Varizoom VZ-TFT TFT Color Monitor at DVinfo.net

Jeff Castaldo · May 12th, 2003, 02:32 PM

Has anyone here had any experience with the Varizoom VZ-TFT TFT 5.6" Color Monitor?

I am confined to a wheelchair (quadriplegic), and unable to get close to the viewfinder of my GL2. When I am inside, the LCD screen is somewhat suitable. However, when outside the brightness makes it impossible to see the 2.5" LCD even with a Hoodman). I am hoping that the 5.6" size of the Varizoom product, along with the sunshade available for it will help resolve this problem.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Thank you.

Nigel Moore · May 12th, 2003, 03:06 PM

Hi Jeff

I have no experience of these screens, but I'm currently researching a TFT to go with my XL1s.

According to Ken Tanaka, the Nebtek NEB50XL is a better quality monitor, and its greater brightness might be more suitable for you. The Panasonic 7" that Nebtek markets is even brighter (400NIT compared to the 350NIT of the 5.6") if you can go that far.

HTH

Ken Tanaka · May 12th, 2003, 03:14 PM

Hello Jeff,
I owned a Varizoom-branded 5.6" LCD for a while (I am not certain it's the same unit as the one you're considering, but it looks close) and was dissapointed with its performance. It was a relatively coarse (low-resolution) display and was quite dim even in indoor conditions. Adjusting the brightness had some very poor consequences on the image.

Brightness of LCD displays is often expressed in NIT's. As a benchmark, Nebtek sells some of the brightest and best LCD displays available. They are, of course, a bit more expensive than other comparably-sized models mainly due to their brightness and resolutions. Nebtek can also adapt their monitors to use Canon BP-series batteries as a power source. (Most LCD's use 12v or a/c.)

Jeff Price · May 12th, 2003, 03:23 PM

While it might have some downsides (like blocking real vision) unless modified what about something like the Olympus Eye-Trek? Since it is on the eyes it shouldn't be as susceptible to glare problems.

May 12th, 2003, 02:32 PM	#1
Jeff Castaldo Tourist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Peabody, MA Posts: 1	Varizoom VZ-TFT TFT Color Monitor Has anyone here had any experience with the Varizoom VZ-TFT TFT 5.6" Color Monitor? I am confined to a wheelchair (quadriplegic), and unable to get close to the viewfinder of my GL2. When I am inside, the LCD screen is somewhat suitable. However, when outside the brightness makes it impossible to see the 2.5" LCD even with a Hoodman). I am hoping that the 5.6" size of the Varizoom product, along with the sunshade available for it will help resolve this problem. I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you. __________________ Jeff Castaldo

May 12th, 2003, 03:06 PM	#2
Nigel Moore Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Switzerland Posts: 358	Hi Jeff I have no experience of these screens, but I'm currently researching a TFT to go with my XL1s. According to Ken Tanaka, the Nebtek NEB50XL is a better quality monitor, and its greater brightness might be more suitable for you. The Panasonic 7" that Nebtek markets is even brighter (400NIT compared to the 350NIT of the 5.6") if you can go that far. HTH __________________ _________________ Time flies like an arrow Fruit flies like a banana

May 12th, 2003, 03:14 PM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Hello Jeff, I owned a Varizoom-branded 5.6" LCD for a while (I am not certain it's the same unit as the one you're considering, but it looks close) and was dissapointed with its performance. It was a relatively coarse (low-resolution) display and was quite dim even in indoor conditions. Adjusting the brightness had some very poor consequences on the image. Brightness of LCD displays is often expressed in NIT's. As a benchmark, Nebtek sells some of the brightest and best LCD displays available. They are, of course, a bit more expensive than other comparably-sized models mainly due to their brightness and resolutions. Nebtek can also adapt their monitors to use Canon BP-series batteries as a power source. (Most LCD's use 12v or a/c.) __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 12th, 2003, 03:23 PM	#4
Jeff Price Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chico, California Posts: 357	While it might have some downsides (like blocking real vision) unless modified what about something like the Olympus Eye-Trek? Since it is on the eyes it shouldn't be as susceptible to glare problems. __________________ Jeff Price Flickerflix Nature Videos flickerflix@yahoo.com