2004Monitors forum
Experience with Blackbird LCD monitor for steadicam work showing color accuracy issues
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
- The Blackbird monitor displayed inaccurate color rendering and poor handling of interior shadows and highlights during on-set testing.
- A second operator reported that red colors appeared nearly black on the color bars, prompting a replacement unit from the manufacturer.
- The newer MK-V/Hummingbird model offers improved features for steadicam work and reportedly performs well with both film-style video taps and digital cameras.
- The MK-V/Hummingbird monitor is available in PRO or CP mount configurations and delivers bright, sharp image reproduction with good usability in direct sunlight.
Depends on
- The initial Blackbird unit tested may have been defective despite manufacturer inspection finding no fault.
- The comparison is between two different monitor models from the same manufacturer rather than successive versions.
- No detailed technical specifications or calibration procedures are provided to explain the color issues.
- Testing was limited to a small number of operators and specific camera systems.