Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR

Comments about Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR:

I watched all the reviews of this monitor before purchasing and thought I was making the right selection. I don't think I'd recommend this given the overall offering available and here's why: It is very flimsy. The attachment to the camera is thin plastic (the kind you break easily inside of a camera bag full of gear) and the screen itself is delicate. Mine arrived broken, but you couldn't see the break until you turned it on. As it was it was a shipping impression from the battery that was shipped next to it with foam in between. The cord is only 4-6 inches long, so you have no choice of mounting the screen anywhere else except on the camera. Those are the cons... the pros are that this is only one of two screens available that work with the 5D Mark ii. No screen shrinkage or blank screen delay when you press the record button. I really wish this company would look into a port for the cord, so that the screen can be mounted anywhere, beef up the plastic, and reinforce the screen. For [$]this is of less value than the other 5D Mark ii compatible screen (Liliput [$]).

Comments about Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR:

Great monitor. Used it with my 5D MarkII. Battery lasts as long as the Camera battery. Love the peaking feature. If you have a hard time focusing with your canon this is the perfect tool to solve tht problem. Also the hood that comes with it is excellent unlike flimsy velcro ones.
The only thing is that you really have to make sure you tighen it well to the camera.

The one negative thing is that you cant put a mic on the camera because the frame from the monitor blocks the mic input.

Comments about Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR:

It is very cheaply made and way too bulky to be useful. The resolution on the screen is low making focusing somewhat challenging and then there's the issue of it randomly turning the screen purple and white before needing to be restarted.

The concept of a external monitor using the tripod mount on the dslr is wonderful to me, but this fails to function in a working environment. It is awkward and poorly made.

Comments about Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR:

Bought this before B&H was carrying them. I use it for framing and focus on a Merlin or monopod/pogocam. Biggest issue is getting it tightened down, handled it the same way as the Merlin dove tail plate recommendation, RUBBER (not plastic) electrical tape then tighten. No problems reaching buttons and dials on the 5D2. For the price, a total winner.

Comments about Dot Line SWIVI External Monitor for DSLR:

This screen works really well with a number of useful features as outlined in the product describtion.Rather light weight too, but feels a bit flimsy. It articulates especially well and the fact that it folds down like a built in screen is a plus. It handles well when attached to the camera, though its hard to get the mounting to the camera tight. My first unit worked about 10 minutes, that's when electronics tend to fail.The quick hassel free exchange from B&H works fine. The replacement came with a rechargeable battery and charger which the first ubit didn't have. Its a cost effective way to get a decent monitor on your DSLR.