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Small HD DP7 Daybright


Rob Vuona  SOC

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Monitors I've owned: PRO gen1, PRO gen2, Boland 8'4" gen 1, Boland 8.4" gen 2, Cinetronic Gen 2, Small HD DP7 PRO High Bright. I've used a few others........

 

The brightest viewable daylight monitor is, in my opinion, the Boland 8.4" gen 2. It's not THAT much brighter necissarliy but it's so much bigger that for whatever reason it translates into more daylight viewability. I too have done an amazing race (for australia) with the boland and it is a super kick ass monitor.

 

That being said, the Cinetronic Gen 2 is nearly as bright, perhaps a bit sharper and more accurate in terms of color. The Cinetronic is maybe more approprately sized for steadicam work and it is theoretically the most durable due to it's water resistant qualities. It also has all the peaking, focus assist, frame lines, aspect ratio, etc that are required for motion picture production.

 

That being said, I recently got the Small HD as my on camera operators monitor for my show (Graceland season 2). I got it so I could have a light weight, non steadicam monitor that was sharp and daylight viewable. The monitor totally fcuking rocks. It is VERY sharp, VERY bright, super light, feature laden and generally awesome. I can't say how durable it is only because I've only owned it for a few weeks and havn't beaten it up that much yet, but I'm sure I will. With the super durable screw on screen protector the monitor seems pretty robust but the screen protecter does produce some glare. It's probably the best on camera monitor ive ever seen or heard of in my nearly 21 years in the business.

 

For the glare resistance, day light viewability and durability, the Cinetronic gen 2 is and will continue to be my steadicam, mortgage paying, monitor. I am happy to have the Small HD as my backup monitor and conventional operating monitor. I would also say that the Small HD would make and excellent primary steadiacm monitor and pretty much an excellent monitor for anything one could use a monitor for.

 

My 2 cents...

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We currently have available an onboard version of the Steadicam monitor, which is smaller, lighter and cheaper. In a few weeks we will also have a 5.6" monitor, which is very small and lightweight. All the monitors feature optically bonded lcd screens and glass fronts.

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We currently have available an onboard version of the Steadicam monitor, which is smaller, lighter and cheaper. In a few weeks we will also have a 5.6" monitor, which is very small and lightweight. All the monitors feature optically bonded lcd screens and glass fronts.

What monitor/brand are you talking about?

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  • 10 months later...
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They told me the same thing; due to an unforeseen engineering/design issue, the monitor they made where they thought they could incorporate recording into a software update is incompatible with the function of recording. To offer that option, they'd literally need to make a different monitor almost from the ground up.

 

Conspiracy time: so SmallHD offered about 3 months of discounts and rebates on the DP7 and AC7 monitors last year. I'm wondering if they're clearing inventory to make room for a new (maybe hopefully) brighter monitor?

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The reason they gave so many discounts on the high bright was because they weren't selling well. I doubt they would invest any more money in a high bright after that experience (but maybe that will change with Vitec backing). I certainly would think they won't rely on Cinetronic for any panel upgrades.

 

The rumors for this year are a recorder/monitor to compete with Convergent Design and Atomos, anda new EVF to replaceme the DP4.

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After many hours and many different cameras, I still love my Small Hds. However, there are 2 MAJOR issues that have not been adressed. The monitors suffer from a latency issue, minor, but relavent, feels like about a frame off. More serious, they often have trouble locking in to SDI or HDMI signals. This requires either a reboot or toggle back and forth from HDMI to SDI input selects. I've seen this issue with several Small HD monitors, both mine and other owners. I would love to see this resolved! What do you say Small HD? A fix?

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i have detected a small latency and occasional trouble with sdi feed sometimes unlocked which means picture sits on screen in 2 parts with bar in middle, turning off and on fixes this, but to date it is my favorite monitor , i have the battery back for vlock more for the feel , the added weight is good for my steadicam,i love it and have become very comfortable with the menu functions, as per usual have 100 settings and use 6 but it is very cool for steadicam , reverse scan , level, luts, sharp , bright, good mounting points,i have a second one i use on location with a bolt sender, the joy of a steadicam op these days where video senders work and bright monitors are in color not green.

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I have not received the rebate, and I submitted in late October. Was planning to call this week to get a status.

 

Very happy with the monitor, though I'm using it as a director's monitor or operating monitor, not on the steadicam. Can be used in full sunlight without a hood, which was the most important aspect to me. Exposure and focus tools are good.

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