Using an external monitor for photography on a camera

Tuesday 9 April 2024, 23:23 by Nando Harmsen | 7,145 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

You may have seen my images where I use an external monitor on the camera. I use it to record video, or to show the image on the LCD screen for my instructional videos on Photofacts Academy. You can of course also use it for photography.

For video recordings, it is useful to use an external recorder. You can record not only in a professional video format, such as ProRes or Raw, but you also get a larger screen. You can read about the benefits in this article about external monitors.

An external screen is connected to the HDMI port on your camera. Bear in mind that not every camera supports this. You first need to find this out if you are interested in a larger screen for your photography.

Using a larger screen can be useful. It is not for all types of photography, or for everyone.
If your camera supports it, you have a number of options. They can be very expensive, or cheap. You have to decide for yourself what is suitable for your purposes.

Bear in mind that you need an extra battery for this type of external screen. These are often universal NP-F type batteries, available in different capacities. You also need a bracket to place the screen on your hot shoe.

An external screen is not the only thing you need. An HDMI cable, a hot shoe adapter and one or more NP-F batteries are also needed.

Atomos Ninja V or similar

I use an Atomos Ninja V to record video. If required, I can also record the camera's LCD screen with it. This is ideal for instructional videos, some of which are available on Photofacts Academy. You can then see exactly what I am doing on the camera.

An instruction on the bulb timer on an EOS R camera, where I show the image on the LCD screen using the Atomos Ninja V.

The Atomos Ninja V and similar external recorders are expensive. You will not get one for less than 500 euros. However, these external recorders are specifically intended for recording video footage. If you only want an external screen, the recording options are not needed. A monitor is enough.

Just an external screen

When you do not need an external recorder, external screens become much more affordable. You can get them from 100 euros, depending on the features and requirements you have.

Brands to look at include BestView, Freeworld, Desview and Viltrox. Atomos also makes monitors without recording capabilities. What you mainly need to pay attention to is the brightness of the screens. As you work in daylight and perhaps even sunlight, they need to be bright enough for you to see anything.

A BestView external screen on a Sony A7R III. The difference in screen size is clear.
These monitors are also connected to the camera's HDMI port. They give you a nice large screen to work with, both for photography and video.

The smartphone as an alternative

Would you like to use an external screen, but do not want to carry lots of extra equipment? You can also use your smartphone as an external screen. This is easily done through the camera app and remote shooting, allowing you to see the image from your camera wirelessly on your smartphone.

The iPhone is connected wirelessly to this Olympus OM-D E-M1 III through the camera app.
There are also adapters that connect to the HDMI port like an external screen, but use a smartphone as the screen. You can often use the smartphone for recording as well. An example of such an adapter is the Accsoon SeeMo.

Although a smartphone works, its screen is often smaller than an external monitor.
These solutions often cost as much as an external screen. Another disadvantage is that your smartphone is in use at that moment and cannot be used for other purposes.

Why use an external screen?

An external screen is especially useful when you are photographing from a fixed position. Or from a place where you have all the time and space you need. Think of landscape photography, macro photography or photography from a hide.

Macro photography and an external screen. You can see better what you have in the frame.
The advantage is the large screen. You do not have to look through a small viewfinder or at a three-inch LCD screen. Put the external screen on the hot shoe, or attach it to a separate bracket on a tripod.

The disadvantage is the bulky setup you get with an external screen, the HDMI cable and the need for extra batteries. Are you using a smartphone as an extra screen? Then you can only hope that nobody calls or sends you messages for a while.

You might also like

• 

  Review: Eizo ColorEdge CG 2700S monitor

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  A Camera Bag for Your Smartphone

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  Smartphone photography and travel

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  11 Tips for Taking Professional Photos with Your Smartphone

  by Elja Trum

• 

  A tripod for your smartphone

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  Review: DigiEra external SSD for iPhone video

  by Nando Harmsen

0 comments

Have your say

Please note: Articles older than a week can only be commented on by signed-in visitors.
Would you still like to comment? sign in or create a free account.