One of the most important accessories that you can purchase to help you get better results with the video from your Canon 5D MKII is an external LCD monitor (a video assist monitor.)
The Canon 5D MKII was designed as a still camera first, therefore when you shoot video you will often find that the placement of the LCD screen, not to mention the ergonomics of the camera body itself are not ideally suited to shooting video. Being able to hold the camera below your eye-line (or any angle for that matter) become quite important when shooting video vs stills.
I’ve had a chance to play with a variety of monitors out there - and for now Marshall Electronics’ V-LCD70P-HDMI is the clear standout both for the quality of the image it displays, as well as all of the extra features it offers. This is a 7″ lightweight monitor that comes in at just over a pound, and offers an 800X480 resolution image. I was able to work with a prototype of this monitor in January for 3 weeks of the Jamie O’Brien shoot and it was simply fantastic. I should also mention that I am also testing out Ikan’s V5600 5.6″ TFT LCD Monitor and will write about that at some point as well - it’s small size may be very attractive to some. (I’ve yet to put it through it’s paces, but I plan to do so in the upcoming weeks.)
First, it should be noted that when you actually start to record video on the 5D MKII, the video signal that is being output from the camera is not true HD - in fact it is limited to around 480 P (as opposed to 1080 P.) In effect it is not putting out the same full resolution image to the external monitor that is is recording to the CF Card. This makes is considerably more difficult to focus critically while you are filming. Having a sharp and contrasty monitor becomes a huge factor if you are trying to focus the camera as you shoot - and this is the only LCD monitor that I’ve tried out so far that allows me to do so consistently. (The fact that a less than full resolution signal (even in preview mode) is being output from the camera also makes it impossible to capture an uncompressed video signal from the camera - many have asked me in the past if it was possible to hook the camera directly to a dedicate I/O external device capable of recording uncompressed footage - unfortunately this is not possible - all video that comes from the 5D MKII is ultimately compressed as H.264 in the end which leads to compression artifacting and a slight degradation of the final video as a result.)
The Marshall Monitor mounted to a RedRock Micro rig with the 5D MKII on the North Shore, HI.
You can find a lot more information about the specifics of this monitor and the numerous features this monitor offers on their site - in fact there is a great video that explains most them on the following link.
The two features that I found particularly useful are the Peaking Filter and the False Color features. Given that the 5D MKII is not outputting a full resolution signal as it records - focusing is definitely a challenge and the Peaking Filter can be a life saver.
The image will switch to a black and white display and thin purple lines will appear on the area of the image that is in focus. This makes critical focusing much easier - especially when you are on the move.
The second feature, False Color, can become pretty invaluable when you are working in bright sunlight - as many of your know, judging correct exposure off of any monitor can be a challenge when you are in a bright environment.
This feature in effect allows you to judge the exposure “by the numbers” and it also allows you to more closely keep track of the proper exposure for skin tone - which is in the 56 IRE range - and colored GREEN and PINK within the false color key.
The monitor is well built, full of professional features (multiple video in and out ports, ability to calibrate the monitor’s brightness and contrast with specific tools) and accepts a wide variety of batteries, as well as a 4-pin XLR power jack. If the Canon 5D MKII were to at least output 720p while recording - I would say that many monitors out there would be more than adequate to help achieve critical focus. However, given that the 5D MKII is outputting a lower resolution signal - the incredible clarity and contrast of this particular monitor give it a clear edge.
A view of the rear inputs and output ports of the Marshall LCD monitor.
52 Comments so far
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This is my first time comment on your blog 
I’m your big fan in Macau(Eastern Las vegas).
I’m a pool student but I work so hard to make money.Now ,I get enough money to buy a 5D mark II and a Rode video mic.
But my pc is IBM T60, I cannot do anything to edit the MOV.
Can you give me some advise?
BTW
The LCD is cool!
and
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Vincent,
It’s fantastique that you keep us all updated with what gear you prefer … many thanks. If at the very least, it gives us ideas and options. I’ve been meaning to ask you, if you were using the 5D body armour very often (I remember seeing it in Reverie) and if it shielded the camera from the elements? (i.e. light rain, ocean spray, etc)
You mentioned the “THREE” MUST HAVE LENSES (or was it four?) in an article way back, after shooting “Reverie” … could you please let me know, again?
Looking forward to hearing what audio-rigs you used for Jamie’s shoot in Hawaii and how the whole sync issue is coming.
As always, your in-SIGHT is appreciated …
‘J-Dog
Comment by J-Dog 04.01.09 @ 12:34 amHi Vincent, we follow you also here in Italy !
I have a question about Marshall, I brought it few day ago exactly the model you show here in the blog, everything work fine except the HMDI connection , I get “no signal” response from the monitor when I tried to connect the 5DMarkII in live view with HDMI cable.
Do I miss something or what ?
Thank you
MAX
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 1st, 2009 at 8:17 am
@Massimo, Does your 5D MKII screen go blank (i.e. black)? It will if the signal is going through.. you should check your cable first - and if that doesn’t work - look into returning the unit.
Massimo Reply:
April 6th, 2009 at 11:01 am
@Vincent Laforet, Thank a lot for your response ! screen go blank and the cable works fine. I can even seen on the monitor via HDMI port the signal of my Pc using an DVI-HDMI adapter but no way for CANON or other HDMI camera output. The Marshall have firmware version 1.06 , is it the same version as your ?
The shame is that nor Marshall or B&H replayed to my e-mails!
Thank a lot again !!!
Wow truly a nice monitor!
I think that a larger monitor is really an important thing if you want to shoot professional movie.
Vincent, welcome back!
I’ve had the info on the Marshall in my queue to blog about for weeks, but now, with your info to go along with it, I’m thinking I’d better get off my phanny and get it done!
That’s also a great bit of info about the video out feed not being full 1080… I didn’t know that!
THanks for the blog and thanks for posting!
Comment by planetMitch 04.01.09 @ 6:41 am[...] Check it out here. [...]
Pingback by 5D MKII Gear Tips: LCD Monitors « Vincent Laforet’s Blog | The Click 04.01.09 @ 7:41 amVincent, which battery configuration would you recommend for the Marshall V-LCD70P-HDMI? It looks like there are 8 different versions.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 1st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
@lightscape, totally up to you. The smaller Canon and Sony ones work great - and if size and weight is not an issue then the Anton/Bauer is a great option as well for longer shooting schedules…
great monitor! I’m always unhappy with the monitor I end up buying but this one looks like something to look into….thanks for the post!
I agree with having a large monitor!
Comment by Dani 04.01.09 @ 12:59 pmamazing monitor! I’m always unhappy with the monitor I end up buying but this one looks like something to look into….thanks for the post!
I agree with having a large monitor!
Comment by Dani 04.01.09 @ 12:59 pmVincent,
Been using the Marshall (not for 5D) and it’s a great monitor, I particularly enjoy the false color filter that shows IRE levels and peaking filter that shows in focus lines. You might also want to check out http://www.manhattanlcd.com/ I don’t know anything about them but they seem to offer a good product at a great price offering.
Cheers,
Denver Riddle
Really interested in the Ikan v5600 and how well it works with the Mark II for run and gun.
Can’t wait to hear more!
john
Thanks for sharing the tips with 5D Mark II for video making purposes.
It makes me sad that Canon’s newest release did not have manual control, and records at 20fps. I feel Canon is purposely ‘retarding’ (for lack of a better word) their video capabilities in their DSLR line up.
Do you have an opinion on the matter?
Comment by steven 04.02.09 @ 9:18 amTry using the Composite Output while recording - it does not distort the image when you press record. I use the HDMI for set-up/lighting/framing, then disconnect the cable prior to rolling. It’s composite SD, however, it does a great job for run-n-gun focusing with the Red Peaking. - BTW, I’m the voice/shooter/editor for the Marshall video you refer to above. Keep up the great blog!
Guy Cochran
DVcreators.net / DVeStore
It’s interesting what’s going on about the 5D Mark II:
http://www.definitionmagazine.com/cameras/canon5dpetition.htm
Hope Canon is listening, and also hope Nikon release a DSLR with Full HD and Manual Control.
That could also encourage Canon to give what so many customers requests.
Comment by Videographer 04.06.09 @ 1:36 pmIf you use the Marshall LCD conected trough HDMI for the d.o.p as viewfinder or whatever, can you have conected a 2nd monitor (for director) while recording going out trough component/composit to a SD signal?!
if not, can the camera it self bring out 2 signals at the same time, one trough the A/V minijack output and the other trough HDMI?? I guess not but I’m just dreaming… this would be to great*
Chuck Reply:
June 24th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I was searching this page for this same reason. Does anyone know, can you loop through the Marshall and go to a second monitor like the Panasonic 17″?
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Pingback by Le 5D mark II annonce sur le site de Canon.. avec fonction Video - Page 18 - Forums du Repaire 04.10.09 @ 3:59 pmPlease give som insight on the Ikan’s V5600 5.6″ TFT LCD. Contrast, quality etc.
Tnx
Comment by Steen 04.17.09 @ 2:59 amHi Vincent, how are you?
In my opinion you are doing a great job and thank you so much for comunication channel.
I´m brasilian and Just buying a 5d mark II.
Iwould like to know about the sholder mount you use, witch brand you recomend and also about how to fix the side screen on 5D, what do you use?
thanks again!
Comment by ding musa 04.17.09 @ 10:33 amGreat stuff Vincent,
The Peaking Filter and the False Color features are awesome, just want is missing from my current setup, just what the doctor ordered!
Ben
Comment by DSLR Answers 04.18.09 @ 8:33 pmThank you for your reply about the video mode on the EOS 5D Mark II.
We are sorry to say that there is no information regarding any possible
enhancements to the video mode on the 5D Mark II. If you are looking
for more advanced video features we recommend that you purchase a
camcorder.
We hope this helps. Please write to us again if you have any questions
or concerns regarding the 5D Mark II.
Sincerely,
Erik
Technical Support Representative
Hi… I am using the marshal monitor (hdmi) on my canon and everytime I actually start to record the aspect ratio on the monitor changes. What am I doing wrong?
CB Reply:
May 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
jeff,
You are not doing anything wrong, as soon as you hit record, the camera automatically switches to crappy low definition. Everyone has complained about this, but Canon doesn’t seem to care.
Thanks for all the info Vincent.
How did you get on with the smaller Ikan v5600 monitor? It seems to offer advantgage in terms of size and resolution, but how is colour and visibility in bright light?
Thanks!
Nick
First off, Thanks for the huge amounts of info that you provide to everyone Vincent, truely appreciated!!! And thanks to SmugMug, I think I have watched Reverie and First Look about 150 times, lol!!
I am a video editor up in the great white north, lol (Toronto, Ontario). I (for lack of a better term) stumbled across your “video” work a few months ago after hearing a brief description of the 5D MKII (I quote video because in my video world, this is much more like film than video). I am a video guy and always have been, so the only real experience that I have with still is with my SD750 and a bit with my sister Rebel. Now I of course understand some lighting (not to your extent) and framing, etc. Your “eye” in combination with the low-light capabilities of this camera has sparked a new interest for me. So I have gathered some resources and called some film friends together for a “Reverie-like” weekend (this weekend). We have 4 shoots in total (2 night, 2 day) planned for 3 different projects, ranging from Architecture to Music Video shoots….. My goal of this is to test the camera for my uses and purposes in both my full-time production work and also my freelance work.
After this LOOOOONNNNNNGGGG winded history, I guess my question would be, is there any 1-2 pieces of equipment that you would consider essential to shooting with the 5D, aside from lenses and a good tripod? (ie, monitors, rails, shoulder kit, etc)
Comment by Brian Johnston 05.26.09 @ 5:32 pm[...] требует множества мелких и нужных предметов - монитора для контроля изображения, наплечного штатива для [...]
Pingback by Видео на фото » Игра теней 05.27.09 @ 7:05 amHey Vince - thanks for the tips and thanks for giving 2 presentations in Austin a couple of months back. I got to check out both.
Now with the new 5dmkII firmware dropping with full manual control in video mode I’m really excited and will be shooting more video. Thanks for the inspiration.
-Peter
Comment by Peter Tsai 05.27.09 @ 3:47 pm[...] 5D MKII Gear Tips LCD Monitors Vincent Laforet Blog Posted by root 2 hours 15 minutes ago (http://blog.vincentlaforet.com) Comment by videographer 04 06 09 1 36 pm if you use the marshall lcd conected trough hdmi for the d o p as viewfinder or powered by wordpress 2 6 1 Discuss | Bury | News | 5D MKII Gear Tips LCD Monitors Vincent Laforet Blog [...]
Pingback by 5D MKII Gear Tips LCD Monitors Vincent Laforet Blog | Wood TV Stand 05.31.09 @ 6:42 pmthanx vincent,
manual exposure for the MKII, i’m shure your video influence Canon alot,
thank you !
keep posting on your blog.
F
Comment by francois 05.31.09 @ 9:17 pmI found it disheartening that the 5DMKII is unable to display video on the camera’s LCD and an external display at the same time. I was DP’ing and wanted the director to be able to have a live preview while I shot - instead we were forced to review in playback. It seems like splitting the signal would be a very easy fix for Canon.
Any difficulty with that Vincent?
But, hurrah for new firmware. I’m going to go install that now.
Comment by Mathieu 06.10.09 @ 7:47 pmThe SmallHD DP1 is a far superior monitor compared to the DP1, and is priced at only $799. It offers true 1280×768 resolution and has a multitude of inputs, including HDMI, VGA, Component, etc.
These are gorgeous monitors, hand-assembled in the US by SmallHD (http://www.smallHD.com)
I doubt many people will be using any 480×800 monitors after they get their hands on these beautiful aluminum DP1 monitors!
Comment by Trevor Meeks 06.13.09 @ 2:52 amThank you for useful information. With love …
reklam ajansları
Hi Vincent, we follow you also here in Germany!
Thank you for useful information!
Artes
Is there any way to disable the display of the white magnifying frame and gray AF point? Loving the external monitor (got the Marshall) but having the display frame visible in 1:1 pixel mode is slightly annoying (and I realize you can move it almost all the way off screen).
Comment by Beau Gunderson 06.20.09 @ 4:03 amIs there anyway to view the histograms on this monitor while shooting video???? Thanks!
Comment by Todd 07.03.09 @ 9:25 amThanks for the info about the Marshall unit Vincent, and the SmallHD unit Trevor. I’m building a view camera (for landscape and product photography) that uses a 5D2 as the capture device, and a larger monitor would be very handy to fine-tune focus and composision.
Comment by Product Photographer 07.12.09 @ 5:22 pm[...] external monitor, I’d highly recommend it. “Reverie” director Vincent Laforet has a good article on his blog about using an external [...]
Pingback by Shooting Doug - Heart of a NY Photographer - Blade Ronner: The Blog of Ron Dawson 07.20.09 @ 10:03 am[...] Shared 5D MKII Gear Tips: LCD Monitors " Vincent Laforet’s Blog [...]
Pingback by A week of digital life August 6th | The Juicy Cow 08.05.09 @ 8:37 pmJust wanted to say HI. I found your blog a few days ago on Technorati and have been reading it over the past few days.
Comment by MobilePhones 08.12.09 @ 11:35 amDig the peaking feature but prefer the Smallhd that is showing a true HD image. 720p and 1280×768 native
8.9 ins. and sleek.
I thought I wasnt going to like this blog but more I read the more I liked it.
Comment by Maria 08.30.09 @ 4:14 pmWow! I never even considered using an external monitor! Ok..I need a steadycam…external monitor…external microphone…and a mule! I really should give the video features a chance - I shoot mostly stills.
Comment by Toronto wedding photographers 09.04.09 @ 2:45 pmHow did you mount the monitor to the rig? I didn’t see any clear mounts on the rear of the monitor.
Comment by Sean 09.29.09 @ 9:58 pmnice monitor, and the HDMI port makes it better
I think that a larger monitor is really an important thing if you want to shoot professional movie.
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 31st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
@WEBBER, hope your question is not a April Fool’s joke - but just in case it’s not: I’m not a PC guy - but there are a bunch of free/cheap video editing tools out there… you can of course play the .mov file if you download the free quicktime player for PC - but you’ll need to get an app to edit it… or buy a cheap mac that comes pre-loaded w/ iMovie…
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