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External Monitor

Adding a second monitor to your computer is the best thing you can do to speed up your workflow

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An efficient workflow is the most valuable tool in a photographer’s or filmmaker’s arsenal – probably more so than the cameras we shoot with. These days, that workflow largely relies on a computer. And for me, workflow efficiency means using a computer with multiple displays.

A company called INNOCN recently reached out to ask if I’d like to try out their new PF-15 Pro 15.6″ 100% sRGB IPS touchscreen slim monitor. The on-paper specs looked great, but is it worth the money? I wanted to find out, so I agreed to check it out and I’ve been testing it out for a couple of weeks now. Here’s what I think.\

Wimaxit M1400CT – The perfect portable monitor

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It was not so long ago that I was traveling quite a bit, and as such, I needed portable solutions for my workflow. The Wimaxit M1400CT monitor has the right mix of size, weight, and features to make it into my trolly when travel returns. And for a price that will not break your wallet – $189.88.

Let’s dive into this piece of gear and see how it performs.

Atomos has finally released their long overdue Neon HDR monitor-recorders

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Atomos first announced their Neon Series production monitors almost 18 months ago. They were announced at Cine Gear 2019 and were true 10-Bit display. Not only were they monitors, but they were recorders, too, which at the time potentially offered 8K resolution 60p in 12-Bit ProRes RAW. Although right now, they offer 4K DCI 60p.

We’ve not really heard much about them since then, but now, Atomos has announced that the official launch of the Neon 17 and Neon 24 displays, with shipping beginning this month. These are just the first two models in the series, and we’ve heard nothing of the 32″ and 55″ models yet, but it’s a start.

The Feelworld FW279 is a super bright 7″ external monitor that can’t be beat at its price point

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If there’s one certainty when it comes to shooting video, it’s that at some point, you’ll want to pick up an external monitor of some kind. One big problem that many of them have, though, is that they can be quite difficult to see outdoors when it’s bright. I’ve tried a few from different brands over the years, but when it comes to bang for your buck, one company that’s pretty tough to beat is Feelworld.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been using Feelworld’s newest super bright 2,200 nit 7″ Feelworld FW279 monitor, now that the sun’s starting to make brief appearances here in Scotland. And so far, I really like it.

The Atomos Neon can record 8K 60fps ProRes RAW with new Master Control Unit

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At Cine Gear 2019, Atomos announced a new line of monitoring and recording displays. The new line is called Neon, and they’re all true 10-bit displays. The Neons range in size from a full HD model at 17″ to 4K DCI on the 24″ and 31″ sizes, with 4K UHD on the 55″.

By default, these Neon monitors will come with a 4K master control unit, similar to that found in the likes of the Shogun 7. But a new 8K master control unit will soon be available, turning any Neon screen into an 8K resolution recorder, capable of recording at 60 frames per second.

SmallHD goes big with the new FOCUS 7″ 4K touchscreen field monitor

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The new SmallHD Focus 7 brings not only a size upgrade over the previous SmallHD Focus model but also some tech upgrades. It has a 1920×1200 touchscreen display, supports 4K video input, it a compact design weighing only 386g that features four separate 1/4-20″ mounting threads, and is powered by a pair of hot-swappable Sony L series integrated batteries.

The SmallHD 702 Bright On-Camera Monitor is now on almost 50% off sale

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Camera monitors seem to be popping up a lot for me lately. Perhaps it’s just that I’ve been thinking about getting a couple lately. Or it could be the increase in photographers adding video to their repertoire  that’s causing them to simply be more popular. Regardless, there are a few names that keep popping up. Aputure, Atomos, and SmallHD amongst them.

Today, I noticed that B&H are running a huge sale on the SmallHD 702 Bright on-camera monitor. It’s a 7″ 1080p display, with 1000 nits brightness, LUT support, HDMI passthrough, waveform, vectorscope, false colour, focus peaking and a whole bunch of other features. And it’s currently seeing a $700 discount. But if you want one, you’ll need to make a decision quick. The sale ends in just 15 hours.

The best 5″ camera monitors between $179-499

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With more DSLR and mirrorless owners turning to video, the topic of camera monitors comes up fairly frequently. As a result, there’s a lot of choice out there now when it comes to camera monitors. They come with a whole host of different features, too. Some of those features are more beneficial to certain types of filmmaker while they may be overkill for others.

But which is the best? In this video, Caleb Pike at DSLR Video Shooter takes a look at four popular 5″ monitors ranging from $179 to $499 to see how they stack up against each other.

10 reasons why you may need an external monitor for your Panasonic GH5

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The Panasonic GH5 has an internal waveform and vectorscope, zebras, and you can check focus with focus peaking. Despite all this, it still makes sense to have an external monitor tacked on. Sareesh Sudhakaran from Wolfcrow suggests ten possible reasons why you still may need to use the external monitor when shooting with the GH5, and the principle also works with other cameras like Sony a7s II, Canon 5D Mark IV and so on.

Build your own DIY field monitor for shooting with DSLRs

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Whether you’re shooting video or stills, field monitors can be invaluable. For video the advantages are obvious. Nailing focus is a lot easier on a big screen. That works for stills, though, too. Field monitors get very expensive, very quickly, though.

In this two part video series, YouTuber GreatScott, takes us step by step through the creation of a DIY field monitor. It also doubles up as a great monitor for Raspberry Pi, or to extend your regular computer desktop.

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