How do you like your DP4 EVF?
- Thread starter DustBowl
- Start date
mkfotos.com
Well-known member
Love it. That simple.
It could be improved, sure, but someone would eventually complain that it has a built in GPS, coffee maker, 2000# towing capacity, and costs $2000.
It could be improved, sure, but someone would eventually complain that it has a built in GPS, coffee maker, 2000# towing capacity, and costs $2000.
Erik Naso
Veteran
Works great. Only issue I have is the rubber eye cup falls off way to easy. I have to tape it in place. Not a deal breaker but could be improved. I believe SmallHD is working on a replacement. Would be nice to have SDI but then it would also be more expensive. Once you use an EVF like this you wont want to shoot without one.
Erik Naso
Veteran
I hear that! I use +1.25 reading glasses and was surprised that I didn't need a diopter. I pre-purchased a set of close up filters that I don't need.
Never had it fog up but that might be due to the conditions I was in. I've had broadcast viewfinders fog up so don't think this would be any worse or better.
Erik Naso
Veteran
I do like zebra strips but the DP4 doesn't have them
False color is pretty cool. I'm still getting used to it and I like it.
I don't use peaking but the focus assist is good.
stancemedia
Carbonite Member
Zacuto indeed does have Zebra's. The one nice thing about the DP4 is the movable 1:1. Zacuto does not have this feature. For me it's the only
draw back of the Zacuto EVF. Having to pan over...check focus...I've mentioned it they said potentially in other releases however who knows.
I've had one for a little while and I have to say I'm not very happy with it. Why? well...
1 - I've never worn reading glasses, but i need a diopter for it. At this price an adjustable diopter really should be standard
2 - No zebras - I really don't like not having zebras. I find false colour to be really intrusive. Massive flashing portion of the screen, when sometimes you want/need to push certain small bits over in order to expose other parts correctly. Zebras are like a quiet and sophisticated aid compared to false colour yelling in your face. I guess if you're from a DSLR video background you won't mind so much, but I think it's a rubbish system.
3 - focus assist and peaking are both poor for me. The peaking feature is (as SmallHd told me) designed for focus pullers, not operators - so with it on, you have an image that is way too dark to see properly, with white edging for focus, which is hard to spot anyway. Peaking is just peaking so not really useful for definite focus information. I would much rather have coloured edging (red or blue) on a properly exposed image.
4 - no waveform
5 - viewfinder falls off WAY too easily. There's no way this is a design feature as SmallHD claim; it's a glaring error.
6 - hdmi port is at the bottom, so the cable falls out and /or knocks the camera much too easily. This should have been at the side, or they should have a clamp option in the way that both Zacuto and even Cineroid do. This is the first time I've ever had a real problem with hdmi.
Yes, it's a good size as a monitor, and that's how I use it now - don't bother with the eyepiece, use the SmallHD as a decent and mobile monitor and get all my focus and exposure information from the Panny LCD. I upgraded from a Cineroid thinking I was doing myself a favour, but I wish I'd gone for the Zacuto now. I can't help thinking I've wasted my money on this one.
1 - I've never worn reading glasses, but i need a diopter for it. At this price an adjustable diopter really should be standard
2 - No zebras - I really don't like not having zebras. I find false colour to be really intrusive. Massive flashing portion of the screen, when sometimes you want/need to push certain small bits over in order to expose other parts correctly. Zebras are like a quiet and sophisticated aid compared to false colour yelling in your face. I guess if you're from a DSLR video background you won't mind so much, but I think it's a rubbish system.
3 - focus assist and peaking are both poor for me. The peaking feature is (as SmallHd told me) designed for focus pullers, not operators - so with it on, you have an image that is way too dark to see properly, with white edging for focus, which is hard to spot anyway. Peaking is just peaking so not really useful for definite focus information. I would much rather have coloured edging (red or blue) on a properly exposed image.
4 - no waveform
5 - viewfinder falls off WAY too easily. There's no way this is a design feature as SmallHD claim; it's a glaring error.
6 - hdmi port is at the bottom, so the cable falls out and /or knocks the camera much too easily. This should have been at the side, or they should have a clamp option in the way that both Zacuto and even Cineroid do. This is the first time I've ever had a real problem with hdmi.
Yes, it's a good size as a monitor, and that's how I use it now - don't bother with the eyepiece, use the SmallHD as a decent and mobile monitor and get all my focus and exposure information from the Panny LCD. I upgraded from a Cineroid thinking I was doing myself a favour, but I wish I'd gone for the Zacuto now. I can't help thinking I've wasted my money on this one.
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Igelkott Film
Well-known member
I don't know for the DP4 but I have some good news for the DP6 and that is that they will fix the strobe and stutter in there next firmware update.
Jordan Scott Price
Veteran
I love my DP4. I never have issues with the EVF or the eyecup falling off. The only issue I have is the clickwheel is a little touchy sometimes, and, if you leave the DP4 on for a while, you start to get temporary burn-in from the crop bars or the display information coming off the camera. That can be annoying, but it's not a real problem.
The focus assist and peaking functions are nice, but I prefer to just set marks and nail them. If you do have to pull focus by hand, I recommend the focus assist function - glowing white edges against a black background show where the image is focused - it just takes time to get used to it. I don't really use false color - I use the cameras' histograms - but it is useful once you get acquainted with how it works. It's not as intuitive or as clean as zebras, but it does the job.
I wish the DP4 had a histogram, but you're asking for a LOT from an $800 monitor and EVF solution. The DP4 is phenomenal for the prince, in my opinion, and it's hard to go wrong with it. I've used it with all sorts of cameras, and I honestly love it. The DP6 is also an amazing tool, especially the SDI version, since it really has every possible feature you need (and the resolution of the RED Bomb EVF at almost a third of the price).
The focus assist and peaking functions are nice, but I prefer to just set marks and nail them. If you do have to pull focus by hand, I recommend the focus assist function - glowing white edges against a black background show where the image is focused - it just takes time to get used to it. I don't really use false color - I use the cameras' histograms - but it is useful once you get acquainted with how it works. It's not as intuitive or as clean as zebras, but it does the job.
I wish the DP4 had a histogram, but you're asking for a LOT from an $800 monitor and EVF solution. The DP4 is phenomenal for the prince, in my opinion, and it's hard to go wrong with it. I've used it with all sorts of cameras, and I honestly love it. The DP6 is also an amazing tool, especially the SDI version, since it really has every possible feature you need (and the resolution of the RED Bomb EVF at almost a third of the price).
krick
Well-known member
I know, i don't need reading glasses and i need to add a filter +1 for the diopter... I am returning it, i was so disappointed... The EvF is useless to me, you can't even see the sides of the frame and the new eyecup stick to your eye because of its shape. I so wanted to love this little thing...
A couple of points.
1) While not adjustable, we will have a set of diopters on the website in the week or so.
2) The new focus assist that is currently on the DP6 will be part of the next DP4 upgrade. I think you will find it superior to anything in its class
3) Sounds like the Viewfinder it not a good fit on your unit. Please contact support@smallhd.com about that.
If you are not pleased with our product, I'm sure we can work out a refund of some sort. Please contact our support team at the above email address.
-reed
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Does these new diopters include negative - diopters as well?
Both the DP6 and the DP4 are amazing pieces of kit and for that price you really can't go wrong. I find myself using my DP4 more than I use my $3,200 RED EFV on my Epic. I did have an issue when I was shooting in Maui and I left the magnifier exposed to the sun and I ended up burning out some pixels. Small HD had no hesitation in replacing the screen and provided me with a solution to prevent it happening again. Small HD are a rare breed in they they are a pleasure to deal with and I can't speak highly enough of their products. The picture is bright and clear and does not suffer from refresh rates like my $3200 EVF. The build quality is robust and in my opinion superior to the Zaccuto EVF. I have also owned the Zaccuto and at the time of purchasing it could not do most of the things the DP4 could do including being used on a RED camera. Why would you not want a DP4 ? Its so versatile. I use it on my DSLR''s and Epic. Its a no brainer for me. Its worth having even as a back up. its too cheap not to own in my opinion.
I am not affiliated with or sponsored by Small HD in any way I just think its important to share good news
gaffney film
Active member
I have a DP6 and had a DP4. I didn't need both and the DP6 was more practical for my work. If I need another EVF setup I'd buy it again. I used it on a GH2, AF100, D7000 and F3. Even with my disdain for HDMI it never caused me a problem. The best part is that they will bust their butt ot make sure you're satisifed. Unreal customer support.
Coming from the DSLR to the HDslr world the smallHD Dp6 was a revelation (and lifesaver) to me as I re-learned to shoot motion manually...I started with the DSLR cameras LCD then the Z-finder Pro and could never get used to/comfortable with them...as I learned and progressed the Dp6 helped me keep my "situational view" and not be surprised by things that suddenly appeared in (or out of ;-) the frame...focus assist and false color are set as my hot buttons and get used a lot...the crawling ants/zebra always seemed strange to me on my sonys so it was nice to experience smallHD's system...after a over almost 2 years shooting with some variation of their products and implementations I still feel the same.
I've had the Dp4 since it first came out and it immediately replaced my Z-finder...having the same basic features and quality as the Dp6 in a smaller pkg more suitable to mobile/shoulder shooting has been great...2 years into HDslrs I'm a lot more used to shooting with them and find the tighter view of the Dp4 EVF has advantages for some of the kinds of shooting I do...especially when I need to be mobile outdoors (sports, action, wildlife, travel) and lately with setting up my star-lapse/timelapses...the quality of the image is fantastic and I'm not distracted by looking at screen pixels as I was with the Z-finder...I'm looking at image detail...I also wear reading glasses (2.25) and have never had a problem with wearing them while shooting with the Dp4...nor has that original eyepiece (the big one) ever been a problem...it's actually very comfortable with my glasses on...would a diopter be nice? sure it would...and they're coming soon...just like almost every other (reasonable ;-) feature that uses have asked for...
Another thing that really stands out and you'll hear a lot about them is that smallHD is very (quickly) responsive to user feedback and builds a great product that they stand behind (like in their post above...problem? they'll fix it...not happy? they'll take it back...no hassles...ever)...the company is small enough to be personal and big enough to be innovative and keep the prices reasonable / quality high...
Sorry to go on so long but finding this combination of quality, value and service nowadays is rare enough that I felt I needed to share.
...Ric
Ric Kasnoff | Photographer
ric@ricphoto.com
http://www.ricphoto.com
twitter: @ricphoto
Adobe Certified Instructor | Apple Certified Trainer
Member: APA (National VP) | NANPA | NPPA | PLUS
I've had the Dp4 since it first came out and it immediately replaced my Z-finder...having the same basic features and quality as the Dp6 in a smaller pkg more suitable to mobile/shoulder shooting has been great...2 years into HDslrs I'm a lot more used to shooting with them and find the tighter view of the Dp4 EVF has advantages for some of the kinds of shooting I do...especially when I need to be mobile outdoors (sports, action, wildlife, travel) and lately with setting up my star-lapse/timelapses...the quality of the image is fantastic and I'm not distracted by looking at screen pixels as I was with the Z-finder...I'm looking at image detail...I also wear reading glasses (2.25) and have never had a problem with wearing them while shooting with the Dp4...nor has that original eyepiece (the big one) ever been a problem...it's actually very comfortable with my glasses on...would a diopter be nice? sure it would...and they're coming soon...just like almost every other (reasonable ;-) feature that uses have asked for...
Another thing that really stands out and you'll hear a lot about them is that smallHD is very (quickly) responsive to user feedback and builds a great product that they stand behind (like in their post above...problem? they'll fix it...not happy? they'll take it back...no hassles...ever)...the company is small enough to be personal and big enough to be innovative and keep the prices reasonable / quality high...
Sorry to go on so long but finding this combination of quality, value and service nowadays is rare enough that I felt I needed to share.
...Ric
Ric Kasnoff | Photographer
ric@ricphoto.com
http://www.ricphoto.com
twitter: @ricphoto
Adobe Certified Instructor | Apple Certified Trainer
Member: APA (National VP) | NANPA | NPPA | PLUS