2 low cost HD field monitors

Dale Backus · December 2nd, 2008, 07:21 PM

This is understandable, there are definitely people such as yourself where this is super important to them..

However in the 100s of people i've spoken with, it's an issue that rarely comes up as a concern, because most people color correct in post now, so if perfect color balanced isn't achieved in the field between cameras, its something that is easily remedied in-house.

Thank you for your kind words, though. We will be catering to these and many other needs as we progress... first things first!

Dale

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Donnenfield

Dale et al,
I don't mean to ignite a controversy regarding your priorities around providing a field monitor that makes focusing HD easy. There's no doubt that a crisp HD image is critical. But, I have yet to find maintaining focus using our HVX200 much of a problem. Maybe it's more of a problem with the larger chip cameras.

But evaluating other aspects of the image is much trickier: color, contrast and ratios, etc., you know, the details that set a superior image apart from an adequate one, take precise controls and feedback with true fidelity. That is why the "blue gun" is so essential, or at least some means of ensuring image calibration.

I get what you're trying to do in SmallHD's infancy, and it's laudable, but I may not be able to wait for the next gen to meet my needs.

David Donnenfield · December 8th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Dale,
Really appreciate your informative responses. The next logical question then is, will you be able to add features to previously-purchased monitors. In my case, if I buy one of your new LCD monitors arriving in January and later you add blue-gun capability, would I have to buy an entirely new monitor to get that feature? Or, will this first gen unit be sufficiently modular to permit updates as substantial as blue-gun?
thanks,

Kan Yeung · December 17th, 2008, 07:40 AM

iKan have two new version of 8" field monitor, V8000HDMI for only $ 995 and V8000HD2 which is the same monitor spec without the HDMI input for $ 795.

Will Kalkhoff · January 18th, 2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Donnenfield

There may be other technical issues with these two particular, appealing-looking, monitors (SmallHD and Manahttan), but one matter that concerns me greatly is that they don't have blue gun capability. How is one going to calibrate the monitor without seeing "blue bars" on the screen from the camera? Is there another method that these two monitors provide that is rock-solid and can be relied upon in a multi-cam situation?
David

I share your concern about the lack of blue gun capability on the SmallHD and Manhattan LCD. However, following a tip I found in The Filmaker's Handbook by Ascher and Pincus, you can still adjust a monitor that doesn't have blue-gun capability by using a Lee 363 blue gel (Appendix A, p. 767). It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing. Also, Appendix A in The Filmaker's Handbook provides a nice step-by-step tutorial for adjusting a monitor. This might be especially useful to those with limited experience, like myself.

Rafael Diaz · January 25th, 2009, 11:52 PM

Small HD monitor

Any feedback on this monitor yet?

Is this monitor already shipping?

What's the price? I don't see a price on their website...

Thank you,
Rafael

Trevor Meeks · January 26th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Rafael, in respect for Dale here I am not going to go into specifics but the projected release date is close, barrelling down on us like a freight train in fact! Price is TBA soon as well. Best thing to do is get on their mailing list via their website and hang tight! It's worth the wait!

Rafael Diaz · January 26th, 2009, 09:09 PM

I'll keep waiting.

I have a music video coming up in a few weeks, I totally needed this monitor :)

I have the JVC HD100 and the M2 mini35mm adapter and focusing on the small LCD screen is nearly impossible... But, I guess I'll keep on waiting.

Trevor Meeks · January 26th, 2009, 11:52 PM

See if you can rent something. Give the miniHD about a month or so. We should hear something before then! If I talk to dale soon I'll see if he wouldn't mind sharing some info here when he gets a chance :-) These monitors will totally be worth the wait though!

Stuart Nimmo · January 27th, 2009, 02:33 AM

This is interesting, yes I too long for a small, affordable, true HD monitor that is also true to the camera's 16x9 output. However, this problem with shots being pin sharp. I personally don't find it difficult to follow focus (I hope), but one of the loudest complaints about 1/3-chip cameras is the huge depth of field they offer! Everyone is chasing shallow depth of field. I guess it's when you are using a 35 mm adapter or JVC's 16mm Arri converter that a monitor for focus becomes vital?

Trevor Meeks · January 27th, 2009, 05:22 AM

Exactly. As a redrock M2 user, I find the XH-A1's screen completely unusable. Bare camera, sure, who cares? Let the thing focus itself. I prefer the 35mm adapter look though, the bokeh is just downright gorgeous! Looking forward to the new smallHD monitors, I'm going to buy one the moment they become available.

Terry Lee · January 30th, 2009, 05:06 PM

Hi all,

I'm just now chiming in on this thread and am also interested in the smallHD monitor everyone is talking about. I am looking for a monitor that I can use for focusing shots from a 12' crane. However, my script also has a shot of an actor riding a bicycle that will continue for maybe 3/4 of a mile where I will be following the actor and filming from the back of a truck. Therefore, I will need something batery powered unless anyone here thinks an AC adapter hooked to the cigerette lighter might not be a bad idea...

Regards,
Terry

Stuart Nimmo · January 30th, 2009, 06:04 PM

It depends on your camera, I'm guessing it's 12V(+). I personally like to power my monitors using the same battery system (interchangeable and I just need one charger), or using an AC/ DC 12v converter - but we've dealt with that elsewhere. Car power? Well, better to rig a system that you can use without having to have a car with you I guess. I do run my 12v Dedo Lights in-car but that’s another matter. Monitors can eat power and don't usually have a low voltage cut-off, so beware draining batteries to the point of potential cell reversal.

Trevor Meeks · February 1st, 2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Lee

Hi all,

I'm just now chiming in on this thread and am also interested in the smallHD monitor everyone is talking about. I am looking for a monitor that I can use for focusing shots from a 12' crane. However, my script also has a shot of an actor riding a bicycle that will continue for maybe 3/4 of a mile where I will be following the actor and filming from the back of a truck. Therefore, I will need something batery powered unless anyone here thinks an AC adapter hooked to the cigerette lighter might not be a bad idea...

Regards,
Terry

Hey Terry,

You can power the smallHD monitors with the Tekkeon MP3450 found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S9JWJI...F2SY2ZQ66NT6S&

It's the battery that they recommend, and the one a lot of people are using on other field monitors. You can also add the MP3450-10 found here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017DS0SS...6VQET0F90TDF2& for additional battery life, although the 3450 by itself is said to be able to power the monitor for 3-4 hours on its own... adding the -10 could almost double the run time!

Terry Lee · February 2nd, 2009, 04:29 PM

Thanks Trevor, that certainly makes the SmallHD monitor the choice for me.

The price is $450 correct?

Any idea when it will be coming out?

One question about the battery supply; So bassically with this device I can simply plug it into the monitor and the camera powering both?

Terry.

Heath Vinyard · February 2nd, 2009, 04:35 PM

Sign me up for wanting to know when this puppy comes out. It seems there's not been a peep from them lately. I'm really going to need a monitor in the next couple of weeks and this would solve all my woes.

SmallHD? Are you out there? :)

December 8th, 2008, 08:30 AM	#92
David Donnenfield New Boot Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5	New features Dale, Really appreciate your informative responses. The next logical question then is, will you be able to add features to previously-purchased monitors. In my case, if I buy one of your new LCD monitors arriving in January and later you add blue-gun capability, would I have to buy an entirely new monitor to get that feature? Or, will this first gen unit be sufficiently modular to permit updates as substantial as blue-gun? thanks,

December 17th, 2008, 07:40 AM	#93
Kan Yeung Sponsor: MicroSearch, iKan Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 7	Small field HD Monitor iKan have two new version of 8" field monitor, V8000HDMI for only $ 995 and V8000HD2 which is the same monitor spec without the HDMI input for $ 795.

January 25th, 2009, 11:52 PM	#95
Rafael Diaz New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: salinas Posts: 19	Small HD monitor Small HD monitor Any feedback on this monitor yet? Is this monitor already shipping? What's the price? I don't see a price on their website... Thank you, Rafael

January 26th, 2009, 09:09 PM	#97
Rafael Diaz New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: salinas Posts: 19	Thank alot of the info Trevor. I'll keep waiting. I have a music video coming up in a few weeks, I totally needed this monitor :) I have the JVC HD100 and the M2 mini35mm adapter and focusing on the small LCD screen is nearly impossible... But, I guess I'll keep on waiting.

January 27th, 2009, 02:33 AM	#99
Stuart Nimmo Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Paris France Posts: 89	Problems focusing This is interesting, yes I too long for a small, affordable, true HD monitor that is also true to the camera's 16x9 output. However, this problem with shots being pin sharp. I personally don't find it difficult to follow focus (I hope), but one of the loudest complaints about 1/3-chip cameras is the huge depth of field they offer! Everyone is chasing shallow depth of field. I guess it's when you are using a 35 mm adapter or JVC's 16mm Arri converter that a monitor for focus becomes vital?

January 26th, 2009, 02:33 PM	#96
Trevor Meeks Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 336	Rafael, in respect for Dale here I am not going to go into specifics but the projected release date is close, barrelling down on us like a freight train in fact! Price is TBA soon as well. Best thing to do is get on their mailing list via their website and hang tight! It's worth the wait!

January 26th, 2009, 11:52 PM	#98
Trevor Meeks Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 336	See if you can rent something. Give the miniHD about a month or so. We should hear something before then! If I talk to dale soon I'll see if he wouldn't mind sharing some info here when he gets a chance :-) These monitors will totally be worth the wait though!

January 27th, 2009, 05:22 AM	#100
Trevor Meeks Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 336	Exactly. As a redrock M2 user, I find the XH-A1's screen completely unusable. Bare camera, sure, who cares? Let the thing focus itself. I prefer the 35mm adapter look though, the bokeh is just downright gorgeous! Looking forward to the new smallHD monitors, I'm going to buy one the moment they become available.

January 30th, 2009, 05:06 PM	#101
Terry Lee Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 691	Hi all, I'm just now chiming in on this thread and am also interested in the smallHD monitor everyone is talking about. I am looking for a monitor that I can use for focusing shots from a 12' crane. However, my script also has a shot of an actor riding a bicycle that will continue for maybe 3/4 of a mile where I will be following the actor and filming from the back of a truck. Therefore, I will need something batery powered unless anyone here thinks an AC adapter hooked to the cigerette lighter might not be a bad idea... Regards, Terry __________________ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38313004

January 30th, 2009, 06:04 PM	#102
Stuart Nimmo Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Paris France Posts: 89	It depends on your camera, I'm guessing it's 12V(+). I personally like to power my monitors using the same battery system (interchangeable and I just need one charger), or using an AC/ DC 12v converter - but we've dealt with that elsewhere. Car power? Well, better to rig a system that you can use without having to have a car with you I guess. I do run my 12v Dedo Lights in-car but that’s another matter. Monitors can eat power and don't usually have a low voltage cut-off, so beware draining batteries to the point of potential cell reversal.

February 2nd, 2009, 04:29 PM	#104
Terry Lee Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 691	Thanks Trevor, that certainly makes the SmallHD monitor the choice for me. The price is $450 correct? Any idea when it will be coming out? One question about the battery supply; So bassically with this device I can simply plug it into the monitor and the camera powering both? Terry. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38313004

February 2nd, 2009, 04:35 PM	#105
Heath Vinyard Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 296	Sign me up for wanting to know when this puppy comes out. It seems there's not been a peep from them lately. I'm really going to need a monitor in the next couple of weeks and this would solve all my woes. SmallHD? Are you out there? :) __________________ Heath Vinyard www.ghostlandmedia.com