OSEE G7 and T7 Announced – 7″ 4K SDI/HDMI 3000nits Field Monitors

News

by Mark ZdunnekAugust 2^nd, 2019

OSEE have just recently introduced their newly available 3000 nits SDI/HDMI 4K UltraHD monitor OSEE G7 and its cheaper equivalent without SDI options, the T7. Both use a Full-HD 1920 x 1200px LCD IPS panel. Prices are $899 for the G7 and $499 for the T7.

OSEE G7 & T7 – 4K 3000nits – 1920x1200px – 1200:1 LCD IPS Panel

Right from the beginning, I’d like to highlight that both monitors are packed with resounding specs for their competitive prices. On the other hand, we haven’t worked with the product so far. Thus, we’re unable to testify upon their actual performance. In addition to that, we’ve never covered OSEE monitors here on Cinema5D before. Nevertheless, let’s take a look.

The monitors are equipped with a 1200:1 contrast ratio IPS panel, claiming to reach 3000 nits and thereby an extreme brightness level in direct sunlight. The manufacturer declares it will be sharp and bright, and perfectly viewable, even without the use of a sun hood. This claim will need independent testing to clarify. A single 5-way joystick will need to suffice to operate the whole menu, which is again full of options that seem to be unmistakably designed for professional use.

The monitor comes with anamorphic de-squeeze (multiple options, such as 1.33, 1.5, 1.66 among others), DSLR scale, peaking and video analysis features. The latter are false colour, exposure assist tools, such as waveform, vectorscope, zebra and histogram (RGB, Luma). Markers (safe frame, area and centre), as well as a crosshatch, pre-loaded LUTs and custom 3D LUTs (up to 16 loaded from SD Card) for many cameras, are also available with the product.

A bit similar to options I’ve seen and used with the SmallHD UltraBright monitor series, the OSEE G7 & T7 monitors feature a scene layout edit and switch. This layout switch lets the user quick-toggle in between multiple viewing configurations for different shooting environments. All of this is done with just the single joystick, as mentioned above.

I/O interface options

HDMI:
– 2160p (30/29.97/25/24/23.98)
– 1080p (60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98)
– 1080i (60/59.94/50)
– 720p (60/59.94/50)
– 480p (60), 576p (50)

SDI: (not available with the T7 monitor)
– 2Kp (60/59.94/50)
– 1080p (60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98)
– 1080i (60/59.94/50)
– 1080SF (30/29.97/25/24/23.98)
– 1035i (60/59.94)
– 720p (60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98)

The manufacturer OSEE mentions having integrated over 20 De-log and 3D LUT choices for direct conversion of logarithmic curve views to Rec. 709 for many camera vendors. Aside from the most notable brands (also listed in the options for false colour below), OSEE has also implemented curve conversions for FUJIFILM, DJI, GoPro and others.

OSEE G7 & T7 – Backside and Connectors – Power-Supply with NPF batteries.

False Colour

Regarding the false colour function of the monitor, the user can choose from a list of 16 different (log) curves, to discover detailed colour information about over- and under-exposure, skin tone and 18% grey.

Curve choices for false color:
– Sony LC709A
– Sony LC709
– Sony S-Log2
– Sony S-Log3
– Panasonic V-Log
– Panasonic V709
– Blackmagic Design
– Blackmagic Design 4K
– RED RG3a
– RED RG4
– RED LOGFILM
– RED RL3G10
– Canon C-Log2
– Canon C-Log3
– ARRI Log-C
– ARRI Rec. 709

Accessories

Below is an overview of the available accessories, like alternative power supply with a V-mount battery plate, a  transport case and a sun hood.

OSEE G7 & T7 Accessories

OSEE G7 & T7 – First Thoughts

Both monitors boast many features, but of course, many questions arise:

• 4K real-time down-scaling inside the monitor usually requires a powerful converter inside the product. Otherwise, there will be a delay with an acceptable or non-acceptable duration. After having tested several monitors in the past (especially those from lesser-known manufacturers), it would be terrific to know how well this monitor converts.
• 3000nits is a massive mark for monitors in the current range. We’d like to know from independent tests, how well the monitors will perform.
• What is the quality level of the materials used in the G7 & T7? Manufacturers such as Convergent Design (Monitor/Recorders) with products like the Odyssey 7Q+ use high-grade materials that endure harsh weather conditions, such as resilient combinations of cast magnesium and aluminium. They are also produced with high-grade precision tools and are meant to last long.
• Audiometers: The OSEE monitors support 2-channel audio meters, while comparable products from the competition sport up to 8-channel audio meters.
• Screen protection: Other manufacturers use AR coated gorilla glass with optical bonding. How well are the new OSEE monitors protected?

Please share your thoughts with us if you have experience using monitors from this brand.