Suggest On-camera Monitor for XHA1s?
 

I am looking to buy a lightweight monitor, maybe 6" or 7", because I can't see very well with the tiny onboard flip-out. Do you have any suggestions? Which video connections are best to use?

SmallHD - works great on the XH-A1

HI Alex, there are expensive small monitors available for your task. I just wanted a cheap monitor to frame through while working. for $80 I picked up a dvd player with video in as a feature (there are many sizes of course to choose from). So if your on a tripod and not moving, it's great. If you want it fixed while having to be mobile, then there are plenty of professional little screens to choose from. Good luck.

Cheap won't do
 

I need a really good monitor because I can't see dammit anymore. I have a stigmatism that could end my career if it gets any worse. The tiny flip-out monitor is useless and I don't trust the viewfinder.

I bought a "Dynex" 15 inch, 720, 16:9 HD Monitor/TV at Best Buy for around $140, it has componant inputs that will allow you to use your HD cable that came with the XH A1s. It doesnt attach to the camera but you can simlpy set in right next to the camera, it sure has done the job for me.

Remember though, with this monitor and all others you will actually be filming slightly more than you are seeing in the monitor, so keep that in mind while filming. I wish Canon would just make it so what you see is what you get but I know many companies do this, don't ask me why.

Here's a link to that monitor: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26...01341&st=dynex 15 hd&contract_desc=null

Thanks Danny. I was thinking more in terms of a camera mounted monitor, 6" or so and lightweight. I willl look into the Dynex for other purposes, though

I recently bought this one in The Netherlands. Don't know if you can buy it in the US. It also goes under the name CARUBA. But this is a hell of a HD monitor for a very nice price.

I bought the small HD and it works great with the A1, it's an incredible monitor and I like the power option since the battery is slim and clips to the back of the monitor .. component out into the monitor.. looks great ...

only hitch with using the component out on the A1 is that the peaking must be a hardware function on the flip out LCD since the peaking isn't shown on the external monitor .. so when it's a concern, I use both, the flip out shows peaking (enough for me to adjust the aperature) and the external monitor shows me everything else .. kind of a pain but an acceptable trade-off (and on my A1, my component out is tied up for something else, but I suspect it would be the same, and the A1 doesn't have the SDI out)

noga arm from my tripod to the monitor, and smaller ball mount for the multi rig when I mount the A1 there ... if you want to mount it directly to the A1, I'd recommend a clamp on the handle to provide a 1/4 20 thread .. the hotshoe in my opinion may not be strong enough

hope this helps!

Paul and Dave, you are talking about the 7" SmallHD DP1? I saw that one online, thanks. It might still be a little heavy for me. I want to mount it to a Varizoom Media Rig or onto the camera. They are coming out with a 5.6" model designed for an DSLR. I'm hoping lighter weight and component in. On both models I like that the battery pack attaches to the monitor. They are both going for the same price, $899

Kees, does that monitor have compnoent in?

Yes. It has both component and HDMI in. I use the component in when I use it on my XHA1 and that shows a real nice and hi-res picture. Very usable for focussing and the rest.

Has anyone tried the Lilliput monitors?

Car Computer - Lilliput 669GL-70NP/C - 7" HDMI monitor (non-touch scre

They seem to be cheap - specification and price comparable to the Coruba model mentioned by Kees.

How do you connect component from XHA1s? what cable do you use?

Beste Kees, I saw this monitor too (Beetronics) and I read somewhere that it's made by Zeiss!! Nice to read that your confident with it!

Two compounded questions:
1. How do you fix the monitor to your camera (or tripod)? Is it light enough to put it on top of the camera with the Varizoom hot shoe connector? What do you do with the battery? Is the power cable long enough to screw the battery under the camera (tripod screw)?
2. Is the monitor durable (because of the low price compared to SmallHD) and good enough for focussing (which I would expect, it's HD after all!)

Groeten RW

Hi Alex, on the XH you can use the Bnc connector switching the tiny switch to Video 2 or the stereo out cable switched to Video 1, and only use the Yellow RCA connector from that splitter cable which if you don't have will only cost you about $6. This cable gives you stereo out as well as the composite out you need. The switch is tiny on the back panel approx in the middle of that panel on the XH. Good luck.