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Digital Level HD


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I'm sorry if this has already been discussed but when I put HD digital level in the search box nothing comes up. So here we go. I've finally bought an HD monitor and starting to explore steadicam with an HD signal. Getting out of the cave I guess. Aside from the $10K XCS digital level is there any other way of getting a digital level on my HD monitor. I know I can still use my old XCS level if I run an SD signal to it but doesn't that defeat the purpose?

 

 

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Agreed, the DP7 level gets confused much too easily and can't be relied upon. A trusty spirt level mounted to the top (or bottom, or wherever you like) will get you much further than the SmallHD level. The Transvideo built-ins work very nicely.

 

On the thought of the many great XCS SD units out there, someone with more technical brains than me should take a small, bright, SD LCD panel, cut into a thin, lengthy shape that mounts on top (or bottom) of your existing HD monitor and is powered by the 8pin LEMO and displays just the SD XCS level signal. Just needs a little rework of the level software by Greg to fit the wonky SD screen dimension. That sounds... easy... right...?

Edited by Brett Manyluk
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Or, a strip of LEDs, that's what the Tiffen one is supposed to be, but they are having issues with the software (the level goes crazy if you pan too fast apparently) and that's why they are not selling it right now.

 

For now I'm rocking this bad boy on the top of my monitor, old school spirit level. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1077490-REG/joby_jb00124_bubble_level_clip.html

 

Also there is the iPhone app Shot Assistant https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shot-assistant/id961651001?mt=8 (there is also a lite version for cheaper with only the steadicam level option and no extra bells and whistles) Get a iPod touch and strap it to your monitor like a return screen.

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I have the Tiffen level and love it. It's the coolest feature about my Zephyr. I don't see any issues with it going crazy when I pan fast. I run around the house with it whipping like a mad man and it seems to hold level if I do. The only problem I have is trying to keep an eye on the level and the monitor at the same time. Today, the assistant whispered I was dutch. I glanced up at the level and sure enough I was in the red. Gotta practice watching the frame and the level somehow.

Edited by Teddy Smith SOC
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