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Home: Video University Forums: Filmmakers & Screenwriters:
Portable Monitor

filmbishop
Novice

Aug 30, 2004, 5:48 PM

Post #1 of 8 (2246 views)
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Portable Monitor	Can't Post

I would like to buy a portable monitor to hook up to mi XL1s. However, I am a bit confused as to the difference between LCD monitors and regular monitors. To light a shot, I currently hook up a TV via RCAs to my cam so that I can see the true resolution, colors, etc of how the shot will look in the end. I find that this helps me in making the picture quality look less like video and more like film. Now, if I purchase a portable LCD to hook to my cam (so I don't have RCA cables all over the place) will I see true quality and colors as I did on my TV set?

If anyone can clear this up for me and if you can recommend any portable monitors that would be great. I was also looking into wirless video transmitters, would that be a better route to take? Seems like most wireless video transmitters and receivers are not so wireless since you have to plug them in to power them through a DC.

Thanks

videobear
Veteran

Aug 31, 2004, 8:55 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2230 views)
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Re: [filmbishop] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

In general, a CRT monitor will provide more accurate color information than an inexpensive LCD. There are, however, professional LCD monitors that give an accurate picture.

The "industry standard" for CRT field monitors are the 5" or 9" Sony PVM series of professional monitors. JVC and Panasonic also make competing units. These can be powered by AC, or by a 12V DC source, including an NP-1 camera battery.

I have, on occasion, used a 5" LCD monitor from Elite Video (also sold by Markertek) to provide color information for my JVC DV500 camcorder, which only has a black and white viewfinder. It doesn't have a lot of adjustment, but for the money (about $250) has served adequately. I don't know if it would meet your needs for filmmaking, however.

In all cases, your monitor should be calibrated before use. For information on how to do this, see the article in the Free Library.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

filmbishop
Novice

Aug 31, 2004, 8:36 PM

Post #3 of 8 (2216 views)
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Re: [videobear] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Videobear. I looked up the monitors and could not find a 5" portable. I found the 9" ones. I guess what I am looking for (a CRT small monitor that can be attached to my camera) they may not have or would be too expensive. So that has made me wonder about wireless video transmitters. Do you recommend this? If so, know of any that would be good?

Thanks

videobear
Veteran

Sep 1, 2004, 11:39 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2187 views)
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Re: [filmbishop] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

For the LCD monitor I use, see this link: http://www.markertek.com/...amp;search=0&off=

This has an optional shoe mount accessory that lets you attach it to your camcorder.

For a professional 9" CRT monitor, see: http://www.markertek.com/...amp;search=0&off=

This one doesn't attach to your camera, but is generally clamped to your tripod (by an optional bracket) or placed on a table next to it, or sometimes on the ground.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

filmbishop
Novice

Sep 3, 2004, 5:04 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2110 views)
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Re: [videobear] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the links. I think that what I'll do (since I'm on a budget right now) is get a wirless transmiter and just continue to use my monitor untill I have the money for a professional one.

Thanks

nexis1
Novice

Sep 6, 2004, 4:53 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2100 views)
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Re: [filmbishop] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

if you want to see what you are gonna get, you need a calibrated monitor period. If you are just futzzing around find the cheapest thing you can find. If you need a portable.....well a new product just came on the market. It is called the DV RACK. I have been considering buying this for my next project. What it does is allow you to finally use your laptop as a professional quality monitor, but it does alot more then that, it even does sound etc.
But the best part is it allows you to tune your camera before you start shoot, it will even allow you to do away with DV tapes if you want.
They have a free demo that you can try out before you lay out your cash.
Like I said though, it comes down to what your doing.

videobear
Veteran

Sep 6, 2004, 9:20 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2089 views)
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Re: [nexis1] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh, yeah...I forgot about the DV Rack. That looks like a really fine product. It turns your laptop into a monitor, a video test suite, and a hard disk recorder, all for one low price.

Have you actually checked it to see what kind of color fidelity you get out of a laptop's LCD?

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

nexis1
Novice

Sep 6, 2004, 4:09 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2076 views)
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Re: [videobear] Portable Monitor [In reply to]	Can't Post

no I haven't yet. I have been following threads and it sounds like it may be the second coming. there is a demo you can download.
I like the fact you can split screen. Very nice when you do pick ups or reshoots.