C500: C500 ii: Recommendations for EVF and LCD monitor at same time

[seanadl]

Hi all,

I took my C500 ii out the other day for a test shoot in a run and gun rig (shoulder mounted with dual trigger grips). Immediately realized that the LCD screen that comes with the camera is not good in sunny enviornments.


So now i'm looking at getting an EVF. The trouble is, I also have the EU-V2 unit attached, so unable to use the evf-v50. The v70 is fairly expensive, but my main issue with that one is you lose touch focus on the screen.

Anyone have any other recommendations where I can keep the screen (and its touch focus capabilities) in tact and where they won't get in the way of each other?

Gratical HD looks promising, but not sure how I'd attach this to the camera with the LCD coming out of the same side....

 

[Barry G]

Hi all,

I took my C500 ii out the other day for a test shoot in a run and gun rig (shoulder mounted with dual trigger grips). Immediately realized that the LCD screen that comes with the camera is not good in sunny enviornments.


So now i'm looking at getting an EVF. The trouble is, I also have the EU-V2 unit attached, so unable to use the evf-v50. The v70 is fairly expensive, but my main issue with that one is you lose touch focus on the screen.

Anyone have any other recommendations where I can keep the screen (and its touch focus capabilities) in tact and where they won't get in the way of each other?

Gratical HD looks promising, but not sure how I'd attach this to the camera with the LCD coming out of the same side....

In a shoulder mounted situation, I don't know how you'd really be able to readily access the LCD and an EVF at the same time...even though the gratical or other SDI evf would allow both to be connected at once. In the V70's favor you have almost everything you need to control most aspects of the camera, including a joystick to move your focus points, something the gratical won't really give you. I've found the LCD to be reasonably bright for outdoors...have you tried increasing the backlight setting, and brightness setting? It seems like you really want the touch screen, so I'd be looking at a hood, or small flag mounted above the LCD.

As far as my set-up, if I'm going on and off tripod (to shoulder), I have the EVF-v70 mounted on the front, and the LCD mounted to the back of the handle. When I set down, or pick up the camera, I just switch the cable from one to the other.

 

[seanadl]

In a shoulder mounted situation, I don't know how you'd really be able to readily access the LCD and an EVF at the same time...even though the gratical or other SDI evf would allow both to be connected at once. In the V70's favor you have almost everything you need to control most aspects of the camera, including a joystick to move your focus points, something the gratical won't really give you. I've found the LCD to be reasonably bright for outdoors...have you tried increasing the backlight setting, and brightness setting? It seems like you really want the touch screen, so I'd be looking at a hood, or small flag mounted above the LCD.

As far as my set-up, if I'm going on and off tripod (to shoulder), I have the EVF-v70 mounted on the front, and the LCD mounted to the back of the handle. When I set down, or pick up the camera, I just switch the cable from one to the other.

I've ordered the EVF-v70 after doing some more research and a fair bit of thinking (it's pricey!). I'm going to do as you say, mount the EVF-v70 at the front and LCD towards the back, probably on a noga arm.

 

[Barry G]

I've ordered the EVF-v70 after doing some more research and a fair bit of thinking (it's pricey!). I'm going to do as you say, mount the EVF-v70 at the front and LCD towards the back, probably on a noga arm.

The EVF-V70 is really nice. It's a chunk of change, but is a steal compared to two months ago when it was 2 chunks of change . The image is stellar and I really like having the function button and a joystick right there, as it's the easiest way to control exposure parameters while it's on your shoulder. I was in the same place as you when I ordered it...looking at the gratical for the same reasons you were. I'm not unhappy with my decision. The only thing I wish was there was a menu button on it, but I think you can map that to one of the other buttons.

The LCD unit (complete with Canon bracket) will mount directly to the cold shoe on the back end of the handle, and screen can swing out to the right side, or sit slightly wonky over the top of the handle. Mounted this way leaves enough room for my fat head to sit between it and the EVF when shoulder mounting, although an arm will probably give you more flexibility.

 

[Guest]

I've ordered the EVF-v70 after doing some more research and a fair bit of thinking (it's pricey!). I'm going to do as you say, mount the EVF-v70 at the front and LCD towards the back, probably on a noga arm.

If you can, get one of those Noga arms with the quick release head. will make your life so much easier when packing the camera.

Something like this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MI8-Co9aDF6AIVBR-tBh25GACHEAQYBSABEgIc__D_BwE

Just pops off when packing into a bag or case. no screwing around.

The one design flaw of the C500ii is the inability to utilize Canon native EVF and LCD simultaneously. Especially since there is no on board menu screen, the LCD would act similar to the Varicam LT screen/panel. But that is what happens when engineers and marketing teams design products. For the most part, C500ii is very well done. Seeing as this won't be fixed, would be nice if Canon offered the EVF package with the body instead of the LCD. That way, buyers could put that money towards a TVlogic screen or something. I cannot imagine a $20K camera solution being 'just pull the cable...'

They should fix this and the fans in whatever next they make. But this is how camera companies keep us paying.

 

[Run&Gun]

If you can, get one of those yoga arms with the quick release head. will make your life so much easier when packing the camera.

Something like this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MI8-Co9aDF6AIVBR-tBh25GACHEAQYBSABEgIc__D_BwE

Just pops off when packing into a bag or case. no screwing around.

The one design flaw of the C500ii is the inability to utilize Canon native EVF and LCD simultaneously. Especially since there is no on board menu screen, the LCD would act similar to the Varicam LT screen/panel. But that is what happens when engineers and marketing teams design products. For the most part, C500ii is very well done. Seeing as this won't be fixed, would be nice if Canon offered the EVF package with the body instead of the LCD. That way, buyers could put that money towards a TVlogic screen or something. I cannot imagine a $20K camera solution being 'just pull the cable...'

They should fix this and the fans in whatever next they make. But this is how camera companies keep us paying.

I've been saying for years that Canon JUST DOES NOT UNDERSTAND professional monitoring needs for professional cameras. With rare exceptions, every professional camera should have a VF feed(native or SDI) and at least TWO SDI feeds(one clean and the other switchable: clean/dirty). Maybe I feel a little more strongly about this than some others, but I'm used to working in situations where there are times you need to feed out a signal(s) to many different things at the same time.

 

[ericsanpablo]

The EVF-V70 is really nice. It's a chunk of change, but is a steal compared to two months ago when it was 2 chunks of change . The image is stellar and I really like having the function button and a joystick right there, as it's the easiest way to control exposure parameters while it's on your shoulder. I was in the same place as you when I ordered it...looking at the gratical for the same reasons you were. I'm not unhappy with my decision. The only thing I wish was there was a menu button on it, but I think you can map that to one of the other buttons.

The LCD unit (complete with Canon bracket) will mount directly to the cold shoe on the back end of the handle, and screen can swing out to the right side, or sit slightly wonky over the top of the handle. Mounted this way leaves enough room for my fat head to sit between it and the EVF when shoulder mounting, although an arm will probably give you more flexibility.

Yup you can map the favorite menu to one of the buttons

 

[acgreen7]

Hi all,

I took my C500 ii out the other day for a test shoot in a run and gun rig (shoulder mounted with dual trigger grips). Immediately realized that the LCD screen that comes with the camera is not good in sunny enviornments.


So now i'm looking at getting an EVF. The trouble is, I also have the EU-V2 unit attached, so unable to use the evf-v50. The v70 is fairly expensive, but my main issue with that one is you lose touch focus on the screen.

Anyone have any other recommendations where I can keep the screen (and its touch focus capabilities) in tact and where they won't get in the way of each other?

Gratical HD looks promising, but not sure how I'd attach this to the camera with the LCD coming out of the same side....

Been looking at zacutos canon c500 mark ii zfinder - thats the only somewhat cheap (500$) option I've found where you dont have to mount 2 seperate pieces

 

[Barry G]

Been looking at zacutos canon c500 mark ii zfinder - thats the only somewhat cheap (500$) option I've found where you dont have to mount 2 seperate pieces

Man I really don't like how far forward you have to mount the LCD to work in a shoulder configuration with that Z-thing bolted on. In their photo, it's a mile in front of a longish EF zoom, and I'm thinking about a typical small wide lens and how much that finder's going to be in the frame. And to do it you're gonna need to invest in some additional hardware (Zacuto's specialty)..looks about an additional $500 if you buy theirs...I guess if you were on a tripod it could work with the existing canon mounts...

 

[acgreen7]

Man I really don't like how far forward you have to mount the LCD to work in a shoulder configuration with that Z-thing bolted on. In their photo, it's a mile in front of a longish EF zoom, and I'm thinking about a typical small wide lens and how much that finder's going to be in the frame. And to do it you're gonna need to invest in some additional hardware (Zacuto's specialty)..looks about an additional $500 if you buy theirs...I guess if you were on a tripod it could work with the existing canon mounts...

agreed, its not ideal. but if youre using the monitor for touch screen autofocus on your shoulder it probably has to be relatively far in front of the lens anyway just so you can see it and touch it?

seems like it would be smart for wooden camera/shape/bright tangerine/etc to make something since theres nothing else out there. canon dropped the ball for sure. I cant see buying a 4000$ evf is a viable solution for the target market the mark ii appeals too

 

[Barry G]

agreed, its not ideal. but if youre using the monitor for touch screen autofocus on your shoulder it probably has to be relatively far in front of the lens anyway just so you can see it and touch it?

Seems like it would be smart for wooden camera/shape/bright tangerine/etc to make something since theres nothing else out there. canon dropped the ball for sure. I cant see buying a 4000$ evf is a viable solution for the target market the mark ii appeals too

Well, if you're wanting touch screen, then this salami hanging off the front of the screen, and then flipping over the top, isn't a very elegant solution. I'd probably go with a hood. That said, I've mounted the LCD forward on the canon bracket for shoulder mounting and it's not nearly as far forward as the zacuto setup...(I'm old...so I keep a pair of 2.5 reading glasses on me so that the lcd is just 4-5 inches in front of my face.

As far as target market for the C500 II. I've described this camera in the past as a good all-rounder. It can be configured so many ways, that I don't think there really is a "target". I came at it from a C300 mark II owner's perspective wanting a C700FF and not willing to pay the CODEX penalty with that camera. I'd consider myself the target market for the camera. That person wants a solid shoulder option, and shoulder means EVF. You can use a zacuto all well and good, but the Canon EVF v70 is a better piece of hardware, and as an 1080p OEM device it's more competitive with offerings from other camera manufacturers...The Mini LF EVF is $7k. The RED EVF is $4150. Sony's is $5.2k. Panasonic's EVF is $5400.

 

[Run&Gun]

agreed, its not ideal. but if youre using the monitor for touch screen autofocus on your shoulder it probably has to be relatively far in front of the lens anyway just so you can see it and touch it?

seems like it would be smart for wooden camera/shape/bright tangerine/etc to make something since theres nothing else out there. canon dropped the ball for sure. I cant see buying a 4000$ evf is a viable solution for the target market the mark ii appeals too

Well, putting expensive "accessories" on inexpensive cameras is nothing new. I get your point, but...

I mean heck, my C300 is worth a few grand at the most, now, but I have a 17-120 on it a lot.

 

[ericsanpablo]

agreed, its not ideal. but if youre using the monitor for touch screen autofocus on your shoulder it probably has to be relatively far in front of the lens anyway just so you can see it and touch it?

seems like it would be smart for wooden camera/shape/bright tangerine/etc to make something since theres nothing else out there. canon dropped the ball for sure. I cant see buying a 4000$ evf is a viable solution for the target market the mark ii appeals too

Just FYI if anyone is interested - the Solid Camera EVF mount with the Alphatron attachment actually fits rock solid on the c200 lcd with Zfinder. The Alphatron mount has a little lip or ledge that prevents any twisting and just so happens to be at exactly the right spot to fit the lcd. I may be selling mine as I've moved to an EVF-V70, but not sure yet as it's a really great EVF mount that's no longer in production and can be used in so many ways in the future (the craftmanship is really beautiful too imo). The Arri viewfinder system works better for me with the EVF-V70 (that said, for reference, I was able to rig the Solid Camera Alphatron mount to an arri viewfinder dovetail adapter).

 

[seanadl]

The EVF-V70 is really nice. It's a chunk of change, but is a steal compared to two months ago when it was 2 chunks of change . The image is stellar and I really like having the function button and a joystick right there, as it's the easiest way to control exposure parameters while it's on your shoulder. I was in the same place as you when I ordered it...looking at the gratical for the same reasons you were. I'm not unhappy with my decision. The only thing I wish was there was a menu button on it, but I think you can map that to one of the other buttons.

The LCD unit (complete with Canon bracket) will mount directly to the cold shoe on the back end of the handle, and screen can swing out to the right side, or sit slightly wonky over the top of the handle. Mounted this way leaves enough room for my fat head to sit between it and the EVF when shoulder mounting, although an arm will probably give you more flexibility.

Out of interest, what shoulder rig do you have and what bag do you carry it all in? I'm currently using the SHAPE BP10 Revolt VCT Universal Baseplate with Shoulder Mount with the Zauco Rosette Dual Trigger Grips attached. Finding it hard to put these into a camera bag that I can take out in a run and gun shoot. Keeping everything rigged the way it is, I need an absolutely massive bag! Thinking of ways of downsizing or looking at a camera bag that can fit all this without being enormous.

 

[Barry G]

Out of interest, what shoulder rig do you have and what bag do you carry it all in? I'm currently using the SHAPE BP10 Revolt VCT Universal Baseplate with Shoulder Mount with the Zauco Rosette

Dual Trigger Grips attached. Finding it hard to put these into a camera bag that I can take out in a run and gun shoot. Keeping everything rigged the way it is, I need an absolutely massive bag! Thinking of ways of downsizing or looking at a camera bag that can fit all this without being enormous.

Well, obviously if the built up camera is enormous, the bag that fits it is going to be enormous.

I’m using a Zacuto VCT baseplate with their spring-ratchet handle. Currently using my old Lowe pro video bag, but I spent a few hours at B&H last month trying every bag they carried, and the tenba Cineluxe is the winner. For me it’s between the shoulder bag and the backpack in the 24” version. Best to transform your cam into its most compact cube like configuration and take measurements and compare to their specs , as a rig with handles and EVF extended isn’t going to fit in anything, and is more likely to get damaged. The CineLuxe bags have a very nice build and unique Doctor Bag opening that is perfect for this type of built up rig.

 

[ericsanpablo]

Yup tenba cineluxe 24 ftw. I like the backpack, it's unique and I never liked carrying so much weight on one shoulder

 

[Barry G]

Yup tenba cineluxe 24 ftw. I like the backpack, it's unique and I never liked carrying so much weight on one shoulder

yeah. Mostly with my current bag, it just cradles the built up C500II in the car. Otherwise I'm carrying the camera by the handle all by itself. Tried it on the shoulder the other day and that was hilarious. The Cinelux shoulder bag, does have the benefit of the doctor style handles in the center of the opening...and its quite a bit taller than the Backpack, so if you need more room it would be a good choice, and the handles let you carry it properly, like a bowling ball.