using a notebook as a field monitor
 

I can patch thru firewire to my notebook using it as a field monitor, viewing what the camera sees thru the capture window.

Is there any software that will do this other than editing software?

Hi,

While possible, it is hardly worth the effort. The computer's monitor uses a different color space than NTSC or PAL monitors.

I have used a laptop and external drives to capture to hard drive while taping. That has proved worthwhile a few times.

Mike, your point about colorspace is well taken, but "hardly worth the effort" is a little harsh in my opinion. Aside from color issues a monitor can be very useful for focus and underscan judgements, and a laptop is a convenient portable solution.

I don't use one regularly, but on occasion have found it very helpful in a situation where it would not have been practical to lug a monitor. I have no experience with PC's, but on the Mac BTV Pro does a very nice job for this and will also capture video over firewire.

Hi,

*Harsh*? Wasn't intended.

It seems to be easier to look at the viewfinder for framing and accounting for overscan.

Focusing by laptop isn't something I've thought of at all - and in my case - I can't imagine it being an advantage.

Again, everyone's milage may vary.

I've used my laptop on a number of takes on my Lady X shoot
as well. Worked perfectly. I'd rather see the actual overscan
then "account" for it. Also focus was indeed easier to see on my
high resolution TFT screen and on some major scenes I let my
laptop record at the same time as my XL1S so I could instantly
see the recording back.