Particularly useful when attached to a DJI Ronin M stabiliser
Post updated January 2018: The Panasonic GH4 is a fantastic all round camera and especially so as a 4K video camera. It is used by hundreds of thousands of videographers (pro, indie and amateur) all around the world. The rear, fold out touch screen is brilliant but I find it a little small when used on a stabiliser.
Would the iPad Mini 4 work as a monitor?
I bought the DJI Ronin M a while ago. When using it with the GH4, I soon found that I couldn't see the screen at quite a few angles when filming. Rather than spend more money on an external monitor for the GH4, I set out to source a way of using my iPad Mini 4 (which I bought as a monitor for the DJI Inspire 1).
It didn't take long before I had the following set up (see image below) which works perfectly with the Panasonic Image App (download free from iTunes or Google Play).
The lag time between Panasonic GH4 and iPad Mini 4 using a Wi-Fi connection is barely noticeable:
Equipment Used:
Note: If you would rather use a Smartphone as a monitor, check out the IVATION Universal Tripod Stand Mount Holder.
Set Up
Once you have the Ronin M set up and in its cradle for stability, simply attach the DJI Ronin M Monitor/Accessory Mount to the top bar of the Ronin M. I prefer it to be fairly close to the central handle for better balance.
Then, screw the Adapter Spigot into the accessory mount using the 1/4" thread.
Next, attach the Mudder Universal Tablet Tripod Mount Adapter for iPad to the Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head. Screw this assembly onto the 3/8" thread of the adapter spigot and you are good to go.
All you need to do now is place the iPad Mini 4 into the Mudder Tablet Tripod Mount. This is simple and secure, then connect the Panasonic GH4 to the Panasonic Image App on the iPad Mini 4.
A superb set up to create super-stable footage. See below for the first draft of a video I produced using the Inspire 1 and Ronin M/GH4/iPad Mini 4 set up below: