Monitors with good peaking at DVinfo.net

Max Palmer · September 30th, 2013, 08:31 AM

Hi all- I've started shooting wedding videos this year, and one of my cameras is a 60d. I'm going to invest a little bit more money in some more support equipment, and want to add an external monitor to my list. I've been having a lot of trouble pulling accurate focus on subjects, even when using something like the peaking feature on Magic Lantern. I can't spend too much money on an external monitor (would like it to be around $200) and don't want it to be so big that I can't maneuver in tight situations. I also want to avoid using an eyecup or screen loupe as I want to retain the ability to maneuver with the camera away from my face if I'm raising it up high on a monopod or walking with a Glidecam.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a monitor that would work well with the 60d, and have a good peaking feature? Also, if I use magic lantern, will the feature that forces HD output over HDMI work well? I know the 60d comes from the factory with SD out only.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Rickey Brillantes · September 30th, 2013, 04:00 PM

Ikan monitors have a good reputation and they stand behind their product. I have the VK7i which has focus peaking, false color and DSLR scaling which I use on my 7D. On 60D once you hit record the screen goes blank for about 2 seconds before live view.

Check out their website on the refurbish section, a friend of mine just purchased a refurbished 5" monitor with peaking for $149, we tried it out, and everything works well.

With ML, nope it still output on SD.

Max Palmer · September 30th, 2013, 07:23 PM

Do you find it difficult to focus on a camera with only an SD signal going to the monitor?

Rickey Brillantes · September 30th, 2013, 11:34 PM

Actually no, with the 7" size SD output is no problem in focusing and with focus peaking it makes the job a lot easier.

Max Palmer · October 1st, 2013, 06:55 AM

I'm going to try and go with something around 5" because this is my roaming camera (for weddings) and I want to keep it maneuverable in tight spots. At a reception it's not such a big deal, but when you're in someone's house inbetween flutes of mimosa and bathrobe-clad girls putting on makeup, it gets dicey. ;-)

September 30th, 2013, 08:31 AM	#1
Max Palmer Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT Posts: 132	Monitors with good peaking Hi all- I've started shooting wedding videos this year, and one of my cameras is a 60d. I'm going to invest a little bit more money in some more support equipment, and want to add an external monitor to my list. I've been having a lot of trouble pulling accurate focus on subjects, even when using something like the peaking feature on Magic Lantern. I can't spend too much money on an external monitor (would like it to be around $200) and don't want it to be so big that I can't maneuver in tight situations. I also want to avoid using an eyecup or screen loupe as I want to retain the ability to maneuver with the camera away from my face if I'm raising it up high on a monopod or walking with a Glidecam. Does anyone have any suggestions on a monitor that would work well with the 60d, and have a good peaking feature? Also, if I use magic lantern, will the feature that forces HD output over HDMI work well? I know the 60d comes from the factory with SD out only. Thanks for any suggestions!

September 30th, 2013, 04:00 PM	#2
Rickey Brillantes Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, California Posts: 309	Re: Monitors with good peaking Ikan monitors have a good reputation and they stand behind their product. I have the VK7i which has focus peaking, false color and DSLR scaling which I use on my 7D. On 60D once you hit record the screen goes blank for about 2 seconds before live view. Check out their website on the refurbish section, a friend of mine just purchased a refurbished 5" monitor with peaking for $149, we tried it out, and everything works well. With ML, nope it still output on SD. Last edited by Rickey Brillantes; September 30th, 2013 at 11:35 PM.

September 30th, 2013, 07:23 PM	#3
Max Palmer Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT Posts: 132	Re: Monitors with good peaking Do you find it difficult to focus on a camera with only an SD signal going to the monitor?

September 30th, 2013, 11:34 PM	#4
Rickey Brillantes Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, California Posts: 309	Re: Monitors with good peaking Actually no, with the 7" size SD output is no problem in focusing and with focus peaking it makes the job a lot easier.

October 1st, 2013, 06:55 AM	#5
Max Palmer Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT Posts: 132	Re: Monitors with good peaking I'm going to try and go with something around 5" because this is my roaming camera (for weddings) and I want to keep it maneuverable in tight spots. At a reception it's not such a big deal, but when you're in someone's house inbetween flutes of mimosa and bathrobe-clad girls putting on makeup, it gets dicey. ;-)