Two batteries arrived at my office last week. One was a no go after 2 days on the charger. I emailed SmallHD and before I knew it, a new battery was on its way to me with an apology email from SmallHD.

This level of professionalism is second to none and I wish to publicly thank SmallHD for such a quick turn around and for not beating around the bush.

SmallHD & Convergent Design receive my A++++ hounours listing for the most responsive and professional organisations in our industry.

Thanks again SmallHD.

If only the DP1 didn't cost an arm and a leg and had different power options!

compared to the IKAN monitors which are only 480x800, the DP1 is a steal.

You really have to use one to understand - the batteries are fantastic. They're light, and they last an acceptable amount of time - having one on the charger and one on the monitor at any given time will give you a full day of virtually uninterrupted shooting, and you can mount the monitor anywhere, being as the battery isn't as heavy as a gold brick like other monitor power options that ive used.

Honestly, what it boils down to is that the DP1 is an exceptional value for what it is. There aren't many HD monitors that come close in terms of specs, features and WEIGHT at this price point.

I think you'll find you can run the DP1 off just about 12v source, apart from the SmallHD batteries, some guys are using the Tekkeon, V mount wouldn't be to hard to rig up - I could even run it from the car - what more do you want?

Paul, I don't think the SmallHD will accept external 12V power just yet (but stay tuned). This was the deal breaker for me, but as I understand it, they are working on adding that feature.

The SmallHD is an excellent product at an excellent price point being sold by an excellent company that is very responsive to its users.

yes, it does accept external 12v power. I can't remember the range exactly, but I think it's actually something like 9-16v

Deal breaker broken. Now go get one already!

Sorry Trevor,

I should have fine-tuned my post.

Yes, it will accept 12V external power, but ONLY 12V REGULATED (most regulated DC inputs are looking to see 11.6 to 12.4V, no more, no less).

It will NOT accept unregulated DC power (as from the D-Tap on Anton Bauer, IDX, and Sony mounts). Depending on the battery system, the D-Tap will pass 11 to 17 VDC, with the most common range being 12.5 to 14.5 VDC.

I run all my accessories off of that D-Tap (wireless video transmitters, Focus MR HD100 drive, wireless follow focus, on-board light, etc., etc.). I also need to run a monitor off that same D-Tap (which I can do with the Panasonic, Marshall, and ikan units I now use).

My preferred cam DC power choice is the Anton Bauer system. Depending on the gig, I carry 2 to 6 Dionic 90 batteries and if I think I may need it, a Titan Twin charger. I don't want to have to carry consumer batteries and another charger system as well, so that's why the lack of 12V unregulated power support via a standard DC female barrel plug is a deal breaker for me at this point in the DP1's development cycle.

I have had some very constructive dialogs with SmallHD, and based on those dialogs, I am sure there is a SmallHD monitor or more in my future :)

They are a VERY responsive company to deal with.

compared to the IKAN monitors which are only 480x800, the DP1 is a steal.

The ikan V5600 is 1024x600 and takes 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

The ikan V8000HDMI is 800 x 480 however 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

The ikan VX7 and VX9 will also be in 1024x600 -- they will be out January 2010.

Most of our monitors will accept up to 24 volts, and we have a myriad of power options available - check them out for yourself at:

ikancorp.com: TFT LCD Monitors (http://www.ikancorp.com/pages/monitors/index__HD.html)

so the IKANs aren't quite 720p, and don't accept 1080p signals?

They're also quite expensive for their sizes and resolutions, compared to the DP1...

Forgive me if this sounds rude, but the DP1 still has you guys when it comes to resolution, size and price. The performance is fantastic, the build quality and durability are insane (if not overboard - in a good way) and their customer service is second to none.

Thanks for the info though :-)

Can you clarify what you mean by saying ikan is not quite 720P? Despite their inconsistancy in stock, right now I think they're back ordered, the most troubling thing about Small HD is the battery issue. If you do not use one of the small HD batteries, which according to them, provide a regulated 12v signal, then you could ruin their monitor. With the ikan, you can use everything from the Sony L to the Sony V mount with no worry at all.

Hi Clint,

What I mean by "not 720p" is that the V5600 monitor is in fact 1024x600 resolution - it does not have an actual 720 pixels of vertical resolution.

I'm not saying that's bad, but it certainly shouldn't be compared to the DP1 unless it is in fact true 720p resolution - if not a bit higher - at 1280x768. Keep in mind that the V5600 is also a 5.6" monitor - not 8.9" - so the "closest" thing that IKAN has to the DP1 is the V8000HDMI, which still doesn't come close in resolution or build quality. The DP1 still has 3x more pixels than the V8000HDMI. Also, the fact that IKAN monitors do not accept 1080p signals is worrisome to say the least. I'd like to point out that the DP1 can even accept signals from the RED One. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Image of the DP1 on a RED One from SmallHD.com:
http://www.smallhd.com/images/seeingred_img.jpg

As far as battery "options" are concerned, you are not required to use a smallHD battery. Many people are using Tekkeon batteries since they have them lying around - they work extremely well with the DP1 at anywhere between 9 and 15 volts from what I remember. I've been told that other power mounting options are in the works. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the DP1 batteries themselves. They are EXTREMELY slim, durable, INEXPENSIVE, and lightweight. They last up to 2.5 hours, and if you've got one on the charger and one on the monitor, you will always have power to spare. At $60 each, I could afford to buy 6 of the SmallHD batteries instead of an Anton Bauer Dionic 90. That being said, I'm looking into having a custom cord made so I can power my DP1 from the AB battery mounted on my Glidecam X-22. You just need a small circuit to make the power conversion, and apparently such a cord can be made for around $40.

My own image of the SmallHD Battery on the DP1:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3594186036_7cd1c319bc_b.jpg

I use the DP1 on my Sony EX1/Redrock M2 rig in both shoulder mounted and tripod mounted scenarios - it would be impossible to comfortably hold my rig in the shoulder mounted setup with a big, fat battery on the DP1. The SmallHD battery bracket allows their slim batteries to be mounted directly to the monitor in a secure fashion, while adding a minute amount of weight and providing plenty of run time. I doubt you'll find anyone who will be shooting shoulder mounted for 2 and a half hours at a time, and who won't have 5 seconds to swap batteries at the end of said time.

My SonyEX1/Redrock M2 rig with Noga Arm mounted DP1:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3960180119_6dca872aa3_o.jpg

I'd just like to point out that I do not work for or officially represent SmallHD in any way - I am simply a very happy customer who has done his research. I own two DP1s and have rented and used numerous other monitoring solutions, including the IKAN monitors, which I personally couldn't stand. No offense clint, but build quality and resolution are big winners for me, not to mention the stellar customer service that I've received from SmallHD.

Yes, the DP1 is currently backordered, but that's most likely due to high demand for their high quality parts. Everything gets backordered at some point, so I'm not really sure how that's supposed to make SmallHD look bad.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope you can understand where I'm coming from as a consumer - we aren't all fixated on big fat batteries and cheapness to make us comfortable - the value of functionality and support are most important to me when it comes to these monitors. SmallHD wins in my book.


Anyhow - I believe this was originally a "Thanks to SmallHD" thread, and not a comparison thread, so I'll step back now and let the topic at hand continue :-)

Just in case things threaten to heat up, let me offer this hopefully neutral summary/overview:

Both Ikan and SmallHD make products which please many customers. There is no single perfect monitor and both companies should be lauded for giving us choices when not long ago we had none.

Ikan joined the thread to correct an inaccuracy about their monitor resolutions. Since not only was their product mentioned, but mentioned inaccurately, I reckon they have every justification needed to step in and speak up in an ostensibly unrelated thread. (not that any justification is needed for anyone to say anything... just look at this post! hehe)

The more inflammatory opinions and misinformation aren't quite as useful though. "Expensive" is a completely relative term and being backordered can mean just about anything. The presence or lack of specific resolutions, battery options, build quality, dedicated control buttons, voltage range, weight, body to screen size relationship... these are features, not "fatal flaws".

As a consumer, I'm thrilled to have not only a myriad of boutique monitor choices, but manufacturers keeping a close ear on what we say. Thanks Ikan for following along! That same attention and care is the only reason the boutique monitor exists. You don't see sony branded low price high rez field monitors in unique enclosures.

I try to remain unbiased, but in fairness, i'm extremely fond of my SmallHD dp1. At the same time, I recognize that as a dvinfo sponsor, Ikan helps to keep this board alive. So, mad props to both, really. The consumer wins!

So, on to the real issue... what monitor maker is gonna be first to market with a full native rez 1080P 7" monitor that runs 24 hours on a single AA (which also doubles the weight), has all possible video ports known for the next 5 years, and is daylight viewable with studio grade contrast and color even in full sunlight without a hood of any kind?

C'mon, who is first to offer it?

oh yeah. its gotta be $499.

hehe.
cheers,
-a

Andrew - please show me exactly what was inaccurate about my post/information re: IKAN resolutions?

In this post:
compared to the IKAN monitors which are only 480x800, the DP1 is a steal.
I was referring to the only IKAN that can really be compared to the DP1 in terms of size - the V8000HDMI. Sorry for not clarifying, but that certainly doesn't make it incorrect.

Again, not trying to start anything here, but I do feel the need to make my message clear.

Andrew - please show me exactly what was inaccurate about my post/information re: IKAN resolutions?
Dude. Now i either look like a coward for not answering or a jerky grammar nazi for answering. argh. I'm hardly an icon for proper grammar/punctuation- and this has nothing to do with the observation i was making about Ikan's reply being reasonable and justified, since even possible reader confusion about a spec warrants a reply:

compared to the IKAN monitors which are only 480x800, the DP1 is a steal.

You used "which" instead of "that". "Which" indicates a nonrestrictive clause, where the content of the phrase is incidental or parenthetical information. You meant to use "that", where "are only 480x800" restricts the subject in question to the data set "Ikan monitors of 480x800 resolution".

As a nonrestrictive clause, your phrase stated "the Ikan monitors... are only 480x800," which is inaccurate.

Now that I'm an honorary grammar nazi, i might as well point out that had you said "compared to ALL monitors that are only 480x800, the DP1 is a steal," then I totally would have agreed. ha!

The ikan V5600 is 1024x600 and takes 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

The ikan V8000HDMI is 800 x 480 however 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

The ikan VX7 and VX9 will also be in 1024x600 -- they will be out January 2010.

Most of our monitors will accept up to 24 volts, and we have a myriad of power options available - check them out for yourself at:

ikancorp.com: TFT LCD Monitors (http://www.ikancorp.com/pages/monitors/index__HD.html)

Clint: Any idea of an estimated price range yet. Looks to be a wonderful monitor!
Wished I could have seen it at the HD Expo demo in Burbank last week.

It never ceases to amaze me how people get so passionate about "things" that are just tools.

I own a lot of camera and support equipment, but there isn't one item among them that I don't consider just a tool. Yes, some tools are better than others, and more used than others, but still just tools that I use in my day to day work routine. When a tool no longer works for me, I replace it.

The best thing the DP1 has going for it is Dale Bakus. He has a great business model philosophy, and is candid and forthcoming about his SmallHD products. I liken the company to RED when they first started up.

That said, the DP1 is not yet a fully mature product (maybe that's why its called the DP "one").

I don't own one, but I did use one for a week shooting a commercial (mostly exteriors). The unit we were using (on a 2nd RED One), had distinct blocking and artifacts in the 0 to 25IRE range (since fixed via software), and even with the excellent sun hood, was almost unusable on the exterior shots we were shooting.

If you have a white or light colored shirt on and are shooting exteriors, when you try and look at the monitor (even with the sun hood on), all you see is the reflection of your shirt. Now, I well understand the reasoning behind using a glossy screen, but that reasoning has to be tempered with a usability factor.

I do like the form factor and bullet proof build, which would make the DP1 a very likely candidate for rental house purchases, but the lack of being able to use a standard unregulated power supply pretty much negates this.

In time (like the RED) it will be a mature product, and I hope to buy a few. But for now, it just doesn't fit my requirements.

I own and use Panasonic, Marshall, and ikan monitors, and they are all good units. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The Marshall BT-LH80WU has "wild" frame lines (very useful for shooting Super 35), the ikan V5600 is small and at times, just the right size for the right job. The Marshall V-LCD84SB-AFHD is an excellent all around daylight use monitor.

Different tools for different jobs, nothing more, nothing less.

...The best thing the DP1 has going for it is Dale Backus.

Enzo, I have to agree on that point! Dale and his partner set the tone for everything we do. It is one of the reasons that all the photos on our site can be viewed in their original form and we offer a generous return policy. The last thing we want is a client with a monitor that does not meet their needs.

You are correct, the DP1 is not the perfect monitor, but we are working on it.

BTW: Based on customer feedback, we now have custom matte screen protectors that reduces but does not totally eliminate glare. It does soften the image a bit as would be the case with any non-reflective surface. Hopefully we can post some images on the website so you can see the difference.

-reed

If only the DP1 didn't cost an arm and a leg and had different power options!

Sean, what type of power options would you like to see?

Sorry about the arm and leg thing. We are doing everything possible to keep the cost down.

-reed

Hey Reed, welcome to DVI!

I for one haven't really had a problem with the "lack" of "options" for power. I really do love the DP1's battery, and I understand why it is what it is - they're beautifully designed, and provide adequate run time, while keeping weight and size to a minimum. Very impressive, I must say.

However, I guess now that you ask, I could put this out there. I recently bought a Glidecam X-22, which has an Anton Bauer mount on the sled. I've spoken with dale about the possibility of using some sort of cord or converter to pull power from the D-tap (I'm using Dionic 90 batteries) to power the DP1. Is there ANY way to do this? Having not used ABs before, I didn't realize at first that they didn't provide a regulated output. Do you have any idea how I could regulate that power to a stable 12v that I could use for either the DP1 or EX1 or both?

Sorry if it seems a bit off topic, but I figured I'd throw that one request out there! Never hurts to ask :-)

Trevor, that would be putting the cart before the horse. The equipment end is what has to accept unregulated power. I don't know about the EX1, but the EX3 (with a power plug adapter) will run of off the Anton Bauer D-Tap / Dionic 90 combo.

You can also plug an Anton Bauer multi-tap into the battery plate D-Tap socket to get 4 power outlet sockets (or just take a D-Tap shell apart and solder in some more wires).

Hey Enzo,

Thanks for the response. Yeah, after a bit of research I did realize that the EX1 does accept power directly from AB sources. I actually ended up purchasing the FGM-EX1 battery plate, which has a 44" cable built in to power the EX1. I'm going to run that cord up into the X-22's post, replace the existing AB plate with the FGM-EX1 and I'll be set. I'm also having a regulated adapter built to power the DP1 from the D-Tap connector.

Thanks again!

(BTW The DP1 looks right at home on the new Glidecam X-22... pretty sweet stuff!)

Trevor, please keep us updated on your progress.

I would not think that the DP1 would work very well on a flying rig (glossy screen, not high enough contrast ratio on day for day shots, etc.), and using that sun hood would be out of the question. How are you going to feed a component signal to it?

While I agree that size and form factor wise, it would make a good flying rig monitor, I think that it is not very well suited for that task, and may be a bit of overkill.

Basically all you need on a flying rig is a high contrast Etch A Sketch.

Hi Enzo,

I'll definitely let you know how it goes. I haven't had much issue with the DP1 outdoors without the sunhood - since the main issue will be framing, i suspect that I'll be able to see enough, if not more than enough on the DP1 to be able to fly it just fine. If not, I'll throw one of their matte screen.

Truth is, I've got two DP1s and just wanted to see how this thing did on the rig - the X-22 came with it's own 7" monitor, but it's SD and looks like crap... the DP1 looks right at home, and the little bit of extra weight is nice. I'm a fan of overkill, even if it doesn't work the first time - it's worth a try right? :)

I am going to buy an extra component cable for the EX1 and cut it to feed it through the hole in the tube near the stage. I know it'll be a bit of an ordeal, but it will be simple enough to match up the wires again and splice 'em back together. I'm also feeding power to the EX1 up through the center tube from an Anton Bauer FGM-EX1 mount that will be here next week.

I'm all for customizing stuff and keeping it clean and streamlined - the rig should work nicely once I've got all of this sorted out in the next week or two. Will keep you posted!

I just received my $989 DP1 with a bunch of accessories included in the price.

It is enclosed in a aluminum case, well built, and has a very clear and sharp picture.

Are their other monitors better or have more pixels or lines or resolutions for a cheaper price? I don't know? Don't care to find out, cause I chose this one to fit my needs right now!

Get the shot with what you got, life is too short!!

Melvin

Looking to purchase Ikan VX9 for my EX1, and my Jib, however you all talk about the Marshall being so great. Thanks, Tim

Yes, I do expect to purchase a "small monitor." I saw a reference to VX9 here and thought this would be a good place. Sorry, I never used this in the past and I'm lacking the proper protocol.

Ah, I see the problem. SmallHD is not an adjective -- it is a specific brand name which is made by neither Ikan nor Marshall.

Each of these monitors has plenty of its own threads.

If a company comes out with a great product and someone starts a thread on it, and almost a year later it is still present, well that does infact make a pretty solid statement of its own!!!

I use the dp1 in the lab hooked to my xlh1 when I am capturing so I can easily see what is in view easily instead of my black and white view finder (I use hd link). I use it for more articulate focus when on the pod. I use it for visual on the steady cam. I really do not need all the small things like blu gun, sdi, etc. This is the first real hd monitor I could justify spending my hard earned bucks on. now if I was dog rich, where would I go? who knows.

I suspect there are a lot more people out there using it like myself as apposeed to those at the "higher End" so to speak.

I repeat, this is a great product, priced well, and super highly functional.

I really appreciate the link and the information and especially the feedback. Most of the time I try to sit back and address issues on the forums as they come up in the interest of good customer relations. I do this to clear any misconceptions and especially to address any concerns a customer my have about a product.

In the interest of defending the good name of our company, I became a bit overzealous, and I would formally like to apologize. I would also like to thank all those who have voiced their views here as it has given me great insight into what I should be doing.

Thank you for your patience, and I hope you all will forgive me for this error in judgment.

Thank you.