Need help with a monitor solution asap
 

I ordered a SmallHD DP1 monitor a few weeks back and just found out that it is backordered until early April, which is a big ol bummer for me because I'm leaving on a trip on the 18th of March to shoot some video with the 7d abroad, and as it is a semi-professional gig and not just me messing around with the camera, I could really use a monitor. I have a shoulder mounted rig, but since it is offset from my eye I can't use a Z-finder with it and the lcd would be too far away to see, so without a monitor I couldn't use the shoulder mount rig with the 7d and I'd just have to shoot handheld. It's not that big of a deal, it's just I'd like to make use of the shoulder mounted option.

SmallHD offered me a refund but I'd still like to wait for the DP1 as its the best monitor ive seen for the money, but that leaves me with a predicament. Do I take the refund and order a similarly priced/equipped but a little lower res Manhattan monitor (they also have a newer more expensive 720p one):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676263-REG/Manhattan_LCD__Manhattan_LCD_8_9_Monitor.html
...or would it be possible to rig up a cheap monitor like the following one with some adapters, even though it doesn't seem to have the right AV connectors for use on the 7d:

7" LCD Monitor Kit [Handy35 Promo]

The only reason is I can get a deal on that second monitor for $130, and if I could connect it and it would allow me to simply see the frame and adjust focus, it would be a huge advantage. My only worry is that it would be such a cheap monitor that it would be unusable.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

What about the Marshall V-LCD70XP-HDMI?
Marshall Electronics - V-LCD70XP-HDMI

I haven't used it myself and it's not 720 like the DP1 but what it does have is a built in peaking and false color filter, that has to be worth more than 720? This monitor shows you when you are overexposed and in-focus.

Yeah, I've checked that marshall monitor out and I like the features, I would definitely go for a marshall if i werent going to get the dp1-- its just id be shelling out a few hundred more for a good battery setup, which is where the dp1 had a nice advantage. i might end up doing that though, just to get a good monitor for now.

anyone have any opinions on the super cheap one?

I wouldn't get a monitor that doesn't allow for HDMI input. I personally just got a Lilliput 669 monitor from Coollcd.com and it is more than adequate for focusing and looks pretty decent too. My clients were impressed with it. For mounting to your shoulder mount, get the Redrock Micro microMount. For battery power, I have an Ikan adapter that allows me to use Sony L series batteries on it. I have found that it is better to mount the battery adapter and battery behind the shoulder on my rig rather than on the LCD panel, as it helps with weight distribution. Battery life is great with the Sony L series (970) and I had no problems, other than that I wish Ikan stuff was built better. The status indicator light on the Ikan adapter already died, the 3rd day it was on the job. The adapter still works though.

Try to find a .5m long mini HDMI to HDMI cable, as my 2m long one had to be wrapped around my rails multiple times to stay out of the way.

Is rental an option? I know some shops are starting to rent the dp1.

Not in Denver CO

I was going to buy this one but have read reviews saying it delivers a slightly squished image. Dealbreaker if true. Have you experienced a squished distorted image?

Good cheap solution
 

No squished image on my 669. I use it with the HDMI out of the 7D, and so far, no problems. Color, brightness, and image quality are NOT great, but I use it mainly for framing and focus. But for $199 what can you expect?

Carlo Zanella

The Santa Fe TV Show

Canon DSLR Video Monitor for FREE Using your Laptop
 

As A temporary fix, using your laptop in conjunction with the EOS canon software that came with your camera, benefits are that you get to keep the on camera live view and have a monitor. I think there is a slight delay in the live feed , but I assume this is due to the hardware specs of the laptop, Ie faster laptop , less time lag, It seems this is both for MAC and PC.
here is a Youtube link: YouTube - NextWaveG's Channel

hope that is some help

simon reilly
simon reilly

Simon, the time lag is a feature of the camera, not the laptop - sadly.

I find it's very hard to eject battery on an ikan adapter. I use the sony L series batteries adapter from LCD4video now, cheaper, and quality is good too.

Doug, that 7" Handy35 monitor seems to be very low-res at 240x480 native, and no HDMI input.

For $200 you can get good quality 800x480 619AH monitor with HDMI. I use it with Canon 7D and SI-2K Mini, and it's very good, also lightweight.

Details here.

Carlo, I want to get a Lilliput but don't want to mount it via the hot shoe... How do you mount yours?