We’ve used a bunch of budget camera monitors, mainly 7 inch monitors. But there are times when a 7 inch monitor attached to your camera is just too bulky.
The guys over at ANDYCINE sent us their 5.7 inch field monitor to try out. So let's find out if a 5.7 inch monitor is the Goldilocks-size we’ve been looking for!
BUILD QUALITY
The ANDYCINE A6 field monitor has a tough plastic construction. Don’t expect this to survive too many drops, but on the bright side, it’s really lightweight which is great for smaller rig setups.
In the twist test it does a good job with hardly any flex.
The included articulating arm is of full metal construction and is very smooth when changing the angle. It’s not perfect; there is a bit of play when you slack off the monitor, but once you tighten it back up, it’s going nowhere. It also comes with a cold shoe mount for adding a small on-board microphone.
It includes 8 buttons on the top for on/off, navigating menus, and some act as function buttons which you can set from a list of features. More on features soon.
The monitor includes ¼ 20 threading on the top and bottom as well as the right-hand side, so you can attach the monitor in a hanging position and a standing position with something like a magic arm if you prefer.
This magic arm is not included but I will add it into the description below.
I/O
The monitor features HDMI input with support of up to 4K UHD recording. It has a DC 12 volt input for power from a wall socket, and even includes a DV output of 8 volts so, with the correct DC coupler and dummy battery, you can power your camera with the battery from the monitor.
It includes a port for a USB upgrade for firmware updates, and it even has a headphone jack; just don’t expect to accurately monitor audio from the headphone jack as the latency is just slightly too late for comfortable use. But for video playback, it’s totally fine.
SCREEN
The best thing about this monitor is the screen. The resolution is a solid 1920x1200, which will give you full 1080p at 5.7 inches which means this monitor is really sharp. Great for nailing focus, even without zooming in to double check.
The screen is bright and the colour accuracy is much better than most budget monitors. Everything looks like it should from out of the box. It’s not winning colour accuracy awards, but white is white, black is black, and skin isn’t green.
LATENCY
This isn’t the fastest monitor in terms of latency, but certainly not the slowest. There is a slight delay as you would expect from a budget monitor. But honestly, once you get the monitor on the camera and begin shooting with it, you forget about the latency and it really doesn’t affect shooting.
SOFTWARE FEATURES
For a full list, check the item link below. As for the ones I think are useful, here it goes:
It includes image flip which is a great addition if you are using the articulating arm. Simply programme image flip to a function button and you can hot swap to a tilted view.
This monitor includes false color for managing exposure and lighting ratios which is a huge plus for aspiring cinematographers.
It has an on-screen histogram, a 3 step zoom feature, up to 16x, and all of the display markers you need including centre markers, aspect ratios, and safe frames.
This monitor also includes zebras for monitoring over-exposure, and it even has a battery gauge!
POWER
The monitor can be plugged into the wall with a DC 12 volt plug, sold separately, but I’ll put a link down below if you want to buy one.
It also takes Sony NPF batteries, which is a massive plus. We use Sony NPF batteries for pretty much every battery powered device we have, so kudos to ANDYCINE for using a common power device. Again, sold separately, but i’ve put a link if you want to buy some.
ACCESSORIES
The ANDYCINE A6 comes with a few accessories. The articulating arm is a huge plus in my eyes. It makes configuring the monitor really easy, its built very well, and has a cold shoe for a small on-board microphone.
You also get an HDMI to mini HDMI cable. No use to me as the Sony a7s uses Micro HDMI, but still a nice addition. It includes a sunshade which velcros on, super lightweight and really handy. And the whole package comes with a reasonably tough shelled zip bag.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Firstly you’ve got vloggers and self-shooters. Because of the way it’s designed, with the easy flip screen and function buttons, it’s a great tool to frame yourself up and check focus.
Then you’ve got camera operators, especially those on the DIY and independent level. The monitor is cheap, does the job, it’s lightweight, and it’s a brilliant stepping stone to something a bit more expensive down the line.
PRICE
It’s currently priced at £180 and $180 US. It’s a little bit more expensive than some other monitors we’ve used like the Feelworld 759 and Pergear A7s, but i’d have to say it’s totally worth the money.
It has a fantastic screen, some great functions for exposure and framing, and I prefer the size to some of the more bulky 7 inch monitors. All in all, this is a great budget 5.7 inch monitor. And if you squint hard enough, if almost looks like a Small HD focus.
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Equipment Links
🎥 This episode's kit/gear/equipment:
US links:
Monitor - http://amzn.to/2GdOgEg
Magic Arm - http://amzn.to/2rICQ8G
DC 12 volt plug - http://amzn.to/2E8O5JL
Sony NPF750 + Charger - http://amzn.to/2FdEX62
UK links:
Monitor - http://amzn.to/2E7kD6U
Magic Arm - http://amzn.to/2FeEH70
DC 12 volt plug - http://amzn.to/2FeNRQW
Sony NPF750 + Charger - http://amzn.to/2naZHnD
DISCLAIMERS:
Some of these links are affiliate links, if you purchase gear via these links The Film Look will receive a small commission, but there will be no additional cost to you. Thank you!