Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

The rubber eye cup is really unpleasant at best.[@] Shows my fix.Otherwise, the build is typical Zacuto.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

i think this is the best viewfinder for a dslr by far. i think it works really great- it mounts very easily and comes very handy with the strap. its big enough so that you don't strain your eye even when you use it continuously while shooting... i got this 2 weeks ago and have been using it ever since, i can't imagine shooting now without it. i also got the z bands which are not necessary, but just a nice addition. i recommend this greatly for anyone shooting video with a dslr!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

Absolutely essential to get proper focus especially in sunlight. Also gives a great third point of contact for hand-held shots.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

After following Philip Bloom's website for so long and seeing some of the amazing video he is producing with a Zacuto Z-Finder and 5D Mark II, I finally took the plunge and ordered one. The price point is definitely up there, but I'm convinced now more than ever that it is entirely worth it.
I'm using the Zacuto Z-Finder on my Canon 7D for shooting HD video. This accessory is indispensable when it comes to shooting hand-held or on a shoulder-mount rig with a video DSLR. Because sharp focus is so important when it comes HD video, this viewfinder brings the LCD screen on the back of the camera even closer; 3X magnification. The construction of the Z-Finder is extremely sturdy and the quick release frame that you mount to your camera makes it nice to snap on the Z-Finder and snap it off if you are switching to shooting stills or for transportation. I would love to see a right angle adapter of some sort for shooting low to the ground stuff, but all together an amazing product that I can say I couldn't live without after purchasing.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

I use this on my Canon 5D2 to get a better view using LiveView. I use LiveView to check focus everywhere before I take a photo. I can use the magnifier to see all the way into the corners. The Z finder makes this easier as there is very little distortion. Great optics. I don't make videos--think they are a little silly. For videos, I use a HD videocamera.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

The performance is exactly what I was looking for in order to ensure I got the best possible video focus while shooting footage with my Canon 7d. Your equipment is only as strong as the weakest link - it's a separate skill set to achieve excellent focus using these new video DSLR setups, and if you don't get the focus just right the video is worthless IMHO. So, yes, it's expensive, but yes, it may well be worth it if you want to use your 7d to shoot great video.

The reason for the 4 out of 5 is two fold. first, the price. Too much. I see no reason why this can't be a 2 to 3 hundred dollar piece of equipment. But I looked everywhere and didn't see this price point for what I was looking for and I did do my research. Second, the Z Finder will occasionally fog up if you are in a semi humid environment and take long shots. Keep your face from pressing into the unit too firmly and some fresh air will keep the fogging minimal. There are also anti fogging wipes available but I have not looked into that yet.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

It helps a lot to focus on HDSLRS when you dont have an HD monitor hooked up to the camera.

The only issue is that at this price point I would have expected the housing to be aluminum or some other material rather than plastic.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

One day, DSLR bodies will all have this LCD viewing capability. The pop off glued up mount makes me nervous.... but the new undermount version now gives me a choice for some added weight. The new upgrade lens caps etc are important to have. The lanyard like the Canon strap is too big/flashy to use. We need to hide this gear when shooting: small/stealthy is beautiful in the bag. Fogging not a problem for me. Zacuto customer service is awesome by the way. Had a small problem and they jumped on taking care of me. Wanted the flash bracket for mounting my Zoom recorder but it was just too expensive relative to others I tried.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

This is a necessity when using Canon DSLR's for filmmaking. The on-camera viewfinder is disabled when in video mode, and it's impossible to pull focus accurately.

The Z-Finder snaps securely onto the back of the camera using an adhesive frame. You must first get the frame attached, which is easy enough, but it takes 24 hours for the adhesive to cure. Once that's done, you can easily snap the Z-Finder on and off.

The only thing I DON'T like about my Z-Finder is that Zacuto released new models 3 weeks after I bought mine, and the new models come with a carrying case. That's progress...

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

I really enjoy using the Z-Finder. It makes shooting video with my 5D MK2 a lot easier and fun!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

After many hours of research into other LCD viewfinders, this one is by far the best. The magnification makes shooting video with my 7D exponentially better. Also it provides an extra point of contact to increase stability.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

This is an essential accessory for those shooting video handheld with a HDSLR. The view is huge because of 3x magnifier. It is almost too big. I can see the whole frame with glasses.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

I use this for shooting video on a 5dmk2. This is a required piece of gear for shooting video on the current crop of DSLRS.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

Very good, just don't like the glue nor the bands option, it should have a plate connected to the bottom of the camera that would hold the frame that is connected to the zfinder like the people from IDC photography.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

Great for handheld work and a great way to judge focus. Definitely worth it!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

The Z-Finder's well-built, comfortable and easy to use, and one of the most valuable parts of our DSLR videography kit.

Focusing with the LCD isn't the greatest to begin with and you'll never get as crisp as the camera's viewfinder due to the LCD's resolution (tip: use the zoom to set your focus more precisely before recording). The Z-finder helps block outside light giving you a bright and clear view of the LCD.

The third point of contact makes shooting much more stable and comfortable. The only downside is the price.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

Shooting video with my 5DMK2 before I bought the Z-Finder was awkward to hold and difficult to focus.
This lets you stabilize the camera while getting sharp focus. I now have a much easier to use HD video camera that looks super cool too!

Cons: I'm getting a lot of dust and debris in my Z-finder when I put it in my camera bag. For the price, you would expect some kind of case or bag.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

you can see your screen!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

i use i when i'm filming video
this is a must have device.
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too bad it's so expensive!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR Optical Viewfinder:

i use this to secure my zfinder to my camera...works just as you think it does! i like using them so i don't have to worry about my super expensive zfinder falling off