Camera Mounted Field Monitors

[DavidPartington]

I was thinking about acquiring something like the Manhattan 8.9" LCD monitor to mount on the camera to aid focusing in tricky conditions.  There has been a couple of times when the focus attained using the flip out LCD was not quite sharp enough for my liking.

Do any of you use monitors like this?   It's added size and weight, but I would think the end result justifies the extra effort.

Thoughts?

[Waldemar]

When circumstances allowed I always used a laptop computer to magnify my camera's view.  Made focusing so much easier.  With my newer HD cameras the issue of being able to focus is even more important.  Of the cameras I now have both offer a simultaneous video feed via composite video.  One is supposed to feed a digital video out via firewire (IEEE 1394), but I am honestly doubtful it will do so while recording.

Both allow a composite video feed while recording as well as HDMI feeds, so I am investigating either stand alone monitors or portable DVD players that deliver an image of enough quality to allow critical focusing and be cost effective.  I could purchase real field monitors at around $1K each, but the reality of wedding video revenue doesn't make that an attractive option.

In any case I must have a larger monitor to get around some logistical issues I have during ceremonies.  Hope I can arrive at an acceptable solution.

[HankCastello]

We covered how to have a cheapie field monitor in an article a while back.

We used a Sony DVP-FX820 dvd player with 180 degree swivel and flip screen and six hour battery life.  Made a  mount for it and it worked fine.  Click the above link for more info.

[DavidPartington]

Thanks for the replies.   I was looking for something that could mount easily on the camera (e.g. hot shoe) that we can easily move around as a single item (tripod / camera / monitor).  Having to lug a laptop around a church is not much fun, and while the laptop/dvd player would be great for static shooting (interviews etc) or where there is not much movement, they aren't ideal run & gun shooting at wedding receptions.   Hence I am looking at Manhattan LCDs.

[Waldemar]

I just purchased a Tivax HiRez7 (7" screen) from a local consumer electronics shop.  The shop owner understood my need to test the product before buying, which I couldn't do at the local Wal-Mart, was willing to special order the product knowing I might not buy.  "If it is as good as I think it is, I won't have any problem selling it".

It is a portable TV capable of receiving digital TV broadcasts, has an AV input for composite video and stereo audio, as well as a switchable USB/SD card input.  Powered via AC adapter or rechargeable li-ion batteries.

Set to AV input, the composite image was exceptionally good.  It will be a good addition to my camera ladder, solving a bunch of issues.  Cost:  about $160.00.
http://www.tivax.com should you need a reference.

[HankCastello]

That's great!  Affordable too!

[Waldemar]

I got to use this product as a monitor when I shot a NCAA women's basketball regional elimination series of games.  Way better than the flip-out monitors on the GL-2 cameras the producer supplied for the event.