What's up with EVFs?

roxics

roxics

Veteran
I've noticed that while EVFs are built-in or available on some of the cheapest cameras made, the only aftermarket EVFs that exist seem to be really expensive.

We have a ton of inexpensive LCD monitors that can be mounted on camera shoes and elsewhere that are available.
Many of these smaller cheaper video/cinema cameras rely on LCD screens and come without EVFs, like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras and the Z-Cams. Even the Panasonic EVA1 comes without an EVF, just an LCD screen.

Where are all the cheaper universal EVFs that can be put on these cameras?
Which is probably answered by my next question, why are EVFs considered an expensive add-on for some camera makers while others are building cheap cameras with them built in?
 
The only cheap ones like the E350 (under 300 dollars) top out at 800x480 resolution. A slightly more expensive 1080p option I've found is the Portkeys 501 monitor cage which has a loupe and pairs with the Portkeys 5 inch monitors, about 500 total for all that.

https://www.amazon.com/PortKeys-Mon...eys+501+5"+Monitor+Cage&qid=1595091035&sr=8-1

There is also an IKAN one which I think is just rebranded from the portkeys--

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1382768-REG/ikan_evf50_kit_5_4k_support_hdmi.html

There is a Kinotehnik 5 inch loupe for the BMPCC 4K camera that supposedly can be put on any 5 inch monitor as it uses magnets and a glue on metal frame.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._for_blackmagic_pocket.html?sts=hist-pi&pim=Y
 
Last edited:
QuickHitRecord said:
I'm waiting to see what's going on with the new EVF from Portkeys: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBHI9rMpBbJ/
Click to expand...

Nice find!

Yeah I'm aware of the LCD/Loupe options. They just seem cumbersome. Although admittedly handy if you also want/need an LCD in a two-for-one package. But I'm thinking more of a small inexpensive tilting LCD that can be put on the top of all these smaller cameras without being this big bulky box the same size as the camera itself.
 
I have an F&V SpectraHD 4 that I picked up used for about $300. Image looks good enough but I just hate how long the whole thing is. It pushes the center of gravity forward so I have to add more weight to the back to counter it. I have high hopes for the Portkeys though.
 
Paul F said:
It's all about volume. For just the display, Alibaba has 5" screens for $25. But 1" screens are $300.

Another problem is the electronics are bigger than the display. Take a look at this 1" 2.5k x2.5k screen. The supporting electronics board looks to be about 3" x 3". Everything you need to build your own for $300. Just put in in a box and go. But it won't be small. https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...spm=a2700.details.deiletai6.10.22e4592fpJ8mIL
Click to expand...

As VR continues to gain popularity and increase in resolution, headsets will be made at greater scale which should bring down the cost of small, hi res screens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top