2009Monitors forum
Monitor visibility problems in outdoor sunlight conditions
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Standard portable DVD player screens and basic LCD monitors struggle to display an image in bright sunlight or overcast outdoor conditions due to insufficient brightness and anti-reflective coating.
- Steadicam-specific monitors use anti-reflective coatings and higher output levels to work in sunlight, but cost significantly more than standard monitors.
- A temporary solution involves positioning crew members to shade the monitor with their bodies during outdoor shooting.
- Transflective LCD technology, already used successfully in compact camcorder displays, offers better sunlight visibility than standard LCD monitors.
- Even original monitors included with professional steadicam rigs may have poor outdoor visibility despite being designed for the equipment.
- A sun hood or improvised shading with black wrap and gaff tape can improve monitor visibility in bright conditions.
Depends on
- The discussion includes anecdotal reports from rented equipment where specific monitor performance cannot be verified.
- No systematic comparison of specific monitor models and their outdoor performance is provided.
- The claim about transflective LCD feasibility remains theoretical without confirmed availability or pricing at the time.
- Some participants reference ongoing monitor development projects without confirmed results.