Best Monitor to use?
 

Some have saiud the Marshalll Mono\itor 7 " v-r70p-HDA Monitor works well with the Panasonic, and was wondering what anyone else thought?

I own one. It works good enough, but it isn't full HD resolution so the image isn't crystal clear. You really can't go much bigger with a camera-mounted monitor. I'm about to get a 35mm adapter... then I'll be able to tell you how it works for shallow DOF.

Alternatives
 

I have the same Marshall but need to caution new buyers about it. I fear that Marshall may be having some quality control issues; I've had two of these monitors completely or partially die on me in less than 4 months.

The first monitor completely died during a shoot in a studio; we troubleshooted everything from cables, to power supplies - etc. A quick call to Marshall and they said based on the behavior that one of the controller chips "fried" for no apparent reason.

That unit was replaced by Marshall with a brand new one just 2 months ago. This second monitor has also just died this past week - the component inputs no longer work, so now this unit is either being replaced/repaired.

I no longer consider the Marshall reliable so it's been replaced by the Panasonic BT-LH900AP. Yes, it is significantly more expensive than the Marshall but it's also much sharper (more pixels), the color is a dead-on match to the HVX LCD (I'm 100% confident in my camera color output response now!) and it also has a built-in WFM (wave form monitor).

I wish I had learned about the Panasonic before purchasing the Marshall; I can easily justify the additional cost based on it's performance.

The Panny is larger - and heavier - than the Marshall, but my Zacuto rig holds it, the V-mount battery and the Hoodman hood no problem with the Noga Arm as the monitor mount.

Another alternative to the Marshall is the Varizoom s1080BS made by SWIT; it's the same resolution as the Marshall and even comes with it's own case and hood. I have not tested it (and probably won't since I have the Panny now) but I can attest to the fact that Varizoom customer support is much better than Marshall's.

So in short, based on this most recent experience with Marshall, if you need an inexpensive, light HD monitor I'd suggest the Varizoom. If you've got the budget for it, go for the Panasonic.

oh my god
 

so glad i asked now --what a great tip!

can't seem to find that Panasonic monitor anywhere online -- any links? how much?

gracias..
jc

do a google for Panasonic BT-LH900 :) their about £2000

Justin,

B&H has the Panasonic at $4200. If that's not in your budget try the new Varizoom I mentioned.

I really like this Varizoom monitor, but they don't supply outside US, bummer!

Niels

cool
 

You guys rock -- i think i am going with the Marshall, but am still searching.

Thanks for supplying me with a great place to start!

Update on the Marshall...
 

I just received the second replacement unit for the Marshall that died on me.

Apparently there is a controller-chip upgrade that addressed this issue of some inputs dying out and only affected older units (the first replacement unit that was sent was from older stock - an error that Marshall apologized for). This controller replacement also addresses the vertical edge line often seen on the side during shooting with this model.

As noted in this post, i've already upgraded to the Panny LH900 and don't need 2 HD monitors, so I'm selling this new Marshall on Ebay with the Hoodman H-7M for $1095.