The Aputure VS-2 is a 7-inch LCD monitor with a 1024×600 resolution. It has an HDMI input as well as YPbPr and AV input. It’s currently priced at 239 USD.
Watch the video review below:
Besides having focus peaking, zebra and a 2x and 5x zoom the VS-2 offers different useful safe areas such as 4:3, 1.85:1 and cinemascope (2.35:1).
When turning on the peaking everything that is in focus will appear red or white depending on which color you choose. But if your camera overlays (text etc.) are white as well they will be hard to read so I recommend using red for peaking. The menu of the monitor will not be shown as “in focus” but everything else. The peaking itself works great even when shooting with a shallow depth of field.
The menu is minimalistic and has no special design which is not a bad thing at all because everything is easy to find without getting lost or frustrated. The shortcuts are good to be able to switch on/off zebra or pretty much any function you want.
The overall built quality is okay regarding the price. It’s a bit plasticky but nothing to worry about except when using it as a frisbee 😉 .
We tested the screen mostly with the Sony RX10 and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and haven’t experienced any kind of problems or visible delays!
Three things the VS-2 doesn’t have: False color, histogram, audio levels. If you need exactly those features you should take a look at the bigger brother, the V-Screen 3.
Even though the monitor isn’t HD and doesn’t support 4K input it’s a good tool for beginners and has a variety of useful features. Another thing you should keep in mind is that the monitor comes in a safe case including a magic arm, an HDMI cable and one Sony NP-F battery with charger.
You can get the Aputure V-Screen 2 on B&H or on Amazon.
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Written by Moritz Janisch