Zacuto Talks EVF

September 28, 2010

in Gear,News

Sometime in the last 12 hours Zacuto put together a page sharing information on their 2011 EVF. Simply put, its a high resolution 3.2 inch monitor coupled with a Z-finder.

Review these specs and then lets discuss this… 

Z-FinderEVF Specs

  • 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
  • $775 (Not including Z-finder)

Thoughts…

Ok now that we have established the details lets look at this. From what I have read here are some things I am seeing.

  1. Price – If you don’t have a Z-finder you are looking at something like $1040 to $1170 vs the MicroEVF for $599.
  2. Resolution – Right now Redrock’s EVF still takes the cake when it comes to resolution. Remember Redrock’s announcement that the MicroEVF would be higher resolution than the RED Bomb EVF which is 1280 x 784 (Specs here).
  3. HDMI Inputs – Here Zacuto gets it done. Not having to have a splitter box is smart.
  4. Batteries – I know people will disagree with me here. I don’t think DSLR batteries are good solution for powering a EVF. “But Caleb, now I can use all my batteries!” Yes you can. Then when we all start using other cameras you have to keep all those old canon batteries around. Sure you could use those adapter cables to power the Zacuto EVF, but now we are dealing with more cable. Meh, no thanks.
  5. Need a Z-finder – I think this is just silly. The current batch of VFs floating around are only a temporary fix to a bigger problem. EVFs are the solution to that problem. Leave the patches behind.
  6. Ergonomics – The Redrock MicroEVF has a small stout 15mm rod coming from the center of the tube body. Whereas the Z-finder EVF is attach from the bottom, putting more weight above the support point. While we have to wait to try these EVFs, my guess is that the MicroEVF gets the golden star for better physics.

Click here for more info on the Z-finderEVF with video. And here for the Redrock MicroEVF scoop.

Related content:

  1. EVF Updates
  2. Zacuto EVF is Out and I Eat My Words
  3. Redrock Micro Sticks It to the Man With New MicroEVF For HDSLRs

Tagged as: EVF, Redrock, Z-finder, Zacuto

  • http://theredowl.com TheRedOwl

    Couldn’t agree more with this article. #1 and #5 especially. When I realized that price did not include the Z-Finder I literally laughed out loud. There’s no way I’m paying that much money for a EVF. It’ll be interesting to see the comparisons once EVF’s from RRM and Zacuto actually make it into the hands of shooters.

    I get that Zacuto doesn’t want to leave Z-Finder owners in the cold with this…but the solution they’ve come up with is hardly cost effective and seems almost like a half-step in the right direction, not a full step.

    At that price I may as well get a SmallHD DP-6. It’s a good thing Zacuto’s EVF is still in development – because it’s definitely not finished.

  • Caleb Pike

    Thanks for the comment Tom.

    Sadly I doubt Zacuto has plans to change the design. Hopefully the huge amount of negative buzz will cause them to consider the larger consumer market. Heres hoping, but still doubting.

  • http://www.schneiderdirector.com Paul Schneider

    My two cents. Zucato is a company thats been around for a while and knows the game. While I have always considered them a bit overpriced for the markets they represent they none-the-less consistently deliver a solid, well designed quality product.

    In this case however they have completely missed the the boat. Their new EVF design seems less about giving DSLR shooters a serious option and more about trying to shave off impending market and equipment progressions. Simply put…its a poorly conceived band-aid who’s soul purpose seems to be the protection of their golden goose…the Z-Finder.

    In almost every conceivable manner this product fails to impress. Its clunky design, low res screen, high price tag, Z-finder requirement and “me too” timing all point to a solution designed simply to expand on and protect the bottom line. This is all fine. They have a right to make money, but with new, ingenious products emerging from Redrock micro and others I believe they’re going have to realize that designing these products will now require a bit more thought, listening and problem solving to give the shooters what they need at a price that stays competitive in the marketplace.

    In a conversation once with Steve Weiss he said that Zacuto had the connections and capabilities to make “anything.” He’s a good guy and I believe him, but in this case the something they propose is only slightly better than nothing. They can do better.

  • http://www.twitter.com/bennybriceno Benjamin Briceno

    Let’s get one thing straight, DSLR filmaking has changed significantly in a mere few days with the release of these new EVF’s. Now we can through out those clunky, and in many cases, expensive offset solutions and have a more lined-up ENG style rig.

    I personally have always loved what Zacuto and Redrock Micro put out, but have always sided with Cinevate. Now everything has changed. With the development of these new (amazing) tools, Redrock Micro has my business. For Steve Weiss to make the claim that they have “Changed the game” …”Again” is to literally lie where he sits. They have definitely missed the boat on this, and frankly slapped us across the face with this idiotic price point.

    With a full dot resolution of 1.2m, I wouldn’t forget that the microEVF has an unannounced slot on it’s page for “Advanced Electronic Assist Features”, and with what they have been coming out with lately, I have no doubt in my mind that those features will be exactly that- advanced.

    Redrock, you have my vote. Can’t wait to use this new gear!

  • http://zacuto.com steve weiss

    Our design is very carefully though out, Jens and I are both shooters from the film days, through the ENG days and now to the DSLR days. The two piece system offers incredible versatility which we will show in our next video on ergonomics.

    As we have been using the EVF we have learned a ton about camera kit egronomics and how and when you need the EVF. When shoulder mounting it’s obvious that you want the EVF offset to get your eye in the viewfinder. But when going down and dirty it’s actually much more comfortable to have the EVF on top of the camera (Hasselblad style) so your hands are not all thrown over to the right. That’s essentially causing the same offset problem we have been having in reverse. It’s virtually impossible to focus the camera like that. Then their are times when it’s much better to just put the EVF aside and stick the Z-Finder right on the camera and shoot photographers style. I wouldn’t want to be running through the Jungle with the EVF hanging on my camera. It’s just not the right thing for that job. Sometimes, you will just want to take the EVF off and look at the high res. monitor like you’d do when flipping up the loop on a Sony EX3 or any ENG camera.

    I hate to say that with all of this ownership of gear, we have gotten a bit away from picking the correct gear for each individual job as we used to with rental houses, but that’s another story. Working with the EVF is awesome, but it’s not a panacea for every situation, just like one camera does not work for all shooting situations. We are not just making claims, we have carefully thought this out over the past 5 months and we have shown our products image quality in our video. Every DP who has been in our shop has been amazed at the picture quality. More to come.

    Steve Weiss

  • Caleb Pike

    Thanks Steve. I look forward to seeing, and viewing more.

  • http://www.schneiderdirector.com Paul Schneider

    ok steve. fair enough. we shall see and let the market decide.
    I do like the plan for false color and peaking…but lets face it, it’s kinda pricey and looks like a brick. ;-)

    I see this (in both form and technology) as about a $350-$375 perfect compliment to your Z-finder of the same price. Combined cost would be a little more than redrock, but prob justified and a no brainer if you have an existing z-finder. Might want to sex it up a bit if you plan on actually getting $775. I mean, the new Marshall 5″ with all its tech is still just $599?!

    Not to bust balls, but which DP’s are we talking about here…Harris Savides…Dante Spinotti? ;-)

  • http://zacuto.com steve weiss

    You bring up a good point that I wanted to address later on but I guess I have to do it now. We always intended on having an upgrade path for our existing Z-Finder users. I haven’t mentioned it before because I’m still not totally sure what my BOM (bill of materials) cost is (things are still changing a bit), so I can’t list that exact price yet but it will be attractive. Rest assured owners of Z-Finders will get an upgrade path discount (TBD soon) when turning their Z-Finder into an EVF. We also plan on having a combo kit that you can buy that will have a Z-Finder Jr. or Pro and the EVF as a kit that will also be discounted (price TBD soon). We are only three days out of the gate and questions are coming before we have answers. I hope this cleared it up a bit.

  • Paul schneider

    Yeah. Like I said before, you have a right to make cash…and should. The materials list and price always need to be addressed.

    You’ve got the benefit of having a lot of z-finders out there and I would bet that if an upgrade path was attractive enough you’d probably find a home for your EVF next to many of those past sales.

    It obvious you know the game. I own a z-finder and use it on commercials I shoot all the time…even if it’s just using my camera as a directors finder. I only say that because I think that I probably fall into a professional category and one more apt to spend more money buying and renting equipment. The standalone price (as currently quoted) seems high…high enough to cause me to think about other solutions…so I am inclined to believe that it would also be the case with most of the aspiring filmakers who own the z-finder. However, if a suitable upgrade path was in play the game changes…and the purchase would probably end up being automatic.

    If and when you have a working EVF mockup I would love to take a look. I live in the city, shoot a ton and know my equipment…and I would certainly eat my words if it’s as good (and functional) as you believe it to be.

  • http://www.chriswetherly.com Chris Weatherly

    Honestly this is a relief. I just purchased a Z-finder a couple of months ago, and have been very happy with its performance, build quality, etc. However, the initial cost of the EVF really put me off. I love what I’ve seen so far and would like to stay with a Zacuto finder, but the $775 price tag plus what I’ve already spent would be an astronomical cost.

    Look forward to seeing what you come up with.

  • Mike Collins

    While I love the idea of focus assist I’m not sure that I would really call this an EVF. It’s really just a small monitor with a Z Finder magnifying the LCD. I do think that’s it’s interesting and certainly something I want to play with. A more affordable upgrade paty certainly makes the idea of purchasing this more attractive.

    At this point I am more intrigued by the RedRock EVF. I like the concept more. In full disclosure I own gear from both RedRock and Zacuto and for the most part I am very happy with ti. i think competing products makes a better marketplace for the end user so i hope both companies do well with their versions.

  • http://www.schneiderdirector.com Paul Schneider

    Right?!
    So Mike, let me ask you. Do you like the Redrock because it looks more user friendly and solid or just sexier and more pro on the camera? I mean, in all fairness both EVF’s probably do the same thing and the Redrock one has a screen with some kind of lens built in…basically an encased version of the Zacuto Z-Finder/EVF combo.

    The Zacuto does, technically speaking give more mounting options although I do question the rigidity of the 1/4″ bolt bottom mount and an isreali arm for something I’ll be pressing my eye to.

    …and how much do you really want or crave an EVF? I don’t have a NEED for one, its a nice addition but not something I’m gonna fork out nearly a grand for especially when there are great monitors to be had for that price. Now, if that EVF addition was about the same price as a Z-Finder, worked with it and also served as an occasional small second monitor there might be some value there.

  • Mike Collins

    Hey Paul,

    I think the RedRock looks more useful to me. I like the way it mounts better and I like the form factor of it better. I also like that it is actually an EVF as opposed to a z finder snapped onto a small LCD monitor.

    I don’t think I need an EVF but it would sure be nice. I’m 6’4 and for me to have to shoot eye level with the camera always directly in front of me is a pain. I really look forward to being able to have an VF that I can have on the side of the camera that I can look straight down into like I had always done prior to shooting on the 5D/7D.

    I will play with both models before I make any purchase. I do think the focus assist is pretty sweet from Zacuto but I like the look better of the RedRock.

  • http://zacuto.com steve weiss

    Thanks Paul, Mike Chris for all of the time and suggestions you put into your posts. We are listening. Our first prototype is obviously clunky, we know that and plan to sexy it up a bit. We’ve already decided that the Z-Finder should be on a flip up plate so you can use the monitor and then flip down the Z-Finder just like you can on an EX3 or older ENG cameras. If you really think about traditional ENG cameras my EVF is really more true to that design then RR’s, being able to look at a high res. monitor plus having it work as a magnifier. Pro rechargeable batteries instead of store bought throw aways that are going to add up in cost over time and proven anti-fog protection (you are not going to want to go back from that). Plus the best feature of all is you can still use your Z-Finder on the camera itself for true run and gun shooting.

    When it’s more tweaked out you are welcome to come to our shop to check it out.
    Thank you guys.
    Steve

  • Caleb Pike

    Steve, I LOVE the idea to have a flip out VF. Totally see myself flipping it out to give the director/DP a peek. That would definitely take it to a whole other level.

    The only other thing I have questions on is the mounting position. I obviously have not seen/worked with one. Is it just me, or is it rather top/rear heavy. Any reason why its mounted as currently shown?

    Thanks for sharing with us. It is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing more.

    Caleb

  • http://zacuto.com steve weiss

    Caleb,
    The mount we are showing is all going to change. We are going to have three ways to mount it. With an articulating arm, with an enclosed hot shoe mount and a new custom mount that will be more like what we do for the RED camera mounts we make. More of a track feel that will like you have three axis movement but being able to lock each axis individually. Don’t worry this is very early and we are just using our current mounts to show proof of concept. For God sakes if we can get the mount right we are really screwed, I’d like to believe that is what we are known for. ;-)

    Steve

  • http://www.schneiderdirector.com Paul Schneider

    See. Now we’re talk’n.
    Steve. I know I can be harsh, but I deeply respect the dialog here. Everything is sounding good. Ultimately your going to do what you think you need to, but the folks making comments here are in the trenches an know what they like. The fact that you’re listening is worth its weight in gold in my book.

  • http://theredowl.com TheRedOwl

    Thanks for the info Steve. Looking forward to seeing what develops as these EVF’s are brought to market.

  • http://www.dcharry.com David Charry

    Very helpful article Caleb!
    And thanks for the additional info Steve.

    [Please correct me if I'm wrong!]
    Remember a general rule about resolution. Bigger numbers don’t necessarily mean better picture….if I can get a resolution that looks fantastic on a 3″ screen, do the extra pixels really matter at all? 3x magnification of a 3″ screen= 9″ screen, right?
    Red Rock talks about their resolution a lot, but I don’t actually know how big that screen is, or how much it will get magnified. Those extra pixels could potentially be useless.
    Again, I’m unsure how correct I am in saying these things, so feel free to correct me if I totally don’t get it.

    The only thing is the price still scares me (I don’t even own a Z-finder!).
    But “nice things cost money.” I’m excited to see it the EVF develop.
    Congrats to Zacuto.

  • http://twitter.com/NinoLeitner Nino Leitner

    Caleb, I agreed with you on most points back when you published your thoughts here, but now that I have actually worked with the Zacuto EVF for quite a while, I have to say that I completely changed my opinion. They REALLY did their homework on that product.

    I reviewed it on my blog, posted that yesterday: 
    http://ninofilm.net/blog/2011/06/04/zacuto-z-finder-evf-review/

    Have you tried it already? Would love to hear your thoughts. I am blown away with it and it really lives on my DSLRs from now on.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Right with ya brother. I feel like a dick now. They really have made an EXCELLENT product. I have worked with it a little. Not enough to render a review. But I should right up a follow up post. Great job on the review. I’ll be sure to link to it.

  • Jaco Dreyer

    We received 4x Z-Finder Pro EVF’s today, but found there to be a huge delay (lag) in HDMI feed/take-up on the EVF side. Slow panning and tilting causes motion blur and lag in EVF image.
    Is there a firmware upgrade in the pipeline that would fix this?
    We are using the Z-Finder EVF with F3/Canon 7D/Canon 5D Mark2…

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Thats a good question for the fine people over @ Zacuto. http://www.zacuto.com/zacuto-contacts