EVF SOLUTION (for now...)

Well,
I had chance to try Zacuto EVF last week. I went to my local camera rental shop and got one. I actually "broke the seal" on the box. The very first user!
It's a mixed feeling...
I really wanted for this to work GREAT on F3... It does not. Why?
First, monitor it self is far less quality or resolution or what ever you call it, than F3's LCD. It is just much harder to fine focus the image especially when the focal length is about "normal" or a bit wider ( with tele lenses it's kinda easier because of shallow depth of field and shows out of focus faster). That is a main short coming...
Another big one is HDMI connection. It sucks! For a add on device that is made to "float" around camera body in different set ups, having a flimsy HDMI cable and connection just does not cut it. For that reason alone all other EVFs with out at least SDI connections, are no go for me.
Last big one is the fact that if I want to place the EVF in the same position as my curent contraption ( see few posts earlier), I can't! The HDMI cable connectors and cable are sandwitched between the monitor and camera body, thus not allowing it to get close to each other and make a perfect balance on the shoulder. At this point my curent set up with F3 LCD with Hoodman viewer and magic arm has proven to be a winner. If you want to flip the Zacuto EVF and mount it flush next to the camera body, it is possible BUT than you are blocking all the command buttons that are needed for normal use. So ergonomically, for F3 Zacuto EVF is a fail...

I had the EVF for one day shoot of exteriors. After the first location, did ot even bother to mount it .... It remained in the bag. Pity...
Now, I did not have a chance to mount it on my Canon 5D... I guess, on DSLR this badges would be far more useful... I don't know. Time will tell. I will be shooting a documentary series in August on 5D for 30 shooting days all on location, and production is planning to get Zacuto EVF as a part of camera packages so a series test is pending. For F3, I'll keep using what I have now... But still hoping someone will make the real EVF soon...
 
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I am a long-time Zacuto fan...love their quality and service, but told them I'm not even remotely interested 'til it's SDI. It's a terrible predicament: I recently got a TV-Logic 5" monitor to help out the situation and that's so glare-prone outside, it's about worthless too. I think the Hoodman gizmo with a way to rig it to the camera is the next thing I'll try.
 
I finally got to see the Zacuto EVF the other day too. Seemed like a beefier Cineroid. That's it.

I was REALLY bummed to see it still was crazy over-magnified like the Cineroid as well. An operator needs to be able to scan the edges of frame and when the image is your entire field of vision, including peripheral, you can't do that. Not good.
 
I am glad i waited for...

I am glad i waited for...

... SmallHD DP4 EVF!

This is it!

The "beast" is now complete...

After initial testing of Zacuto EVF, I was really disappointed because picture was sooo far from F3's LCD. I had really hard time fine focusing. And the awkward layout of external parts, and...

Fast forward to DP4: none of the problems above. I never used SmallHD monitors before, so uncovering their "buttons and menus" was a blessing. Fit and finish? Beauty! No cheap plastic look and "GM Hummer design". Slik and big. Size is not an issue because I can mount this EVF flush with the camera body as HDMI out is at the bottom. Now, I only have to pray that they make SDI adapter (as promised on NAB) and it will be perfect...

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Thank You, SmallHD!:thumbsup:
 
Steve,
How does the SmallHD DP4 EVF compare to the Hoodman on the F3's flip out?
1- general sharpness and contrast/color accuracy?
2- color peaking accuracy (if it has it)
3- Zebras? (can you set 2?)
 
Steve,

I am chomping at the bit about getting this EVF. I have one concern and that is focus through the fixed length diopter. How is the focus through it? Also I have a request Steve... If it is possible could you get someone with "middle aged" eyes who's eyes focus at a full arms length -- they would presumably be wearing reading glasses, as well -- to look through the EVF snoot and find out if they get good focus. Thanks!

-Andrew
 
So you're saying the Zacuto EVF's image resolution was worse than the Sony's but that the DP4 is better? They are both 800x480 right? And can I also ask, the Dp4 doesn't have a diopter did you purchase a separate diopter so it can be adjusted (apparently Smallhd says you can buy diopters for the loupe) and if you have a nanoflash or ninja does the HDMI loop through on the DP4 give a signal to them.
 
I'm with Andrew, I need a diopter and I'm curious about how that would work.
Also, was the image that much better than the zacuto?
 
OK, kids... One at the time...I don' t know everything at the moment. I am reading a manual, still. As far as menu features, they are the same as DP6 ( I read) so who ever has an experience with it should chime in (regarding peaking and zebras and...).

Now, diopter:I was concerned about this as well as I DO WEAR reading glasses. Heck, I had to get Zacuto frames to achieve proper focus on my Z finder. I wear 1.5 and use glasses when I look at the F3 LCD screen... That said, I don't have problem getting the sharp image on DP4 now. The loupe is huge and the optics inside as well. On the other hand, as soon as I ordered this EVF and finding out that it needs 46mm close up diopters, I ordered a few (+1, +2 and +4) from eBay...they are Chinese made and all 3 were like $12 with free shipping.

Now I have to find a proper shammy for the eye piece hood (huge as well...).To go back to sharpness, with no scientific proof I can say that I focus much easier with this EVF than Zacuto. Especially with my all around lens Nikon 17-55/2.8, it was hard with Zacuto(read my post in this tread). I have no issues with SmallHD. Picture can be adjusted so well and so close to what you see on F3 LCD. I almost don't need peaking feature. Tomorrow I have a outdoor shoot. I will put this EVF thru it's pace. I know Zacuto failed me on similar shoot few weeks ago (read in my previous posts) and ended up in bag before the end of the day...Stay tuned...
 
Lenilenapi said:
Why in the world would they make a $750 EVF and leave off an adjustable diopter?
Click to expand...

Probably because it would be a $999 EVF then. Go figure... They are ripping us off with these any way you take it... But, we need our tools and this is one (good) option at this moment. I gambled and won. This is what I imagined when I got F3. Yes, it would be nice to have adjustable diopter but at this moment I don't need it.
And don't forget, this EVF can be used as extra LCD (small monitor) with great success...
Cheers!
 
I don't understand the diopter thing either. A cheap hoodman hoodloupe has it and you can get a set of +1,+2,+3,+4 bower 46mm diopters for $15.00. At least smallhd was smart enough to let you add them.
 
Hoodman should make a riser and strap so their loupe works on a 5.6" screen like the TVLogic, etc. Then we could get the camera far enough back to balance and have true HD to view.
 
Thanks for all the feedback thus far Steve. Curious have you put on the screw on diopter lenses yet to see if they add any benefit? I'm guessing it will be much like the Cineroid where the field of view gets over magnified. Maybe the +1 is usable. Anyway, hoping you have tried them out.

Best case scenario would be that SmallHD hears the overwhelming request for an adjustable diopter, makes one and sells the version 2.0 of the diopter snoot for a couple of hundred bucks to existing DP4-EVF owners.

Another question Steve... I noticed in an unboxing video the battery plate APPEARS to have a power adapter jack between the two battery mounts on the rear of the EVF. Can you confirm if this is the case on yours Steve?

I purchased a couple of P-Tap to SmallHD power plug cables a few weeks ago for another device. It would be capital if one doesn't have to add more batteries to the rig for those of us that have Anton Bauer or V-lock battery systems.
 
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Tata Steva said:
Well,
I had chance to try Zacuto EVF last week. I went to my local camera rental shop and got one. I actually "broke the seal" on the box. The very first user!
It's a mixed feeling...
I really wanted for this to work GREAT on F3... It does not. Why?
First, monitor it self is far less quality or resolution or what ever you call it, than F3's LCD. It is just much harder to fine focus the image especially when the focal length is about "normal" or a bit wider ( with tele lenses it's kinda easier because of shallow depth of field and shows out of focus faster). That is a main short coming...
Another big one is HDMI connection. It sucks! For a add on device that is made to "float" around camera body in different set ups, having a flimsy HDMI cable and connection just does not cut it. For that reason alone all other EVFs with out at least SDI connections, are no go for me.
Last big one is the fact that if I want to place the EVF in the same position as my curent contraption ( see few posts earlier), I can't! The HDMI cable connectors and cable are sandwitched between the monitor and camera body, thus not allowing it to get close to each other and make a perfect balance on the shoulder. At this point my curent set up with F3 LCD with Hoodman viewer and magic arm has proven to be a winner. If you want to flip the Zacuto EVF and mount it flush next to the camera body, it is possible BUT than you are blocking all the command buttons that are needed for normal use. So ergonomically, for F3 Zacuto EVF is a fail...

I had the EVF for one day shoot of exteriors. After the first location, did ot even bother to mount it .... It remained in the bag. Pity...
Now, I did not have a chance to mount it on my Canon 5D... I guess, on DSLR this badges would be far more useful... I don't know. Time will tell. I will be shooting a documentary series in August on 5D for 30 shooting days all on location, and production is planning to get Zacuto EVF as a part of camera packages so a series test is pending. For F3, I'll keep using what I have now... But still hoping someone will make the real EVF soon...
Click to expand...

Just happened upon this post and, while I normally avoid stoking the coals, felt compelled to respond. Please note that I have no affiliation with any equipment manufacturer or distributor. That said, while I understand that the above quote represents the writer's opinion, I feel that I must take issue with the findings for the benefit of those who may still be on the ledge in terms of decision making. And to be clear, what I am about to say refers to the Zacuto Z-Finder EVF Pro as opposed to their other models.
1. I own an F3, as well as several other cameras, and also own the aforementioned EVF. I'm sure we can all agree that the cam's own EVF is quite useless, but I have not found the image produced by F3's LCD to be that much different that the daylight image seen through the Z-Finder. Brightness and color can be adjusted to the point where they match. I will admit, that in low light conditions there is a tad of graininess to the Zacuto's image but it does not interfere with framing or focusing. As for magnification, the image does not appear any more magnified than the image through the finder on my PMW-350, when using similar focal lengths.
2. Focusing with the Z-finder is a breeze as compared to the F3's LCD, especially in daylight—I won't even mention the cam's own EVF. As for lens, normal vs wide, I typically use a variety that range from a Zeiss ZF 18mm, Nikon 50mm 1.4 and onward to the tele range. There have been no issues with focusing with any of these lenses via the Z-Finder. In addition, the Z offers image enlargement that further enhances fine focusing.
3. I too am not a fan of HDMI and would have preferred SDI for its BNC connector. However, both the Z and F3 use standard size HDMI connectors that have held up, so far, very well. I suspect that only the clumsiest of videographers will encounter disconnections with any frequency. The poster speaks of a "flimsy HDMI cable." The included cable, with its mini connector, is meant for DSLR, not the F3. And while the mini connector may be considered flimsy, the cable itself is not. Anyone purchasing this device for an F3 will have to supply his or her own cable.
4. I'm not sure why the poster would want to place the Z-Finder at the same location as the cam's EVF—a forward seated position would seem more natural to me, and is consistent with the location of most shoulder mounted cam's EVFs—but by purchasing an addition such as the Israeli arm, the EVF can indeed be located wherever one so desires. And BTW, the F3 is not a shoulder mounted camera. If the poster is using some "contraption" to achieve that form, than proper balance should be attainable with the right combination of "stuff."
5. Lastly, a comparison was made between the capability of the Z-Finder and the currently available HDMI Cineroid. In my opinion, the Zacuto is leagues ahead when paired to the F3. I will leave the applicability of either finder to the DSLR environment to others.
In summary, I believe that many neophytes, and perhaps some pros, peruse these forums and use whatever bits and pieces of info they glean in their decision making process. But in the end, the only way to make the right decision is to make your own evaluation rather than laying purchase to the opinions of others.
 
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Ron777 said:
Just happened upon this post and, while I normally avoid stoking the coals, felt compelled to respond. Please note that I have no affiliation with any equipment manufacturer or distributor. That said, while I understand that the above quote represents the writer's opinion, I feel that I must take issue with the findings for the benefit of those who may still be on the ledge in terms of decision making. And to be clear, what I am about to say refers to the Zacuto Z-Finder EVF Pro as opposed to their other models.1. I own an F3, as well as several other cameras, and also own the aforementioned EVF. I'm sure we can all agree that the cam's own EVF is quite useless, but I have not found the image produced by F3's LCD to be that much different that the daylight image seen through the Z-Finder. Brightness and color can be adjusted to the point where they match. I will admit, that in low light conditions there is a tad of graininess to the Zacuto's image but it does not interfere with framing or focusing. As for magnification, the image does not appear any more magnified than the image through the finder on my PMW-350, when using similar focal lengths.2. Focusing with the Z-finder is a breeze as compared to the F3's LCD, especially in daylight—I won't even mention the cam's own EVF. As for lens, normal vs wide, I typically use a variety that range from a Zeiss ZF 18mm, Nikon 50mm 1.4 and onward to the tele range. There have been no issues with focusing with any of these lenses via the Z-Finder. In addition, the Z offers image enlargement that further enhances fine focusing.3. I too am not a fan of HDMI and would have preferred SDI for its BNC connector. However, both the Z and F3 use standard size HDMI connectors that have held up, so far, very well. I suspect that only the clumsiest of videographers will encounter disconnections with any frequency. The poster speaks of a "flimsy HDMI cable." The included cable, with its mini connector, is meant for DSLR, not the F3. And while the mini connector may be considered flimsy, the cable itself is not. Anyone purchasing this device for an F3 will have to supply his or her own cable.4. I'm not sure why the poster would want to place the Z-Finder at the same location as the cam's EVF—a forward seated position would seem more natural to me, and is consistent with the location of most shoulder mounted cam's EVFs—but by purchasing an addition such as the Israeli arm, the EVF can indeed be located wherever one so desires. And BTW, the F3 is not a shoulder mounted camera. If the poster is using some "contraption" to achieve that form, than proper balance should be attainable with the right combination of "stuff."5. Lastly, a comparison was made between the capability of the Z-Finder and the currently available HDMI Cineroid. In my opinion, the Zacuto is leagues ahead when paired to the F3. I will leave the applicability of either finder to the DSLR environment to others.In summary, I believe that many neophytes, and perhaps some pros, peruse these forums and use whatever bits and pieces of info they glean in their decision making process. But in the end, the only way to make the right decision is to make your own evaluation rather than laying purchase to the opinions of others.
Click to expand...
I am happy you found Zacuto EVF working for you. I wanted that as well when I rented it for one day. It just did not work for me. I guess We are all different with different needs...On the othe hand, I don't understand your statement that F3 is not a hand held camera???Does that mean that we should shoot only off the sticks and have another camera if the job requires hand held shooting? Come on?I use my F3 on sticks and other stabilizers but on some shoots hand held is required and I did come up with a mix of accessories to mount it properly and in balance for shooting off shoulder. If you search my posts, you will find images as well. I even adapted a Hoodman loupe to be securely attached to LCD. Now, when I tried to mount Zacuto EVF in the same position in order to have the camera at the same position for off shoulder shooting, I could not do it because the outside layout of Zacuto. It simply does not allow to be there... Yes, you can move the EVF far forward next to and above the lens (as you suggest, which is fine) but that does not work on my curent lay out for off shoulder shooting ( again, you can refer to images of my set up to makemit clear).As far as focusing goes, I had problems with Zacuto. But, that's me. My description was just my personal experience and nothing more. Everybody should try and explore all possible options on the market and find what works.On the other hand, I tested SmallHD in the field today (outdoor shoot) on the bright and sunny day and I can say that this device is all I need from external EVF for my F3.Again, there are few people stating their concern about a lack of diopter on this EVF, but I can say that today even with out the diopter I had no problems focusing ( I do wear reading glasses and use them when looking at camera's LCD). What I found annoying was that EVF's loupe is so large diameter (46mm) that becomes issue when shooting in sun as it atracts the sun light and causes danger tomthe monitor below. I was really anal on covering it every time my eye was away...Is still did not receive my 46mm diopter lenses I got on eBay. As soon as I get them I will try them and report.Lastly, DP4 has a plug on the back between the 2 battery slots. I did order a d-tap cable when I ordered my EVF. It is a bit too long, but it will be a part of the kit for emergency situations when I run out of 3 canon batteries I have in my bag.Now, my next quest will be finding a nice soft cusion eye piece for this EVF. The size and shape of it is unusual and offering at the local cinema supply store was disappointing... I am still looking...
 
Ron777 said:
Just happened upon this post and, while I normally avoid stoking the coals, felt compelled to respond. Please note that I have no affiliation with any equipment manufacturer or distributor. That said, while I understand that the above quote represents the writer's opinion, I feel that I must take issue with the findings for the benefit of those who may still be on the ledge in terms of decision making. And to be clear, what I am about to say refers to the Zacuto Z-Finder EVF Pro as opposed to their other models.1. I own an F3, as well as several other cameras, and also own the aforementioned EVF. I'm sure we can all agree that the cam's own EVF is quite useless, but I have not found the image produced by F3's LCD to be that much different that the daylight image seen through the Z-Finder. Brightness and color can be adjusted to the point where they match. I will admit, that in low light conditions there is a tad of graininess to the Zacuto's image but it does not interfere with framing or focusing. As for magnification, the image does not appear any more magnified than the image through the finder on my PMW-350, when using similar focal lengths.2. Focusing with the Z-finder is a breeze as compared to the F3's LCD, especially in daylight—I won't even mention the cam's own EVF. As for lens, normal vs wide, I typically use a variety that range from a Zeiss ZF 18mm, Nikon 50mm 1.4 and onward to the tele range. There have been no issues with focusing with any of these lenses via the Z-Finder. In addition, the Z offers image enlargement that further enhances fine focusing.3. I too am not a fan of HDMI and would have preferred SDI for its BNC connector. However, both the Z and F3 use standard size HDMI connectors that have held up, so far, very well. I suspect that only the clumsiest of videographers will encounter disconnections with any frequency. The poster speaks of a "flimsy HDMI cable." The included cable, with its mini connector, is meant for DSLR, not the F3. And while the mini connector may be considered flimsy, the cable itself is not. Anyone purchasing this device for an F3 will have to supply his or her own cable.4. I'm not sure why the poster would want to place the Z-Finder at the same location as the cam's EVF—a forward seated position would seem more natural to me, and is consistent with the location of most shoulder mounted cam's EVFs—but by purchasing an addition such as the Israeli arm, the EVF can indeed be located wherever one so desires. And BTW, the F3 is not a shoulder mounted camera. If the poster is using some "contraption" to achieve that form, than proper balance should be attainable with the right combination of "stuff."5. Lastly, a comparison was made between the capability of the Z-Finder and the currently available HDMI Cineroid. In my opinion, the Zacuto is leagues ahead when paired to the F3. I will leave the applicability of either finder to the DSLR environment to others.In summary, I believe that many neophytes, and perhaps some pros, peruse these forums and use whatever bits and pieces of info they glean in their decision making process. But in the end, the only way to make the right decision is to make your own evaluation rather than laying purchase to the opinions of others.
Click to expand...
I am happy you found Zacuto EVF working for you. I wanted that as well when I rented it for one day. It just did not work for me. I guess We are all different with different needs...On the othe hand, I don't understand your statement that F3 is not a hand held (off shoulder) camera???Does that mean that we should shoot only off the sticks and have another camera if the job requires hand held shooting? Come on?I use my F3 on sticks and other stabilizers but on some shoots hand held is required and I did come up with a mix of accessories to mount it properly and in balance for shooting off shoulder. If you search my posts, you will find images as well. I even adapted a Hoodman loupe to be securely attached to LCD. Now, when I tried to mount Zacuto EVF in the same position in order to have the camera at the same position for off shoulder shooting, I could not do it because the outside layout of Zacuto. It simply does not allow to be there... Yes, you can move the EVF far forward next to and above the lens (as you suggest, which is fine) but that does not work on my curent lay out for off shoulder shooting ( again, you can refer to images of my set up to makemit clear).As far as focusing goes, I had problems with Zacuto. But, that's me. My description was just my personal experience and nothing more. Everybody should try and explore all possible options on the market and find what works.On the other hand, I tested SmallHD in the field today (outdoor shoot) on the bright and sunny day and I can say that this device is all I need from external EVF for my F3.Again, there are few people stating their concern about a lack of diopter on this EVF, but I can say that today even with out the diopter I had no problems focusing ( I do wear reading glasses and use them when looking at camera's LCD). What I found annoying was that EVF's loupe is so large diameter (46mm) that becomes issue when shooting in sun as it atracts the sun light and causes danger tomthe monitor below. I was really anal on covering it every time my eye was away...Is still did not receive my 46mm diopter lenses I got on eBay. As soon as I get them I will try them and report.Lastly, DP4 has a plug on the back between the 2 battery slots. I did order a d-tap cable when I ordered my EVF. It is a bit too long, but it will be a part of the kit for emergency situations when I run out of 3 canon batteries I have in my bag.Now, my next quest will be finding a nice soft cusion eye piece for this EVF. The size and shape of it is unusual and offering at the local cinema supply store was disappointing... I am still looking...
 
Tata Steva said:
I am happy you found Zacuto EVF working for you. I wanted that as well when I rented it for one day. It just did not work for me. I guess We are all different with different needs...On the othe hand, I don't understand your statement that F3 is not a hand held (off shoulder) camera???Does that mean that we should shoot only off the sticks and have another camera if the job requires hand held shooting? Come on?I use my F3 on sticks and other stabilizers but on some shoots hand held is required and I did come up with a mix of accessories to mount it properly and in balance for shooting off shoulder. If you search my posts, you will find images as well. I even adapted a Hoodman loupe to be securely attached to LCD. Now, when I tried to mount Zacuto EVF in the same position in order to have the camera at the same position for off shoulder shooting, I could not do it because the outside layout of Zacuto. It simply does not allow to be there... Yes, you can move the EVF far forward next to and above the lens (as you suggest, which is fine) but that does not work on my curent lay out for off shoulder shooting ( again, you can refer to images of my set up to makemit clear).As far as focusing goes, I had problems with Zacuto. But, that's me. My description was just my personal experience and nothing more. Everybody should try and explore all possible options on the market and find what works.On the other hand, I tested SmallHD in the field today (outdoor shoot) on the bright and sunny day and I can say that this device is all I need from external EVF for my F3.Again, there are few people stating their concern about a lack of diopter on this EVF, but I can say that today even with out the diopter I had no problems focusing ( I do wear reading glasses and use them when looking at camera's LCD). What I found annoying was that EVF's loupe is so large diameter (46mm) that becomes issue when shooting in sun as it atracts the sun light and causes danger tomthe monitor below. I was really anal on covering it every time my eye was away...Is still did not receive my 46mm diopter lenses I got on eBay. As soon as I get them I will try them and report.Lastly, DP4 has a plug on the back between the 2 battery slots. I did order a d-tap cable when I ordered my EVF. It is a bit too long, but it will be a part of the kit for emergency situations when I run out of 3 canon batteries I have in my bag.Now, my next quest will be finding a nice soft cusion eye piece for this EVF. The size and shape of it is unusual and offering at the local cinema supply store was disappointing... I am still looking...
Click to expand...

Hello,
I think you may have misunderstood, I said that the F3 is not a shoulder-mount camera. You can make it one with the various kits that are available from numerous providers, but by design, it is not a should-mount device. Some may choose to use the term hand holdable and shoulder-mount interchangeably, but doing so sidesteps the intent of the words themselves. So, yes, I too use the F3 as a hand held camera—held in my hands, not on my shoulder—as well as on a monopod or tripod. As you so wisely indicated, what works for one may not for another. I for one tried a camera mounted monitor—a TV Logic to be exact—and found it less than perfect for outdoor use and somewhat bulky. As for the Z-Finder, since I own several other proper shoulder-mount cameras, my use for the F3 is apparently different than yours, and a front mount position for the EVF works just fine ,with good balance and access,when the F3 is held by hand (i.e. by the handle) or mounted on a monopod.
My intent in writing the initial response was to allow those who may not have had the opportunity to personally try the mentioned EVF to see that there are those, and I am not alone, who have found it to be quite capable. If it weren't for the different needs and desires of the purchasing public, there would be a paucity of products for us to choose from. Therefore, the fact that we have different needs and opinions is a good thing, to say the least.
Best of luck with your setup.
 
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