Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1062452
26 DGA QUARTERLY "It's much easier to be using a small monitor than sitting in village. I can move faster and I can see everything as I'm standing there with everyone." Hanelle M. Culpepper Director: Supergirl, Gotham » FSI DM250 THE BASICS: As a top-of-the-line monitor, the FSI DM250 o ers users all the bells and whistles starting with robust, consistent color management. The monitor also boasts integration with software packages such as FSI's DM Series IP Remote Utility, Pomfort's LiveGrade Pro, QTake's Grade Module, FireFly Cinema's FirePlay and FireDay, and Filmlight's Prelight. There's a zero-delay fast mode that makes it possible to use the monitor on set with apps that need instantaneous video processing speed. IN PRACTICE: Users of this monitor are quick to praise FSI for being responsive to questions and comments about their equipment, which is good to know since the DM250 o ers a complex set of functions. Overall, FSI seems to be pushing the edge of its technology and actively engaging with users to improve what it does. The monitors themselves are also reputed to be the kind of tough machines that can withstand the most demanding locations and challenging shoots. Because of the customer service » Elvid WCM-758G SkyVision 7" Wireless LCD Monitor THE BASICS: This lightweight monitor comes in at just one pound, and has a 7" screen with 1024x600 resolution, so you can see either SD or HD and not have to contend with huge scaling problems, regardless of the video resolution. It has a built-in 5.8 GHz receiver and is also designed for use with drones. There's a check fi eld mode that's designed to help with calibration as it shows only the chosen color on the screen. It features a tool to allow the onscreen image to fi t 16:9 or 4:3, and buttons on the front of the monitor provide especially functional shortcuts to camera, focus and checkfi eld modes. Its $299.95 list price makes it a ordable for a variety of production budgets. IN PRACTICE: This agile monitor has earned raves for ease of use in a range of circumstances, and is considered a sound choice for the price. The shortcut controls will no doubt cut down on the overall learning curve when DGA members are introduced to this equipment. But that's not the whole story. Some reviews complain that the image can be a bit soft or that initial setup was a challenge and they faced image interruptions. TAKEAWAY: If you have the time for setup and troubleshooting, this budget-friendly monitor could be a solid choice for those looking to stay close to actors in a tight space or work with drones. behind them and their high level of accuracy, they've won over DITs, as well as directors and cinematographers. Of course, all of that comes with a price and productions will have to weigh cost against need. TAKEAWAY: At a $24,995 purchase price, this monitor isn't for all budgets. But if you can rent one, it may be worth the investment if your production requires an environment that will give you some pushback. It's also designed to make things like on-set color management much easier. PHOTOS: (TOP) FLANDERS SCIENTIFIC; (BOTTOM) ELVID CINEMA FOCUS GADGETS | CONTINUED