LCD Screen For Canon DSLR Video

by Tyree Robinson
(Philadelphia)

Do I need an LCD monitor to shoot music videos with a DSLR camera?

HI Tyree!

Thanks so much for taking time to ask a question about shooting music videos with a separate LCD monitor for your Canon DSLR. I hope you find my answer helps.

The good news is that there are plenty of models to choose from and they are very affordable. The large majority of them are priced between $100-$200.

LCD video monitor for Canon

Canon LCD Monitor For Shooting Video

The cheap price and large selection makes it an easier question to answer. They're not a big investment and there are advantages to using a separate monito for music videos.

It's a matter of whether you NEED or just WANT an external monitor for shooting music videos. It's likely more of a personal choice on whether you should use one. I've shot dozens and dozens of video for my YouTube channels without ever using a monitor and never felt like I needed one. With that said, I know that I would ENJOY using an LCD monitor and that it would be beneficial to have one.

Advantages of Using an LCD Monitor For Shooting Video

FOCUS. A larger screen will give you the ability to check and adjust precise focusing better than the small 3 inch monitor on the back of your Canon.
DISTRACTIONS. You can't see the finer details of elements within your frame that may be distracting when using the LCD on the back of your camera. A 6 inch screen has a 4 times larger viewing area than a 3 inch screen.
OVERALL LOOK. Viewing your music video on a larger format gives you much better ability to get a feel of how your music video will appear in the final cut that be will be seen by you and your viewers.
BATTERY AND BRIGHTNESS. You won't need to use your camera's LCD at full brightness when shooting outdoors. Your monitor will be powered by its own power source.
TOOLS. I have no experience with using an external monitor, but from what I understand there are extra tools available that your Canon LCD won't give you. These include: Peaking Focus Assist, Check Field (Red,Green,Blue,Mono), Camera Mode, Center Marker, Screen Marker, Image Flip (H, V, H/V), Image Freeze, and Custom Color Temperature.

Disadvantages of Using an LCD Monitor For Shooting Video

COST. Although monitors are reasonable price, every piece of gear adds up as money out of your pocket.
WEIGHT. Shooting video with just your Canon camera body and lens is super light and super easy to carry on location. Monitors and brackets add weight and bulk that you must carry with you during your video shoot.
COMPLICATION. Although not a big risk, adding more equipment increases the likelihood of the breakdown or communication errors between your different devices.

Tyree, feel free to comment or ask any other related question.

Keep in touch!
Bruce

My Photography YouTube Channel
My Canon YouTube Channel

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KEH: WHERE I BUY CANON GEAR
"I've found that the condition of the used equipment from KEH is excellent and a whole lot cheaper than buying new" - Bruce, the Canon Camera Geek