{"id":3796,"date":"2009-06-07T21:25:53","date_gmt":"2009-06-07T19:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/philipbloom.co.uk\/?p=3796"},"modified":"2010-04-11T23:40:07","modified_gmt":"2010-04-11T21:40:07","slug":"affordable-monitors-for-the-canon-5dmk-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/philipbloom.net\/blog\/affordable-monitors-for-the-canon-5dmk-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Affordable monitors for the Canon 5dmk II"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Well we all know the LCD screen on the 5d mk II is very difficult to use, mainly because of it’s fixed\u00a0position\u00a0but also it’s size. Focusing is only really possible when using things like the Zacuto Z-Finder<\/a>, Hoodman 3.0<\/a> or ideally, an external LCD monitor.<\/p>\n

I currently own the Ikan 5600.<\/p>\n

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My thoughts…It’s way better than the LCD of the camera and the image is pretty nice. The output of the 5d mkII is quite odd. It has a mini HDMI socket (don’t bother buying the expensive canon ones, B&H do a nice cheap one!<\/a>). Playback is full HD, obviously scaled down on this monitor, live output BEFORE you hit record in smaller than full screen, but still high resolution, but when you hit record the screen goes blank for about 3 seconds as the camera drops the resolution, not sure exactly what to…and the monitor re-calibrates, which is still absolutely fine for monitoring and focusing. just a bit annoying! Those three seconds could be crucial. Also you lose any audio playback when reviewing clips as having a lead plugged into the HDMI socket closes down both the LCD screen and the speaker. That would be a nice firmware upgrade, and simple too? Leave LCD on when plugging in external monitoring devices!<\/p>\n

It’s not the best monitor in the world, nor did I expect it to be for the price, but if you are looking for something light, good size and good image take a look at it…make sure you get the adaptor to let you use Sony NPF batteries, I forgot and have had to order it, \u00a0otherwise it’s mains only. It costs around $570. Worth getting the hood for when you film outside too…<\/p>\n

Now this<\/strong> new monitor looks great, I have yet to see it and hope to review it soon, it’s the SmallHD.<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are the specs from the website…<\/p>\n