http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: portable - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:15:26 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65589 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:24:25 +0000 composite1 65589@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Nevart,</p> <p>When working with power available in or outdoors I've used small LCD TV's. I've used a 15" Polaroid HD LCD I bought from 'S-Mart' for $150 back in 2006. There are some really good ones you can use as reference models now. Just remember that you'll have to adjust color, contrast, etc. to match your camera's signal close as possible.</p> <p>Another way around that's inexpensive is a small on-camera monitor or portable LCD TV. I use one with my XL1s rig. Its a good working reference monitor, but it tends to overheat and shutdown. Also it uses a lot of batteries so I keep rechargeable AA's ready. Here's a link to a few potential monitors under $250.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=1984&amp;N=4231656194+4293918168">Cheap small on-camera monitors</a></p> <p>Eventually, I broke down and got a Sony GV-HD700. At $1300 it's expensive for old tech, and is primarily a 1080i rig when I work mostly in 720p, but it is a dedicated portable monitor/recorder. Despite some minor limitations (no HDMI-in or 720p recording capability) it's still a good choice as a field monitoring device and far superior to using a DVD player.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65581 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:29:33 +0000 gerrylane 65581@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I was wondering if it is possible to use the Archos AV 700 as a field monitor with a Canon T2i/550D....anybody ever try it?</p> <p>Thank you in advance.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65390 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:31:48 +0000 nevart 65390@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks to everyone for their advice and suggestions.  Sounds like it is a bad idea then.  Back to the drawing board.  I need to think of some way to get a super cheap, portable, light weight LCD monitor that can accept RCA Video In or S-Video.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65324 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:48:13 +0000 CraftersOfLight 65324@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have tried a Panasonic Portable DVD player and had found it only good for framing as well. Even though it was 16:9 format the resolution is only 480X234, about 6% of the cameras 1690X1080 capability. This will really hurt you on focusing. Color reference and exposure will also add to the issues.</p> <p>I still use it when I am doing a long timelapse so that I do not have to have the side view finder out to save on battery or have to peek in the eyepiece view finder running the risk of moving the camera at the wrong moment. But again is is just for cursory framing and content monitoring.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65320 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:58:12 +0000 BruceMol 65320@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sylvania-7-Dual-Screen-Portable-DVD-Player-SDVD8727/13241625">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sylvania-7-Dual-Screen-Portable-DVD-Player-SDVD8727/13241625</a></p> <p>I bought one of these to try out the auxillary monitor. It hooks up to both my Canon cameras via the cameras yellow output to the monitors video in. </p> <p>Just incase you are thinking about doing that, don't. As noted above, it's hard to see. I made a sunshade and still not great for outdoors. I strung to gether some batteries and a conector for 12v. It helps me frame but the image is soft, so not much use as a focus assist (why I really need it). My first one failed after a week, when I went to exchange, I tested a replacement in the store and found their stock unit defective; So I'm on my third in 4 months.</p> <p>The message for me was YES it works, you can see the video, but the quality of image makes it a useless purchase. I suspect picture frames will have the same problem.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65300 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:46:46 +0000 pmaina2000 65300@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Oops! The sony picture frame is HDMI OUT onkly - and bloody expensive.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65299 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:40:33 +0000 pmaina2000 65299@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Sony has something... <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/30/sony-intros-three-new-photo-frames-adds-bluetooth-and-hdmi/" rel="nofollow">http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/30/sony-intros-three-new-photo-frames-adds-bluetooth-and-hdmi/</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65298 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:39:54 +0000 nevart 65298@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Great thanks for your reply and the extra info.  I considered the picture frame idea but the ones in stores near where I live at best can take USB transfer but most seem to be for SD card only.  That would still work as a teleprompter if the timing between picture changes can be tweaked.  For the reflectivity problem, maybe construct some kind of glare-shield to go around the screen.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65297 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:28:19 +0000 pmaina2000 65297@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Nev, </p> <p>Your idea is financially smart and practically viable. I have the sony DVP-FX810 (bought it a long time ago when these things were very new so by now there shouls be better stuff).</p> <p>The gadget has switchable AV-in/out and I did test it as a "poorman's videoassist" sometime in early 2010 but was DISSAPOINTED by the SCREEN REFLECTION (too much! couple that with how the LCD technology behaves under bright lights and... suffice it to say its TOTALLY UNUSABLE outdoors or under bright lights indoors) and the contrast + resolution is too poor if you want to use as a focusing aid. </p> <p>I am still for the idea though and was waiting for LED (!) screens to evolve.  My thinking is... If I can only find a PICTURE FRAME (light weight - high res + good contrast and brightness) that accepts HDMI input and doesnt need a computer to work... </p> <p>Wait a minute.. I just googled and got ""Onkyo LPF10M01" <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/onkyo-busts-out-hdmi-connected-10-1-inch-picture-frame/">http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/onkyo-busts-out-hdmi-connected-10-1-inch-picture-frame/</a></p> <p>Am sure other manufacturers (Sony, Samsung HELOOO!) will follow suit.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-a-portable-dvd-player-as-a-field-monitor#post-65296 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:46:26 +0000 nevart 65296@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>As a student with not a lot of cash to spend on making movies, I am always looking for good ideas for saving money.  I noticed that even 2nd hand LCD monitors are really expensive, and my cameras are ancient relics that don't have the luxury of a flip-out LCD screen (and those are not perfect anyway and make us all look a bit like "tourists"), so I hit on the idea of using a portable DVD player for the same purpose.  This is a really cheap way to do things, probably under $100 depending on how fancy you want to get.</p> <p>I think it will work provided I can find one that accepts RCA video in, which is the deal breaker really.  I feel like they should accept aux input from another device, but I am not sure that the manufacturers are that smart.</p> <p>The benefits:</p> <p>1. Large clear screen that can display in 16:9 or 4:3</p> <p>2. Can create a CD with mpg "teleprompter" content on it, for cuing dialog</p> <p>3. Can play movies on long, boring trips to shooting locations</p> <p>4. Less hassles with customs guys at international borders because they know what a dvd player is and don't think it is some fancy piece of professional equipment that should attract a high import duty.</p> <p>So it looks like a sweet idea, but risky because I don't know if these things do accept external input.  So if any of the readers here have one of these portable DVD players at home, it would be really excellent if you could check out what your player is capable of and post some details for the rest of us.</p> <p>If I am right then it could be a good way for the low-budget videomakers amongst us to save a few dollars.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>Nev</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52226 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:08:30 +0000 EarlC 52226@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You actually, for most work anyway, rarely need more than several feet of dolly track. Dolly moves, like most every other approach to videotaping should be of the "less is more" variety, and short dolly shots of momentary occurence are more effective as a rule than long, continuous, involved dolly shots - of course some entertainment folks might disagree.</p> <p>With that thought, a relatively compact and portable dolly rig that with fast and easy setup/breakdown could fit the bill for adding a bit of something special to your shoots and resulting content. But then, like Billy Idol once said: "...too much is not enough..."</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52223 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:04:32 +0000 midsouthvisual 52223@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I assume everything will be shot on rough fields, gravel, grass, etc?  I think you'd have to go with a track based solution instead of tire based, or a glider style tripod mounted dolly (glidecam, indieslider, etc.)  The gliders only let you do a few feet of motion and no curved radial shots though, but fast setup and convenience.</p> <p>________________</p> <p>Paul Lyke<br /> dollytrax.com</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-51158 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:22:18 +0000 freefalk 51158@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey there,</p> <p>I am doing lots of documentary films in africa.....</p> <p>I'm looking for a dolly solution that must be portable, and durable. I have seen a thing called a wally dolly, a digidolly and a fly-dolly. Any coments on what works would be appreciated.</p> <p>thanks</p> <p>Falk</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-49306 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:22:30 +0000 jans123 49306@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi! Read the post and just had to register to get into this forum.</p> <p>With a similar budget problem I bought a H2 a year ago. Unfortunately my camcorders external mic input only works in editing mode, not when recording video (! yeah, silly!) hence I can't test if I can use it as an external mic on that device, but the H2 has a active line/earphone output making it probably possible to use in conjunction with a suitable camcorder as external mic while recoding on the H2’s SD-card. The benefit is that the audio quality is probably much higher on the sound recorded in the H2 and also you have the soundtrack at the vide recording to chose from.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-47281 Wed, 27 May 2009 20:22:03 +0000 Sterling 47281@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have recorded musical performances and lectures with my Audio-Technica ATR-25 stereo electret mic ($35) plugged into my Canon GL-1 and also to my Panasonic PV-GS350.  The quality is clean.  I use a shielded stereo extension cable going into a right-angle adapting cable, actually a headphone volume control adapting cable from Radio Shack.  As with any low-priced mic, low frequency extension will be limited, but you can hear what you are getting, monitoring with headphones, and the quality may even exceed your expectations.  If you can place your mic on a stand near a sound reinforcement speaker, you will probably get more direct sound and less crowd noise.  Of course, if that area is a mosh pit, it would not be a safe location.  And, the SPL may cause distortion in cheaper mics.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/fs-samsung-zoom-h4-handy-recorder#post-45103 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:54:38 +0000 Pis4PIR8 45103@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>SOLD</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/fs-samsung-zoom-h4-handy-recorder#post-44843 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:57:30 +0000 Pis4PIR8 44843@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Zoom-H4-Handy-Recorder-edirol-sony-tascam-NR_W0QQitemZ140307212443QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140307212443&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1234" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Zoom-H4-Handy-Recorder-edirol-sony-tascam-NR_W0QQitemZ140307212443QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140307212443&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1234</a></p> <p>Auction ends Thursday March 20 at 12 am EST!  Act now!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/portable-chroma-key-kit-recommendation#post-44466 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:08:59 +0000 composite1 44466@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Take a look at B&amp;H Photo-Video and look for their 'Impact' line of collapsable chromakey kits. We just picked up a 5'x7' green/blue and an 8'x'12. Both came with stands and carrying cases. Both kits were very inexpensive and Butterfly is right, it wouldn't kill you to get a small travel iron to keep with the kits to knock out wrinkles.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/portable-chroma-key-kit-recommendation#post-44462 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:45:06 +0000 butterflyguy 44462@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You don't mention what size you want.</p> <p>Most green screens can be fairly large.</p> <p>Shipping is the troublesome component.</p> <p>You might find a green cloth that can be rolled up and packed.</p> <p>You'll probably going to have to iron it later on, but  that seems to be the best solution.</p> <p>Threre's a site out there which has inexpensive green screen cloth. Try Google</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/portable-chroma-key-kit-recommendation#post-44455 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:20:36 +0000 swopey73 44455@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>  Looking for a reasonable priced Chroma Key Kit recommendation that I can easily assemble, pack up, and is durable to ship. Any help would be greatly appreciated.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43590 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:48:26 +0000 functionx2ds 43590@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> thanks,</p> <p>yes what you said about not being able to depend on the board is true...</p> <p>i really wanted to get the rode svm but if i go that way i might have to get the beachtek adapter also to control the levels to make sure it doesn't distort..and that would be another $200...the mici has a -10db level that allows to reduce the volume for really loud situations, maybe i can try it out and if it distorts i can allways return it.</p> <p>the zoom h2 i can find even for $150 and it's a good device because but then you have to worry about where to put it and someone can take it if it's not close to you...</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43587 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:34:54 +0000 Kemper 43587@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Just a few things to think about. I wouldn't judge any microphone solely by what you hear on youtube or any other site for that matter unless it was done in a controlled environment by an experienced sound professional. For all we know the person shooting didn't know what they were doing.  And I would say that tapping the board is a good idea, but far from ideal. The sound tech will be mixing the sound for the room, not the output on the board. So what you get may or may not be usable. I did a show last weekend and the only thing running through the board were the vocals and acoustic guitars. There were no mics on the drums and all of the electric guitars had their own amps and speakers. The board is good to tap in case, but never count on it for your only source. I can use the board tap to mix with what I got from my own microphones so it will be useful. But if I had relied on the board only I would have garbage. On your budget your best bet might be to use the H2 or another recorder with built in stereo microphones and keep it near the mixing board. I believe that is the sweet spot since that is the point of reference for the board operator. Other spots in the club might be hit or miss. The last I looked the H2 was going for $299. You may find one used for close to $200. I understand restricted budgets but just be realistic on the quality of sound you expect to capture based on a $200 budget. Good luck! </p> <p>Cole</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43580 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:18:36 +0000 Johnboy 43580@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>there's a couple out there made by marantz, but I have no specific recommendations.  Shop around, you'll need to find something that will give you balanced inputs and has the storage capacity you'll need for a show.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43578 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:13:53 +0000 functionx2ds 43578@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> hi john,</p> <p>doy uo have any recommendations on which digital recorder?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43577 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:08:02 +0000 Johnboy 43577@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>i would suggest that you get a digital recorder that you can plug into the soundboard at the concert to get the best audio.  You could then use the cameras audio as a background track.</p> <p>John</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43576 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:33:36 +0000 functionx2ds 43576@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I also found this microphone which is less expensive:</p> </p> <p>Sony ECMHGZ1 Electret Condenser Zoom Microphone</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-camcorder-mic-vs-portable-audio-field-recorder#post-43575 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:29:23 +0000 functionx2ds 43575@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I'm a videographer shooting with a Panasonic PV-GS 70, I shoot mostly live bands and loud music concerts. I want to improve the audio quality of my recordings (right now using built in camera mic) but have a dilemma and need your help. I've been researching the different options I have and wanted to know which one you think would be best considreing a budget of $200.</p> <p>1. Buy an External Mic for Camcorder: Like the Rode SVM or Sennheiser MKE400</p> <p>Pro's: Would Probably improve my recordings and have shoe mount to go directly on camera. Also I wouldn't need to synch the audio to the video in post-production when editing and that would save me a lot of time (also sometimes it's hard to synch the drums precisely with  all the cymbols etc...)</p> <p>Con's: My camera doesn't have a manual audio control and I'm scared that at high volumes the sound will clip. I can't afford to buy also a beachtek adaptor to regulate the levels going in the camera.<br /> Also I saw some youtube clips of concerts shot with the rode svm and I wasn't too impressed with the sound quality.  Also wondering if less expensive mics would do the job?</p> <p>2. Other option is to buy a Portable Audio Field Recorder like the Zoom H2</p> <p>Pro's: I can control the levels and adapt depending on the venue size etc...Reviews and audio quality are pretty good. Also have option to record in wav or mp3 format.</p> <p>Con's: Wouldn't know where to put it (doesn't have shoe mount to go on camera). Not sure if I can connect the output of the zoom H2 to my camera mic in (that would save me the editing process of synching audio to video). If it can't be connected to the camera mic in, I would have to edit and synch the audio to video.</p> <p> I know that many of you would suggest that the best audio for concerts would be by getting it from the sound guy mixer. Problem with that is that sometimes the mixer is far from the stage and would be dangerous to get a really long cable to connect. I could connect it via wireless but very expensive. Other problem with that is that some sound guys are not very nice and don't want to help you unless you pay them!</p> <p> Please let me know what you guys think I appreciate your help!</p>