Pro Video Coalition has a great round up of NAB 2010 and one particular photo caught my eye.

ProVideo Coalition.com: NAB Show 2010 Official Knowledge Partner (http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/NABproduction/story/nab_pix_dslr_stuff/#When:07:07:00Z)

Is that an ENG viewfinder?! Is this really practical for a 5D? I've yet to find further discussion about it.

Thoughts?

There are a few people working on this config since awhile back.

http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0901/the-new-canon-5d-mark-ii-and-installation-of-a-professional-video-finder.html

Now that was an interesting read. I wonder if there would be a market for some nice clean setups like this (versus the ones in those pics with wires and solder showing)...

I looked through the Sony evf on the dslr at NAB. The adapter box is from Movietube (Movie Tube?) - the folks who made high-end 35mm adapters for video.

I didn't have it in hand long enough to decide whether the standard def view with peaking was better than looking at the lcd or not. It uses a standard b&w sony widescreen viewfinder. It was a pretty sweet package.

I think a better solution will be to use an LCD such as the 5" forthcoming from Small HD or Marshall with a viewfinder cover that swings away or removes to turn it into an onboard. I've been using a 7" with this configuration and while bulky, it's moving in the right direction.

I bought a Sony EVF a while ago to see about trying this myself. There are a few schematics out there to build a DIY breakout box, but I've not had the chance to put it together. I am re-inspired.

Eric,

Did you ever attempt this? Anything come of it?

Hey Shawn - no, not yet. I was hoping for a breaker box solution from a tinkerer on another forum, but nothing came of it. Viewfactor is actually coming out with a powered cage system that may fit the bill. I'll post my findings.