Quick Take: Marshall 5" V-LCD50-HDMI and Small HD DP6

by jared1October 15^th, 2010

Here is a Quick Take on the Marshall 5” HDMI monitor V-LCD50-HDMI and the Small HD DP6. Both monitors have features that are specific to HDSLR cameras. They both have HDMI inputs, False Color, Focus Assist and a Flip function. Rather than get all geeked out. We tried to keep it fairly simple. Both monitors have other features that add to their functionality that we did not cover here.

***Please do your own research before you purschase either of these monitors. All film equipment is very subjective and will work for some, but not for others.

The Small HD DP6 has a new Firmware Update that adds a False Color Feature and a second Function Button to the mix. The monitor is very well made and has a ton of accessories to go with it. Samll HD sent us a powered HDMI splitter box, a Canon LP-E6 battery plate, a neoprene monitor case, a Small HD battery, a killer Sunshade and a lame protective Front Cover. The cover scratched very easily and I would recommed only using it in specific situations. The control wheel works great and seems durable. It only took us about a day to figure out the menu system and control buttons. The function buttons can be easily assigned any main feature available on the monitor. They are located at the top of the monitor. The Small HD DP6 has a resolution of 1280 X 800 DPI and image quality is great and color reproduction was fine. The feature that we really liked was the DSLR Record function. This will keep the client at bay when you drop from HD to SD in record mode on the Canon 5D Mark II. No more squshed image. Awesome! We did not get outside to check reflectiveness but the supplied sunshade will cover that. The Small HD DP6 will set you back around $900 US.

The Marshall 5” V-LCD50-HDMI monitor is basically a scaled down version of the Marshall 7” HDMI monitor and has a resolution of 800 X 400 DPI. Image quality was great and color repoduction was fine. It has all of the features and functions of the 7” including False Color, Focus Assist, and Image Flip. The Marshall 5” has a rubber like coating that gives it a nice feel that we really liked. It uses four “AA” batteries that can be purchased anywhere in the world. Marshall claims a two-hour run time with rechargeable “AA” batteries. The buttons are slightly different than the 7” instead of twist knobs there are separate push buttons. The marshall 5” HDMI has four function buttons that can also be assigned the main functions of the monitor. We appreciated the extra buttons. Speed is key. We also liked having the buttons on the front of the monitor. Old School I guess. The Marshall is HDMI only, no AV or HD/SDI inputs. This is the one feature we felt was missing in the equation. The Marshall will set you back around $600 US.