C100: Z-Finder Pro for C100

As far as I know, it's the only solution that has been specifically designed for the C100. And it works pretty well.
 
Filmed a scene outdoors yesterday in the daylight. Couldn't see the LCD at all, and the viewfinder was way too hard to confirm focus. *sigh* caved and ordered the Z-Finder.
 
Honestly... your problems of not being able to see or confirm will be solved. Don't sweat the purchase. Also, I'm in Buffalo. We should know each-other in case we ever need matching cams for a gig.
 
Philip Johnston (HD Warrior) uses a Hoodman loupe and riser in his C100 review.

His C100 field test using the Hoodman starts at 6:44
Notice at 8:33- 8:56 the LCD w/ Hoodman stays tilted up until he's on the ground and bumps his face against it, but once he tilts it back up, it seems to stay.
Without rubber bands.


My question is, at $346 for the Z-Finder, is it 3 times better than the Hoodman Loupe and Riser for $110?
How do the optics compare???

What I'd love to see is a side by side test... hello, Erik??? :)
 
Erik Naso said:
Great review! I'm trying to find an option similar to the foam wedge. That would solve the only issue I have with the C100 Z-Finder and I think it's solvable even with the foam solution. The optics are good. I haven't seen the Hoodman and based on Matt's review of it I'm not sure I would like it. YMMV.
Thanks for the review Matt!
Click to expand...
Thanks! And yeah totally. The hoodman was usable, but not nice to use. But I can't knock that $150 price tag. But if you have the money the Z finder is absolutely worth it
 
I Liked the review too! I may have been one of the ones who complained a bit about the hand grip being too far forward when using the Zfinder but I have gotten used to it somewhat. I also wanted to mention that I have never experienced the issues where the insert in the Zfinder rotated around like that. Mine is always in the horizontal position. So maybe yours was defective.....or mine just hasn't shifted yet!
 
The Zacuto site says "The C100 Z-Finder Pro is designed for use with the standard battery included with the Canon C100 camera. (Canon - BP-955 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack-5200mAh) There may not be clearance for larger batteries."

Has anyone tried it with the bigger BP975? I always use that battery and would need it to work with the ZFinder.
 
Well, I rented a Z-finder to check it out and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I guess they changed their Z-band because it kind of works for me so far. It does look super goofy though...

the Z-finder is nice, as all previous version of Z-finder. What's cool is I removed the extra frame extender and it worked perfectly without it and it brings the camera a little bit closer to your body.

It's not perfect but definitely usable and needed when shooting outside.

I used it with the bigger battery and it works but it's pushing the battery down a little, It don't think it will damage anything but... I am not sure I want to know.

One thing I am curious about is the protective foam on the skirt. I really wonder how long this is going to last after sliding it back and forth when installing and removing it...

All that to say that the Z-finder is better than what I was imagining.
 
Here's a couple of pics of the Zacuto ZFinder on the Canon C100.

The larger BP-975 battery is on the first two pics.


zFinder3.jpgZfinder2.jpg

The smaller BP-955 battery is used on the last pic.

Zfinder.jpg


draculr said:
The Zacuto site says "The C100 Z-Finder Pro is designed for use with the standard battery included with the Canon C100 camera. (Canon - BP-955 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack-5200mAh) There may not be clearance for larger batteries."

Has anyone tried it with the bigger BP975? I always use that battery and would need it to work with the ZFinder.
Click to expand...



Canon C100 Kit Lease .JPG

 
I use it all the time handheld. I use a Manfrotto 361 shoulder brace (23$ !) and it works perfectly with the Z-bands. Sometimes I would just need to change the bands because it streched.
No I can't film handheld without it.
 
And the Manfrotto 361 does the exact same job as the Target Shooter. 10x less expensive. Lighter and it folds flat in your bag. A must have for 23$ on bandh
 
+1 for the Manfrotto brace with the Z-Finder. I combine it with a Canon TA100 quick release plate, which I also really recommend (similar to Sony VCT-style system.)

Ben.
 
Exactly. It rotates, it's expandable. Perfect. With the Z Finder and the 361 you have 3 points of contact. You can even screw your monopod on it.
 
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