Canon FU-1000 Monochrome vs. Field Monitor at DVinfo.net

Gary Gonsalves · February 3rd, 2007, 01:05 PM

The other day I did a shoot and though the image in my Xl-2's view finder looked good, I was shocked when I returned to the office and saw the image on my JVC broadcast monitor. Although the talent looked great the background was blown out.

I understand that just about any lcd viewfinder is not going to provide you with an accurate view of what you are shooting, so I am thinking about getting a field monitor so I can get a better look at what I am shooting.

With that said, why would someone choose the Canon FU-1000 Monochrome over a field monitor? Wouldn't it be best to just use a portable field monitor?

Thanks

Dan Keaton · February 3rd, 2007, 02:36 PM

One of the advantages of the FU-1000 is clarity for focusing.

You discovered the danger already: thinking that your colors and/or image were fine and then winding up with unusable footage.

The FU-1000, in my opinion, would be acceptable for portablility, after you have carefully checked the image with a field monitor. However, if there is a possibility that the lighting will change, for instance at a wedding reception, then using the FU-1000 can be very dangerous.

Mark Sasahara · February 12th, 2007, 09:42 PM

It would be helpful to have the zebras turned on and maybe toggle back and forth between 100%, for the highlights and 85% for skin tone. Though, this is time consuming since you have to go through the menus rather than a toggle switch on the side.

The FU-1000 is very helpful for focus and exposure if you know how to use it. It does take a little getting used to. It is helpful to have the brightness and contrast adjusted so that the viewfinder looks close to what the scene looks like. Once it's set, leave it. Adjust the peaking so that the contrast is heightened. I tend to crank mine all the way up, but it can be a bit much. Cranking the peaking allows you so see when things pop into focus. The XL2's stock LCD screen is pretty much useless.

Having a color broadcast monitor to look at is very helpful. Used in conjunction with the FU-1000, you should be all set. If you can't be tethered to a field monitor, use a higher quality color onboard monitor, like the Panasonic 7" from Nebtek, Transvideo, or, Marshall.

If you are in situations where you have some control over the subjects, perhaps you can steer them to better lit areas that will flatter them and you.

February 3rd, 2007, 01:05 PM	#1
Gary Gonsalves Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 56	Canon FU-1000 Monochrome vs. Field Monitor The other day I did a shoot and though the image in my Xl-2's view finder looked good, I was shocked when I returned to the office and saw the image on my JVC broadcast monitor. Although the talent looked great the background was blown out. I understand that just about any lcd viewfinder is not going to provide you with an accurate view of what you are shooting, so I am thinking about getting a field monitor so I can get a better look at what I am shooting. With that said, why would someone choose the Canon FU-1000 Monochrome over a field monitor? Wouldn't it be best to just use a portable field monitor? Thanks __________________ Currently using Panasonic AG AC160 Cameras. Editing with a custom built suite by http://www.videohardware.com running the latest Adobe Suite with Matrox.

February 3rd, 2007, 02:36 PM	#2
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	One of the advantages of the FU-1000 is clarity for focusing. You discovered the danger already: thinking that your colors and/or image were fine and then winding up with unusable footage. The FU-1000, in my opinion, would be acceptable for portablility, after you have carefully checked the image with a field monitor. However, if there is a possibility that the lighting will change, for instance at a wedding reception, then using the FU-1000 can be very dangerous. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

February 12th, 2007, 09:42 PM	#3
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	It would be helpful to have the zebras turned on and maybe toggle back and forth between 100%, for the highlights and 85% for skin tone. Though, this is time consuming since you have to go through the menus rather than a toggle switch on the side. The FU-1000 is very helpful for focus and exposure if you know how to use it. It does take a little getting used to. It is helpful to have the brightness and contrast adjusted so that the viewfinder looks close to what the scene looks like. Once it's set, leave it. Adjust the peaking so that the contrast is heightened. I tend to crank mine all the way up, but it can be a bit much. Cranking the peaking allows you so see when things pop into focus. The XL2's stock LCD screen is pretty much useless. Having a color broadcast monitor to look at is very helpful. Used in conjunction with the FU-1000, you should be all set. If you can't be tethered to a field monitor, use a higher quality color onboard monitor, like the Panasonic 7" from Nebtek, Transvideo, or, Marshall. If you are in situations where you have some control over the subjects, perhaps you can steer them to better lit areas that will flatter them and you. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography