EVF SOLUTION (for now...)

I bought the Zacuto EVF based on positive reviews, relatively small size and because it features a built-in adjustable diopter, which is important to have for my 52 year old eyes when shooting through progressive lenses. I was quite disappointed last week when it arrived and found I couldn't focus the damned thing at any setting using the diopter. Its not like my eyes are all that bad...I can use VF's on any pro broadcast camera and even Sony's EX3 without issues. Why is it so hard for these manufacturers to get it right?

Guess I'll try taking the Zacuto to my optician to see if they can help me out...

BTW, I have no issue with Philip Bloom putting his 2 cents in regardless of his sponsors. I find his reviews to be fairly unbiased and very helpful. In my book, he is a journalist in every sense of the word.
 
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@JCummings...try and use the extender frames for the zfinder. If you don't have them I'm sure they'll probably send you some. I've hear 2 many people complain that the zfinder diopter doesn't do a damn thing, so it seems to be true. the Zevf has really been helpful in focus and exposure for me. But i was somewhat disappointed with the colour and res... which is not ALL that different from the back of the 7d res to my eyes. However you dont see the pixels like on the camera. Again though focusing (peaking)and exposure (false colour and zebras) and the aspect ratio frame lines really help me alot.
 
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Same for me last week with my new Zacuto EVF. Then I look to the video on the website. I put the 2 extender frame. Now i can focus very well !
 
Extender Frames

Extender Frames

JCummings said:
I bought the Zacuto EVF based on positive reviews, relatively small size and because it features a built-in adjustable diopter, which is important to have for my 52 year old eyes when shooting through progressive lenses. I was quite disappointed last week when it arrived and found I couldn't focus the damned thing at any setting using the diopter. Its not like my eyes are all that bad...I can use VF's on any pro broadcast camera and even Sony's EX3 without issues. Why is it so hard for these manufacturers to get it right?

Guess I'll try taking the Zacuto to my optician to see if they can help me out...

BTW, I have no issue with Philip Bloom putting his 2 cents in regardless of his sponsors. I find his reviews to be fairly unbiased and very helpful. In my book, he is a journalist in every sense of the word.
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HI Jcummings- please do try the extender frames. There should be some in the package with your EVF. If you have any further questions you can email me. Mandy@zacuto.com
Thanks
 
JCummings said:
I bought the Zacuto EVF ... because it features a built-in adjustable diopter, which is important to have for my 52 year old eyes when shooting through progressive lenses. I was quite disappointed last week when it arrived and found I couldn't focus the damned thing...Its not like my eyes are all that bad...I can use VF's on any pro broadcast camera and even Sony's EX3 without issues.

Guess I'll try taking the Zacuto to my optician to see if they can help me out...
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My recommendation would be to return it if the extender frame doesn't fix the problem and get the DP4-EVF, that is, if you bought the Zacuto EVF from a place that will accept a return. Better yet, if you can find out if someone in your area has the DP4-EVF, go and check it out before you try to get an RMA on the Zacuto unit. B&H has a thirty day return policy. Not sure if Zacuto themselves have a gracious return policy.

Several people here, myself included have middleaged vision and got the SmallHD DP4-EVF finding it to be a "home run" in terms of focusing power. I hope that Steve Tata will chime in but as you will see from earlier in this thread, he had the Zacuto and moved to the DP4 for a variety of reasons. I use an EX3 for my corporate and ENG shooting and have little issue focusing with with the EVF. The DP4-EVF, however, is HUGE step up from the EX3 in terms of it's focusing ability. Subjectively, it feels like going from a 24" screen to a 56" screen when comparing the EX3 EVF to the SmallHD DP4-EVF. The focus assist feature on the SmallHD monitors is brilliant and in most cases a more appropriate focusing aid than peaking.

The missive recently mentioned about the bowing of the image, I have addressed in a previous post which places the level of criticism to the degree in which it deserves. Fiddly buttons are also mentioned in the missive. Agreed, to a point... The menu system is not as elegant and easy to use as say the Marshall menu system but a quick go over the manual and you have it figured out. There are only a couple of settings you may wish to change and these are easily dropped into assisgnable presets which one is unlikely to get around to setting up in the first week or two of operation.

The eyecup falling off when it gets even slightly grazed to me is the biggest drawback of this EVF. Size isn't an issue as this is a trade off that allows such amazing focusing potential of the unit. I have not had either a problem with the loupe fogging up or image refresh issues. Where the heck did that one come from?!! I just came off a two day shoot using the DP4 EVF where the heat and humidity was quite high and I had no fogging issues. None. Nadda.

I am going suggest that the major players in this thread up until a couple of days ago continue to provide commentary that will aid either DP4-EVF users or potentially new ones in effectively utilizing their new tool. Having it devolve into a slamfest on one or another product should not be happening. Unfortunately, someone started the mess. I believe we should now just ignore it and move back to constructive discussion about the SmallHD product.

It would make sense at this point to start new threads about the other available EVFs at this point.
 
Well that's what those plastic bits are!
Nothing like sounding like an idiot in public. I put two frames in and problem solved. I'll remount it and try it out a little later. The jury remains out until I give it a good shakedown.

Andrew, I have the DP6 and love it to death. I didn't try the DP4VF simply beacuse I don't think it will fit on the VF mount on my MovietubeCR, which is actually designed for a Cineroid. I had to actually flip that CR mount over to accomodate the Zacuto and it's side connectors, and it's still a tight fit for the smaller Zacuto.

Thanks for the heads up on the frames.
 
JCummings said:
Andrew, I have the DP6 and love it to death. I didn't try the DP4VF simply beacuse I don't think it will fit on the VF mount on my MovietubeCR, which is actually designed for a Cineroid.
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I see your logic. Makes sense to use the Zacuto one in your case. Good that you got things sorted... we all make mistakes.
 
I tried Zacuto with 4 of those frames on and nothing worked for me. I use the Hoodman on the F3 flip out with Steve Tata's rig and it works OK but its not great. DP4 sounds great but man I don't want to deal with HDMI especially as I like to use a TVLogic at the same time. I'd like to try one though.
 
There is pass-through HDMI on the DP4-EVF. Download the manual and have a look at the inputs. You can also have a gander at the features supplied through the menus as well.
 
Pass through helps but I need to be able to go out to an external monitor as well that will be SDI. No problem if recording to cards since I still have an SDI "A" out , but it becomes an issue if using a separate recorder. Of course in theory you could go DP4 to TV Logic in HDMI then SDI out to larger monitor. Not out of the question and its not an issue for run and gun when you need the big viewfinder, and don't need the EVF at all for more static indoor shoots anyway. You got me thinking.....
 
Shot several gigs with the DP4 EVF now. No fogging issues and zero refresh problems. It's not for everybody, of course - yes it is bigger than other EVF's. But that's because it is a very useable monitor as well! I can use it with glasses for those that wear them, but you can add standard diopter adjustment lenses if you want to go that route instead. I'm not in the business of reviewing products, but I can share my shooting experience and so far it's made a huge difference.
 
I originally ordered the DP4 EVF. Like Joe says above, it's a great monitor, and the whole unit is well-built and exceptionally engineered. As I would expect from Reed and the guys at SmallHD. But I found that, for me, it was just a bit too big for the FS-100 I'm using. If I had an F3, I think the DP4 would be perfect. And since I travel a lot for shoots, the extra size and weight of the DP4 was a bit more than I wanted to carry.

So I picked up the Zacuto EVF, which I think is a better match for the FS-100.
 
Lenilenapi said:
Pass through helps but I need to be able to go out to an external monitor as well that will be SDI. No problem if recording to cards since I still have an SDI "A" out , but it becomes an issue if using a separate recorder. Of course in theory you could go DP4 to TV Logic in HDMI then SDI out to larger monitor. Not out of the question and its not an issue for run and gun when you need the big viewfinder, and don't need the EVF at all for more static indoor shoots anyway. You got me thinking.....
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I haven't physically checked this yet, but SDI should be able to feed (my) the TVLogic 5.6", which can then feed (my) the DP4-EVF using its converter. There might be some barely noticeable lag in the conversion showing up on the DP4, not sure.
 
I know this is the F3 section and I've read through all the pros & cons mentioned, but could anyone comment on using the SmallHD DP4 hotshoe mounted with a DSLR? It seems to be the right size for a field monitor/EVF and price is about right for DSLR shooting.

I figured someone might have shot with it on a backup/stealth DSLR cam. Any insight would be appreciated.
 
tirapell said:
I know this is the F3 section and I've read through all the pros & cons mentioned, but could anyone comment on using the SmallHD DP4 hotshoe mounted with a DSLR? It seems to be the right size for a field monitor/EVF and price is about right for DSLR shooting.

I figured someone might have shot with it on a backup/stealth DSLR cam. Any insight would be appreciated.
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ITs great. Using it in that configuration tommorow on a 5D job, and its small size and battery life is great. I use it without the Viewfinder.
 
TimurCivan said:
ITs great. Using it in that configuration tommorow on a 5D job, and its small size and battery life is great. I use it without the Viewfinder.
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Thanks. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger. Just wanted to get something that would work both inside and outside, in bright light, and in a run & gun situation. It seems to fit the bill. Appreciate the response.
 
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