DSLR LCD View Finders - Which One?

[fraught]

I've got the Canon 7D and having used it for video i noticed that it is very hard to just rely on the LCD screen on the back of the device for focusing, etc.

So i've been looking into the view finder options and the most popular piec of kit is the Zacuto Z-Finder. The Pro version works out a little over £300! Which is crazy money. They also do a Jr version which is more affordable £200, but has it's problems along the way like Fogging and rubbish connections.

Has anyone else had any experience on these sorts of items? Which would you go for?

[col lamb]

The Zacuto Z-finder Pro comes in either 2.5x or 3.0x and it is leaps and bound better than the Hoodman, which I have tried and it is not worth the money in my humble opinion.

It does not fog and with the Gorilla plate attached the Z-finder simply snaps on and off as needed leaving the plate fitted permanently to the camera.

The Zacuto is well worth the money, I have the 2.5x and that gives me more dioptre adjustmant than the 3x.

In the next but one issue of FVM there will be an article on DSLR's that I have written and the Z-finder will be shown both on and off my own 7D.

Slightly off your topic, to get the best out of your 7D you need to make some alterations to the settings to alter amongst other things the contrast, colours and available ISO's. It really makes a difference. I gave the details to Garth Hope our FVM Editor and he has made the alterations to his Canon and is well suited with his results.

Regards.

Col

[fraught]

Cheers Col! Much appreciated!

The problem i'm finding is that the Pro is just a little too far out of my price range, so i was looking at the Jr. The problem with that is i keep reading all these negative reports about the Jr...

I'm sure you've mentioned the settings on the camera before, can you give me a refresh.

[col lamb]

visit the Prolost website for the settings

[tom hardwick]

http://www.hood-pro.com/

might be worth a look and there's a sock-loupe film to watch on the site.

[fraught]

Cheers for the info... i think i'm going to bite the bullet and do a little more saving to buy the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x. It's another £100, but it might save me grief in the long run!

[tom hardwick]

And talking of DSLR rear screen visibility, I'm pleased to see that Canon (at last) have introduced a twisting, turning, folding, articulated rear screen to the back of their new D60. Now I'm getting interested.

tom.

[fraught]

Yeah i saw that the other day. They've also anounced an amazing new Wide Angle lens! http://www.canon.co.uk/For%5FHome/Produ ... eye%5FUSM/

[col lamb]

How did you get on with the setttings adjustments I posted for you?

[fraught]

Morning Col... i haven't had a chance to play around with them yet... but now that you've prompted me, i will get cracking tonight.

[fraught]

Well... i've purchased the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x, and I have to say that it is a really good piece of kit. I've tested it on a couple of shoots now for a film i'm working on, and i found it extremely handy for all hand held work. It wasn't needed for the Tripod mounted shots, so if you never take your camera off one... then i reckon you wouldn't get your monies worth.

And Col, as for the settings, i have put them on the camera and things have definately improved some... although i think i may need to play around with them some more.

[col lamb]

Glad you are a satisfied bunny.