The Z-Finder EVF

Zacuto releases an essential HD DSLR tool

By Neil Matsumoto

Labels: Zacuto, Workflow

This Article Features Photo Zoom

The Z-Finder EVF in use with a handheld rig.

We're all aware of the various work-arounds associated with HD DSLRs. Although most HD DSLR users consider sound to be the biggest problem, I've actually found monitoring to be the system's Achilles' heel when capturing professional-quality video. One of the main problems working with most HD DSLRs is that while in video mode, the optical viewfinder disengages, leaving only the LCD monitor to view footage. With razor-thin shallow depth of field, achieving critical focus, especially on moving subjects, is a difficult task for an accomplished 1st AC and near-impossible for a novice filmmaker without proper monitoring. Because there hasn't been a great all-around solution for a professional viewing system, most filmmakers have been using a stationary optical viewfinder clamped to the camera's LCD or a seven-inch LCD monitor mounted to the camera's hot-shoe.

Although the LCD screens on HD DSLRs are of good qual-ity, most of the screens are positioned flat against the body of the camera, making it difficult to view the screen when not eye-level with the camera. Also, for exterior daylight shooting, it's difficult to judge the frame, since you can't block out bright ambient sunlight.

Zacuto lets you manually set your scale and also cleverly includes scaling settings for specific cameras (Canon EOS 5D and 7D, Nikon D7000, etc.) to capture the picture edge-to-edge.

The Zacuto Z-Finder EVF allows you to position your viewfinder at any angle so you don't have to be eye level with the camera's LCD screen.

A few years ago, camera-accessory manufacturer Zacuto released the Z-Finder, an optical viewfinder that attaches to the back of the camera's LCD screen, enabling shooters to properly monitor their shots. Because the viewfinder contains a 2.5x or 3x magnifier, you're able to see in better detail if your shots are in focus or not. For many HD DSLR users, the Z-Finder is an essential piece of gear. The only problem was that if you wanted to shoot at a low level near the ground, you'd probably have to lie on your stomach in order to see through the Z-Finder.

Recently, Zacuto has taken the Z-Finder concept to the next level by releasing the Z-Finder EVF, a 3.2-inch, high-resolution electronic viewfinder that I'm sure many professional camera operators will appreciate. There are several pro features that differentiate the Z-Finder EVF from an optical viewfinder.
These include:

• Zebra stripes to approximate proper exposure
• Focus assist or peaking, which sharpens objects that are in focus
• Color bars and Blue only to view SMPTE color bars for calibrating your monitor
• An anamorphic setting that will unsqueeze a 2.35:1 image when an anamorphic lens is attached
• Frame lines for different aspect ratios, including 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1 and others

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