Amphibico vs Gates Monitors?

Hello,

Does any one have any personal experience comparing a Gates 43 monitor and Amphibico's HD montor? Is there an informed opinion of which is the nicer monitor to use? I know Gates is extended def and Amphibicos is true HD (but I dont think at 1080p).

Second question, is anyone using amphibico monitors on a Gates housing? I'm considering getting an Amphibico monitor (I have a 1250.00 prize for a contest from Amphibico) for the EX1 housing.

Thanks - Mark

Hey Mark,

Couple points regarding the Gates and Amphibico monitors.

Both of these monitors specifications are identical in screen resolution and both can accept a component HD signal. Amphibico labels their monitor ‘HD’ because it accepts an HD signal. Gates, on the other hand, labels their monitor ‘Hi Res’ based on the screen resolution, which is *** Total Dot Count: 392K (1440 x 272 R+B+G) ***.

1440 x 272 is neither 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 – the two HD standards.

There is a significant difference in battery life between the two monitors. Amphibico specifications state ‘up to 4.5 hours’.

The Gates EM43 will run 10-20 hours depending on the type of battery used. I have personally used my EM43 for entire weekends (7 dives with one hr or more downtimes each) worth of diving without having to change batteries.

The Gates has full auto-sense of power and signal format. There are no switches or controls. Adjustments to color, brightness and hue are done once to match the camera display, and accessible with the battery cover off.

The Amphibico monitor is also auto-sensing (NTSC/PAL) but accesses the brightness settings via external controls on the monitor. This is more than likely what causes the difference in run times.

I am not sure about the Amphibico housing, but I do know that the Gates EM43 can accept 720 24/25/30/50/60 and 1080 24/25/30/50/60 -- all the common NTSC/PAL, resolution and frame rate formats in use. This is very important when shooting with different cameras or one like the PMW-EX1 which outputs the same format being recorded.

Thanks Joe, just the kind of info I'm looking for. Still wanted to use that Amphibico gift certificate but the battery life is a huge difference if that holds up. I like the ideas of locking in my monitor settings as well.

Now if only we can get Gates to make monitor backs, I'd been happier than a pig in a pile of....

I cut my teeth on a SEA&SEA with a monitor back and loved it from day one. I never really got used to the little external monitor (too small and too dim) on my L&M and I'm sure the 43 external on the Gates is a huge upgrade even though it is some serious cheese and extra cabling.

Hi Mark,

I have been using an Amphibico Endeavour for just about a year now. It has the HD monitor back. I must say I love it, and having set it up to my liking I have not changed any of the settings. I was initially concerned as there is no viewfinder on this housing, but I am totally sold on it.

However three comments to make. With the monitor on the back of a longish housing you do have to hold it a little in front for your eyes to focus on the screen. I had to change the "Ds" in my mask to give slightly closer vision (I have age related longsight!!). Secondly in VERY bright conditions near the surface the screen reflects your face and regulator. However it is much less of a problem than I thought it would be having initially tried it in a pool. I switched to a black mask to reduce this.

Finally the monitor is on throughout the dive, unless I turn off the camera. I find the battery life on this monitor is just less than 3 hours with 4*2700 rechargeable AAs. This means opening the housing to replace the batteries after two*sixty+ minute dives. This is not a problem for me as I tend to dive from large dry dive boats or liveaboards. Not so good if RIB or shore diving. I have the monitor set for full brightness, which may account for the short battery life.

With the monitor back there is no external cabling, and it allows the housing to be very streamlined, which is good in currents and when sneaking into tight areas.

Well done on the Amphibico prize, certainly worth winning

Roger

My experience with the 2 monitors are on the reviews.

The Amphibico monitor I got 4+ hours of operation from 2700x4 batteries at 70% brightness. The gates monitor has 8 batteries and obviously will last a lot longer.

Both seem to use the same resolution LCD screen but have different implementations with controls. Gates has a better screen shade but is obviously big and bulkier. Choose based on your needs (controls, battery life, bulk, wiring/connections etc).

Guys

A built in monitor back is a pain to used about 50% of the time when filming. With an external monitor I can place my housing in positions that I would not be able to see the frame if I had a monitor back.

The Amphibico 4.3" monitor wins hands down for me because the battery compartment is water tight. Worse case scenario I have to change 4xAA batteries AND in very dark (Dawn dives, Dusk dives) situations I can manually turn up the brightness on the monitor. Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times. As for run time, you forgot to mention that gates uses 8xAA batteries....../......./ Ahem.

The only problem is Amphibico has gone bust so grab the monitor while you can

Jaime Burns

TVscuba cameraman

Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times

I have owned Gates Housings for awhile and my next UW video housing will be a Gates because of the experience I have had through the years when dealing with them. They have been nothing less than great in responding to my emails, phone calls or helping me out when I needed from the beginning. Of course people may have different experiences with them. But to say they are not customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times, well seemed a bit harsh to me based on my experience. And if you have run into issues, you should let them know.

Mark,

You might be totally out of luck with your Amphibico gift certificate. They are out of business.

Steve

Guys

 

..... Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times.....

 

Jaime Burns

 

TVscuba cameraman

Jaime,

We endeavor turn all repairs around within 5 days (there are exceptions of course) and in a pleasant manner. Your experience appears otherwise, and I'd like to know more. Please PM me or email JohnEGates@sbcglobal.net. I would appreciate your feedback. It's the only way we can make our product and service better.

John

Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times.

Saying that Gates are not customer friendly is one of the funniest things I've heard in years seeing as they are probably the most customer focused company I've ever come across.

Btw aren't you banned, or was that just your 'brother'?

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...&hl=tvscuba

Cheers, Simon

Btw aren't you banned, or was that just your 'brother'?

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...&hl=tvscuba

 

Cheers, Simon

LOL,

Gates service is great from my experience,

Saying that Gates are not customer friendly is one of the funniest things I've heard in years seeing as they are probably the most customer focused company I've ever come across.

I would have to agree with Simon. Gates is probably the most customer friendly and responsive company I have ever dealt with.

Pat

Saying that Gates are not customer friendly is one of the funniest things I've heard in years seeing as they are probably the most customer focused company I've ever come across.

 

Btw aren't you banned, or was that just your 'brother'?

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...&hl=tvscuba

 

Cheers, Simon

To be honest the amount peeps spend on Gates products I would expect some Serious customer loyalty!!!

Dive safe

Dean

Jaime,

 

We endeavor turn all repairs around within 5 days (there are exceptions of course) and in a pleasant manner. Your experience appears otherwise, and I'd like to know more. Please PM me or email JohnEGates@sbcglobal.net. I would appreciate your feedback. It's the only way we can make our product and service better.

 

John

I've had nothing but good communication and service from Gates, even with a competitors housing!

Don't currently have a Gates housing but have had several over the years. Their customer service has built as an exemplary reputation as their housings. I am very surprised to hear Jaime say anything negative on that front.

Steve

I flooded my Amphibco 16.9 monitor.

Nearly got it going again from the dead after much scrubbing of the board with Bi Carbs.... but seems a chip is fried.

Anyone got the circuit board bit?

Guys

 

A built in monitor back is a pain to used about 50% of the time when filming. With an external monitor I can place my housing in positions that I would not be able to see the frame if I had a monitor back.

 

The Amphibico 4.3" monitor wins hands down for me because the battery compartment is water tight. Worse case scenario I have to change 4xAA batteries AND in very dark (Dawn dives, Dusk dives) situations I can manually turn up the brightness on the monitor. Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times. As for run time, you forgot to mention that gates uses 8xAA batteries....../......./ Ahem.

 

The only problem is Amphibico has gone bust so grab the monitor while you can

Jaime, I'm confused you chose to resurrect a 3 yr old thread to contribute your first post. You are entitled to your opinion about Gates and John has offered to consult on the possible failings of his company. However, without details, that statement seems frivolous.

Furthermore, to suggest that people buy a monitor where they cannot source spare parts easily is also not the wisest choice. Of course, if one knows where Amphibico sources their parts (LCD monitor etc etc), then it's easier to work with. However, not many people do it seems, including our own Wagsy, who also worked closely with Amphibico. Sourcing parts is difficult even with Google. Any tips you may have would be much appreciated.

I was not aware age of the post was important, this was the first time I came across the thread. The point I was making is that I thought Amphibico monitor better. Not frivolous just a point of view and I did point out that they are now out of business (deals may be made with outlets who still have Amphibico stock). The original answer I gave was also to warn against the use of housings with built in back monitors if you are going to get serious with U/W film making.

I had always found Amphibico great for back up until they closed in April this year. I am at the moment in contact with JC who was Amphibico's marketing manager re parts. I myself need a circuit board after a Jordanian Customs official dropped my monitor a couple of weeks ago. If I do not find the parts I need I will have only 2 choices for a large top mount monitor. Either Gates or Nimar and Nimar are not easy to get in contact with.

As soon as I get a line on parts I will let you know.

To explain my Gates comment;

Back in 2007 when I was using a Light and Motion A1 set up I wanted a larger top mount monitor than the 2.5” available via L&M. I contacted Gates UK distributor (Cameras under water) but they did not seem interested in making the gates monitor work with my L&M housing so after a few emails and phone calls I gave up and contacted Amphibico who were happy to give me wiring instructions to make their 3.5” monitor work with my set up, should I wish to buy one. About 6 months after that Amphibico built a custom housing for me at a very reasonable price and I have used them for the last 4 years. I am very sad at their demise.

Non ergo adulteri mole me

Gate have never been very customer friendly when it comes to repairs and turn around times.

To explain my Gates comment ...... I contacted Gates UK distributor (Cameras under water) but they did not seem interested in making the gates monitor work with my L&M housing so after a few emails and phone calls I gave up and contacted Amphibico who were happy to give me wiring instructions

Not sure that means Gates is not customer friendly for repairs and turnaround times. Sort of seems to be something different there to me.