I went in on an international group buy of this Lilliput 7" HDMI display. I then modified a small ball head to mount the display on the camera hot shoe of my 5d mkII. It weighs less than the average flash.

Once the HDMI to Mini HDMI cable (purchased separately) is hooked up you get the display on the Lilliput when the Live View function is activated on the camera. The 5D shuts off the onboard LCD once its sending the signal through the cable.

I mainly got this for video, but it works well for stills as well. You can also see all the camera controls displayed on the monitor. The nice thing is the display is larger and the ball head allows you to position the display at any position you want.

Show here with my Rokkor 58/1.2.

Talk about a sweet set up. Nice execution.

i am envious

Here is my other option.

There is a guy named Tonis in Estonia who is making loupes made for the 5D and 7D series. The kit comes with an L shaped plate that gets tabbed under the Canon viewfinder cover. You then use a tripod quick release plate to secure the bottom. This bracket then has an open window the same size as the LCD on the back of the camera. There are a series of small magnets mounted around all four sides of the loupe that keeps the loupe connected to the camera.

So, when using Live View you hold the camera in a normal fashion against your eye. This is much more secure and stable than holding the camera in front and away from you like you do with a digital point and shoot camera. You can also use your thumb to instantly hit the 5x and 10x magnifier in Live View. Works really nicely.

The system comes with a thin lanyard strap for security or when you want to use the main viewfinder. Its useful for checking photos while out in sunlight. But the main uses are using Live View, manual focusing and recording video etc. You have to use manual focus with video.

Both of these two systems just arrived yesterday and today so I am still in the playing around stage.

I sense a new TV series:

"Pimp my camera"

I like the look of the screen. Large but not crazy and looks convenient.

Jim

Care to share the price of these babies?

that first one is class!
great for pro work if you dont have the notebook!

I got the screen for a flat $180 with the group buy. I think they go for around $230 or so plus shipping from Hong Kong.

When the 5D pumps out the signal via HDMI some of resolution gets dropped on the screen but not in the actual recorded file. The nice thing is that you do not need the Canon utilities or anything, its just what you see when looking at the LCD on the camera. Its way more convenient than using a laptop. You need a camera that has HDMI output though. The 5DmkII does. The new version of Magic Lantern will soon be adding some features, including full 1080 via HDMI which will be great.

The display weighs very little and is very thin. Guys are looking into small rechargeable 12V battery packs, for around $50 as well.

The appeal here is mainly with recording video (which I am getting into), but there are benefits with stills as well. For instance I have one client that I do a lot of low angle tripod based catalog work for. I see myself setting up this screen so I don't have to bend down and look through the viewfinder for focussing etc. These shoots produce a couple hundred shots so any ergonomics savings is a plus.

The price on the LCDVF loupe was $170. I will be getting a newer updated model as I am an "early adopter." The best of these loupes is the Z Finder made by Zacuto but they cost $400.