Zacuto Zfinder viewfinder Is it worth it? Changes form factor

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draven4

Well-known member
Need to ask you all. In your opinion is a Zacuto viewfinder worth the money? I'm not really asking in terms of a Zacuto brand verses another brand. Because there are threads on cheaper ones. I'm just asking does it really help in general for pulling focus.

The reason I ask is because I went out and bought one and then I found myself thinking. I could have thrown the money into some more money and bought a nice lens and been able to still pull focus and shoot fine.

Also I noticed that as soon as you buy the viewfinder it changes the way you shoot in general, going from a comfortable handheld or shoulder mounted style to now having to constantly look through a viewfinder. You never really realize how comfortable it is to look at an lcd monitor until you put one of these on and you always have to hold the camera up and look through a viewfinder.

Also I always use a shoulder mount for filmmaking with the 7d but in terms of sightseeing and shooting pictures (as a tourist) with this camera the viewfinder it is not very practical. I use it when I travel too to take pictures. Does anyone feel the same? Makes me appreciate how the DVX (back in the day) simply had a flip out monitor with a viewfinder included. Maybe I'm being picky because I know you can just pop the finder off.

Lastly witout a shoulder mount the when you put a viewfinder on it feels as though the camera's form factor feels awkward because your hand is palm facing forward as with a real video camera your hand is palm upward. Anyone notice this? Don't know if this is making sense. Anyone who owns a Z-finder and shoots for a long period of time could probably relate. (minus a shoulder mount) Care to share any thoughts?
 
I have the Z-Finder and it does change the way you shoot a bit. But if you want to shoot the way you used to shoot, just take it off. I have it attached with a very short lanyard type thing to the camera strap, so the Z-Finder just breaks off and hangs at the side. No distraction at all.

I can tell you this though. For critical focus and any type of rack focus, the Z-Finder is crucial. I shot this documentary piece with lots of run and gun down in Peru. Went down there 2 times. The first time w/o Z-finder, the 2nd time with it. And I can tell you I was able to nail the focus MUCH better with it, especially when you have to work fast for B-Roll type shots. I would say the first trip, my focus was accurate on about 65% of shots when I was in a hurry. But with the Z-Finder, I was nailing about 95% of shots, even when in a rush to get the b-roll shot. So yeah... it's worth it IMO.

If it's just a locked off shot and you have time and don't do any rack focusing, it's not needed. Unless there is a lot of sun, then the LCD becomes hard to see. Oh yes.. with the Z-Finder the image is always sun free which is nice.
 
Yes. =) Basically, what gene said. In many situations, you CANT pull focus right without it. Even if you use the zoom function out of record mode, you will have SERIOUS issues with focus without a z-finderish thingie. I use the zacuto one, and have no comparison. I have a 7d and 550d and i swap back and forth between which has the finder and which uses the 9-inch HD monitor. And I'll tell you... the camera that needs the sharper focus gets the z-finder.
 
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