EOS 7D How to connect to external monitor

[moraisluc221]

Can someone explain to me, how can I connect external monitor to Canon 7D?

[moraisluc221]

with other canon cameras, you can use an external monitor as your screen. However with 7D, I connected the same monitor and it does not display the image. 

[Tronhard]

Just to clarify this:
You want to use an external monitor for shooting video and/or still images.  Currently you have had to use just the optical viewfinder in the camera and that's not working for you, so you need to connect this external device so you can look at that instead of either the optical viewfinder, or LCD of the camera.
If that is the case, as long as your Freeworld LCD 7" monitor has an HDMI input, you should be able to apply the settings outlined in P185 of the manual.

[stevet1]

Trevor,

I personally don't use an external monitor to view what my camera is seeing, although I've seen pictures of scientists or biologists or whatever out in the field using them.

I do use an external monitor of sorts when I do remote shooting using my tablet.

Trevor, you devote a lot of time and patience trying to help new photographers develop their skills. I know you've helped me out a lot in the past, and for that, I'm grateful.

Steve Thomas

[Tronhard]

What cameras and what method are you using that works for you but not here?
I looked up the Freeworld 7" monitor range and according to their specs, they all accept 1920x1080 as an input resolution which is the output for the 7D for video.  When you say you can use "AN external monitor" have you used THIS monitor with other Canon cameras or are you going by what you have read?  As long as the HDMI is up to spec (as in the manual) it should work, if the HDMI is not the right specific type, you will have issues.

[Tronhard]

Thanks Steve, it's always an exercise in patience and communication - confirming what is being expressed on either side and of course technical knowledge.  I'm working on it.
I used to have both the 7D and 7DII and used them via a TV screen as a live monitor when teaching about photography, which is pretty much the same thing.  The signal, whether carrying the menu interface, a photo being shot or in view mode, or a video, all pass through the same bus to the monitor.  So, something is wrong here, we just have to be patient, check and recheck comms, and isolate the issue.
Perhaps its a bad or incorrect cable - don't know...

[stevet1]

moraisluc221,

I guess I have to thank you. Before you asked your question, I didn't know anything about external monitors or field monitors. I've learned a lot in researching your question.

Theoretically, it should work. 

Have you asked the Feelgood people if your 7D is compatible?

The only thing I can think of at this point, is are you using the HDMI cable recommended in your 7D manual?

Steve Thomas

[moraisluc221]

The feelworld has a mini HDMI to a regular hdmi. This I what I’ve been using with other canon cameras. I’ll change the cable and see. Thank you 

[Tronhard]

Well, we don't know if that is the issue until it works, but I sincerely hope so.  Good luck with that and if it turns out to not fix the issue come back to us!

[dickason]

I am trying to set up my laptop as an external monitor for my 7d while shooting the eclipse in a couple of weeks, and am curious whether this approach is valid for a laptop(?)