Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Can't seem to find it on the Sony site yet, but I thought this was an interesting "accessory". Makes it look like Sony might be stepping it up a notch in the video department?

Sony Alpha CLM-V55 movie monitor hands on - Pocket-lint

Certainly is an interesting add-on and as the article notes, might open up some possibilities for the HDMI out when the firmware updates come out.

If you put an external recorder on the NEX-VG10, this would be a possible option for the external monitor there as well...

The original article in Sony's site: http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/d...3&NewsAreaId=2

Though I shoot & film using a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, I am pretty excited with this Sony gadget. The price of external LCD viewers like Zacuto is similar. LCDVF is about half of it. I use a LCDVF however, I would prefer an external monitor like this which can be mounted on the flash bracket. Also, while filming, when the record button in the DSLR is on, one cannot zoom in to check the focus. This will help in that regard.

When one compares the pricing of this one with other external monitors, this one is likely to be preferred.

It also says that one can monitor the sound (mono speaker) using a headphone. Would love to hear if someone has experienced it.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

I'm ready to jump on this for my NX5 as soon as it's released...

Here's a hands on overview of the SONY CLM-V55

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I don't get it...there are all this monitors intended for DSLRs but almost none of the have a waveform or at least zebras (some of them have false colour yes, but a waveform is a must if you ask me...). I found only one monitor that is intended! for DSLR users which has a waveform - SWIT S1070+C. Interesting enough I can't find a single review of that monitor and by functions it looks like a perfect fit for a dslr...

Anyway this monitor from Sony looks quite decent for it's price tag (judging from the video review). I like the viewing angles (side to side) - to bad he didn't tilt the monitor up and down to see the vertical viewing angles!

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

What's not to understand ?

How many DSLR users do you think would even have a clue about using a waveform on their monitor ?

The market is driven by wannabes and the price points of peripherals are low given the market. That's where the SONY fits in. It is a good value but it's not a pro monitor.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

If you put it like that then yes: it is understandable why this monitors aimed at dslr users don't have waveforms and other must features. But there also are lots of people that know what they are doing and would appreciate waveforms and zebras in a low cost monitor (price range around 600€ - 800€). There are so many monitors with tons of useful features but almost none with a waveform. If you ask me: remove all those features and just give me a waveform and maybe zebras! That way the price of a monitor wouldn't change...

It's funny because exposure monitoring should be the first thing on the list of features not the last...

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I think if you spoke with most new video shooters who are using DSLRs you'd find peaking is what they want most.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I always thought that focus monitoring is the first thing in the list, and if I had to choose less expensive monitor I would be more interested in focus assist features, like peaking;
but that's me;

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Focusing yes... I don't know. I guess that would depend on what you are doing. For run and gun I guess a focussing feature would be more welcomed. But for narrative video shooting where there is time I would welcome an exposure feature more than focusing. If I have time to focus and if I would need to chose between this to features I would go for a waveform. Doing lighting by eye is a very limiting thing to do...

It all depends on what you are doing.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Looks like its showing up at dealers!

CLM-V55 | Portable Monitor| Sony | Sony Style USA

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

i wonder how does it compare to the 5" Marshall

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I am really considering this for monitoring my Nanoflash. Has anyone got one yet?

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I might be wrong but I thought you had to have an SDI signal to get waveform which is why the inexpensive monitors, which have HDMI but no SDI, do not have waveform.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Ok, I got tired of waiting and bought one. Waiting for delivery.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Mine just arrived. Didn't realize a battery wasn't supplied. Awsum.

Off to the battery store.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Jason, what are your first impressions?

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Mine will be here tomorrow. It should be fun.

I have an extra battery for my SONY A850 so I've got that covered. Batteries are as cheap as $20 if you buy the Chinese knockoffs.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I've had the CLM-V55 for only a few hours but I'm totally impressed.

I was able to visually calibrate and get good color and contrast quickly. The presets of 9300K, 7200K and 6500K are readily tweeked with the Color tone (Phase), brightness, contrast and backlight adjustments. Popping in and out of the menu for these is quick and deliberate.

Peaking works like it should and if your res is 800X480 or higher you can go 1:1 and check focus at the center of the image quite effectively.

The pop up hood is sweet. It gives good shading in the full sun while never limiting a quick glance from off center. It snaps back down easily and becomes a good travel protection. The included soft cloth drawstring bag can easily hold the CLM-V55 with the hood and a battery attached.

The Auto-Lock shoe mount swivels and tilts easily with a good amount of resistance to keep it right where you put it, no creeping or sagging after you take your hand off.

Battery life is very good. I ran it for a couple of hours and popped the battery back in the charger where it fully recharged in under an hour. Batteries are light and cheap so I don't feel like I'd want to tether it to another battery system.

SONY has brought a great little 5" display to the market for a very good price.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Kirk, I'm about to purchase the Sony, but I'm holding back due to size and thinking of the Marshall 7". Have you used a 7", and do you feel the 5" is adequate for focusing?

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

By the way, Kirk, the reviews for the Pearstone batteries are pretty poor, (if that's what you're using) at least on the B and H website, so be prepared for a possibly short battery life...keep us updated!

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Jeff I'm using SONY batteries. If you shop around you can find them for under $40. I've never risked cheap Chinese batteries in any of my gear.

I have used the M-LCD7-HDM and I prefer the SONY. They're both 800X480 but the SONY is much lighter and it's much less obtrusive mounted on the shoe. The higher res on the smaller screen makes it very nice and sharp. Quite easy to see.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Kirk, I don't know why I thought you said you were using generics, I was clearly confused with someone else's post somewhere.

Anyway, thanks for the report, good to hear from someone who has used both! I'm glad you're pleased, and at any rate being newer equipment I thought it would be bound to be decent. At heart I really am a Sony fan to begin with, and I really wanted the monitor, so I guess I'll go ahead! thanks again!

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Who do you guys buy it from, Sony site tells me "No results found for "CLM-V55" in All of Sony" :)

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Buba,

I assume you're looking at sonystyle.ca Canada. They don't appear to offer it yet on their site, but if you take a look at sonystyle.com US, it's listed under DSLR accessories or you can type CLMV55 in the search. Another option is B&H...looks like they have it in stock as well.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

i know Sony Canada don't have it, i was looking sony.com
but thanks for the tip :)

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Huh, you're right...it's nowhere to be found on sony.com. Seems strange...but you will definitely find it on sonystyle.com

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

All the usual vendors have had it in stock. B&H, amazon, SONY Style.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I found it on Sony before B&H, you just have to look in the right place, but it's $50 cheaper at B&H anyway.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

So, if you use a 550D, how long would it take for it to jump to the SD input it that sends out once you press record? And is the screen still useable to focus with at that resolution?

Seems like a good option :)

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I can't help you on the 550D. I can tell you that it's about 2 seconds for it to switch on the 5DII and of course it's instantaneous on the 7D.

To turn the monitor on you have to hold the power button for a couple of seconds and then it takes another second or two to give you a display when you put the 5DII into liveview/movie mode.

So from my experience I'd say it's the monitor waiting for the camera, not the other way around.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I haven't turned mine on yet, but I'm excited, it's a very nice little piece of hardware. It looks beautiful on top of the camera. I'm very pleased. I'm charging the battery now.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I shot a human interest piece for US Youth Soccer today. While prepping my camera for the shoot I decided to use my new Sony Clip-on LCD Monitor, thinking it would really help framing the shots. It was a beautiful sunny day so I clipped on the hood. When I got out to shoot at the soccer field and turned everything on you could barely tell it was even on. The lcd on the camera was far more useful than the Sony Clip-on LCD Monitor. Inside during playback the monitor really looks beautiful. I just wish it worked better outside.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I'm sorry to hear that, Ron. I still haven't shot with mine. I'll be trying it outdoors Monday.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

>>I'm sorry to hear that, Ron. I still haven't shot with mine. I'll be trying it outdoors Monday. <<

Jeff, did you get a chance to try the monitor, and what are your impressions?

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Ron, I love the monitor. The included hood is very nice. The image is crystal clear...I haven't used it outdoors as I said I would. I've barely played with it.

If you have a GH2, the GH2 will not do TV out for 720p, which is beyond belief to me and very frustrating.

The monitor is very well made for consumer grade, it is first class, and seems to be the perfect size for the camera. Considering it has an audio jack for previewing audio, which I haven't used, I can't see how a monitor for $350 could be any better.

The shoe adpater is extremely solid and the monitor is not wiggly at all, it's a very secure fit.

Based on my limited use of it, I highly recommend it.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

I also like the monitor and yes, it looks very nice indoors. I have only done that one shoot outside and it was useless on the sunny day. I hope that there is a setting that will make it work better in the sun. I have yet to play with it sense then. I tried the headphone jack and it only worked on playback on my Canon 7d.

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

Jeff....are you saying the Sony won't work with the GH2??

Thanks
Mark

Re: Sony Monitor for Alpha SLT/DSLRs
 

No, Mark, the GH2 and the Sony work well together, but only in 1080 modes. I had planned to shoot in 720p for various reasons important to my workflow, so this was a disappointment to me.

If you plan to use 1080 modes, a monitor will work fine.

This is a camera restriction, has nothing to do with the monitor.