[Dave Smith]

See my post in another thread re the Flanders monitor. I highly recommend it. https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/54/855612#859797

[Dave Smith]

I’m new to this forum. I really wanted to add my experience with the Flanders Scientific LM0750W 7″ LCD monitor.
I own a Sony EX3, a Canon 7D as well as a betacam package and a dvcam camera. I also shoot with a JVC GY-HM700 and several broadcast HD cameras.

I did a ton of research to find a multi format field monitor with good picture quality and professional level build quality. I had previously bought a 1000.00 monitor which I have been unhappy with since day one. The controls were awkward, power options were fragile and fiddly and most important, the processing was 6 bit so there was banding in the dark areas and the contrast curve was not tv accurate. The color accuracy in general was poor, so I found myself constantly saying to clients “don’t judge the lighting by this monitor”. So not $1000.00 well spent.

I have been using the Flanders now for a couple of weeks and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve used it on both HD and SD shoots. In terms of color accuracy, I have looked at charts and test targets and shot those pale mauve sweaters that so often look blue. In every case this monitor is dead on with no adjustment. And I can finally see the subtle variations or blush on the talent’s cheek!

Flanders makes grading quality studio monitors, in fact their senior man worked for Barco – the studio reference monitor people, for years. Right after I ordered my monitor, one of the technical people from Flanders called me up. He wanted to make sure the monitor would be suitable for my needs. He explained that because of the limitations of available 7″ LCD screens, it isn’t possible to render all colors with complete accuracy. He said that some shades of red might not be rendered completely accurately and therefore I shouldn’t use the monitor for grading! I said that I was using it as a field monitor on location for shooting and that wouldn’t be an issue. I have since looked at every shade of red I can find and the monitor distinguishes them all perfectly well. But the phone call gave me confidence that these guys really care about color accuracy.

Some things I like about this monitor.

Works with all my cameras – HD-SDI, composite and HDMI (via DVI adapter)
Scopes – most accurate way to judge exposure
HD-SDI – one cable for video, audio and timecode
Audio playback via speakers or phones (SDI only)
Dual frame with freeze – great for matching cameras or shots
comes with Anton Bauer (or V-lock) mount no charge, and xlr 4 pin input
solid cast aluminum housing
simple menu navigation and 5 shortcut buttons
sharp resolution along with 1:1 pixel mapping makes focus easier
LED backlight for better illumination faster warmup and power savings

On the negative side – There is definitely a trade off as far as viewing angle compared to a CRT. To judge the contrast ratio of your lighting you have to be directly in front of any LCD, not just this one. But it beats lugging around a Sony 8044!

I’m glad I didn’t buy another monitor in the 1200.00-1500.00 range. The Flanders sells for 1995.00.

I don’t have any reason for promoting this product other than I hope they sell a ton of them and stick around for a long time.