I had the chance to play with a prototype of this monitor, but still have not had the chance to see the final version. I hear it's been upgraded quite a bit on build quality and software menu. I remember a few people commented on this blog that they picked one up at PDN New York last month. Where's the reviews? Hopefully i'll still be able to check out the final version at some point.
Swivi 5.6" External HDMI LCD w/ Focus Peaking - via eBay
The 'Swivi' (Swi-vee) is a 5.6" LCD HDMI monitor that attaches like a battery grip to any camera with a tripod mount (not just Canon). The Swivi display connects with an HDMI cable, offers and HDMI pass through, and is powered through a Canon LP-E6. An optional sunshade can be purchased and there is focus peaking available in the monitor. The first units are now available on eBay (click here)
And also available on Amazon (click below)
Swivi External Swivel LCD Monitor 5.6" Peaking Focus FREE sunhood included - via Amazon
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Emm
Post author@Austin - Great question. I believe it works on the display side trying to find contrast and sharp lines in the image. Much like sharpening tools in Photoshop. Just looks for the edges within the image.
Austin
Out of curiosity, would the focus peaking feature work with m42 mount lenses, not really sure how the feature it self communicates with the camera to tell if focus is peaking so I was wondering if vintage lenses might cause any problems.
scott
i ordered one. it's on it's way through the postal system now.
Derek
Just pulled the trigger. Will be posting with notes once I've had some time to test it out. Should be arriving between Dec. 6th-9th.
BTW, it's cheaper through amazon by $5.
Austin
With a peaking feature!?!?!? might not be getting a konova slider now XD
Emm
Post author@Dubya - In the video it shows without the grip. It is not required.
Dubya
do you know if the battery grip is required for the swivi?
scottrellwi
Emm,
Sorry, for being a bit of a noob, I mistakenly wrote loop, but meant zfinder.
I understand the 2 are for different uses, but would this device allow for better/same/worse than a zfinder or other "viewfinder" type device. I have not used an external monitor yet, so I have no frame of reference.
Thanks again.
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Emm
Post author@scottrellwi - I don't think we can compare the two. They are designed for different audiences. The Zacuto plenty more features than a standard LCD. I'm not sure how well glasses work with the Z-Finders, but if you can dial in the loupe, the Z-EVF should help you lock in better focus. If you have the money, I would go with the Zacuto or maybe even consider the SmallHD DP4 with loupe.
scottrellwi
Emm,
If you could get this or a nice zacuto loop, which one would you choose to get for more accurate focus? (60D) As I wear glasses, I am hoping for this new monitor solution.
Emm
Post author@aaron - I don't know exactly. I didn't get to try it with an FF. I guess I should have. I had to send the prototype back.
scottrellwi
Why does the resolution of the screen matter when all but the 7D output low resolution anyway?
I like the "free" sun shade. I like how it folds out too.
aaron
@emm How thick is the bottom part(under the camer). I just wonder if I can use this with a rail system and not have to make major adjustment to follow focus & matte box. Or is there and other moutning options?
Derek
Now to sell my Marshall LCD50....hahaha.
I always hated the whole extra arm or cold shoe for mounting monitors. This should at least lighten my bags when I go on shoots. We'll see...
Emm
Post author@Bash - If the GH1 has mini HDMI out, and supports external monitor then Yes.
Bash
Would it work with the Panasonic GH1?
Emm
Post author@scott - It's useful when viewing high angles or low angles, and it's also convenient to mount to the camera unlike other external monitors. The peaking feature is something most low end monitors don't have as well. It also has HDMI pass through to connect to another monitor, or maybe send the video wireless using an Asus WiCast. There's some cool advantages, but you really have to know what you want in a monitor. This monitor has a cable that connects directly to the camera. So I don't think it would work if you wanted to use it on a Jib.
scott
emm,
based on your experience with the prototype, is this something you'd recommend to t2i owners?
Emm
Post author@Bridger - The display and firmware possibly changed from the protoype I had but it wasn't awful. If you're looking in this price range, I wouldn't expect the highest color accuracy or exposure.
Emm
Post author@Barry Sanders - Resolution for most 5" HDMI monitors won't be any higher. The DP6 is the smallest that has at least 720p display. Everything else is usually the same resolution.
Emm
Post author@Barry Sanders - Hard to speak on it, because the firmware changed on the monitor from the prototype version. I had the earliest model which was just proof of concept.
Barry Sanders
Also Emm, does this monitor try to compensate for the 480p HDMI drop when recording with the 5D, 60D, T2i/ T3i?
Barry Sanders
I was excited until I saw the resolution. It's still a nice product.
Danyyyel
Would be nice that someone who buys it does a review. It would be nice for international shipping also.
Bridger
Emm, what about exposure, I've read you can't trust proper exposure to lower end monitors? Also, does this have DSLR scaling. I tried emailing them, but couldn't get a definitive answer.
Emm
Post author@Max - the small EVFs are only about 800x600 resolution. The added peaking feature is supposed to help with that.
Max
Is 800x600 pix distributed on 5 inch screen enough to pull a decent focus !?
Emm
Post author@Tristan - The Marshall is a great monitor, but I don't think the Lilliput 5" has a peaking feature to help focus. I'm still waiting to see the final version. You can see how the product photos look different than in the video.
Jamaal
Ordered. I found a $25 dollar off PayPal coupon code but could only use it once. May be more out there.
Tristan
This product is SICK!!!!! I need to get one sonner than later. What do you all think about how this stacks up against the marshall or lily pad displays?
Renato Murilo Langona
Please, don't forget the rest of the world that wants to support such a good product! International shipping ASAP!!
Emm
Post author@Josh - There is a gap on the side for small audio conections http://cheesycam.com/swivi-hdmi-lcd-canon-5dm2-battery-grip-rode-vmp/
Josh
This looks awesome. I want to get one ASAP, but my main concern would be how this hook-up affects other inputs on that side of my camera ... such as the mic. Does that side-mount section block the rest of the inputs?
John Garcia
Wow, Thats A Good Price, Thanks Kabayan =D