Ikan V-8000HD 8" TFT LCD Monitor, 16:9, 1080i/720p Support

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

Have owned one for 6 months now and have been very pleased with its performance. I use it with my Sony Z1U (mine is only compatible with L Series batteries, though I've heard the new version can use any prosumer or professional batteries).
I use a super clamp and flex arm to attach it to my tripod and it works like a charm. Can be a bit awkward handheld without a shoulder-mount, but it is well worth it for critical focus.
All-in-all, a great monitor for the price-point.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

Anyone who has tried to focus on an HVX-200 with the pop-out LCD screen knows how impossible that can be. Larger LCD monitors can help, but it wasn't until I attached the Ikan V-8000HD 8" monitor using the component cable that I could really see a clear picture and be able to pull a sharp focus. It has worked well for my production needs, both as an on-camera HD monitor and as the primary monitor on my Glidecam V-25 system. The picture is bright, the colors are true and the image is the best I've seen. And...the price for this HD monitor is one of the lowest around.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

I bought the Ikan monitor as a secondary, lighter monitor than the Marshall unit I have been using. I wanted to be able to use this on-camera, on a FigRig, or on a mono-pod for checking focus in run-and-gun situations. While the Ikan V-8000HD is light, it is also very fragile feeling and I am constantly afraid that the slightest bump will harm it. The images it produces are clear and aid focus, but there is a slight flicker, as if the signal isn't stable. If you are looking for an ultra-light monitor and don't care about toughness at all, then check this out. But if you want a monitor that can take the strain of a typical remote shoot, I wouldn't recommend this unit.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

I actually sent the first one back because the Sony L-series battery would not attach to the back, and one reason I ordered this monitor was to have battery capabilities. I received another one and - same problem. Contacted the manufacturer, who suggested I take a nail file to the back. This was actually the right solution - there's a manufacturing defect and the small plastic nubs that hold the battery are too deep. Filed a little bit away and - voila! I am glad I didn't sent this one back too, because the monitor is a great tool. It is very portable and light and mounts on top of my Canon A1. I use it primarily for shooting interviews and talking heads, and I use it to set the shot and then sometimes to swivel around so clients can watch their talent perform, which calms them down immensely as they don't have to trust that I'm getting a good shot - they can see it.

The picture quality itself is good, not great, but I wasn't looking for great - just good enough, because framing an interview and checking for shadows and flat spots is very tough with the camera's LCD screen. This monitor allows me to do a great job with a talking head without spending three times as much for a great field monitor.

Besides the nubs that needed to be filed down, the S-video connections don't hold as snugly as I'd like. But this is a small issue. For the price, an LCD monitor this size with a decent picture is a good solution.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

This monitor is very lightweight and has a perfect picture for focusing and composing a nice shot. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't have the money for the big ones, but needs something to create a professional image.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

Good screen size and power options if you have Sony Batteries L series.

Not good in bright sunlight at all.

Comments about Ikan V-8000HD 8" LCD Monitor:

Here is my review of the Akan from the Redrock Micro forum:I have an Ikan V8000 HD and I can say that it has its share of pros and cons. I purchased the Ikan being full aware of the cons and I must say I am happy with it. Here's the list: Ikan V8000 HD PROS: * Great for HD focus. You can dial focus to a pin point using this monitor. * Nice and bright for indoor use or outdoor * Variable basic functions like RGB, Contrast, Hue, Saturation, etc... * Lightweight * Versatile with use of the 'L' series battery - perfectly cross-compatible with my Sony HVR-V1U batts. * Great steadicam monitor * Comes with a remote control * Switch can toggle between 4x3 and 16x9 * CHEAP - This is why we purchase this unit (Focus works and it's cheap) Ikan V8000 HD CONS: * No Flip controls. For this reason I have an articulating arm to flip the monitor itself. For me - this is not a problem. It's light enough. * Contrast detail blows in doors - if you need to see detail in the blacks DO NOT BUY THIS MONITOR. This monitor has better contrast outdoors during daylight or in well lit situations. Blacks fall out completely as well as bright (non-clipped) whites. * Color is vibrant but is inaccurate due to contrast and brightness settings. What I have seen is that Colors clip where you have much more latitude being recorded. For this reason I use the LCD for blacks / whites / color monitoring as well as zebra patterns and clipping. For me - this is no hassle whatsoever. You can get close color, but you can't match your LCD even with extensive tweaking of the RGB and other levels. * Previously said problems: Monitor doesn't truly shut off power when you turn it 'off'. (Power button stays lit). Although I heard that most of these monitors shut off automatically when in extremely low lit situations this problem does not exist with mine. I just purchased mine from B&H November 2007. I did tests and my monitor stays on even after 1 minute with the lens cap on. Perhaps I have the new improved model? My model has no blue lights like the originals did - I think they fixed some of the previous errors. Additionally I heard previous problems taking the L battery on and off - not the case with mine either. Batteries fit great and do not require a hammer to take it off. The batt fits snugly and will not come out when the monitor is upside-down. Taking off takes medium 'normal' pressure. * It's not a Marshall but it's half the price - yes I said it.

Expertise: Supervising 9 years at Warner Bros Studios post facility & Exec. Creative Producer for Aesthetic Pictures LLC.

Problems Encountered: My remote did not come with the unit, however B&H is kind enough to work with me and have it sent to me - which I appreciate tremendously. Please see main review for Pros & Cons of this unit.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Used LCD screen on camera

Items I Recommend: Articulating Arm to flip the image for use with DOF/35mm adapters.