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Which LCD is better: 8.4" 1024x768 or 7" 800x480


Jonathan Gordon

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Hey guys,

 

If you had a choice between two high-brightness LCDs, one an 8.4" with a 1024x768 resolution (4:3) and the other a 7" with a 800x480 resolution (16:9), which one would you go with? Why? The price difference between the two isn't an issue.

 

FYI, they both have HD-SDI, video-RCA, Svideo, and composite HD inputs.

 

Jon

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Jonathan,

 

Do they both weigh the same?

 

I personally like the higher res. of my main monitor over my lower res back up LCD. It simply makes for better viewing. I think the 16x9 vs. 4x3 is a personal choice.

 

If you shoot more video than film then the 16x9 might make more sense.

 

The letterbox in the 4x3 to make the 16x9 format will show larger than the 4x3 pillar box you will end up with when shooting film or 4x3 video on the 16x9. I am assuming (although I have learned to never assume anything) that you can scale either monitor for either direction.

 

I would demo both on the rig then make a decision.

 

Good luck. It is always fun buying new stuff.

 

Steven Fracol, SOC

 

PS- Buy them both...you need a back up monitor anyway! HA!!

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Michael, Thanks for your input. The units are custom built from China with a branded high-brightness LCD panel.

 

Steve, They should be switchable, but we're still working out the details. Good to know that the resolution helps. I may just follow your suggestion depending on what it eventually costs. We don't have weight figures yet, but I reckon there can't be too much a difference. Do most ops have a weight ceiling?

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Jonathan,

 

Weights can vary quite a bit from monitor to monitor. I have a 3 lb difference from my main monitor to my back up. I actually add a 2 lb weight to use the back up monitor. It gets it closer to my usual balance with the extra weight. The monitor mounts, etc. all can add weight as well.

 

The max weight of a monitor that is possible to use is more dependant on the type/size of sled it is going on and how it balances with that weight and other items such as battery system, camera, motors, video transmitter, recorder, etc. It is also a matter of how much weight you want to haul around as an operator. Vibration can also be an issue with a heavy monitor depending on your sled / mounting, etc. Test them while running as well as the slow work.

 

Steve

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Don't commit to buying a monitor before you can see and test it for yourself! I tested a monitor several months ago that on paper sounded great. After checking it out for myself, however, it failed to stand up to my needs.

 

Make sure that if you order a monitor, you have a guaranteed return policy in your favor.

 

The only time I would *consider* buying a monitor without seeing it first is if enough veteran operators gave it a thumbs up. The TB-6 and PRO monitors fall into this category. The Transvideo and Hummingbird seem to get very high approval ratings.

 

These things cost way too much money to gamble on and the ones that don't cost "way too much money" probably don't compare to the ones that do and could have a significant impact on your operating.

 

Dan

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Hi guys,

I just went to shenzhen to get the 800X480 16:9/4:3 switchable monitor for my rig, it is a product from Swit, http://www.swit-battery.com/ , I think this can fullfill me need on both steadicam shoot and normal shooting. It has YUV component, composite and S-video input. It can use with 12V DC and can power up by a Sony V-mount Battery. I originally want to buy their new model, with HDSDI input and have a resulotion at 1080 x 1440, but finally I think that, If I shooting with F-900 or Varicam, I will rental the Panasonic 8.4" monitor from the production house together, cos it has a IRE level display. On the other hand, the Swit's one doesn't have this function, so I made a decision today, just buy a 800x480, and take it back to Hong Kong just a few hours ago.

If anyone have questions on this monitor, can contact me.

 

Yours, Julian Cheng

email: videoscope@netvigator.com

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add on information, the Swit newest model is not the S-1080BS, because there is a new model call S-1080DS, with the HDSDI input, which is not yet on the market. Cos I buy the monitor directly from their factory, so I know these informations. Even you see their webpage, the newest one is 1080BS, but actually the 1080DS is already built. I will ask them to get one for testing later on. Maybe in the coming month...

 

Yours,

Julian Cheng

videoscope@netvigator.com

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  • 2 weeks later...

Julian,

 

I looked at Swit's models before approaching a few different factories. They look good but they're meant for indoor use only, right? A full-res 1080P model would be amazing - makes me wonder where they are getting the LCD panel from because its better than anything available to all the factories I was negotiating with.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Well, I finally got the spec list/order sheet from the manufacturer. Here's what I'm looking at :

 

1.

  • 8.4?Sunlight readable LCD
  • Graphic VGA card 、DVI、Y-PB-PR、Y-CB-CY、OSD
  • Power supply unit(DC12V/3A)
  • Enclosure and accessories

Brightness : 1000nits

Definition :1024x768

Operating temperature:? 20to + 60degrees

 

I requested HD-SDI but he hasn't included it on the specs, so I'll get my Chinese partner to find out what's up with that. Hopefully it's just a clerical error.

 

If anyone is interested, I can have it shipped from the Chinese factory for about 1500 USD, and it comes with a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer.

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