Field Monitor - What kind to buy???
 

I would like to purchase a field monitor to use for a preview monitor instead of using my tv. Anyone have an suggestions. I would prefer to keep it under $750 if possible. I have a few friends who use JVC monitors but their models are not in production anymore.

Thanks,

Jon

I just bought a Sony 8044q on ebay. Make sure it's the 8044q 0r the 8045q. They are workhorses,have that crisp Sony trinitron image, and are industry standard. You can get one in the $500 range.Make sure you get the model that's switchable between 4:3 and 16:9.
Another thing to check-ask how old it is.The guy who sold me mine said he didn't know, but when I got mine, I turned it over and the date was underneath. It was made in 1996.Although it in great condition, I wouldn't have paid as much($530 plus shipping) if I knew it was that old.The new Sony model is the PVM 9l3, and costs $1050. (kinda wish I had spent the extra $$ and gotten a new one).
I used it yesterday on a shoot, and it was really helpfull.
Good luck
Bruce S. Yarock

The problem with the Sony 8044q is that it only supports 450 tv lines of horizontal resolution. Can you imagine if computer monitors supported only that level of resolution ? JVC makes a 10 inch HDTV multi-format monitor DT-V100CGU as well as 17 inch and 19 inch models in multi format 4:3 and 16:9.
If these are too pricey a lot of guys buy a consumer LCD television and haul that out to the field. A good 15 inch LCD HDTV can be had for under 500 bucks. Some sell for around $300.