First of all, there are like 1,000 different models and combinations of features for these monitors on Amazon, so be sure to READ THE DESCRIPTION for the particular model you are buying VERY CAREFULLY (so you can argue with confidence when you need to return the item you received because it's not what you thought you were getting). They are ALL called Lilliput 665gl-70np, but they don't all have the same features (not just accessories, but actual hard-wired, on board, hardware features)! I can't state any clearer: even if you read carefully, you may not receive what you think you should be getting (read on).For instance, the model on THIS page has NO HDMI OUT. Yes, I went back and carefully read the block of text, and now see that although it looks exactly like the block of description text on all the other models "HDMI out" is absent. I thought I was paying very close attention to all the small print, but here I am two days before the shoot with a monitor that doesn't have all the features I need (what I thought I was buying).
The thing I'm most aggravated by is the difference between 50np and 70np, and the fact that most of these are listed as BOTH models! First of all, there is a question concerning the brightness. Is my screen as bright as what I thought I was purchasing (450cd/m2) or is it only half that? The 70np is NOT 450cd/m2 as advertised. Only the 50np is that bright. You can only find this out once you receive the item and read the manual, but the 70np model is NOT 450cd/m2 as advertised. It is only 250cd/m2. Evidently only the model 50np is brighter, and it still DOES NOT achieve 450cd/m2 (it's only 400).
On top of that, the 70np is 1024x600 with a contrast ratio of 700:1 but the 50np is 800x480 with a contrast ratio of 600:1. For some reason, the 70np has a wider viewing angle (145 vs. 130 on the 50np --though the Amazon listings claim 150 degrees).
The size of the 50np is 151mm x 116mm x 39.5mm and the 70np is 194.5mm x 150mm x 38.5mm.
(this information is all from the "manual" I received)
Furthermore, some of the Amazon listing pages state "70np" in the bold item title, while the description states that you will receive the "50np." But here's the kicker: you have NO WAY TO KNOW which item you received, because the model number is written NOWHERE on the unit. The serial number alludes to 665 and also 70, but it doesn't tell you if you have the 50np or the 70np (I assume the 70 means I received the 70np). So, on THIS PAGE, the item clearly states it's a 70np, but in the item description is states under INCLUDED: "Product 1× 665GL-50NP/H/Y." So which is it?! My serial number starts 665A70... thus I assume it's a 70np (not the 50np I paid for).
Unfortunately I HAVE to have this for several shoots this weekend, so even though it doesn't have all the features I want (and ordered), I have to keep it. Luckily, it's relatively cheap, but if I'm spending over $200 I'd really like to know that I'll be receiving what I ordered (and spent a week researching).
I would likely give this item four stars if it had HDMI out and was 450cd/m2, however, I'm not sure how I can make the purchase here on Amazon and be sure that I will receive the correct item (all the listings are a mishmash of information). Two stars for a product that may or may not be what you think you are purchasing (and I would say this is COMPLETELY the manufacturer's fault for not being more clear about all the options and NAMING them appropriately --not to mention PUTTING THE MODEL NUMBER ON THE FREAKING UNIT).
So be aware: It's a great price for a field monitor, but as you can imagine, it's a c**p shoot (seriously, I can't use the word "c**p?" in an Amazon review?!) as to what you'll be receiving.
For those complaining that the picture doesn't fill the screen: you have to disable all the "extras" on your camera LCD by pressing the "info" button. Only when there are no extras (exposure, etc.) will the image fill the screen top to bottom on your monitor. It still won't fill the width, because your camera's LCD (what the monitor is reading from) isn't 16x9.
Pros:
-obviously the price
-size is good (big enough to pull focus; small enough to ride your camera's flash shoe)
-sharp enough picture to pull focus in the field (color is abysmal though); it's not STELLAR, but it's good enough; pulling focus with a 3x magnifying eyepiece would likely net you better focus
-light weight (light enough to mount on the camera and still be plenty useable)
-uses readily available (although outdated) camcorder batteries
-the sunshade is a newer model that DOES actually fold down (not a rigid box that would be annoying to transport)
-not only that, but the sunshade can fold down while attached to the unit, so it acts as a screen protector, which is great
-included shoe mount isn't stellar, but it gets the job done
Cons:
The manual is a hilarious joke (except it's not funny). It was obviously written by someone who just barely speaks English, thus a lot of it makes no sense, is uninformative, and will only leave you wondering what the *%^&#$ is going on. For instance: what the eff is "blue mode?!"
Build quality, while fine for the price, is definitely a little on the flimsy side. It's definitely cheap plastic (but that's why it's so cheap).
No HDMI out.
UPDATE: Upon further review of the "manual," there are photos of two models shown ("1" and "2") 1 is supposedly the 50np and 2 is the 70np. The photo of the 50np shows that it only has two knobs on the front as well as a 1/8" headphone jack. "Ah, I must have the 70np," I deduced. However, the 70np clearly shows 8 capped video connectors on the back of the unit, with only 6 on the 50np. However, while my unit has NO headphone jack and FOUR knobs on the face, there are only six capped connectors on the back. Thus, I still have NO IDEA which unit I received. This is also further confirmation that there are many, many configurations of these units, and it's anyone's guess as to which models feature what hardware, connections, controls, dimensions, panels, brightness, etc., etc.
UPDATE (May 2012): I actually had several e-mail interactions with the seller, and as a result, they've updated their listing description with correct information and made what was once a confusing block of run together text a much more clear bullet-point list. I've also spent several weeks in the field with the monitor, and as a result would definitely recommend the product (you just can't touch it for the price). I've also upgraded my star rating from two stars to four, though I wish the various other listings on Amazon were more clear and forthcoming regarding features and what is available with each specific model from these different (but similar!) sellers.
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