Monitor for XL1s
 

I'm looking for a montor to attach to an XL1s but there seems to be too much choice.
Budget. 300GBP (approx 600 USD)
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance
Dave

I use this http://www.nebtek.com/proddetail.php?prod=101NEB50LI which has the advantage of being powered by canon batteries and a 7" lcd which is currently mains powered while I sort out a battery fir it...

The nebtek is fine, although I found the resolution is a touch low for accurate focusing (it only being 234 pixels, the 7" supports 480 pixels). Good for general monitoring and has a built in speaker which is useful for playback.

This is the 7" lcd http://www.icpdas.com/oldweb/products/mmi/ga-700yy.htm

I had the touch screen version, from which I removed the touch screen section, whichs makes the monitor sharper. I bought it from here http://www.cartft.com/catalog/gl/17 for about 330 euros...

Regards

Matt

Thanks Matt
I'm checking these out now, and I'll let you know how I get on.
Many thanks
Dave

Here is my solution, it only costs a little over $350 bucks. A color monitor with the added advantage of a tape backup:

1. Sony DCR-HC26 MiniDV Camera
2. Threaded Hot Shoe adaptor (B&H carries these)
3. Short Firewire cable

Then all you have to do is:

1. Mount the DCR-HC26 to the XL1-s
2. Set DV Control on XL1-s ON
3. Connect firewire to both cameras (IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure that both cameras are OFF before making this connection or you may cause a short)
4. Turn DCR-HC26 ON
5. Turn XL1-s ON
6. Shoot

You can use any MiniDV handicam, but I like the DCR-HC26 because it's small and syncs with the XL1-s.

The advantages of this method:

1. Cheap
2. You can create a backup tape to use for playback and/or to protect against dropouts in the XL1-s
3. Color monitor mounted on top of the XL1-s
4. You have an extra camera with you, in case of emergencies. Not broadcast quality, but useful nonetheless.
5. Firewire carries video and audio to the DCR-HC26, so you do not need to connect additional audio cables.

There you go. A color monitor with tape backup for less than $400 bucks. It works for me. Have fun...

One other thing:

The DV control on the XL1-s will start and stop tape on both cameras, so the shooting is normal. I believe the timecode also transfers.

That's it...

That is one stonking good idea Brad
Cheers mate!

Hi Dave,

Its good to see a fellow norwich man on the forum!

Another good place to find a broadcast quality monitor is that well know auction site that we all know about!

I have just bought a sony 20 inch monitor from a production studio that went bust, worth £500 only paid £55!!!

Hi Chris
Nice to make your aquaintence.
We call ourselves Gemini Video, based near Fakenham.
Be nice to have a chat sometime.
Regards, Dave