XD 330 Field Monitor
 

Does anyone out there with a 330 have any suggestions for an inexpensive (relatively) AC/DC HD LCD field monitor? Also, what outputs do you use for this ? Since there is no SDI, do you have to use component, or can you use the composite out of the rear of the camera?

Thanks!
Max

Hmm. No takers.

Well, I've done some research and looks like the Marshall 7" would fit the bill, and even use my existing batteries for power. I'm still just not sure about the composite output on the back of the camera. Will this be HD, or SD?

Thanks,
Max

Composite is always SD only.

There's no such thing as a composite HD signal.

Thanks! That's exactly what I did NOT know. So, i guess with the 330 I'll need to use the component cables. Bummer as this will be a lot more cable weight, etc.

Thanks very much for the info.

There's lightweight component cables available, you just have to hunt them down. I know what you're talking about though...not wanting to use something from Comprehensive or the like because it'll be a beast.

You should PM Charles Papert, Steadicam guys like him are always interested in lightweight, flexible cables and usually know where to get them made.

I have the Marshall HD field monitor and feed it HD-SDI from the camera. It mounts on the camera hot shoe. I have the 350 though. Doesn't the 330 have HD-SDI out?

Nope. Component and composite only.

Hi Dan,
Which Marshall are you using? How is it for focus and outside usage?
I am considering a LCD for the 330 and just found this company.
Can anyone comment on these LCD's?
http://www.bolandcom.com/

I had a look a the boland website and if you look throught the specs the 8.4" HD monitor appears to only have a resolution of 450TVL which is pretty much useless for HD.

We're not happy with the Marshal V-R65P-HD. A lot of nice features and it looks great on paper (even though it's an HD monitor that is only 800 x 480) but we can't get it anywhere even close to our reference monitor in the studio with regard to brightness/contrast/saturation...etc... I'd love it if Sony or someone else out there had something better. Anyone else know of a good HD, lightweight field monitor?

Well...

Sony LMD-9050
Panasonic BT-LH900
ERG EV-85
Astro WM-3004
Astro DM-3008

Plan on about $4000 for any of these.

One of the few things I like about the Marshal is that it is 16 x 9. Any others like that out there that have better colorimetry? I know the 4 x 3 ones are switchable or have 16 x 9 frame markers but I prefer the true 16 x 9 types.

You seem to have described yourself right into the Astro monitors.

Pansonic field monitor
 

Hi Max,

Heard you went w/ the 330 -- congrats. From the same vendor, we purchased and are using a Panasonic BT-LH1700W for a location monitor w/ our 350. Waaaay bigger/heavier than a Marshall, but you can actually learn to trust what you see on the screen, and it has a built-in waveform/v-scope for additional monitoring. Street price under $3K, and it displays HD detail not visible w/ lesser lcd monitors.

Keith

The 7 inch Marshal has worked well for us.

Small enough to mount on the camera, but I've been using it on an old still cam tripod which my grip uses to back-seat focus assist/ comp.

We also use rca component cables and leave the connectors on the 330 and monitor for quicker set-up and to avoid any cable-tripping/ camera crashing disasters.

You'll like the 330. Congratulations.

Hhmmmmm... I think that spec for 450TVL was for SD???

I read
High Res/Very Fine Pitch 1024x768

might be a good choice for 1/2 the $$ unless I'm mistaken on the rez

there are at least 3 differant Marshal 7 inch HD monitors, HDSDI only, HD componite only and that combo unit that does several inputs. DON'T get the last one. Its like those all in one fax,scanner,copy machines. It does not do anything very well. We have several of each of the other two types and they work very well for the price range. For twice the money you can move up to the 9 ich panasonic, -waveform only- no vector. or for three times the money get the astro. or the leader.

These look pretty lightweight

http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp...&search=0&off=

Thanks guys, for all the messages. I think I'm gonna go with the Marshall as a first step, seeing as a number of people say it is alright. Mostly, I want to use it for framing, etc. And, I love the way the batteries mount right on the back - that is quite handy.