Choosing an on-camera monitor

Most modern videographers and photographers cannot do without an additional on-camera monitor. With its help, you can significantly facilitate your work, discover new opportunities and make your workflow more comfortable. Screens designed for placement on cameras vary in quality and functionality. On sale you can find both budget options and expensive models.

The main purpose of an on-camera monitor is to go beyond the built-in screen of a camera or camera. And the presence of an external screen allows you to evaluate the picture in more detail, especially if shooting is performed in widescreen mode.

A high-quality screen will convey not only the clarity of the displayed objects, but also their saturation and contrast.

The next reason people buy on-camera monitors is convenience. They are mainly used by videographers (film makers), but photographers also actively use additional screens. While recording video or taking photos, it is not always convenient to look at the built-in screen, let alone the viewfinder. Having an external monitor will be especially useful when using the Steadicam system.

Let's take a closer look at what external monitors are used for.

• With the help of an additional screen, it is more convenient to adjust the focus and make sure that the picture does not lose sharpness. This is especially useful for those with vision problems.
• Due to the increased frame size, cropping is much more convenient. This applies to both large-scale landscapes and product photography.
• The presence of an external screen allows you to adjust its position as convenient for the operator. It can be turned at the desired angle or tilted.
• Several people can monitor the image using an external monitor. This is important when working in a creative team, when the work of the operator is monitored by the director or his colleagues.

Having looked through the catalog of modern models of external monitors, it can be noted that the leading brands offer customers a huge variety of products. Some models can be purchased for an affordable price, about 10-15 thousand rubles, others will cost more than 100 thousand rubles. Most of the products are represented by the budgetary sector, which is chosen by amateurs and novice specialists.

The most popular brands engaged in the manufacture of inexpensive on-camera monitors are the following companies:

• Ikan;
• Lilliput;
• Marshall;
• Manhattan;
• Viltrox.

Here is a ranking of the affordable models.

This is an inexpensive and compact monitor that will delight you with a clear picture, but the contrast ratio is poor. The viewing angle is 140 degrees. Manufacturers have thought of HDMI pass-through. And you can also connect the screen through the outdated AV port.

The resolution is only 1024x600 pixels, so it is impractical to use this monitor when shooting in 4K or Full HD format. The complete set, in addition to the monitor, includes 2 HDMI cables (mini and micro). The cords are tight and elastic.

Small monitor measuring only 5 inches.This is a smaller version of the above model. This monitor has low technical characteristics, so it is worth paying attention to those photographers and videographers who are just learning to handle external screens.

Manufacturers have added a handy wheel to control functions. Due to the use of a special mechanism, accidental switching is excluded. Screen resolution Viltrox DC-50 - 800x480 pixels.

The next option is much more practical and functional. Despite the small size of 5.5 inches, manufacturers equipped the screen with a matrix and Full HD resolution. Using this technique, you can shoot high quality video and monitor the picture quality using an additional device.

Users who have personally tested this model note its practicality and convenient operation. The cost of the monitor is 14 thousand rubles.

The popularity of this company has increased dramatically in recent years - it has launched a number of equipment on the market, which has attracted the attention of buyers. The Q5 is 5.5 inches in size and has a high resolution Full HD that allows you to work comfortably with modern formats. Brightness leaves - 450 nits, wide viewing angle - 165 degrees.

A durable metal alloy was used in the manufacture of the case. A cooling system is also provided in the form of a compact fan. The specialists added a separate port for the power supply, which is part of the package bundle. Specifications indicate that this model can be classified as professional equipment.

Photographers and videographers who have been working for a long time and use only high-quality professional equipment choose products from the Eizo and Sony brands.

The best monitor is the one that is comfortable to work with and has all the functions the user needs.

When choosing an on-camera monitor, it is recommended to pay attention to a number of characteristics.

• The main parameter is the size. The larger the monitor, the better. On a large screen, it is more convenient to adjust focus and follow the composition of the frame. However, it should be borne in mind that the diagonal of the screen significantly affects the cost.
• If you are going to shoot video in modern wide format, choose a monitor with the required technical parameters. Experienced videographers say HD is average as Full HD and 4K monitors are at their peak.
• Another important parameter is connectors. The most practical and used port is BNC. If available, the picture will be broadcast on the screen without loss of clarity and saturation. The HDMI interface is very popular, as well as HD-SDI and CVI connectors.
• Additional features are important for those users who want to use all the functionality of the technique to the fullest. With the help of multifunctional models, you can adjust the color of the image and other parameters.
• For photographers choosing an on-camera monitor, it is recommended to pay attention to DPI. This is the resolution. Standard resolution shows the number of lines that make up a picture. The DPI parameter works according to a different algorithm. It shows the number of dots forming the image.
• The deciding factor for most buyers is price. Experienced professionals who can afford expensive equipment choose expensive equipment. Its cost is several thousand US dollars. For beginners, it is better to choose a model from the budgetary sphere, even if finances allow you to buy an expensive monitor. With the available equipment, you can gain experience with on-camera monitors and then move on to higher-level equipment.

An overview of the Feelworld F6 on-camera monitor in the video below.