HD do-for-both viewfinder/client monitor
by Bob Cole
on
Aug 16, 2009 at 10:19:34 pm
I'm looking to replace the SD monitor in my air travel run-and-gun package.
I'd appreciate advice re: a combo viewfinder/client HD monitor. iow - something that is a good combination of small size/big-enough image that a client could understand and approve the shot set-up.
Re: HD do-for-both viewfinder/client monitor by Emre Tufekci S.O.A. on Aug 17, 2009 at 4:39:08 pm
We use Panasonic BT-LH80W 8" monitor for field review. It is probably one of the most accurate monitors out there. Special functions with built in waveform, pixel for pixel and red focus function is very useful. It has a direct AB mount as well.
Re: HD do-for-both viewfinder/client monitor by Todd Terry on Aug 17, 2009 at 8:19:21 pm
Keep in mind that both of those monitors (both the Ikan and that particular Panasonic) are really basically standard def monitors, not HD. They will take an HD signal, but only actually display about 450-600 lines, depending on the model. As you know a standard-def monitor is not real useful for HD focusing, if you focus by eyeball.
I will say that the Panny's features that Emre mentioned (the pixel-for-pixel and the red focus) do work exceptionally well... especially the "red line" focusing works surprisingly good.
If you want a true HD monitor you'll generally have to pony up some real money to find one in a small LCD. The little industry-standard Astros, for example, are $6000+. The 768-line Panasonic (BTLH900A) is four grand. There is the 9" 720p monitor from SmallHD which is incredibly only $800, but I don't know anyone who has used it yet.
T2
__________________________________
Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
Re: HD do-for-both viewfinder/client monitor by Emre Tufekci S.O.A. on Aug 17, 2009 at 8:40:00 pm
I had rented the BTLH900A and was blown away by the quality but the price led me to BT-LH80W. I used the change to get a 17" Panasonic and now use the 8" as a on board monitor, the 17" as a Client monitor.
They may not be cheap but definitely worth consideration.