My Gear: Monitors

VL: An Electronic viewfinder that accepts the HDMI output from your DSLR.  This can be incredibly helpful if you are trying to find a more comfortable way to monitor what you are shooting, especially when building a shoulder rig for your DSLR.  However, if you are looking for a larger display for tasks such as AC focus pulling, or client playback – you will need an off board monitor like those listed below.

Description (from Zacuto):  The Zacuto Z-Finder EVF Pro (3.2 ) is an electronic view finder with a TFT LCD display and offers a resolution of 800 x 400 and 16.7M color. Consisting of an EVF Flip model and an optical viewfinder, the EVF Pro allows you to operate a DSLR or any other camera with an HDMI port, by offering an image as seen by the camera itself. Designed to be attached  in-line to your rod system, it aids in stable and efficient shooting, and ensures correct form factor for the video. The EVF can be used with all Z-finder models and is compatible with most cameras including Panasonic AF-100 and Sony F3.

VL: Basically – the LCD on the back of your HDDSLR is simply not a professional solution for monitoring your video.   I typically travel to any job with 2-4 Marshall monitors – for use onboard the cameras, for the 1st AC’s use (focus puller) to pull focus from and also so that the client can monitor our progress.These monitors do several key things:1. On the most basic level – they allow you to view the video you are shooting – from any angle that is convenient – either on camera or at a great distance (when the camera is on a JIB or mounted remotely for example.)    As you well know the HDDSLR’s LCD is not well positioned for video shooting – it cannot swivel and has limited resolution.  The monitors come in both HDMI in and HDSDI in configurations – and some offer the option to do both with user swappable inputs.  If you’re going to go straight from the Canon HDDSLRs into the monitor – you’ll want to use the HDMI input.  But if you’re going to get into multiple monitor setups and with other professional video wireless transmitters and connections – you’ll default to the HDSDI models with the use of a BlackMagic (see bottom of this page for details) HDMI to HDSDI converter. Some monitors also display scopes – which is the video equivalent of a histogram – as all still photographers know: this feature is INCREDIBLY important and worth its weight in gold.  There is one general rule with ANY monitor in the world (under $10K-$20k) and that is to NEVER trust your eyes.  Always use the the scopes/waveforms/histograms to judge exposure, color, highlight and shadows.  No matter how expensive your reference monitor is – you can and may be fooled by the ambient light level and color you are in – so knowing how to read these mathematical displays is an invaluable skill.

You can see the way we use the Marshall Monitors at numerous points throughout this video, as well as the BlackMagic (marker 2:27 in the video) converter, and Boxx (2:41 mark) Unit :

2010 HDDSLR Gear Video from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Description (from Marshall Electronics): The V-LCD651STX-HDA is the latest update to Marshall’s line of Super Transflective Outdoor Monitors. This 6.5" portable field / camera-top monitor is designed specifically for outdoor applications with high ambient light. Please note that 1st ACs prefer this slightly smaller monitor over the 7" model – as it has a 1024 X 768 resolution which allows you to see the full resolution 720p output coming out of the cameras.  Whereas the 7" model offers an 800 X 480 resolution.

VL: This monitor is the first Marshall that allows you to loop through to an additional HDMI monitor (or as many as you want).  It is also a "High Bright" monitor which makes a significant difference when used outdoors.  This is extremely helpful in that it allows multiple people (Director, DP, AC’s, etc.) to monitor or work off of a live image at the same time.  This eliminates the need for a convertor box, and makes setting up a video village much easier.  It also has been updated to correctly interpret the camera’s output signal during record mode, and adjusts the image to fill the monitor screen.  The Marshalls also have quite a few bells and whistles – all of which can be accessed through the easy to navigate menus – or with the touch of a button – the Marshalls have 4 programmable function buttons:a. The monitor can show false colors – so you can judge skin exposure, blown-out highlights and crushed blacks – "by the numbers" if you will – or in this case "by the colors."  Therefore on a bright sunny day – you don’t need to trust your eyes and are less likely to be fooled. b. you can flip the monitor for when you mount it upside down – with the touch of a button. c. you can freeze a frame into memory – a snapshot if you will – to show someone at a later time or to use as a reference. d. Peak Filter – this helps you critically focus. e. A variety of markers – from a center marker, to different aspect ratios and TV-safe. f. you can see each of the RGB fields one at a time and B&W g. Pixel-to-pixel magnification – ergo you can see the full 720p signal coming out of the camera. h. you can use a variety of batteries – from small sony batteries all the way up to Anton Bauer batteries.

Description (from Marshall Electronics): The V-LCD70XHB-HDIPT is a high brightness monitor with integrated HDMI loop-through. This highly-desired feature allows the camera operator to pass-through the HDMI video input from the V-LCD70XHB-HDIPT to another monitor for a client, director or crew/talent member to view on-location. This handy "all-in-one" solution bypasses the need for HDMI splitters, additional power sources and other requirements necessary to split the signal.

VL: This monitor is the same monitor as above – but for HDSDI connections (NO HDMI.)  It is also a "High Bright" monitor which makes a significant difference when used outdoors.  This is extremely helpful in that it allows multiple people (Director, DP, AC’s, etc.) to monitor or work off of a live image at the same time.  This eliminates the need for a convertor box, and makes setting up a video village much easier.  It also has been updated to correctly interpret the camera’s output signal during record mode, and adjusts the image to fill the monitor screen.  The Marshalls also have quite a few bells and whistles – all of which can be accessed through the easy to navigate menus – or with the touch of a button – the Marshalls have 4 programmable function buttons:a. The monitor can show false colors – so you can judge skin exposure, blown-out highlights and crushed blacks – "by the numbers" if you will – or in this case "by the colors."  Therefore on a bright sunny day – you don’t need to trust your eyes and are less likely to be fooled. b. you can flip the monitor for when you mount it upside down – with the touch of a button. c. you can freeze a frame into memory – a snapshot if you will – to show someone at a later time or to use as a reference. d. Peak Filter – this helps you critically focus. e. A variety of markers – from a center marker, to different aspect ratios and TV-safe. f. you can see each of the RGB fields one at a time and B&W g. Pixel-to-pixel magnification – ergo you can see the full 720p signal coming out of the camera. h. you can use a variety of batteries – from small sony batteries all the way up to Anton Bauer batteries.

Description (from Marshall Electronics): The V-LCD70XHB-3GSDI is a portable monitor that is a perfect solution for video professionals shooting outdoors or in bright lighting conditions. Don’t be fooled by higher screen resolution or larger-sized monitors. Our picture performance, feature set, customer service, and experience is why the industry’s leading videographers and camera operators prefer Marshall over the competition. Our product is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA.

VL:  This is the cat’s meow of monitors…  I actually like to use this as my director’s monitor with a long BNC cable as I like to be mobile or follow the camera/steadicam tethered or wireless.   This is by far the best small monitor that Marshall makes and incredibly competitive in terms of color relative to all others in the market.  It is built incredibly well and has a built in waveform monitor which is KEY to HDSLR.  Basically my eyes are glued to this monitor and waveform during any production to make sure the framing and exposure are dead on (and not clipping.)   It’s slightly larger than the above monitors – but you can add an Anton Bauer/IDX plate to the back or power if w/ and XLR plug and mount this on your camera as well.   This is the one monitor I will travel the world with to use with any camera.  It supports BOTH HDMI and HDSDI – and supports HDMI loop through, and 2 HDSDI ins and one out for loop through as well.  It can also be used for 3D productions.

Description (from Marshall Electronics): The OR-901-XDI 9" ORCHID rack mountable / portable field monitor has all the features that customers have asked for including fully automatic HD-SDI to HDMI / HDMI to HD-SDI cross conversion. The OR-901-XDI is 4RU and has 9 user-assignable function keys as well as a rotary menu system. ORCHID monitors include a variety of 3D production tools and anaglyph views. The built-in waveform monitor (which includes adjustable White and Black clip level indicators) can be displayed in three different aspect ratios including Full Screen. The built-in Vectorscope displays in full color and can also be displayed in three different ratios. The Vectorscope has adjustable gain from 1x to 5x.

VL:  This is a GORGEOUS field monitor.   While not 10 bit (like the $12-20K monitors) it’s actually extremely competitive in terms of critically judging color on set.  It also has all of built-in functions you’d expect from Marshall and has a built in waveform monitor which is critical.   I judge all of my exposures off of the waveform monitor on set with this monitor and don’t need to stress out about much else other than making sure that the data isn’t corrupted somehow.  It can be calibrated and with an optional adapter you can mount it to a C-Stand etc.   

Description (from Marshall Electronics): Marshall Electronics introduces the industry’s first full lineup of In-Monitor Displays. The V-R241-IMD-HDSDI 24" monitor is a cost-effective "all-in-one" solution for post production houses, broadcasters, and mobile units. This fully-integrated approach eliminates the need for additional or separate Under Monitor Displays and allows UMD information and tallies to be displayed directly within a Marshall flat panel monitor, while saving precious rack space. A variety of features are readily available including on-screen Video Time Code, three-color "Soft" Tallies, and Audio Presence Indicator. Marshall IMD displays also offer a RotoMenu™ feature which allows fast, direct, and easy menu navigation.

VL: This has become an essential piece of kit – HDMI simply isn’t the way to go when you get into more comples systems – HDSDI is – therefore this box solves that problem and can be powered via AC power or with an Anton Bauer batter on a battery plate w/ P-Tap adapter – or by the Viewfactor cage as well with a Lemo cable.  

See this unit in use in the video below at the 2:27 Mark:

2010 HDDSLR Gear Video from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Description (from BlackMagic Design): Mini Converter HDMI to SDI is ideal for converting from HDMI devices to SDI video with the choice to embed SDI audio from HDMI, AES/EBU or balanced analog audio inputs. Now you can add SDI outputs to cameras with HDMI connections, or if your computer supports HDMI compatibility via DVI to HDMI adapters, then you can add SDI outputs to computers. Also features a built in hardware down converter to connect HDMI video to SD-SDI equipment.

VL: This is a pretty essential unit for any serious production in my opinion – when you want to shed cables.  The price point of this unit makes it a likely rental item – but for my productions it’s an essential unit.  This is one of the most reliable HD wireless transmitters out there – it’s closest competitor is 3-4X as expensive.  This will allow for a 1st AC to pull focus live off of a high definition monitor – and for totally wireless operation of the body on a Steadicam or pretty much any configuration.  See the video below for a good illustration of how we use this unit. 

See this unit in use in the video below at the 2:41 Mark.

Description (from Boxx TV): The Meridian system has been designed for high quality, zero delay, short range transmissions.  In line with our existing product range, the Meridian system uses licence exempt channels and offers secure encrypted transmissions. It can be used for a variety of applications including large screen presentations, award ceremonies and live broadcast events.