Focussing a D90 or 5D

[jimhare]

I've been shooting some behind the scenes on a D90 and really like to results.

But I cannot for the life of me focus quickly on that 2" screen.

If you're in the field, and can't connect to a large HDMI (DVI) monitor, what is the best way to focus?

Would be easier if I could use the viewfinder but it's closed...

Any reasonable priced mountable HDMI or DVI 6" monitors?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jim

[Craig W. Bickerstaff]

If you can't use the viewfinder maybe the best thing to do would be to grab a tape measure and then go out and practice pulling focus blind.

[Tom Lowe]

Use the Force, Jim!

I don't know of any smaller monitors like that. The HDMI port on the 5D2 has some limitations, I think. Perhaps the next firmware (24p) will address the HDMI limitations. We can hope.

[Jamison Stark]

The 5D2 comes with the "EOS Utility" Canon software for the PC and Mac which allows you to connect your camera via USB. It supports "Remote Live View" and allows you to look at a video preview, zoom in to 1-to-1, even control focus from the software. I think it would be much easier to focus with this video preview than by using the little LCD on camera. The drawback is you have to take your computer along. Not ideal for run & gun, I guess.

I don't know if Nikon provides similar software.

HTH

[Dave Blackham]

If you need a small LCD try the TVLogic 7 inch, it has DVI so an HDMI to DVI cable should work OK.

Dave

[Peter Lundström]

This is partially why these cameras are not ideal for standard documentary stuff filmmaking. Though the image quality is pretty amazing. As for focusing without any additional accessories, well gut instinct goes quite a way...

[Tim van Dammen]

Hey,

There are lots of HDMI monitor options to solve this problem.

Ikan V8000 or V5600 (light and popular)

The Marshall V-LCD70P-HDMI (and older versions, heavier and more expensive but has better features)

New companies like SmallHD (looks like a nice monitor but strange lumpy ordering system)

Mahattan digital for the cheapest option.

Have a look around, there are lots of different rigging and mounting systems that accommodate the monitors as well.

See what works best for you.

Best
Tim

[jimhare]

Thanks for the info guys.

Jim