The ikan VX9 on the set of 24, with DP Rodney Charters

Rodney Charters, on-set.

Check out what Rodney Charters has to say about the brand-new VX9 from ikan.  He recently used it on a stunt sequence for an upcoming episode of the popular show.

Can the iPad work as a field monitor?

The Apple iPad, in use as an e-reader.

In the blogosphere, there’s been a burst of activity surrounding the much-hyped release of the new iPad by Apple.  Aside from the humorous jokes and witty quips about Apple’s glaring oversight with regard to the name (the now-canceled MadTV skit comedy show had previously done a sketch about a womens’ hygiene product called the ‘iPad’), many have questioned and begun brainstorming about possible additional uses of the iPad.

Movies, books and music are obvious uses, but – as with the App store for the iPhone – the iPad is a new market rife with prospects for software developers dabbling in small application creation.  Some of the best App’s have been the most common-sense tasks, but have proven enormously helpful.  Cinemek’s Storyboarding tool and the See4K app with RED One calculations are chief among them.

One idea that came up in discussion, primarily based on some forum posts regarding the quality of the monitor on the iPad, has been the thought of using the iPad as a field monitor.  After quick discussions, the idea was ultimately deemed unworkable, but it did get me thinking about why it wouldn’t work.

1. Connectivity – The new iPad, for all its features, isn’t capable of connecting at the data rates necessary for a production-friendly picture.  True, you might be able to send something wirelessly or across a Bluetooth connection, but it will still not be as seamless as a strong SDI connection.

2. Features – Certain features such as blue gun, pixel to pixel, underscan, overscan and more would not be able to be programmed/built into a viewing device such as the iPad.  The additional need for interchangeable power supplies (multiple batteries, etc.) would also not make for a practical field monitor.

3. Pricing – As with the introduction of the iPod, the iPad is not the profit generator here.  The digital content sold for the device will be the financial boon.  Production monitor manufacturers have nothing else to provide for the needs of the business, whereas Apple is eyeing the massive dollar amounts to be collected for the digital content.  The same holds true with Amazon’s Kindle.  Amazon can afford to make the reader cheaper because they’re getting you on the other end with the e-book sales.

4. Durability – Regardless of build, there is a certain amount of rugged strength required for any equipment which will be subjected to day-in, day-out use.  The iPad (and this is being said without the benefit of having been able to hold and handle one) just may not be robust enough for a prolonged shoot in inclement conditions.

All this being said, I’ve been known to be wrong before. 

Thoughts?  Comments?

The ikan V5600 Travels To The Colombian Dry Forest

Director/Producer/Cameraman Federico Pardo used the ikan V5600 Deluxe Kit during the production of the documentary COTTON-TOP.   In the following essay, Fredrico describes the challenges of shooting in the treacherous jungles of Colombia and how the ikan V5600 performs in the harshest of conditions.

The film was shot in November of 2009 in the Tropical Dry Forests of Colombia were physically challenging and the overall ruggedness of the production required a lightweight and reliable external monitor. IKAN production tool for this natural history documentary shot on the new DSLR Canon 7D. As one of the pioneers on DSLR filmmaking I would highly recommend the IKAN demanding field productions.

As mentioned above, the DSLR Canon 7D was the camera used for the production.  During principal photography the camera was the ideal production tool for advanced cinematography. When shooting with the custom made jib in the field, IKAN allowed me to carry it everywhere, its 5.6” screen was the cinematographer when doing macro-cinematography, it from a more comfortable position.

To better understand why IKANʼs V5600 Deluxe Kit was vital during the production, here is a summary of a standard production day. To get to the locations (open savannas, tropical forests or rural areas), we would normally hike a couple of miles or drive on backcountry roads. It was important to carry the gear (camera, monitor, sound, support and lights) with us at all times since I needed to be ready to shoot anytime.

Most valued features of the ikan V5600 Deluxe Kit:

− Compact size and lightweight.
− Easy and fast installation.
− Battery and AC powered.
− Camera shoe mount support.
− Comes with ready-to-install cables.
− HDMI mini component.

The design and performance of the IKAN V5600 monitor is outstanding. Nonetheless,regarding the overview and the use of the V5600 for documentary film production in the field, there are a few elements that are worth reviewing.

1. Monitorʼs ¼ 20 Screw Mount: the first issue I had right after opening the V5600 Kit was mounting the monitor on camera shoe mount. The monitorʼs plastic body is hiding/covering the real thread where the ¼ 20 screw goes. Screwing in the shoe mount wasnʼt easy and it made the plastic squeak showing signs of weakness. Overall, this attachment system doesnʼt feel strong and it would greatly enhanced with a metal piece that holds the screw not only deep inside the monitorʼs body.

2. Monitorʼs ¼ 20 Screw Mount: Additional to the previous comment. Having ¼ 20 screw mounting holes in every side of the monitor would be really helpful.

3. Brightness/Exposure Check: IKANʼs V5600 works great to achieve critical focus, check the frame and supervise camera motion. However, it was extremely dangerous to rely in the exposure by using the monitor. The brightness of the display is not accurate with that of the camera so it is difficult to trust it. This could be fixed with a menu through which brightness/contrast/saturation can be adjusted.

4. Screen adhesive protector: fingerprints, dust, and fog are terrible enemies for a screen. It would have been really useful to have a couple of “invisible” screen protectors. Investing in a screen is as important as taking care of it. I still havenʼt found a protector of the proper size without having to invest in a bigger one (more expensive) and cutting it.

As mentioned before, Iʼm completely satisfied with the performance of the V5600 monitor and it is certain that its kit will be part of my upcoming productions. The main purpose of this feedback is to help ikan stay at the front of the market for documentary film production tools.

Learn more about the work Frederico Pardo on his website at:   http://www.federicopardo.com