Field monitor for Canon XH A1

[Jordan Orberg]

Hello,
I am currently shooting with 2 XH-A1 cameras, and am looking for a field monitor to better setup shots and to eventually use with a crane. I shoot mostly in SD, but occasionally shoot a project in HD so I would like to have a monitor capable of an HD signal if possible. Here is what I have been looking at:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...D_Monitor.html

I am wondering if I am even on the right track. I've tried to do some research, and it looks like there are a lot of alternatives as far as features go. I would prefer to stay in the 'under $1100' range if possible, but from what I have seen, HD might not be possible for a good monitor in this price range.

As far as standard definition -- I saw this:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/monitors/vztft7u.html

I guess it comes down to me not really knowing much about these monitors and what features I should be looking for. I could really use some help. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks!!

[Timothy D. Allen]

Truth is, it seems as though you get what you pay for with these things. In all my experience with VariZoom monitors (which admittedly is fairly limited) they don't appear to be very reliable or have that great of a picture.

Marshalls, on the other hand, have been around for a long time, have great quality and are very well made.

So there. You have my two cents! ;-)

[Jordan Orberg]

Thanks Timothy for the input! Marshalls seems to be the best in the Field Monitor category but they are definitely expensive! (I wish BHPHOTOVIDEO did after Thanksgiving sales!!) If I was to decide on a Marshalls screen, I would have to wait a couple more months because of the price.

Do you have any suggestions for something within my price range that doesn't have a bad picture or anything? Thank you for your help!

[Mickey Mackwan]

i have looked through this forum for the info on ikan lcd monitors but couldnt find much so am posting this new thread if someone finds some info on what am looking for please guide me on the right path
i would like to know

ikan 9.2" LCD Monitor Wide 16:9 Format $639
- Diagonal 9.2 " TFT - LCD
- LCD Brightness: 300cd/m2
- Resolution: 800 x 480
- Contrast Ratio: 250:1
- Viewing angles: 65/65(R/L)
- Operating Volts: DC 11-13V
- Power Consumption: <9W
- Operating Temp.: 0-65C
- Storage Temp: -25-70C
- Dimension: 9.6"x6.7"x1.5"
- Weight (lbs) 1.2


Ikan 8" LCD Monitor Wide 16:9 Format $729
Specifications
-Diagonal 8" TFT - LCD
- LCD Brightness: 400cd/m2- - Contrast Ratio: 200:1
- Resolution: 800 x 480
- Up to 1024 x 768
- Viewing angles: 65/65(R/L)
- Operating Volts: DC 11-13V
- Power Consumption: = 10W
- Operating Temp.: 0-65C
- Storage Temp: -25-70C
- Dimension: 8.1"x5.7"x1.2"
- Weight (lbs) 1.05

ikan V8000HD 8" TFT LCD Monitor $1149
Application Video and Computer Monitoring
LCD Size 8"
Video System NTSC/PAL
Picture Elements 800 x 480
Input and Output
Connectors Component Video: BNC (x1)
Composite Video: BNC (x1 Input, x1 Output)
S-Video: Mini DIN (x1)
Analog Audio: RCA Stereo (x2 Inputs)
Picture Controls Brightness, Contrast, RGB Value
Remote Control Yes
Power Requirements Not Specified By Manufacturer
Power Consumption Not Specified By Manufacturer
Dimensions (WxHxD) 8 x 5.5 x 1.5" (20.3 x 14 x 3.8 cm)
Weight 1.2 lb (0.5 kg)


all of this has a resolution of 800x400 how come the price difference ?
(prices are in australian dollars) which one is good ?
i understand that the v8000hd is the only one for high defination but the rest has the same resolution so am a bit confused. please ignore my ignorance as am just learning.
thanks for all the help.

[Brian Critchlow]

Please list the model numbers you are looking at.

The V8000HD is 800x480
The V9000 is 1440x234 (480x234 actual)
The V8000W is 800x480 BUT only has composite & VGA, not component like the HD

[Mickey Mackwan]

Thanks Brain
so v8000hd and v8000w has both same resolution and the only difference is that v8000W does not have a component like hd. but there is a big price difference between these two precisely $420.
so if am not after component output like hd the v8000w should be fine for color and focus issues rite ??
thanks for all the help..

mick

[Brian Critchlow]

yes & no
if you are happy with a standard definition image for color and focus, you should be fine. If however you are shooting HD, it will be more difficult to judge focus. You color space will also be different from HD to NTSC.

[Mickey Mackwan]

sorry to bother you again but they both have the same resolution so why would it be different ??

[Brian Critchlow]

In my opinion the scalers are better quality in the HD monitors. If you let the camera down-rez to NTSC you may get a somewhat fuzzy image as compared to HD going into the monitor and the monitor doing the scaling.

Others may want to argue that opinion, but its what I have experienced.

[Jim Press]

Mickey, for what it's worth we just purchased a bit of gear from John Barry (Panavision, Artarmon) and they recommended the ikan V8000HD 8"--unfortunately we haven't connected it yet (to our Canon XH G1s) so can't tell you anything about it.

[Jordan Orberg]

Thanks for posting this monitor! I've been looking for something like it!

[Mickey Mackwan]

Thanks Brain, thanks Jim
Jim can you please please let me know how good the monitor is also the store at artarmon do they have a website or can you give me their phone number please..
thanks for everything guys.

[Guy Cochran]

Here is a pic I snapped of one of the IKAN V8000HD's that we got in stock today.
Great picture, extremely lightweight and affordable at $799. The competing Marshall 7" monitor we also use is big bucks when you take into account battery power for shooting on the go. The IKAN uses Sony batteries. The Marshall can use two Sony batteries with an add on $299! http://lcdracks.com/accessor/V-DV-PWR1.htm

The IKAN accessory kit adds a charger and battery for $99. http://www.dvcreators.net/ikan-8inch-lcd/

[Paul Mailath]

We've just finished shooting a short using the XHA1 and a 7" 800x480 monitor - composite input. only good for framing.

We used a Macbook with FCP for critical focus - it was a pain due to the delay (we thought the camera had some sort of delayed autofocus on) but it did the job once we got used to it.

before you spend any money on any monitor I'd test it thoroughly - it's so easy to end up with soft focus when you think it's spot on

[Mickey Mackwan]

Thanks Guy, Thanks Paul
I think intead of getting the Ikan 8" LCD Monitor Wide i might go ahead and get the right gear ikan V8000HD i think this monitor will be able to help in focusing...
If anyone have used ikan V8000HD with xha1 can you please comment....
thanks in advance
Mick