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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

F&V SpectraHD 4 Field monitor and EVF

Mark-André Voss

Mark-André Voss

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Dear Redusers,

I would like to share some information about our new SpectraHD 4 EVF and field monitor. As you can see from the image the concept is a 4.3" monitor that can be transformed to an EVF by attaching a flip up loupe to it. One feature that makes the SpectraHD 4 stand out from the other third party EVFs is its HD resolution of 1280x720, which is a big step-up from the resolution of EVFs currently on the market. The loupe is optimized to be distortion-free and lets you see the tack sharp and brilliant image without any outside influences. With its 170° viewing angle and 900:1 contrast ratio it's also a great field monitor.

FV_SpectraHD_4_EVF.jpg


The SpectraHD 4 has HDMI and SDI loop through and also supports HDMI to SDI conversion. The software offers a variety of helper functions like Focus peaking (with adjustable color and strength), Vectorscope, Histograms, False-Color, adjustable Frame-Guides and we are constantly improving the software through free firmware upgrades.

For mounting the SpectraHD 4 features one 1/4""-20 on the bottom and one Arri Rosette on the side. It can be powered by the build in Sony NP-F battery plate, a lockable DC2.5mm jack, and a mini-XLR. The mini-XLR can also be used for multi-camera shoots to receive a tally signal from the switch-board, illuminating the monitor's integrated Tally Light.

The SpectraHD 4 is available now and the prices start at US$ 1099 / 799€ excl. VAT for the monitor and US$1299 / 999€ excl. VAT for the EVF kit including the loupe.

US
http://www.fvlighting.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=spectra

EU
http://www.fvlight.eu/catalogsearch/result/?q=spectra

I hope to provide some useful information to you, if you have questions let me know. Below a video from IBC showing the SpectraHD 4 and MeticaFM 7 monitors.

All the best,
Mark

 
Hi David,

yes, it has an adjustable diopter and additionally a threading for magnification lenses in case the diopter range is not sufficient. It comes with a UV filter installed to seal the optical system of the loupe from dust.

This image shows how the eyepiece is constructed.

FV_SpectraHD_4_EVF_Loupe_detail.jpg


Best,
Mark
 
I would like to see this against the DP4.

Just the pixels alone blows my DP4 away.
 
Any plans to make a loupe for something like the 1080p 5.5" TV Logic screen?
 
Hi Scott,

no plans for this, the bigger the screen is the harder it is to design a loupe for it without distortion. Even with our 4.3" panel this was a big challenge and we went through a number of optical designs until we finally achieved a compact and distortion free optic for it. The TVlogic 5.5" has a FullHD resolution but when you check the SpectraHD 4 with it's HD resolution you will see that you can't see any pixels on it already but just a clear sharp image and during testing for us 4.3" was the best size to be useful as an EVF but also a compact viewfinder monitor.

Best,
Mark

Scott Pultz said:
Any plans to make a loupe for something like the 1080p 5.5" TV Logic screen?
Click to expand...
 
And the SpectraHD 4 just got better - added Waveform

And the SpectraHD 4 just got better - added Waveform

As we are constantly working on improving the software of the SpectraHD 4 I am happy to announce that we are close to releasing a new firmware update adding Waveform to it.

Other nice things in the making ...

Coming_feature_waveform_FV_SpectraHD_4_800px.jpg
 
Lee Saxon said:
Just a thought:

I'm glad that it has a diopter for those who take their glasses off, but the rubber eye cup looks a little small/shallow for those of us who prefer to leave them on.
Click to expand...

Hi Lee,

thanks for your suggestion. I think the images maybe give a wrong impression of the eyecup, the size was choosen like this to make it work well with eyecushions like Bluestar ones and from the feedback of our users with glasses it also works well when leaving them on. if you get the chance try it at a dealer or one of the coming shows.

All the best,
Mark
 
I bought one of these at Adorama a couple weeks ago. Two words: Simply Awesome. I bought it initially for my Ronin as I didn't want to float a bulkier monitor. 4.3" is ideal. I used to have a DP4 but never liked the dioptor distortion, lack of inputs/outputs and its low rez. I searched high and low for a better spec 4.3" monitor and came upon the F&V. I bought on specs alone.

Upon unboxing, I was blow away by the build quality. Spectra is in a whole different league from build quality to performance from the DP4. It comes with a built in "semi-hood" which is great for overhead sun but not too shrouded for gimbal work. At 400 NITs it's bright though for sunny days on a gimbal you may want to add a top brow. The battery mount is fully integrated and not some ad hoc bolt on. It has real buttons for many of the main functions, four or five assignables. You never have to go too deep in the menu to find your function. The EVF hood is pretty bullet proof and the dioptor worked perfectly for me, obviating my need for reading glasses. My guess though, like the DP4 make sure not to have direct sun pointing at your dioptor or you'll get burn in.

The body is rock solid, and the rosette feature on the side is much welcome. I also bought it because I wanted a small monitor I could use as an EVF for doc and run and gun work. The trend right now is for on boards to be 7". For me 7" is the monitor I'd like to give to the director and not have hanging on my camera, especially for doc or small shoots. The problem is until now all small monitors were just to low spec'd.

The image: excellent. Far better than my DP6 and on par with AC7 LED. The colors are better, neutral and no break up in low light. Detail and DR is excellent as well. Nothing fiddly with the menu and settings. It'll cross convert HDMI to SDI which is great for client feed. It also doesn't have inputs/outputs I don't need (i.e.. Componet, RGB). One small NP battery got me at least four hours (haven't objectively tested run time, yet). For travel, this is a no brainer. Smaller, fewer batteries and HD spec. Right now, I'm running Paralinx to it with no issues whatsoever.

Anyway, using it on its first job tomorrow. More to report later.

Mark-Andre, great news about the waveform update. That was the only objection I had, albeit a small one as the false color, histogram and zebras are well executed. But I have to say, anyone out there who's turned off by ads and publicity that make the Spectra look cheap and plasticy, rest assured, this is one robust piece of gear made for pro use. Mark-Andre, please make some pics/ads that do this monitor justice.
 
Last edited:
So, I did my first job with the monitor today. Everything worked exceedingly well in terms of reliability and connections. IQ was great until I put my subject against a black drop. I began to show excessive noise in dark underlit black areas. It became quite noticeable when shooting subject against black drop. I will bebe shooting night exteriors with it on Tuesday. I'll see if I can work this bug out. I'll install any new software as well. This could be a deal breaker as I like to shoot dark high contrast scenes. The noise in the dark shadows was so bad that it made judging detail quite impossible. Any suggestions anyone?
 
it looks great! i just wish it was smaller for a more compact setup. have you got any pics of it on an epic or scarlet?
 
Any smaller, it might as well be an EVF. 4.3 is quite small and makes for a nice option of flipping up the EVF and using it like a monitor. That said the EVF attachment is well built.
 
i suppose that is what i'm looking for myself, a smaller high quality evf at a good price., for red users i would personally recommend the carbonate scope if you are looking at this and have a 5" touch
 
Ned Wilson said:
So, I did my first job with the monitor today. Everything worked exceedingly well in terms of reliability and connections. IQ was great until I put my subject against a black drop. I began to show excessive noise in dark underlit black areas. It became quite noticeable when shooting subject against black drop. I will bebe shooting night exteriors with it on Tuesday. I'll see if I can work this bug out. I'll install any new software as well. This could be a deal breaker as I like to shoot dark high contrast scenes. The noise in the dark shadows was so bad that it made judging detail quite impossible. Any suggestions anyone?
Click to expand...

Hi Ned,

could you please send me a short part of the video you shot where you noticed the noise for our development team to check?

Best,
Mark
 
Mark, I believe my monitor must be sufffering from early firmware blues. I discovered what's causing the noise issues in the dark / black areas. I framed a subject against a black drop and began to underexpose. Each time I'd close a stop, the subject would get darker but the monitor would keep trying to lift the dark grey / black levels like it were on auto. Once underexposed enough, it would get completely noisy. I makes using it to evaluate high contrast scens difficult especially night or suject against black. Other items that seem firmware related is that the user buttons for peaking and vector don't seem to work nor is there a histogram choice for assignables. Another item worth noting is at factory settings the chroma at 50 is way too low. When I set it up properly with color bars (from an Amira) and blue burst, I had to raise the chroma level to close to 90 out of 100. One other interface issue is when adjusting chroma, contrast, etc. the menu takes up a good portion of the monitor, making it difficult to calibrate with color bars. In short, I'd adjust, clear menu, evaluate and repeat. POA. WHen adjusting these parameters the levels should just read on the bottom and not interfere with view of color bars.

I'll install the new firmware this weekend. Hopelfully this black level noise, assignable and interface issues get solved. The picture quality is great when I don't have this noise issue. It just rears its head when I underexpose the overall image. As of right now for high con scenes I can't judge exposure / lighting accurately. I only use the monitor for focus and framing for now.

Mark, please advise. You can EM me directly at saintmarkspictures@gmail.com
Thanks
 
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