I'm intrigued to hear perspectives on the pros and cons of SmallHD 5-inch versus 7-inch monitors, particularly concerning factors like accuracy and focus pulling. Any insights or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!
Most smaller monitors we use, whether 5" or 7", are not 4K native. Many can handle a 4K signal but we are often monitoring a quarter the resolution of the native image (unless you are capturing at 1080 natively). So, we aren't getting a pixel to pixel image unless we zoom in and that's the best way to see if your captured image will be tack sharp. Ideally we would all be using 4K monitors so we would have more confidence when pulling focus. I prefer a larger image but a 7" monitor with two NP-F style batteriues gets heavy and isn't an ideal match for mirrorless. That said, when you poer via USB-C and you inly are using a cable, then the monitor becomes MUCH lighter. SmallHD wins the OS game and the make great kit but a lot of people need a more cost-effective solution and want a 7" monitor.
@@theC47 Thanks for the feedback, it’s really useful. After being away from the business for more than 15 years, I'm diving back in. One of the main reasons I'm eyeing SmallHD monitors is because of my dream to utilize Ed Lachman’s EL Zone System Exposure Guide. Back in the day, I begun as a camera assistant / clapper loader, and I had the chance to work as a director of photography on some commercials. I had a deep love for the job, but eventually had to take a step back. Lighting has always been my passion, so having the ability to discern discreet backlights and various shades is crucial to me. That's why my plan for the upcoming months is to invest in either a brand new or second-hand SmallHD monitor that can handle the task. That’s another advantage of SmallHD, their firmware updates to older models. Though décision because on Black Fridays they sometimes massively reduce prices on monitors…
@@theC47 Thanks for the feedback really useful. After being away from the business for more than 15 years, I'm diving back in. One of the main reasons I'm eyeing SmallHD monitors is because of my dream to utilize Ed Lachman’s EL Zone System Exposure Guide. Back in the day, I begun as a camera assistant / clapper loader, and I had the chance to work as a director of photography on some commercials. I had a deep love for the job, but eventually had to take a step back. Lighting has always been my passion, so having the ability to discern discreet backlights and various shades is crucial to me. That's why my plan for the upcoming months is to invest in either a brand new or second-hand SmallHD monitor that can handle the task. That’s another advantage of SmallHD, their firmware updates to older models. Though décision because on Black Fridays they sometimes massively reduce prices on monitors…
I love devices that can be powered off USB-C. It's not a perfect connector however it's so useful as a back up. Even if you forget all your cables you know you can find a shop that will sell a USB-C PD charger and cable or you'd at least hope you'd have your phone charger on you.
Let's hope USB-C PD sticks around for a while and gets more traction from gear manufacturers. There are so many options for USB-C PD battery packs, that I find myself eschewing v-mount batteries and their expensive adapters for outputting USB/D-tap/DC power. With a proper cage on the FX3/FX30 and a SmallRig battery pack mount, I can keep a 10,000 or 20,000mAh battery pack attached to the body, minimizing external rigging and longer cable runs. FWIW, you can get USB-C PD to 7/9/12v DC plug adapters for cheap, which means no need for dummy batteries.
Let's hope it's a robust enough protocol that I don't need to worry about blowing out my gear because of a 'dumb' cable. If anything, the lack of PD markings on the cable gives me pause.@@theC47
You do realize you can power ANY monitor w/ USB-C? I've been powering my Atomos this way for years. Now w/ the Z8 I can power both off a $50 power bank without needing a dummy battery.
Yes. I do know that. The advantage to this monitor, and some others on the market, is that it natively supports USB-C power delivery. No adapters, dongles, etc., and easy to just run a cable to a power brick when powering off of mains power.
I hear ya. I said in the video I’m not recommending people just go out and buy the monitor. I will say that for under $300 U.S. it’s very good value. The picture is actually quite good and it’s high nit so can be used outdoors in daylight. If people already have a great monitor then getting to USB-C is very doable and not expensive. For someone looking for a cost effective 7” monitor this is definitely one of the best ones I’ve come across recently.
I'm intrigued to hear perspectives on the pros and cons of SmallHD 5-inch versus 7-inch monitors, particularly concerning factors like accuracy and focus pulling. Any insights or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!
Most smaller monitors we use, whether 5" or 7", are not 4K native. Many can handle a 4K signal but we are often monitoring a quarter the resolution of the native image (unless you are capturing at 1080 natively). So, we aren't getting a pixel to pixel image unless we zoom in and that's the best way to see if your captured image will be tack sharp.
Ideally we would all be using 4K monitors so we would have more confidence when pulling focus.
I prefer a larger image but a 7" monitor with two NP-F style batteriues gets heavy and isn't an ideal match for mirrorless. That said, when you poer via USB-C and you inly are using a cable, then the monitor becomes MUCH lighter.
SmallHD wins the OS game and the make great kit but a lot of people need a more cost-effective solution and want a 7" monitor.
@@theC47 Thanks for the feedback, it’s really useful. After being away from the business for more than 15 years, I'm diving back in. One of the main reasons I'm eyeing SmallHD monitors is because of my dream to utilize Ed Lachman’s EL Zone System Exposure Guide. Back in the day, I begun as a camera assistant / clapper loader, and I had the chance to work as a director of photography on some commercials.
I had a deep love for the job, but eventually had to take a step back. Lighting has always been my passion, so having the ability to discern discreet backlights and various shades is crucial to me. That's why my plan for the upcoming months is to invest in either a brand new or second-hand SmallHD monitor that can handle the task. That’s another advantage of SmallHD, their firmware updates to older models. Though décision because on Black Fridays they sometimes massively reduce prices on monitors…
@@theC47 Thanks for the feedback really useful. After being away from the business for more than 15 years, I'm diving back in. One of the main reasons I'm eyeing SmallHD monitors is because of my dream to utilize Ed Lachman’s EL Zone System Exposure Guide. Back in the day, I begun as a camera assistant / clapper loader, and I had the chance to work as a director of photography on some commercials.
I had a deep love for the job, but eventually had to take a step back. Lighting has always been my passion, so having the ability to discern discreet backlights and various shades is crucial to me. That's why my plan for the upcoming months is to invest in either a brand new or second-hand SmallHD monitor that can handle the task. That’s another advantage of SmallHD, their firmware updates to older models. Though décision because on Black Fridays they sometimes massively reduce prices on monitors…
I love devices that can be powered off USB-C. It's not a perfect connector however it's so useful as a back up. Even if you forget all your cables you know you can find a shop that will sell a USB-C PD charger and cable or you'd at least hope you'd have your phone charger on you.
Agreed. That white cable is from an iPad.
I've had my Osee t5 for a while and it's been USB-C power delivery.
Yep. Tried that one but was really looking for a 7” monitor.
Let's hope USB-C PD sticks around for a while and gets more traction from gear manufacturers. There are so many options for USB-C PD battery packs, that I find myself eschewing v-mount batteries and their expensive adapters for outputting USB/D-tap/DC power. With a proper cage on the FX3/FX30 and a SmallRig battery pack mount, I can keep a 10,000 or 20,000mAh battery pack attached to the body, minimizing external rigging and longer cable runs. FWIW, you can get USB-C PD to 7/9/12v DC plug adapters for cheap, which means no need for dummy batteries.
I think it will. There are new USB-C Power Delivery protocols coming that will support even higher wattage. I believe up to 240W but at least 200W.
Let's hope it's a robust enough protocol that I don't need to worry about blowing out my gear because of a 'dumb' cable. If anything, the lack of PD markings on the cable gives me pause.@@theC47
You do realize you can power ANY monitor w/ USB-C? I've been powering my Atomos this way for years. Now w/ the Z8 I can power both off a $50 power bank without needing a dummy battery.
Yes. I do know that. The advantage to this monitor, and some others on the market, is that it natively supports USB-C power delivery. No adapters, dongles, etc., and easy to just run a cable to a power brick when powering off of mains power.
@@theC47 don’t see a case for a pretty lousy monitor when all you need is a cable (no dongle or adapter) to run usb-c to the monitor of your choice.
I hear ya. I said in the video I’m not recommending people just go out and buy the monitor. I will say that for under $300 U.S. it’s very good value. The picture is actually quite good and it’s high nit so can be used outdoors in daylight. If people already have a great monitor then getting to USB-C is very doable and not expensive. For someone looking for a cost effective 7” monitor this is definitely one of the best ones I’ve come across recently.
Powering my Ninja with type c too
Nice! @@mcronfpv8736