FS7: Anybody using SmallHD 502 as viewfinder replacement?

Clermond

Clermond

Veteran
thanks to cameramanben for the great LUTcalc app which makes it possible to transfer the CineEI LC709A look to custom sLOG3.

But I must say I feel very uncomfortable relying to waveform and zebra only as exposure index and I am considering to replace the FS7 viewfinder by the SmallHD 502. Is anybody using this combo? Does it work with the embedded LUTs as they promise? Does it work when shooting 4K 60p internally and HFR in HD? What about power consumption? I don't understand why SmallHD hasn't added a 12V universal input or at least a d-tap. I read a review complaining about the sidefinder's low mechanical quality and the lack of a shutter that makes me hold off the order.
Thanks for your hands-on experience
 
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I don't have a fs7 so I can't talk about the combo with the 502.

Actually, I have the 501 and I use it with the A7R II and RX10 II.
LUTs on the 501 work like a charm. 2 batteries power the monitor for 3-4 hours depending on use and age.
As far as HFR goes, the monitor has no problem at displaying it on the RX10 II. However, if you choose to display camera info via HDMI, the image is scaled down on the 501 in order to accomodate shutter speed, aperture and ISO information. This can be tricky when focusing because the image is quite smaller.
On these dslrs, camera info cannot be outputted when working in 4k. I guess this limitation doesn't apply to the FS7, but I suggest you to check it out.

I have the sidefinder but I never used it, so I can't comment on it. Too bulky for me, but everyone has his own tastes.

Cheers,
Diego
 
I use it as a viewfinder replacement. Have 4 FS7s with the 502+Sidewinder...never actually plugged the Sony VF into these cams. It works fine, though the FS7's Focus Mag no longer works. That's the only feature I miss. mLUT, Zebras, Waveform, peaking, focus assist, all at the flip of a switch instead of buried in the camera menu or assigned to different buttons...it's nice.

The build quality is not fantastic, but I don't consider the FS7 bullet proof so it hasn't been an issue. If you come from the 2/3" world all of this has a fisher price feel. I do wish the outside was a hard plastic like the FS7's VF instead of that soft plastic/rubber stuff. Tape/velcro will not stick to it and it's prone to scratching. But I do consider it vital to making the FS7 a complete camera.
 
Taylor Rudd said:
I use it as a viewfinder replacement. Have 4 FS7s with the 502+Sidewinder...never actually plugged the Sony VF into these cams. It works fine, though the FS7's Focus Mag no longer works. That's the only feature I miss. mLUT, Zebras, Waveform, peaking, focus assist, all at the flip of a switch instead of buried in the camera menu or assigned to different buttons...it's nice.

The build quality is not fantastic, but I don't consider the FS7 bullet proof so it hasn't been an issue. If you come from the 2/3" world all of this has a fisher price feel. I do wish the outside was a hard plastic like the FS7's VF instead of that soft plastic/rubber stuff. Tape/velcro will not stick to it and it's prone to scratching. But I do consider it vital to making the FS7 a complete camera.
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thanks for your time writing this feedback, very helpful!
 
I'm in the market for a new monitor as my current cheap monitor doesn't disply 4K/UHD 23.98 signal from my FS7 (30p works fine). I don't need or want a recorder and just need luts, false colour and a good sharp picture.

I'm stuck between the 502 and the 702. Both have features that appeal to me. I love 7" monitors but the 502 is a slick little system that solves a lot of the shortcomings of the FS7 monitoring.
 
The 1000 nit brightness on the 702 is a big deal, makes a big difference for using a monitor outside.
 
Clermond said:
Does it work when shooting 4K 60p internally and HFR in HD? What about power consumption? I don't understand why SmallHD hasn't added a 12V universal input or at least a d-tap.
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Yes - it does work with every frame rate including 4K 60p on the FS7 and 180fps in HD.

Power consumption isn't that bad, it comes with two SmallHD E6 batteries and those go probably 2ish hours I'd guess. Both Canon E6 and the cheap Watson E6 batteries (only $35) work just fine with it as well, the battery percentages just aren't readable like they are with the SmallHD ones.
 
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stokstad said:
The sidefinder works OK, but its not that bright or sharp, and not sharp in the corners.
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I usually reduce the FOV to 35/40 when using sidefinder. Set peaking to 1 or 2 and you're golden.

The 502 automatically reduced brightness when using sidefinder. It maxes out at 25/50 I think. Can't remember exact units.
 
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TMHiggins said:
I have the 502 with the sunhood and it works great outside, just very annoying to put on and take off.
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Do you have anti glare stuck on the monitor? I feel that however well sheilded the screen is it can still act as a mirror just showing the operators face

S
 
It arrived today and as always there are pros and cons which are more or less important due to the personal taste.
My budget was quite limited after the purchase of the FS7 and I thought the standard VF would be good enough.
But now I must say: it is not. The image of the 502 is very sharp and brilliant. I always liked my small Marshall LCD50 HDMI
but now I think it's time to say good bye..

I was doubtful if it works with the sidefinder as a viewfinder. Yes it does.. but...
For a monitor alone it's a bit small. On the sidefinder there are some reflections
as describe in this review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrwtNvYSkno at 6:36
The sidefinder itself is more solid than I expected.

Up to now I realized one issue which I would call major:
If you display a LUT plus the waveform monitor the LUT does not affect the waveform.
You always see what's recorded and that can be confusing. At least for me it is confusing
see headroom which does not exist.
Same with zebras. If you record sLog2/3/cine you have to set the zebra at your log value.

I still have to get used how to handle the missing camera information in the 502 display.
Either you switch it off but then you are missing essentials like red index for recording, WB, ISO, battery life, recording time
Or you switch it on then it gets confusing as the 502 zebra react on the the FS5 display menu.
As you have to set your zebra to the log value all the display indexes are flickering.

The remote is a great idea but the joystick is very sensitive and
I quickly whizz around where I did not want to.

Would I buy it again? Yes but hopefully there will be a fix with the Log issue by firmware update.
 
'Log issue'

A harsh LUT will clip your highlights that are not being clipped in the file you are recording. Seeing a LUT and also the WFM of the image you are recording is not an issue. It is as it should be.

As for seeing the sony info and the small HD info.. you are aware of the 'display' button on the FS7?

I use this button a lot now I have a 502.

Alsmost hit record, then the display buttong (to turn off the garbage) then call 'rolling'

Also with the 502 you can have a page that might have a huge WFM and no LUT and the next page has no WFM

S
 
sorry for my bad expression. I was right talking about the display button. If you turn the FS7 display off after starting recording you also get lost of battery and recording time information.

And yes.. I would like to see where my highlights are clipped to see what's happening if I apply my LUT in post.
It's the way the on board LUTs are displayed. If there is only one solution I'd prefer this one but best would be to have a choice.
 
If you are in a studio environment you could consider mounting the stock monitor for 'status display' and take the clean SDI feed to the smallHD

S
 
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