Choosing between Steadicam monitors with and without built-in digital levels, comparing Transvideo, SmallHD, and Boland options

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2019Monitors forum

A dedicated digital level sensor mounted near the post provides greater accuracy than a level built into a monitor.
Transvideo monitors perform well in various weather conditions and have a reputation for good customer service.
SmallHD monitors are lighter in weight than comparable Transvideo models and offer customizable monitor modes.
Transvideo six-inch models are popular for Steadicam work and weigh less than eight-inch versions while providing sufficient screen real estate.
SmallHD monitor repairs have been reported to take a minimum of three weeks, making ownership of backup units important.
Boland monitors are praised for brightness and good balance with onboard batteries.
A Boland monitor paired with a dedicated external digital level offers a cost-effective alternative to monitors with built-in levels.
Transvideo monitors can have limited viewing angles, which one operator identified as their only complaint.
SmallHD's customizable monitor modes are more useful on cameras or remote heads than on Steadicam rigs.
Transvideo's reflective LCD panel can be difficult to view in exterior lighting conditions.

One operator's repeated experience with slow SmallHD repair turnaround times.
One operator's secondhand reports about Transvideo viewing difficulty in exteriors, not direct experience.
Specific experience with six-inch Transvideo models; eight-inch models were not tested by this operator.
No one reported direct experience using Stargate V2 or Rainbow seven-inch models as Steadicam monitors.