found an inexpensive monitor......finally
 

Somewhere in my search I came across the JAG35 monitor, a 7 inch hdmi input lcd for $249.00. I like it just fine so far.
It would be nice to have a waveform/vectorscope/color peaking/automatic ignition true hd monitor in a small form factor without spending 800 or a thousand bucks. But that product doesn't exist or at least in a lot of looking I haven't found it.
Most of the small monitors are around 800x480, the most expensive are a bit better, and have more features if you want to pay for them.
My big issue was trying to put the camera where my eye can't follow and this is perfect for the job. If I want to check focus or exposure I have other means, if it is real serious I'll use bigger hdsdi monitors.
It looks good enough that I may buy a few more to use with an HDMI splitter for producers, etc. to see.
You may find it for a couple bucks less, but the JAG guy is trying to serve the hdslr community and certainly is not making big bucks reselling these things, so if you are interested he is a good guy to buy from (he is no relation, never met him either).
Delivered in just a couple days too.
And hey - this is just my opinion, don't bust my chops over a pixel or two. It may in reality only resolve 799 lines, it has a plastic case, the instruction manual ain't much, but I like when I feel like I got something more than I paid for. That is rare in this business.

Great info thanks.

Is 800x480 big enough to set focus? You're essentially setting HD focus in SD space.

I've been using a Costco HDTV anywhere I am stationary and have shore power, flying blind when I am mobile. Like you, I've been wishing for a more reasonably priced small monitor, but after seeing that monitor mounted on that box thing, I'm not sure I would consider that "mobile" anyhow. Maybe monitor-less is my future.

according to the specs it is the same resolution as the well known brands - I would not want to look at that resolution spread over a large screen but for field monitoring it seems fine. When you tap the expanded focus on the Canon focus is easily set. My interest is mainly for framing but the color looks pretty good and with the histogram in live mode thanks to the new firmware I can set exposure properly.
I would have no qualms using this for interviews, tricky framing when I can't see the viewfinder, on a slider or small jib.
The monitor I really wanted cost $2000. So I got this for $249 and have enough left over to get a new Canon 16-35 2.8, a couple filters, a roll of gaffer tape and a cup of coffee.
I'm not going to miss the two grand monitor at all, and six months from now when a new whizbang lcd appears I won't be looking back with regret.

thanks for posting this Dennis. In reading other threads others are singing this monitor's praises too. Maybe it won't be as full featured as my Marshall but like so many it doesn't work with a 5D - even with a SDI to hdmi converter (as i discovered only AFTER purchasing - ouch).

anyway, all I need is a good focus check indoors so hoping this one will work...

hey Denis,
is this one blacks out when you start record, and is the picture full size , or just center of the screen?

You can find this same exact monitor (it's a rebadged Lilliput 669GL 7" lcd) on ebay for about $209 free shipping from Asia

Lilliput 7" XGA DVI HDMI Car PC Monitor 669GL-70NP/C - eBay (item 260562529597 end time Apr-02-10 08:05:25 PDT)

From reading other forums it sounds like there are some issues with using this monitor with a 5D that are minor to some and major to others. Mainly it's that it stretches the image vertically a bit during recording. Sounds like its purely a Canon issue, not the monitor, because the 5d outputs 4;3 ratio during record vs 16x9 in preview and playback mode. Sounds like people either just live with the distortion during recording, focus being their main concern, or they switch to 4;3 mode before hitting record to avoid distortion.

Anyway, all that is second hand so if anyone here with experience actually using this combo can weight in that would be super helpful.

thanks in advance

when you hit the record button the picture goes black for a moment then comes back up as standard definition. Record off and it goes back to full screen.
The info button cycles it from full screen to a slightly smaller display with the viewfinder data to viewfinder with histogram then back to full size.

Playback is full screen.

Switching between the camera lcd and monitor is pretty quick. If you switch the AV switch to a different input the lcd on the camera comes back on - switch the monitor back to HDMI and the camera lcd goes dark.

The grayed out frame boxes on the camera lcd don't show up in the hdmi signal, but the selectable grids in the menu do, but not while recording.

The camera puts out 16x9 most of the time, 4x3 while recording so you get to choose which one to live with ( the monitor does both but no automatic switching).

Most of these limitations are in the way the Canon outputs the video, I don't think you'd see anything different on other models.

Thanks Denis, sounds like you have and use and like this monitor; I may have to give it a try :)

thanks again

Denis, in this situation how do you adjust focus while the recording is running already? Is it possible or the 4x3 does disturb to the extent that you cant adjust focus anymore?

you can focus while viewing 16x9 or 4x3, the picture is usually good enough for that. I think all these monitors perform roughly the same - most on the market are 800x400 screens and the camera outputs are constant. This one does everything I need at a great price, I'm happy with it and recommend it to anyone needing a field monitor.

Hi guys,

I am new to DVinfo.net but I hope there might be someone here who can give me some advice.

I am also looking for a field monitor but I don't want to spend a vast amount of money.

I have seen the following monitors:

ikan VX7 - 7" HD-SDI LCD Monitor

Car Computer - Lilliput 668GL-70NP/H/Y - 7" HDMI field monitor (non-to

http://www.smallhd.com/Products/DP6.html

Obviously the Lilliput on www.carcomputer.co.uk is cheapest. I understand it has the lowest resolution out of the IKAN and SMALLHD selection but that isn't a deal breaker. It also doesn't have all the options to fine tune picture, but I can live without this for the price. But it does come with a sun hood and internal battery included.

I want to know if anyone has had any experience with this 668GL-70NP/H/Y monitor. If anyone can give any feedback on this then I would much appreciate it. I live in Wales so I would get the Lilliput in a few days too.

I look forward to any input or thoughts before I make a decision.

Thanks.

You get what you pay for, but that said I still find the lilliput a great value. I need it mostly for framing where I can't easily use the lcd finder.
This is more or less a disposable item, it has lasted over a year and I am happy with that, but when something newer and better comes along I'll buy it. SO far nothing delivers as much for as little money so I'll stick with the lilliput for the time being.

Here's another (cheaper) interesting option. I don't have any experience with it. But I like the fact that it is basically a remote viewfinder.

Honestly, I'm waiting for Canon to release the 5D MarkIII. I'm guessing that it will have the flip out LCD like on the new 60D.

I just bought one of the Lilliput 669GL9GL-70NP/CH monitors with a battery & stand off eBay direct from Hong Kong for $250 delivered which is about £155. It appears to be identical to the one from Car Computer - Drive the most advanced car on the road. Find cutting-edge electronics for your vehicle but obviously a lot cheaper although I was lucky & didn't get charged any VAT or customs duty although even if I had it would still have been cheaper.

Lilliput 7" 669GL-70NP/CH Monitor 669HB+shoe stand+bat - eBay (item 390225263507 end time Oct-08-10 08:46:49 PDT)

It's a wonderful little monitor for the price. Bright enough for use in sunshine & sharp enough to focus with. It's got a higher resolution than the LCD on my Canon 5DII & the larger size makes it great for playback straight off the camera.

You all are excellent sales people....just ordered mine this morning. Seems like a no brainer. How long does it take to get to say Tennessee US ya think ;-)

Can't wait to try it out. Any other hook up hardware needed to connect to a Canon 5D Mk2?

You mean about $195? This one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lilliput-7-DVI-H...ht_5648wt_1141

Justin, I think that one is the older model whereas the one that I linked to is the one with a brighter screen (250cd/㎡ vs 450cd/㎡ for whatever those numbers are worth:-))

This one definitely is bright & sharp & I was very pleased with my purchase Lilliput 7" 669GL-70NP/CH Monitor 669HB+shoe stand+bat - eBay (item 390225263507 end time Oct-01-10 07:34:28 PDT)

Got the monitor today - it looks great and hooked it up to the 5dMk2 and i think it'll really help with focusing live.

The lithium battery and charger was the olny thing that was a little weird. Plugged it in but the instructions (translation) are whack!! The red and green lights are only on the charger not on the battery. it says to turn on the battery and connect and should see the green light to indicate it;s charging, reakon they meant the charger's green light.....but it never turns on = the instructions add a line saying if the green light doesn't turn on then it still may be charging...wondering how i know the battery ever reaches a full charge?

Also having trouble getting the menu to display. It should display if monitor is powered right? even with no inputs?

Hope it's not defective

Thinking of the Lilliput 668
 

Hi all:

For those of you who have purchased the Lilliput 668, has anyone used this monitor with a regular video camera via the component input? I know that the 5D MKII really only outputs 480 while shooting, what about using a video camera that outputs genuine 720 or 1080 while shooting? How does it look? Did it include the sunshade and is it the same one that appears in other threads, it looks to be plastic with padded nylon over it? Mounts with Velcro and straps?

Also, all of the Ebay sites that are linked to in this thread indicate that the short HDMI to monitor is optional? When you purchased your Lilliput from Ebay, assuming your purchased the 668, was the short HDMI cable for hooking up the 5D MKII included?

Has anyone purchased the larger 6800mAh battery? New 12V 6800mAh battery for lilliput 7" 8" 10" Monitor - eBay (item 160485982021 end time Oct-26-10 12:00:25 PDT)
Any feedback on using it? Does it make the monitor too top heavy and ungainly if you Velcro the battery to the back of the monitor?

Sorry for the 20 questions but the Ebay listings are kind of short on these details.

Thanks,

Dan Brockett

Dan,

This is the battery I mentioned above. Specs that come with it list capacity as "1800mAh - 9800mAh"

I think velcro to back of the monitor will be ok weight wise. Partially covers up speaker though.

Like i said before - never know when the battery has recharged.

I reckon we're the only two who purcchased this battery if you did. Else just me :-)

Hi Dan,

I just got the 669 HB (high brightness) monitor. I know this is not the same one you are referring, but my understanding is that's the same panel. I took the component input option to use it with my XLH1 as well as my 7D. I also purshased two of those batteries, so might be able to answer your questions.

I decided to go with the 669 since it is a little bit less expensive, and I considered that the internal battery of the 668 with it's low mah rating would not be good enough on the field.

By the way, I bought it from RC-machine.net. You might want to look at this option. the cost was 269$ including shipping from hong kong including:

- The monitor with the component input
- Sunhood
- shoemount
- AC adapter
- 12v adapter
- two 6800 mah batteries
- Charger
- 1.5' HDMI to Mini HDMI cable

A great package. The guy from RC-machine said it would take 2 to 6 weeks to arrive here in Canada. Surprisingly, it took 4 days!

Using components:

On the 669 model I bought, the component input is provided by a breakout cable that connect to a proprietary port on the monitor. The breakout cable usually provide VGA, video 1, video2, mono audio in. When you take the componnent option, the VGA cable is replaced by the 3 component RCA cables.

It work very well! Since I got the XLH1a in 2008, I am using the IKAN V8000 HD monitor. It have the exact same resolution as the lilliput. I was already pleased by the IKAN, and this one work equally great. I think that this resolution is enough on such a small display. The scaller is excellent.

Batteries:

The batteries are surprisingly small and lightweight for an 80 watt unit. A bit lighter than the big Sony camcoders L batteries that I was using to power the IKAN. So yes, you can use them velcroed on the back of the monitor without any problem.

Harry's right, the charger act a bit weird. Right now I am using a multimeter to know when the battery is full charged.

UPDATE ABOUT THE CHARGER:

Harry, the charger is ok. The green light did not lite up because the batteries are shipped full charged. When I plugged a fully discharged battery (that powered the monitor for a little bit more than 8 hours straight), the green light was here.

Thanks for the heads-up Jean-Philippe, I appreciate it.

Dan

Thanks Jean-Philippe. Guess a multi meter on my shopping list now ;-)

Wow I am looking for something not very expensive for my HVX-200. This looks like the way to go with me - especially with the component inputs.

Are you still pretty happy with it Jean-Philippe?

So did you actually find the sunhood, shoemount and other accessories on the rc-machine.net site as well?

hmm.. after reviewing maybe the 668 would be an easier solution for component video in.

Lilliput 668GL,Small HD Field Monitor, 7'' On Camera Field Monitor,Near Field Monitor [Lilliput 668GL-70NP/H/Y]

Unless I am missing something - I do not see a component option for the 669hb. I do find this coollcd site alot easier to navigate

Dale:

Yes, everything came from RC-Machine, but I asked the owner directly to get a price on my custom package. The sunhood is OK, but the velcro system (with some kind of strap that you have to put around the monitor) is impratical. I put a small band of velcro directly on the monitor to facilitate the manipulation on the field. The shoe mount is one of the best I have seen so far.

About the component inputs: Yes, on the 668 they are placed in a more traditionnal place, with BNC plug behind the monitor. The 669 HB dosen't have component in the standard kit. It comes with an HDMI port, and a proprietary port on which you connect a breakout cable (provided) with AV in and VGA in.

BUT, optionnally, you can ask to get another breakout cable with the VGA plug replaced with three RCA cable for the component input. The color scheme is not acurate (yellow, red, white) put it works, and the output of my XLH1a is recognized as 1080i by the monitor (will upload a picture soon).

For me the 669 is better:

1. Cheaper than the 668
2. The internal battery of the 668 might not power the monitor long enough to be practical for me in the field. I prefer to use a bigger external one anyway.
3. I am using mainly HDMI these days since I shoot a lot more with the 7d than the XLH1. in the 669, the HDMI plug is in a recessed position that protect the fragile HDMI cable. on the 668, the placement of the HDMI plug might be prone to some accidents

I am pretty happy with it. Sure, the picture is not as nice as on a Marshall unit or a small HD, or the newer IKAN. But these monitors cost 4 times the price of this one. But the picture is simillar to the one I got from the IKAN from 2 years ago.

Way enough to easily pull the focus, but not enough accurate to perfectly judge the exposure and the white balance.

Ok, for a better understanding of the component input of the Lilliput 669 HB, some pictures.
The image look ugly on the picture, but it is much better in real.

Found that the monitor is a little high when I have the 5D Mk2 on a tripod and shooting even with my standing subject.

Ordered a 4" hotshoe extension bar so that I can mount a mic or Zoom along with the monitor. Course this doesn't lower the monitor any but at least I can mount everything and it'll be a hair more mobile ezpecially if I take off on a monopod for run and gun shooting.

It'd be nice is the monitor could display upside down and I could someway flip it around.
But the monitor is really helping on the focusing and clients love to see playback of scenes on it.

Lilliput 669 vs 668
 

I've had both the 669 (lower brightness 250cdm), 668 450cdm and 669 450cdm versions.

For me 668 appealed to me initially due to
* 2200mah internal batteries
* Component input on the back with BNC connectors

However upon receiving I was not impressed with the lag / pause between liveview mode and recording mode of 1-2 seconds. (This only happens to 5D / 60D as it switches resolution to 480p, 7D no issues).

Having used this in a live shoot situation, internal batteries are bad because of its lower maH rating as well because its cover is secured using a screw - pain in the butt during the middle of a shoot to replace.

Ended up settling on the 669 450cdm instead.
* 2 x 6800 mah external batteries - external - I attached some sticky Velcro to the back and that goes on instantly and securely.
* NO LAG / PAUSE ... this being the main reason I switched to 669 instead. I can't stand that pause you get even with smallHD DP1 monitors! (you have to use this in DVI mode - with hdmi input)

Emailing the seller directly you can get a better deal than the ebay price since he's passing on success fee savings onto you. Sunhood is also good quality and goes on very securely.

hmm... hope I didn't make a mistake. I ordered the 668 last night for my HVX just because I didn't really want to mess around with additional connectors - and I liked the idea of internal batteries. Hope there not to big of a pain to change.

Though - if I really wanted my batteries external it doesn't look like it would be that hard to extend the battery wires and create some type of battery holder that attaches to the tripod?

Cannot wait to see the results!

I also ordered an extra battery, the shoe mount, and the hood.

Dale, I think there is nothing that prevent you from using one of those bigger 12v batteries on the 668. You should order one or two. They are cheap and really good.

I find it almost unbelievable... I ordered the monitor Sunday night ... and they tried to deliver it to me today on Wednesday (I was gone at the time). I cannot believe it came from Hong Kong to Canada so fast!

Hopefully tomorrow I get to play with it a bit =D

Wow! It really does work great - I would strongly recommend the lilliput to anyone using an HVX-200. It really makes focusing way easier. I just hope it lasts a while!

I can see the internal battery ending up being a bit of a pain .. but we will see.

The worst part right now about the internal battery is that it actually requires a screw driver to get into the back panel. I think I am just going to goto the dollar store and buy some velcro.

The hood you can buy extra works alright but I would imagine it will not take much wind to rip it off. - but once again I am going to use extra velcro to attach it better.

So Dale after 2 months what are your thoughts of the Lilliput?
I was planning to buy it for thed7000 and the FX1

thx and happy holidays

I've used my 668 for a total of a few hours so far. It's easy to use, and make focussing a breeze compared to squinting at the small camera screens.

You don't have to take the battery out. It can be charged in situ, and if you use an additional battery it plugs in and I think recharges the internal battery as well as running the monitor.

Now I have to buy a bigger bag to carry it all in!

Re: found an inexpensive monitor......finally
 

I just received the 669gl this past week, and so far I'm VERY happy with it. Under $300 for the monitor, three batteries, sunshield, table stand, hotshoe mount, 7 in articuating arm mount and a short HDMI cable. Same thing here; 6 days from order to delivery in Canada.
I am sorely tempted with the new Sony HD monitor, and may ultimately have one for critical focus, and run this off an HDMI splitter, but until then....this is going to work out just dandy

Re: found an inexpensive monitor......finally
 

Guys did anyone try the Lilliput with a Nikon D7000?