Buying Guide for Video Monitors
The popularity of video cameras and action cams has led to an increasing demand for dedicated products that enable photographers to view video footage captured by their cameras. Action cams are becoming increasingly saturated in the market, so manufacturers are looking for ways to differentiate their products.
Field monitors are definitely one such tool. Investing in a field monitor for a camera is thus, a very good idea. By using these devices, you can easily and efficiently monitor the performance of your camera. They can be very useful for live monitoring, helping to reduce the chance of camera failure.
Benefits of Video Monitors
Better Visibility
One of the strongest arguments for using any type of external display is this. You'll be able to see any changes in focus, composition, camera positioning, or subject posing more readily with a much larger screen on an external monitor for video.
Protects Your Business
It is still possible for your business to be targeted by outside threats, even if it is unlikely to be robbed. For example, mass shootings have increased in frequency and number of victims over the past five years. A video monitoring system coupled with commercial access control systems might help you stop a mass shooter before they enter your business, even though the events seem to unfold differently in almost every case.
Monitors Surroundings
A video monitoring system can also assist you in proving whether a slip-and-fall actually occurred. When a customer claims that she slipped because of a puddle near your bathrooms, you can check the video recordings to see if, in fact, the puddle caused her to slip.
Employee Safety
In the same way, you can monitor your premises for customer safety, you can monitor your premises and employees for employee safety risks. You can, for example, identify and stop risky employee practices using real-time video monitoring before an injury occurs. By misusing equipment or deliberately bypassing safety controls, your employees may not only harm themselves but also create a dangerous work environment for their coworkers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Video Monitors
Size
The main advantage of using an on-camera monitor is that it allows you to have a better look at what's being captured. That way, you won't have to make due with the camera's small screen. This is why, when buying for an on-camera monitor, the screen size is so important. The ideal screen size is anywhere between 5′′ and 7′′. It may seem self-evident that the 7-inch monitor is the better choice because it is larger, but that is where our following point comes into play.
Weight
The larger the on-camera display, the more work your camera operator has to do. Weight is vital not just to ensure that the camera operator is comfortable, but it can also have an impact on image quality. You'll get shaky footage if your camera operator is trying to hang on to the camera because the display is making it too top-heavy. Take great note of the weight of a monitor before making a purchase for the sake of your camera operator and the film.
Resolution
The image resolution is another consideration when selecting an on-camera monitor. When it comes to this element, you don't have to be concerned with size. We have 5′′ on-camera monitors with a 1920 x 1080 resolution in our field monitor library. Other 5′′ monitors on the market, however, have a resolution of only 1280 x 720, so make sure the one you're considering can handle the visual quality you want.
Warranty
It is best to go with warranted products as they come with products that can be replaced easily. It is better to do some research before you buy.
Conclusion
If you already own a camera or are looking to buy one, reading our field monitors for camera guide will help you learn more about the top products available. We hope the information presented in our guide will prove helpful to you as you search for the best product to suit your needs.
Businesses can use video monitoring systems to ensure that laws, regulations, and policies have been followed. A restaurant, for example, can use video systems to ensure that its employees handle food safely and adhere to health codes. They can also use the video recordings to defend themselves if health inspectors charge them with code violations. To know your buying choices, head over to our featured section. We review and recommend leading products based on resolution, performance, and ease of use.