Monitor thoughts..."

[Christopher Barrett]

So I just ordered a Red Rocket (Yay!) I'm looking for a flexible monitor that I can use connected to that for grading, but that I can also take into the field and hookup to the camera.

I was thinking either the Panasonic or Flanders 17"... maybe 24" though not as portable.

Opinions?

Thanks!

 

[AnthonyFlores]

So I just ordered a Red Rocket (Yay!) I'm looking for a flexible monitor that I can use connected to that for grading, but that I can also take into the field and hookup to the camera.

I was thinking either the Panasonic or Flanders 17"... maybe 24" though not as portable.

Opinions?

Thanks!

I'm curious about this as well. I know the 24" HP DreamColor is one of the most affordable "color correct" monitors (though it requires regular calibration, I believe) and it's used on set by DP's like Shane Hurlbut. I still haven't heard of another monitor that has equal or better specs in that same pricepoint but would love to hear if someone has a better option.

 

[Christopher Barrett]

Also is it most ideal to go SDI, which I believe the Dreamcolor doesn't?

 

[Alexis Vanier]

Personally, I'd go SDI all the way. HDMI and DVI are simply not set-proof.

Otherwise, what I've read about the Dreamcolor is all over the place. It IS the nicest computer monitor out there, but to get 10 bits out of it you need to go to a SDI to HDMI converter like the AJA Hi5-3G.

On the down side I've read a LOT of negative feedback about it on Creative Cow. Threads with an engineer from HP's pro display team highlight disorganized customer support and spotty QC.

On the other hand I only hear good things about Flanders.

As for the Pannys, from my experience, they suffer from severe colour bias and limited gamut. Meh.

My two cents.

 

[Christopher Barrett]

Yeah, I was leaning Flanders anyway... Maybe the 17 with their transport bag with built in hood and the Vesa to 5/8 adapter... mount it on an AutoPole so I don't knock it over. Coolio.

 

[sander kamp]

I think a monitor for grading and a monitor for on the set are two different things. For grading you need something that is color accurate and high resolution, a 17" is too small in my opinion.

For on the set you want something rugged and BRIGHT! Especially for outside work you need as bright as you can find. Never mind color accuracy - what good are the colors if you can't see them? I have a Dreamcolor but it is just not bright enough for on the set.

Personally I find that a computer screen with HDMI input and a HDSDI to HDMI converter in a flight case works just fine and is cheap.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

Also is it most ideal to go SDI, which I believe the Dreamcolor doesn't?

With something like this:
http://www.aja.com/products/converters/converters-hd-hi53d.php

you're fine with the dreamcolor.

 

[D Fuller]

Also is it most ideal to go SDI.

Yes.

Christopher, in my experience, the less stuff you have in the signal chain on set, the better. I would not take a Dreamcolor on set unless it came on a DIT cart with a DIT to care for it.

A single SDI cable from your Red to the monitor is the simplest and most foolproof of paths. There's a lot to be said for that.

I like the Panasonic monitors. Their color is very nice. I use a 17" on set and for grading. I'd love a bigger monitor for grading, but without a bigger crew, it would be a drag on set. So there's the choice.

I've heard great things about the Flanders monitors, especially for grading, but I haven't had the chance to use one.