2004Monitors forum
Comparison of CRT versus LCD monitors for Steadicam operation
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- LCD monitors offer color display and reduced weight compared to CRT monitors, making them attractive for Steadicam operators despite some technical tradeoffs.
- CRT monitors like the TB-6 provide superior brightness, contrast ratio, resolution, and sunlight viewability compared to available LCD options.
- LCD monitors have limited viewing angles compared to CRT monitors, which can restrict operator movement and viewing by crew members alongside the camera.
- LCD displays show relative exposure changes as viewing angle changes, which can complicate monitoring during shots.
- The availability of custom CRT tubes is decreasing due to market shift toward flat screen technologies, making new CRT production increasingly expensive.
- Steadicam operation does not inherently require the highest performance monitoring available; operators have successfully created quality shots with various monitor types.
- Color LCD monitors are preferable for video-based work and concert filming, while black-and-white CRT monitors may be preferable for film cinematography.
- Newer operators without prior CRT experience may adapt more easily to LCD technology limitations than experienced operators switching from CRT.
Depends on
- Discussion centers on 2004 technology; LCD brightness and viewing angle capabilities have improved significantly since.
- Specific monitor performance comparisons are personal experiences rather than standardized tests.
- The debate remains unresolved about whether LCD technology had reached performance parity with high-end CRT monitors by the discussion date.
- Different work scenarios (film versus video, indoor versus outdoor, documentary versus narrative) may favor different monitor types.