Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If you film YouTube videos in a studio or office, you know how difficult it is to see your camera’s tiny 3 inch screen, especially when the camera is several feet away. In this video, I will show you how to turn an old computer monitor into a large, clear camera field monitor for little or no cost.
Most 15 to 20 year old flat panel monitors are considered obsolete for modern computers, but many have a DVI input in addition to VGA. That DVI port is the key, because HDMI and DVI use the same digital video format, meaning you do not need an expensive converter. All you need is an HDMI to DVI cable. This direct connection gives you full fidelity, crisp, 1080p video from your camera to the monitor.
**How to set it up:**
1. Identify your camera’s HDMI output type: Standard HDMI, Mini HDMI, or Micro HDMI.
2. Get an HDMI to DVI cable with the correct HDMI plug and a suitable length, usually 6 to 10 feet.
3. Connect your camera’s HDMI output to the monitor’s DVI input.
4. Make sure the monitor supports your camera’s resolution, which is usually 1080p.
5. If possible, choose a widescreen 16:9 monitor for the best viewing fit.
**Advantages of this setup:**
* Significant cost savings compared to buying a dedicated field monitor
* High image quality with a clean digital signal
* Easy setup without converters or signal loss
* Environmentally friendly reuse of old equipment
This is one of the simplest and least expensive upgrades you can make to your video production workflow. Whether you are shooting tutorials, interviews, or studio content, a large external monitor will make framing, focusing, and exposure checks much easier.
**Links to recommended cables**
I have included examples of Standard HDMI to DVI, Mini HDMI to DVI, and Micro HDMI to DVI cables below so you can choose the right one for your camera.
Check out the production equipment I use and recommend:
barrywatson.com/recommended_equipment.html
For personal guidance, connect with me at barrywatson.com
Amazon product links have no additional fees or surcharges.
Referral credit from qualifying purchases helps support this channel at no-cost to you.
Check your cameras specifications to make sure you get the correct style hdmi cable
Capshi HDMI A to DVI Adapter Cable 10FT
(HDMI-A is used by many Sony cameras)
amzn.to/4fvMiAq
Rocstor Premium 10ft Mini HDMI to DVI-D Cable
amzn.to/45royZz
StarTech.com 3m Micro HDMI to DVI-D Cable
(micro HDMI-D is used by many Canon cameras)
amzn.to/4mBtamT
If you're using a smartphone as a camera (that has usb-c), you need an adapter cable like this for an HDMI output, which then can be combined with the HDMI to DVI cable above:
amzn.to/45b9eRX
If you film YouTube videos in a studio or office, you know how difficult it is to see your camera’s tiny 3 inch screen, especially when the camera is several feet away. In this video, I will show you how to turn an old computer monitor into a large, clear camera field monitor for little or no cost.
Most 15 to 20 year old flat panel monitors are considered obsolete for modern computers, but many have a DVI input in addition to VGA. That DVI port is the key, because HDMI and DVI use the same digital video format, meaning you do not need an expensive converter. All you need is an HDMI to DVI cable. This direct connection gives you full fidelity, crisp, 1080p video from your camera to the monitor.
**How to set it up:**
1. Identify your camera’s HDMI output type: Standard HDMI, Mini HDMI, or Micro HDMI.
2. Get an HDMI to DVI cable with the correct HDMI plug and a suitable length, usually 6 to 10 feet.
3. Connect your camera’s HDMI output to the monitor’s DVI input.
4. Make sure the monitor supports your camera’s resolution, which is usually 1080p.
5. If possible, choose a widescreen 16:9 monitor for the best viewing fit.
**Advantages of this setup:**
* Significant cost savings compared to buying a dedicated field monitor
* High image quality with a clean digital signal
* Easy setup without converters or signal loss
* Environmentally friendly reuse of old equipment
This is one of the simplest and least expensive upgrades you can make to your video production workflow. Whether you are shooting tutorials, interviews, or studio content, a large external monitor will make framing, focusing, and exposure checks much easier.
**Links to recommended cables**
I have included examples of Standard HDMI to DVI, Mini HDMI to DVI, and Micro HDMI to DVI cables below so you can choose the right one for your camera.
Check out the production equipment I use and recommend:
barrywatson.com/recommended_equipment.html
For personal guidance, connect with me at barrywatson.com
Amazon product links have no additional fees or surcharges.
Referral credit from qualifying purchases helps support this channel at no-cost to you.
Check your cameras specifications to make sure you get the correct style hdmi cable
Capshi HDMI A to DVI Adapter Cable 10FT
(HDMI-A is used by many Sony cameras)
amzn.to/4fvMiAq
Rocstor Premium 10ft Mini HDMI to DVI-D Cable
amzn.to/45royZz
StarTech.com 3m Micro HDMI to DVI-D Cable
(micro HDMI-D is used by many Canon cameras)
amzn.to/4mBtamT
If you're using a smartphone as a camera (that has usb-c), you need an adapter cable like this for an HDMI output, which then can be combined with the HDMI to DVI cable above:
amzn.to/45b9eRX
