LCD Field monitors – lots of new options.

Marshall have just expanded their range of 7″ ‘on board’ type LCD field monitors, the V-LCD70XP-HDMI. In a nutshell they have added an HDMI input instead of the HD/SDSDI input that was in the V-LCD70P series.  As with the existing range they are available with simple 4 pin power input, as well as a range of different battery plates to suit various Sony, Panasonic, Canon and V-Lock type batteries, so you choose a model that works with your existing camera battery system.  In addition to the HDMI input, they also have composite and component inputs with loop through. They are ideal for use with any type of camera from a consumer camera with composite output, up to something like the new Sony HXRNX5P NXCAM, which has HDMI output (as well as SDI). The V-LCD70P-3GSDI model is well suited to cameras with an SDSDI or HDSDI output, including the Sony PMWEX1/EX3, Panasonic HPX-302, Digi BETACAM, or XDCAM HD cameras.

We love the picture quality, robustness and features of these Marshall monitors. They have 800 lines of resolution, which is about as good as it gets in a 7″ size, widescreen panel, great brightness and contrast performance. They have blue only display for checking noise, a peaking circuit which makes it easy to find focus with them, and very accurate colour and contrast reproduction, all in a tough robust housing which is compact and lightweight enough to add to any type of camera. They have 1/4″ screw thread mounts on all sides making on camera mounting simple using an additional Noga style magic arm. The best thing about them is the price. Starting from under $1500 for the 4 pin power version, they are a really useful addition to the kit for any size of camera. Full specifications can be found by clicking here.

Marshall have also released a 6.5″ ‘Super Transflective’ LCD monitor, specifically for outdoor use where high ambient light levels are an issue. The design uses a reflective backing to the LCD panel to effectively bounce back direct light hitting the panel surface. This results in a screen that is still visible even in direct sunlight. This is ideal for Stedicam and other applications where it’s not possible to control the light hitting the screen. The V-LCD651 comes in a 3GSDI version and an HDMI version. Both models also have composite and component inputs, as well as the same range of battery plates available as the V-LCD70 series. They have a 1024 x 768 resolution 4:3 aspect ratio LCD panel, peaking and blue only settings. Full details can be found here.
Finally in new monitors, Sony have released the LMD940W. This is effectively the LCD replacement for your old 9″ CRT  on set monitor. And we believe it is an excellent and worthy replacement. The LMD940W has an all new 800×480 pixel 9″ widescreen LCD panel. It has composite, HDMI, and 3GSDI inputs, all with loop through, and supports multiformat SD and HD images up to 1080 50/60P.  Sony have set the bar with it’s new I/P conversion process that optimises the incoming signal for all types of motion, be it static or dynamic, interlaced or progressive. The monitor uses Sony’s ChromaTru technology for highly a accurate colour reproduction, and has excellent contrast and brightness. The LMD940 has built in waveform, markers and blue only function. It also has audio level meter display, as well as an internal speaker and headphone socket, and can dis-embed the audio from SDI input signals. 4 pin and V-lock power all included in a robust housing with a replaceable perspex screen protector with an anti reflective coating. It also has an optional ‘ENG kit’ with a  protective ‘cage’ and sports style hood for use outdoors Videocraft have demo units in stock now, so give us a call and come in for a look. You’ll be surprised at how affordable some of these new monitor choices are!