Top 3 features of the new Zacuto Z-Finder EVF - Electronic view finder for your Canon 5D Mk II, 7D, T2i, Nikon D7000

It's hard to shoot pro video on a DSLR for the simple reason that the ergonomics don't accommodate a proper shooting style.  Most shooters have invested in an optical view finder mounted to the LCD of their camera, but the results are still unbalanced.   What we have needed, and wanted, was an electronic view finder similar to what is found on pro film and video cameras.  This allows you to mount the camera off-set from the viewfinder, giving you better access to the lens, and positioning your cam over your shoulder for support.  Existing camera rigs allow you to offset the camera from a shoulder mount to get your eye directly behind the cameras LCD, but this doesn’t fix the access to the lens.  Your essentially stuck executing a reach around technique to pull focus.  Also in this configuration there are no options for monitoring with a viewfinder from any direction other than directly behind the camera.   

Today camera accessory manufacturer Zacuto announced their latest product, the Z-Finder EVF.  A 3.2” high resolution monitor that will be used in conjunction with their industry leading line of optical viewfinders called, Z-Finders.  The incredibly robust and high quality Z-Finders will mount to the monitor in place of a permanent optical viewfinder.

Here are the specs so far

• Actual 16×9 screen
• 800×480 resolution
• .087 dot pitch
• Focus Assist
• Iris Assist
• HDMI loop through
• Operates off Canon LP-E6 Camera battery (1/2 day power)
• Includes a hot shoe mount or optional articulating arm kit.
• Can mount to other manufacturer's rig (RedRock, Cinevate, Letus, etc.) via 1/4 20 screw, 15mm rod or articulating arm
• All Z-Finder models snap on and off the EVF and can be used interchangeably between the camera screen or EVF screen
• Includes mini HDMI cable

There is still a lot to still be determined, but here are the top 3 features in my book: 

1. Resolution:  By using all the available pixels of the 16x9 screen you are getting 50% higher resolution over the cropped 16x9 image from the LCDs on the back of a Canon 5D Mk II and 7D.  Smaller dot pitch and more pixels give you a sharper image with less noticeable pixels when magnified through a optical viewfinder.  

2. HDMI loop through is awesome!  No need to split the signal for a second monitor.  Simply use the included mini HDMi cable to plug the Z-Finder EVF in to your camera and then use another HDMI cable to go out of the EVF to a client monitor or secondary LCD mounted on your rig.  

3. Focus Assist and Iris Assist:  (combined them into one) There are no details on the functions yet but I think you can safely assume you will see features similar to the Marshall monitors like, false color and peaking http://www.lcdracks.com/monitors/V-LCD50-HDMI.html.  This enable you to check proper exposer and focus on the fly.  Critical focus is huge on the DSLR cameras because of the potential for such dramatic shallow depth of field.  It is easy to miss it just slightly and ruin a shot by leaving it to soft.  

The release date is scheduled for February 2011 and currently Zacuto is asking for reservations to follow the process and be first in line for deposits that will start in December.  Estimated price is $775.  There has been some talk about the price being a too high but everything I have tested of Zacuto's is significantly stronger and more durable that the competition.  I expect the Z-Finder EVF to be the same.   The EVF is in prototype stage and they will continue to develop it with the help of some industry veterans.  I assume it will come with a lifetime warranty like all their products, but it's possible they may limit that because of the venerability of the LCD.  

The term game changer is thrown around way too much and in my opinion this is by no means a “game changing” product.  This is a necessary product for these cameras.  DSLR video technology is flawed on multiple levels.  I could write a whole blog on the subject.  In the end though this is a form factor that delivers something that is very difficult to justify in a pro camera package.  We are benefitting from the technology available to the manufacturers of still photography equipment.  They can afford to add these video features because it expands their market and sells more cameras.  They can’t change the form factor without alienating their existing customer base.  Pro manufacturers won’t make pro versions because the limitations of the sensors would alienate many of their core customers.  So we are stuck in the middle having to find accessories to assist us in using these tools in a professional manner.  A necessary manner.  With the Zacuto Z-Finder EVF, they have not introduced a “Game Changer,” but as  Zacuto co-founder Jens Bogehegn says in the product video, they have “made it right”  

For more information on the Zacuto Z-Finder EVF, or to get on the reservation list, go to http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf

Check out this video from Zacuto on the Z-Finder EVF: