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.
- Price – If you don’t have a Z-finder you are looking at something like $1040 to $1170 vs the MicroEVF for $599.
- 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).
- HDMI Inputs – Here Zacuto gets it done. Not having to have a splitter box is smart.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.