 800x480 for $875 (seems the best ?)

Obviusly the less money I spend the better, but...

1- For focusing is any of the LCD better than the 9041 ?
2- Do the batteries last longer that I would get with the NP1
3- What is the opinion of the people that uses this eq. ?

To spend $2K or $eK in an LCD is out of my pocket.

Sincerely
Carlos Manuel

[Kan Yeung]

This is responds to some one who is looking for a good quality 7" LCD monitor mount on the XL2 camera. iKan make a perfect fit for their purpose. Retail for only $ 349, you can buy from B&H for less, it comes with everything that you need.

[Bill Hamell]

Is there an advantage in using the 7” 16:9 monitor over the 5.6” 4:3 monitor with the XL2?
I will be using both formats, but mostly 16:9.

Thanks,
Bill

[Henry Cho]

the varizoom 7" is a widescreen monitor, so it will display the 16:9 picture properly in widescreen format. it also has a 4:3 display mode that puts black bars on each side. you can use the 5.6" 4:3 monitor, but the 16:9 image will appear squeezed on the 4:3 display.

another big plus for the 7", for some people, is that it has the capability of rotating the image 180 degrees, for use with 35mm adapters.

it definitely doesn't come close to a crt monitor for image quality, but it's picture is ok, especially compared to some other lcds out there.

[Bill Hamell]

Henry,

Thank your response was right on the mark. Just what I needed to know.
I was wondering about how it would handle 4:3, I could not find that answer on their site.

I see another one of DVIs sponsors also makes a 7: 16:9 monitor iKan.
Does any have experience with them?

Thank you,
Bill

[Henry Cho]

i used the ikan for a couple of days. it's a decent lcd for the price, but it's real problem was it's proprietary a/v out. there's a unique connector on the monitor that will only take the a/v cord that comes with the unit. the a/v cord itself has the proprietary connector on one end, and standard rca a/v jacks on the other. i found it way too long and unmanageable for camera mounting. it's a pretty massive cable, and there's no way to swap it out for something shorter. i honestly don't know what they were thinking -- all the video demos on their site have the monitor mounted on top of an xl1 with no sight of an eight foot cord (an exaggeration for sure, but that's what it seemed like).

[Bill Hamell]

Henry,

Once again thank you, it will be the Varizoom 7” for me! :-)

Bill

[Mike Berlucchi]

Do either of these monitors accurately display colors?