On Board HD Monitor for Varicam

[John Sharaf]

Dusty,

I have both an Astro (without waveform though) and Panasonic 8″ LCD and I highly prefer the Panasonic. It’s menu is fairly complicated but so are the Astro controls and the Panasonic has two HD-SDI inputs, which is helpful in lining up two-camera shoots. I understand there is currently a promotion in place whereby Panasonic is giving the monitor away with a new Varicam!

JS

[Dusty Powers]

Good morning John. Thanks for the suggestion on the Panasonic. I was leaning in that direction, but wanted to ask before I made the purchase. Since I’m not planning on buying another Varicam in the near future, any idea what the monitor may be selling for at this time without the camera?

dp

Dusty Powers Video, Inc.
Coastal NC
910-520-5240

[John Sharaf]

Dusty,

Panasonic LCD kit prices as follows (all list):

BT-LH900 @ $4890
Portabrace Case @ $199
Power cord to AB tap @ $135
HD Isreali Arm & Slide Shoe Mount @ $197

Call Pete at Birns and Sawyer and mention my name for a good discount.

John Sharaf

[John Sharaf]

Rumor has it that panasonic has actually lowered the list price to $4200???

[Bruce Schultz]

Dusty,

I have that monitor also, be aware that it is actually a 4:3 screen, but that appears to work out when you use the waveform as it places it below and right of the camera image. No cropping or letterboxing occurs. Also, it has a LUT for gamma when you are in the low-con mush of 400% or 500% Dynamci – which works fairly well but nothing like Ecinema’s box.

All in all, I am happy with the monitor and use it for SD as well as HD. BTW, my Z1U HDV component output works on it also.

One last thing, you need to use the large Israeli arm for it, as it gets very unweildy with a battery onboard.

[Dusty Powers]

Thanks for your input John. Good to hear from you.

dp

Dusty Powers Video, Inc.
Coastal NC
910-520-5240

[Dusty Powers]

I appreciate your input Bruce. My sense is the Panasonic is the way to go.

dp

Dusty Powers Video, Inc.
Coastal NC
910-520-5240

[Erich Roland]

I have both these monitors in the rental inventory. and use them also. Where the Astro is good for the director to view what your up to for composition, if you want to reference a monitor for lighting, or color the Astro fails miserably, and the Panasonic is darn good for a LCD (best I’ve ever seen). As for onboard, the Astro is lighter and smaller, a desent size for onboard, the Panasonic is heavier and larger, but it certainly can be done.
The Panasonic has one major flaw, and that is the connector from the control unit (Panasonic seperated for some kooky reason) that is very suseptable to having issues, i.e. breakage. Even with that MAJOR design stumble, the Panasonic 8.4 is a shiner, and with the resent price reduction this is a solid winner!

Erich Roland
http://www.dc-camera.com
Digital camera rentals, Washington DC

[Dusty Powers]

I just purchased the Panasonic from the guys in NY and I’m very pleased with the picture quality. The Panasonic also had the best price. Thank all for your input.

dp

Dusty Powers Video, Inc.
Coastal NC
910-520-5240