Do I really need an external monitor? Sony A7S3

Hi all, I'm new here and looking to take my A7S3 under with me for video. By nature I like to keep things simple and as streamlined as possible, so my proposed kit is Nauticam housing with WWL-1B (28-60) and a couple video lights. I never have used an external monitor filming topside (weddings, promotional videos, educational videos, etc).

My question is, in your experience have you been able to shoot great video without an external monitor? The additional bulk and cost of the monitor/housing is not attractive to me, and I'm trying to grasp how difficult this will be without an external monitor. Wide angle shooting with the WWL-1B.

Thanks in advance for any insight on my proposed setup. I'm here looking for info and reading extensively before I spend any money at all.

Cheers

Riley

Hi,

You can definitely do your shooting without an external monitor. However, having an external monitor for me does tow things:

1) more ergonomic to shoot hence my arms are in a more comfortable position,

2) Hence my eye site is looking above the camera level, I have wider vision and I can see what other action is happening around me that might need my focus & shooting/attention. 

Good luck with your new journey

Regards,

Thani

I agree with Thani.  I have shot with and without an external monitor.  The monitor just makes it easier to compose and frame the scene, especially with macro subjects where you want to get the camera down close to the bottom, but can't get your eyes down there.

Thank you both for the insight! I will see how far I can get without the monitor, hopefully I can make it work  I'm really looking forward to this new journey.

I always prefer a monitor for the same reasons as the previous posters.  In addition I find that it's so versatile when I need to make quick movements if I'm following the action of another diver or creature and have to spin my body around.   It's easy to get back to your composition with the monitor.  I personally find the monitor on the A7's hard to see especially if you have sunlight hitting it.  

Good luck

10 minutes ago, Kyanos said:

I always prefer a monitor for the same reasons as the previous posters.  In addition I find that it's so versatile when I need to make quick movements if I'm following the action of another diver or creature and have to spin my body around.   It's easy to get back to your composition with the monitor.  I personally find the monitor on the A7's hard to see especially if you have sunlight hitting it.  

 

Good luck

This makes sense, thanks! I think I will start with the housing, lens, etc. Then lights will be next, and monitor last. I'm sure it's really nice to have a monitor.

It really depends on what you are shooting and what the goal is.  If it's a professional job and you have to get certain shots with certain subjects then I find a monitor is a necessity for me.  

1 minute ago, Kyanos said:

It really depends on what you are shooting and what the goal is.  If it's a professional job and you have to get certain shots with certain subjects then I find a monitor is a necessity for me.  

 

The goal is to capture beautiful content for sharing via YouTube. I'm sure it will eventually progress into jobs if it goes well.

Just keep it up and it will progress! Good luck!