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RED 7" LCD vs. 5.6" - Worth the price difference?

Yousuf Abbasi

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I'm trying to pull the trigger on an LCD for my RED. I have neither the 5.6" nor the 7" at this point, and want to know from people that have used both which one they find better to use on any given day. Both LCD's are the same resolution, but I'm hearing that the 7" has wider angle of view (as in, you can go more to the side and still see the screen). A lightweight setup is not really a huge concern to me. I'm liking the 7" so far but before I pay the premium of an extra $1000 or so, I'd like to know from others if you think it's worth it. My thinking is that the 7" better for judging focus, is that true? Just give me some pros and cons.

Thanks.
 
I would not go bigger unless you can afford it. But then again, we shoot with both the EVF and the Viewfinder at the same time.

EVF for outdoor sun conditions usually. (Electronic View Finder).

- joseph
 
Mark, that's what I wanted to hear! I like the better brightness and contrast ratio on the 7", response times are apparently faster, and oddly enough it consumes less power (2.8W vs. 4.6W). If its worth the extra dough I'm down.

Joseph, if price wasn't a factor, would you get the 7 over the 5.6?
 
If you want a nice sized monitor, you may want to check out the SmallHD DP1 at http://www.smallhd.com

It's compatible with the RED One, it's HD, and it's a really nice piece for the price!
 
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After the dollar went crazy late last year, we had to shear off a lot of the goodies from our RED 1 package. The one thing that I left was the 7" - brighter, bigger, better viewing angle. Worth every penny.
 
The 7", no doubt. Bigger, better, light and the widescreen is a double plus feature in image size/surface gain... The 5" is good for framing if you don't use the EVF and want to keep it small, but as a focus puller monitor, if you use the EVF, the 7" is much better and precise... Don't forget these are HD monitors which is also why they're expensive...

PS: check out the delivery schedule too, last I checked the 5" was backordered...
EDIT / scratch that: "LCD RED (5.6") - Limited quantities, but currently shipping."
 
The 7", no doubt. Bigger, better, light and the widescreen is a double plus feature in image size/surface gain... The 5" is good for framing if you don't use the EVF and want to keep it small, but as a focus puller monitor, if you use the EVF, the 7" is much better and precise... Don't forget these are HD monitors which is also why they're expensive...

PS: check out the delivery schedule too, last I checked the 5" was backordered...
EDIT / scratch that: "LCD RED (5.6") - Limited quantities, but currently shipping."

Actually no, they aren't HD. Both 7" and 5.6" are less than 720. The 7" is the same resolution as the 5.6", just more spread out. The 7" is too expensive IMHO. Look at SmallHD, 9" with true 720p for $899. So why is the 7" Red $2500? As with all tech, things get cheaper and better over time, the price point of the 7"/5.6" hasnt moved in a long time. I think it's due to drop in price or increase in specs

If you're trying to spread your funds, the 5.6" works well. At this point I'd hold off and see what they are going to do with the new lineup
 
I'm really intrigured about this SmallHD. Is it too large to mount directly to the camera? I also ready somewhere that its batteries cannot hold a charge after a while... I have never used SmallHD though, but its a great price.
 
Actually no, they aren't HD. Both 7" and 5.6" are less than 720. The 7" is the same resolution as the 5.6", just more spread out. The 7" is too expensive IMHO. Look at SmallHD, 9" with true 720p for $899. So why is the 7" Red $2500? As with all tech, things get cheaper and better over time, the price point of the 7"/5.6" hasnt moved in a long time. I think it's due to drop in price or increase in specs

If you're trying to spread your funds, the 5.6" works well. At this point I'd hold off and see what they are going to do with the new lineup

i agree that the 7" is too expensive but i only have the 5.6" and the smallhd 9" so i have no real means of comparison. but to be honest, i almost never use my smallhd for focusing. even though it has more resolution and is almost twice the size of the red 5.6", it doesn't hold up in terms of resolution and contrast. i find myself going back to the 5.6" for critical focus. i've also been having issues with its onboard battery power but the smallhd guys are working on a d-tap power solution for the red.
 
I use the smaller one, together with the EVF. Works for me, but we did documentary work mostly on our latest productions where there is a need for smaller and lighter configuration. On commercials and movies I´d prefer the bigger version, though.

Frank
 
EVF and 7" are indispensable. The 7" is bright enough for outdoors and light. EVF I find the most accurate image for exposure. Sometimes when you're doing quick and dirty exterior work, the 7" will suffice for the director. AC's love it too. It's much better the 5.6" for critical focus. The RED is already an ergonomic design catastrophe and slapping on a 3rd party monitor just adds more bulk to a clunky system. I think the 7" is the best designed product RED makes. Also 3rd party doesn't give you all the settings info. The other brands you mention are not nearly as bright as well. Don't skimp on monitoring.
 
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