Review: 7" HD monitor with HDMI for $56

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thanks. Guys like you help so many of us become educated and feel like shooting video is possible with standard "comforts".

[@johnnythegeek]

Reversing the image like a mirror and flipping it can be used as a HUD display in your car. If you lay it on the dashboard it will reflect on to the glass and flip back to the correct orientation.

[@DexterGoneWild]

Can also be used as a teleprompter monitor

[@amfest]

thanks a lot for this tip on this particular monitor . .was going to go the long convert route for a cheap 14 dollar one but wasn't having luck with hdmi to rca sorta converter so this was a welcome tip. and when I finally went to purchase the monitor it had dropped from 56 dollars to 38 ;) awesome. Purchased the joby action jib kit and needed something to monitor the cam all the way down the pole where I'm at. had a MSA9508 Posi-Lok Sidemount Boom for my mic stand . . . popped adapter for cam mount on the end of it . .attached monitor to it and tada! . .once again thanks!

[@PopularWebz]

On the Amazon page and the specs are 600×1024. Last time I checked HD spec must be 720×1280 minimum. It bugs me how so many product makers misuse the term "HD" It does look like a nice bright little screen.

[@Lengo67]

Question: I am without a camera. What DSLRs have an HDMI output? You said you use a Sony NEX 5N. What made you choose this camera? Another question: Is there a way to control the camera's zoom remotely? Last question (so far): Have you any finished work that uses your dolly and crane? I'd be very interested in seeing a short, finished video you've come up with. Am liking what I'm seeing here! This is most cool! I thank you for your efforts to show us how these various things work, then how to make them inexpensively. 'Tis a short course in video camera techniques. You're willingness to share this is a real blessing for all who want to know how movie making is done, so thanks heaps!

[@davidjames4319]

the option to flip the screen left to right to provide a mirror might have several uses. Possibly you want to position the monitor so that you are looking at it after bouncing the image off of a mirror, like to make a right angled eyepiece or something. The biggest use of this that immediately comes to mind is to use it with a computer (or tablet or phone) with a piece of glass at 45 degrees in front of the lens to make a teleprompter (autocue) system. I think this is the cheapest monitor that I have ever seen that can do this.

[@Mecrom]

you can get them for

[@333thc]

I connected my Canon T3i to my desktop w/25" monitor with the USB Cable that came with the camera and got great live view.With my camera mounted to a Questar 3.5 telescope I plan to use a laptop for monitoring sun and moon shots.

[@ookiemand]

I would like to see a review of how this frugal cage setup allows a film maker to shoot better film, and how much better the results are then using a naked cam with evf. Limitations and strengths. Good job!

[@IUSECAMERAS]

SCOTT you're the damn man!!! LOVE you setup too dude!!!

[@patricelongchamps9880]

Interesting and useful. You can get it for $48 now 7 "Inch 1080p Car Hd Stand / headrest Monitorwith Built-in Hdmi (Gold Brushed Surface)

[@00Skyfox]

Just checked and they're back out of stock and both are currently unavailable at this moment! Hopefully they'll be back in stock soon.

[@bendailey6070]

Thanks for sharing. I'm guessing that the reverse feature is if you wanted to use this as a backup monitor. If you don't reverse the image it looks like cars passing you on the left are on your right.

[@Lengo67]

As of 7/25/2017 the top monitor (black mahogany) is 1080p and it sells for $44.59

[@IUSECAMERAS]

Hey Scott i finally got everthing thaat i need. but my monitor is only display in REVERSE! i've been through the menu 100 times! any suggestions?? thanx!

[@RobertMartinezPhoto]

Thanks! Great review and thanks for linking everything.

[@spshero]

PERFECT TIMING! I plan on adding a teleprompter that can be run by an operator in the field. I have been pricing monitors, and THIS is a deal! #2 Maybe cover up the "luxury car" plastic with some gaff tape. That is what I am going to do straight away.

[@IUSECAMERAS]

yeah the brown looks crazy outta place on his setup! lol i was think spray paint it black ASAP!

[@boilingaction]

i like budget solution videos very much. Thanks for making this vid

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

Is there an analogue for this monitor in 2021? Are there certain key properties that you can list that makes a car monitor workable for cameras? What are the deal breakers? Thanks for sharing.

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

Great vid. Thanks for using audio and not text to explain everything.

[@DamonGaskin]

Hi frugal, do you have any other recommendations since this one is out of sick? It's a great buy..

[@Woodenarrows]

Not available 7/12/14. You keep Amazon sold out :-)

[@frugalfilmmaker]

They restocked once. I hope they keep doing it.

[@IUSECAMERAS]

i got my monitor in the mail today! batteries, hdmi cord ...and sun hood... now just waiting on all my stuff from china! (charger etc)

[@DexterGoneWild]

I use my Nexus 7(2013) as a rear monitor. The display on the Nexus is a beautiful '1920 x 1200' 323 ppi. $200 well worth because well...hey, its a tablet that you get to use even when not shooting!

[@robbo580]

DexterGoneWild the nexus goes from hdmi?

[@DexterGoneWild]

I bought a 6" Mini-HDMI to micro-USB cable off amazon to make it work

[@michaelcurrier4906]

I would like to use a direct plug for the power. What kind of plug would work for this monitor? Could you share a ebay link for that? Please respond.

[@huyked]

I'm curious if I should purchase this. Here's my question. My D800's rear LCD monitor is 3.2 inch, (921,600 pixels), so it's 1280 x 720. The physical resolution on this product is 1024 x 600 (614,400 pixels). Would the larger size, even though lower resolution, help in focusing?

[@Alphapixel-gm5oy]

Im trying to make a portable retropie with a screen, like a gamecube. Do you know of any cheap hdmi screens? (no backs or frames on them and preferably small)

[@Zeppy007]

Great video. I just got the unit but the screen is not full size when hooked up to my HDMI out on my Nikon D850 with live view ? There is a 1 inch black strip around the edges.Any ideas? Thanks, Jeff

[@spshero]

Wouldn't flipping the monitor left to right give you a mirror image? Would be used for a mount below teleprompter.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Yes it would! That's a great idea, actually...

[@CREDITSROLLFILMS]

For all the trouble and money just spend a little extra and get the viltrox monitor for like 135 that takes Sony battery's you can get the monitor on eBay and it comes with an hdmi cable a-c type and a Sony battery so it's operational out of box without ordering stuff from all over

[@ZequiHouseRD]

Do you have an idea of how much battery lasts since they are a little less than 8 V and monitor requires 12 v

[@joshnicoll6761]

You could flip left to right when using a mirror on a teleprompter

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Hey, I never thought of that! Great idea!

[@UnicornReviews]

Get cheap 7"tablet, use camera wifi viewfinder app.. no cables needed and way better quality

[@spshero]

Great option if you are using a compatible Canon camera. Scott is using the NEX-5n.

[@colorfulpeaces2817]

any cheap recommendations

[@8bitcritr]

how does the frugal cage handle all of the weight when you carry it by the top handle? Is there any give?

[@charlesleroi12]

4K monitor... That would be epic!

[@shopperfrost]

Now you can do this and that's it.. i think you can do it with a cheap tablet too... iPad as a monitor for your Canon DSLR - Info + Demo

[@bbcasting]

If you want to get a dirt cheap monitor, I'd just get a Haier HLT71. Haier HLT71 works great.

[@shalinc8840]

bbcasting It costs $200 now lol

[@lwarriorofgod]

or you could use the reverse feature on a camcorder with a dof adapter and you dont have to modify your camcorder to flip the image boyah!

[@bpsfilms7211]

Sorry for the unrelated question, but I notice you shoot with the NEX 5n. I love the 5n, but I keep running into overheating issues after long shooting. Just wondering if you had any advice on how to remedy this issue. Thanks!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

A good way to help with overheating (notice I didn't say solve) is to remove the sticker just underneath the LCD screen. It covers a bunch of holes that help vent the sensor when it gets hot. This cheap trick should give you a little more time before overheating sets in on those longer takes.

[@nynasargent3988]

Wow! Really! Thank you sooo much for sharing this info! I have a question for you, since you are great at finding the gadgets and cables and all...I am also using my iPhone for shooting and recently made a couple pieces of "gear" to use with it (steadi-cam, shoulder mount, camera jib and a glidecam/dolly) Do you know of a monitor or a cable that I could use to attach a small monitor like this one you're presenting to my iPhone? ie: mini HDMI to the iPhone charging port? I have also been looking for an app that perhaps I could view the screen of my iPhone from, say, another iPhone or iPad (have yet to find it though) Anyhoo! Thanks for the product review/user tute! I Hope All Is Well In Your World : ) Nyna

[@giantironclaw]

Cool vid. Is there any footage of stuff you have shot with the NEX 5N?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

The last published project I posted that was shot with the 5n was the short film "Conversation Hearts" (look for it in the "My Recent Short Films" playlist. I'm looking forward to shooting more with the 5n inside the Frugal Cage.

[@giantironclaw]

thefrugalfilmmaker Awesome! Thanks. I'm thinking of getting one myself.

[@GeckoGuy]

kind of off topic but do you know (or anyone know) of any good teleprompter apps that are free or relatively cheap? and if so can you go in depth with PC, Mac, and Tablets/iPads? (im a pc user)

[@houseofterrahissnthat]

I like this free online version all you do is click forward and it scrolls through for you. www.cueprompter.com/prompter.php But i highly recommend prompter pal (Found on iTunes) Its great for using your iPad as a Teleprompter!! There is a free version, a free remote app, and a 5$ version. Hope this helps!

[@HarleyPebley]

I've tried both www.cueprompter.com and www.easyprompter.com, both browser based so they work on any operating system. I prefer the latter one.

[@101AOK]

Film Riot has a list of a few

[@GeckoGuy]

thank you everyone

[@bodybygigi]

I have found several tablets with HDMI inputs, some are under $50. Would these work as a monitor?

[@Bflatest]

i want to use a HDMI set up like this BUT I do not want to loose my camera's screen when I turn the external monitor on. Can that be possible?

[@Geckorockets]

It really depend on the camera as some dont support streamin from both

[@angelocincotta2988]

so is it possible to use this monitor or one similar to do manual focus when shooting stars at night for pictures not video? I am setting up for astrophotography and that means pitch darkness when setting up the gear. A large monitor would be so nice for manual focusing on starts.

[@krypton1142]

Angelo Cincotta I don't know and I'm sorry no one replied so I'm just gonna reply cos I feel sorry for you but good luck! Bye

[@DQImaging]

FYI: Amazon has all 3 colors (various prices) in stock again as of 11/11/2014. I picked up 2 of the Brushed Gray for $56 each.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Fantastic news! Thanks for sharing DQI! I was sure these monitors were gone forever at that price, but I'm happy they've returned. Best deal on an HD (or almost HD monitor) with HDMI out there.

[@AndrewBuiTV]

Awesome thanks I was looking into buying a cheap monitor!

[@dothebestdothebest81]

nice explanation can you tell me which microphones filming now

[@IUSECAMERAS]

Scott, you left off ONE link!! the link for the "quarter/twenty" tap tool!

[@AeroSport103]

Lowes, Home Depot or any hardware store...

[@BrianJonesSr]

Harbor Freight set $10 - www.harborfreight.com/carbon-steel-sae-tap-and-die-set-21-pc-69679.html

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I did forget that! Home Depot and Lowes don't seem to carry tap and die sets anymore, but you can get a new one on eBay for about $17 or use Brian's link (or my new link in the description) to get an English (SAE) set at Harbor Freight for $10.

[@AeroSport103]

www.mcmaster.com/#standard-taps/=slb9yg $5.35

[@AeroSport103]

www.lowes.com/Search=tap+and+die+sets?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=tap+and+die+sets#!

[@FlotionStudios]

Any idea how I could get this to the UK anyway?

[@chriscranston5691]

my t5i shrinks the image down so it doesnt even take up the whole monitor! how do I fix this?

[@giammyzanna]

If the battery is outputting less than 12 volts, the monitor will draw more current thus the battery discharges quicker.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

This may be true. I need to do some simple battery drain tests. I tried, but since both the monitor and the camera power down after a certain time limit, I'll have to "monitor" the testing as it happens. Maybe in a follow up video.

[@sjs2657g]

thefrugalfilmmaker You might look into a 12V Camcorder battery, power tool battery or a RC car battery. Proper options might not be as cheap as what you have already, but if you have something that doesn't last long enough for a shoot, how frugal is it?

[@spshero]

thefrugalfilmmaker These monitors meant for cars usually have a drop out voltage at about 8-10 volts. They will still run at these lower voltages. The more important thing to look at is the ah (amp hour) on the battery. If the monitor is rated at 7.5 watts, and the battery is rated at 8.5 volts, you can guess that the monitor is drawing less than an amp. The bigger Sony battery is rated at 6900mAh. (milli amp hours) Doing some rough math, this monitor will last about 6-7 hours. (depending on the brightness.)

[@zookethan]

Do you know if these are still available? I couldn't find them on amazon and have been looking for something similar.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

They are "currently unavailable". They seem to have sold their stock, then restocked once and sold out again. If they do come back, I will be sure to alert everyone. They are a great deal for the price.

[@aaronb1778]

Great video!

[@sergepetrik]

I hooked up my GoPro Hero 3, but for some reason it won't show on the screen, helpppp

[@josuff]

sergepetrik How did you fix it? I'm having the same problem... please respond!

[@Zapdos2000]

I've found that mine seems to be off in terms of color and brightness (And I also have an NEX5n). Do you have any idea how to solve this?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I don't. Mine seems to be pretty close, though I know it's not calibrated. Have you tried shooting a chip chart and tweaking the settings?

[@Zapdos2000]

thefrugalfilmmaker I haven't tried that, I might though, thanks! It just seems more contrasty and to have different colors from different angles

[@Juzeeful]

muy bueno el tutorial pero no entendí nadad no tienes un video Subtitulado o traducido? Chile Slds.

[@GabrielBucataru]

Thanks for the review! I ordered the F970 battery from the link in the description (amazon) but it turns out it is a fraud. The battery housing hides a small capacity battery. You can even feel it in your hands how it looses balance on one side only. Also when you press the plastic on the opposite side of the contacts, it gives in showing that it's an empty space inside. It only weighs 6.7 ounces. There's no way the battery has 7200mAh. Photo here: s29.postimg.org/7l79ur987/IMG_0329.jpg With that in mind, do you have a more reliable source for this battery? thanks.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Thanks for the heads up. I was unaware of the problem with that battery and have posted a new link to an eBay vendor I have some experience with. I went with the lower price and I apologize that it burned you. I hope you are able to return the fraudulent battery and get your money back.

[@GabrielBucataru]

thefrugalfilmmaker thanks for the reply and the new link. No worries. I sent the battery back and they'll refund it. Only wanted to make sure others know about this. Got the display - can't wait to try it! Cheers!

[@jaxfilm]

And now they're not available again :(

[@RafaelPradoBMX]

hellow, it has speakers to play audio ?

[@sickle1280]

Out of curiosity...will peaking be available on the monitor?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

+angel alvarez Peaking is not available on this monitor. It's made for video playback in a car, not pro video use.

[@RSpudieD]

pretty cool. thanks

[@filmzen281]

Could I somehow use my Nikon d5000 battery to power it?

[@spshero]

You could if you got a battery plate for that battery and powered both the camera and the monitor off it. Take a look at the ah (amp hours) of the battery. Chances are that its quite low. Probably would run both for long. I would suggest going dual system on this. The battery Scott mentions is SUPER cheap on ebay/amazon compared to an OEM battery. Get that an the plate and be off and running.

[@tannerhoke]

Sadly all are unavailable :< Ishould've jumped on this deal when you posted it in the facebook group!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It's true! I was surprised when they re-stocked at the same low price, but they were obviously trying to unload the rest of their inventory. Which they did. It was a gamble when I ordered one of these, but I'm glad I did, it's a great little monitor.

[@renerecek2323]

do 2 one work with external battery

[@101AOK]

Excellent period

[@brink1551]

Would you be able to play like a video game console on tgis since it supports hdmi

[@lonIey]

Yes.

[@brink1551]

+Supergamer2600 thnx

[@dr.sandipmehta973]

can it record 10bit N log on z6?

[@JeroxB]

Not exactly HD but still nice resolution for it's size.

[@TheFifaCinematic]

What tripod are you using?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Bogen 501 head on Manfrotto 3046 sticks.

[@DaDavidVids]

All models are currently unavailable. :(

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I updated two links for brushed gray and brushed gold models which are still available and less than the $56 that I spent.

[@DaDavidVids]

Wow thanks! You're right on top of it and have earned a subscription from me sir.

[@patricelongchamps9880]

On amazon for $48 7 "Inch 1080p Car Hd Stand / headrest Monitorwith Built-in Hdmi (Gold Brushed Surface)

[@wwShadow7]

Nice. Pair it with a raspberry pi and have an almost tablet for < $100.

[@christopherAwaite]

It's down to $39.99 now

[@thrax62]

im here cuz... nintendo mini gives me an idea xD

[@Manguadesignz]

sorry mate you sound very monotone at times please consider upping the energy in your vids, other than that really great vid

[@wakaphwap]

I hate it when people make a 3 minute video 14 minutes long

[@danjones3009]

meh.

[@opsiconan226]

can I hook up from ps4?

[@lonIey]

Yes.

[@JGDeRuvo]

Goes black around 10:25

[@evertonoliphant4737]

I'm really really BORED!!!

[@DavidTelesPortugal]

7:00 WHATTTTT i lost me in there. That makes no sense. I just think that you should research a little bit more. I am trying to not be a bad person.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I was kind of confused myself. I think was I was attempting to say was that a battery that puts out 7.4 volts will last longer than a battery of similar capacity that puts out 11.25 volts.

[@DavidTelesPortugal]

@thefrugalfilmmaker But that isn't true. What you need to consider is the watts. And the watts=voltage*current so the watts are the same for the same product, so if you drop the voltage the current needs to rise.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

David Teles So what would be the formula to determine the longest lasting battery, given they both had the same capacity?

[@DavidTelesPortugal]

the higher the voltage less amps that means that for the same capacity the higher voltage battery will last more time, but you need to consider that if you plug 7 volts to a 12 volts screen in the worst scenery it will not turn on, if you plug 14 volts to a 12 volts screen in the worst scenery you will the and smell the magic black smoke. You can also use a step down switching regulator to bring down the voltage with about 90% efficiency if you want to use a higher voltage battery and what will be able to a device for a longer period of time

[@PopularWebz]

thefrugalfilmmaker I was just going to post about this. Remember Watts = Voltage × Amps. So if your screen uses say 10watts then if you raise the voltage you decrease the current (Amps). Your batteries are rated in milliamp hours (mAh). So your larger 7.4 volt battery should be able to supply 6.9Amps × 7.4 volts =~ 50 watts for one hour. So if your monitor needed 10 watts (a guess) then that battery would last you 5 hours. Your 7.4 volt battery is a 2-cell if it is lithium. Your 12 volt lithium battery is a 3-cell. Battery capacity is always in milliamp hours. So that 7.4 volt battery you have has two 6900mAh cells in series. Ao intuitively which do you think would laat longer? A battery with two of those same cells or three of them... Thus the 12V battery should power your screen for longer. But if I am right China has exaggerated the capacity of that black CCTV battery so it's capacity is really an unknown.

[@callcenteragent01]

Is there anyone who ships these to Germany ?

[@krypton1142]

Luis Richardon you could look at another small screen like the laier lft71 Something like that

[@ernststavroblofeld1961]

$56 is a lot of money.

[@ActiumFilms]

+Ernst Stavro Blofeld Are you joking?

[@Pileofleaves]

It's half of a entry level moniter

[@memecream9912]

to be fair, it depends on who you're asking. As a 17 year old kid who works for $8 an hour, I can confirm that $56 is a lot of money, though it may not be so comparatively to other products similar to this one.

[@jonithenjackson5521]

I' like buy from you the monitor and + power supply ****Thanks

[@Mecrom]

???

[@Mecrom]

I' like to buy from you monitor and + power supply ****Thanks

[@MityMarcus1]

I' like to buy from you monitor and + power supply ****Thanks

[@julianfernandez2689]

TelePrompTer

[@iccenmaddi]

NOT TO BE RUDE BUT WHEN YOU SPEAK YOUR VOICE IS NOT SOUNDING CLEAR. YOUR VOICE DRAGS THE SENTENCE. IT MAKES YOUR WORDS SOUND LIKE MR. BEAN SPEAKING PLEASE SPEAK MORE CLEARLY. THANK YOU. DO NOT FEEL OFFENDED.

[@danktowndocumented261]

+gilbert ortiz (seventh trumpet) Settle down there, Captain Caps Lock.