I recently had the opportunity to work with a pre-production version of the Cinevate Cyclops. It’s a new viewfinder about to be released. Granted there are already plenty of viewfinder offerings already on the market- and several of with excellent build quality and reviews from users.

While viewfinders offer an excellent way to magnify your screen, cut out external light, and even offer another point of contact with the camera. Regardless I’ve still never been comfortable using them. Maybe it’s partially because I started videography with smaller hand-held cameras that had flip out LCDs. Another aspect that makes them uncomfortable to me is the fact that I’m left eye dominant. This causes me to tilt my head awkwardly to the right to align my left eye- at which point my right eye can’t be used for peripheral vision as it’s being blocked by the camera. Finally, yet another reason, is the fact that I wear glasses, which hinders the ability to create a seal around the rear of the viewfinder.

Cinevate seemed to taken a completely different direction with their Cyclops DSRL viewfinder. It has all the benefits of a standard viewfinder in that it effectively magnifies the screen, and cuts out ambient light reaching the LCD. However it doesn’t require you to press a single eye up against the rear of the unit. In fact it’s most comfortable to use when your face is several inches away from the rear of the unit. 

The unit itself is a bit larger than other conventional viewfinders on the market however it doesn’t add an appreciable amount of weight to the camera. The rear of the Cyclops bows out and has a very wide open area in which to view your viewfinder though the macro glass. It actually resembles a submarine periscope in shape.


As I started using the Cyclops I immediately felt comfortable with using it. The macro glass effectively magnified the screen, and the image was crystal clear, plus it cut out all of the ambient light. I tested it outdoors in bright sunlight on my back and it still worked flawlessly.


http://www.gmelliottvideo.com/photos/cyclops1.jpg


I was sent a Cyclops unit attached to a small rig that consisted of two hand grips, and a short rail set and a follow focus. At first glance I thought I was going to hate it as I’m most comfortable with my hands ON the camera rather than on a rig that camera is mounted to. The first thing I did was remove the follow focus- as I’ve never been a fan of shooting handheld with one. After picking it up it confirmed my suspicions and felt very awkward and make it impossible to focus with one hand while keeping steady. I then put the rig on a monopod and it actually felt like it made shooting more stable with the handles. At that point I spent some more time with it handheld and tried to simply hold the camera like I prefer (right hand on the camera grip and left hand on the focus ring)- as soon as I did that I was shocked. It felt rock solid! At that point the handles were aligned with my forearms creating two more points of contact with the camera. I tried shooting around the house for several minutes knowing ergonomics can be deceiving when only handling the camera for a minute or two. I still felt quite comfortable handling it this way. Finally I added the rear shoulder mount from my Uno rig to add yet another point of contact with my body. Convinced I decided to bring it to my shoot the following day.

http://www.gmelliottvideo.com/photos/cyclops04.jpg
http://www.gmelliottvideo.com/photos/cyclops03.jpg




On my shoot with the Cyclops I never felt more confident with my focusing. Granted I’m near-sighted and usually can focus pretty well just using the LCD screen at low F-stops. Though I’ve seen some footage after uploading it to my computer in the office to find that some shots are a hair out of focus. During this shoot I could easily see when my focus was spot on, or if it was off that hair that is hard to distinguish on the bare high-res LCD. Additionally shooting outdoors in bright sunlight was very comfortable. The screen was always shielded from the sun and very easy to see regardless of what position it was in.

It’s hard to remark on the build quality of the Cyclops as it was indeed a pre-production model. I found the section that attaches between the optic and LCD screen popped off pretty easily, however I’m told this is one of the things being changed before it goes into production. The design is indeed a bit larger/longer than other viewfinders so it will make the rig your using a bit longer. I personally didn’t have problems with it and enjoyed the ergonomics but my 5’2” wife felt the focus rings was a bit of a reach using the 24-70.

The rear of the cyclops is molded in a shape that is conducive to the shape of your face. So in other words you could press your face against the back if you wanted to and it would work just fine that way. However with it’s design I actually felt more comfortable at a short distance from the rear of the viewfinder. I really enjoyed NOT having to press my face into it to use it. That coupled with the added ease of focusing made it a joy to work with- even in pre-production form.

http://www.gmelliottvideo.com/photos/cyclops2.jpg


Overall I’m really excited for the production version to be released. Every time I’ve had a shot that was a hair out of focus or was shooting in blinding sun which made it hard to see the LCD, yet along check critical focus, I thought about breaking down and buying a traditional viewfinder even though I knew it would be awkward to use. I’m glad there is a product that has the benefits of a traditional viewfinder yet can be used in a more flexible, and in my case, comfortable to use.

Good review. But I must admit when I saw the size of that thingee, I was thinking that this must be a joke. Besides, that viewfinder doesn't solve the awkward vDSLR viewing angel (i.e., that you always have to bend down to the camera/lens position). So ever since I got a small external monitor, I almost never use the camera LCD anymore (not even with my Z-Finder) -- but now I'm looking forward to the release of this snazzy Zacuto contraption: http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf

-- peer

That Zacuto EVF looks like a small monitor with a Z-Finder glued to the front of it.

Can someone explain to me why that's a desirable thing?
I honestly don't get it. How's it any different to sticking the Z-Finder to your LCD?

The Cyclops thing looks interesting but ungainly to me too. I guess it's a case of playing with it and seeing if it suits my/your particular way of working.

I honestly don't get it. How's it any different to sticking the Z-Finder to your LCD? Can someone explain to me why that's a desirable thing?

You are kidding, right..? If not, I must assume you haven't used a vDSLR for longer/comprehensive work, in particular handheld.

-- peer

I have done extensive work with these cams, just not hand held, so if you can enlighten me…

I have done extensive work with these cams, just not hand held, so if you can enlighten me…

A couple of months ago I was shooting extensively out in the desert -- the camera angle was mostly between 2-4 feet from the ground. So how would you do that without a monitor on an articulating arm -- would you walk on your knees for two days?

It would also be interesting to see how you would shoot this silly snippet without a monitor -- would you pull focus lying on your chest on the ground..?

Cat Sitting "Trouble" -- an Exercise of DOF & Follow Focus on Vimeo

-- peer

Cyclops = me want. Bad. Check out these videos:

part1:
Cyclops DSLR Viewfinder - Part 1 of 3 on Vimeo

part2:
Cyclops DSLR Viewfinder - Part 2 of 3 on Vimeo

part 3:
Cyclops DSLR Viewfinder - Part 3 of 3 on Vimeo

Cyclops = me want. Bad.

As I alluded to in my previous post -- I bet anyone who has done extensive vDSLR work will shy away from this clunky loupe setup -- this because it completely limits your shooting to only eye/shoulder height filming. Hence, I believe an external monitor or the new Zacuto EVF is the way to go: Z-Finder EVF | Zacuto (http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf)

-- peer

I just bought a really nice little 7" monitor with battery etc for about $250 delivered. It's bright enough to view in sunshine & sharp enough for focusing. At 800x480 the pixel resolution is the same as the Zacuto EVF & superior to the LCD on the 5DII. It's large enough for decent playback off the camera too.
Lilliput 7" 669GL-70NP/CH Monitor 669HB+shoe stand+bat (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390225263507&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:GB:1123#ht_3810wt_950)

There is some ability to change the angle of the Cyclops to allow off axis viewing. I've been told there are some changes being made to the rear of the unit where it contact the back of the camera to allow it to be angled and still cut out any outside light.

There is some ability to change the angle of the Cyclops to allow off axis viewing.

So how would you do a crab shoot with that loupe? Crawling on your belly...?

-- peer

Glenn, I was surprised reading this as you reminded me of exactly where Cyclops began, like many of our products, which was with a problem. As a glasses restricted guy who is also left eye dominant, viewfinders have always been an issue for me. The LCDs on the new HDSLR cams are far better than video LCDs of even two years ago, yet they still have the issue of being too small for me (even indoors) to really be sure of focus. I found myself hitting the + mag button quite frequently before shooting to make sure focus was correct. I also found the same when reviewing stills. Cyclops addresses these issues.

Peer, to answer your question directly (and you've addressed some really important issues!) the answer to a low angle dolly, or just low angle shooting is to use our articulating mount option shown in video 3 (thanks John for embedding them :-) which allows you to change Cyclops angle upward. We've tested this up to 45 degrees and it works surprisingly well. Glenn has correctly alluded to a soft rubber attachment for both front and rear which allows Cyclops use at these angles but with no light leaks. Because the optic we're using is a full 72mm, hence very wide field of view, you'll find in actual use that the finder is far more tolerant of off-angle use than any viewfinder simply because your eye doesn't have to be locked to it. You're also able to back off up to 36" and still critically visualize the LCD.

In your last post Peer you've mentioned EVFs. I think they are a great idea and indeed have been around for a long time in the world of professional video. I really like Zacuto's concept of an small external screen...and I'm glad to see it. Why? Well even with a high resolution screen like this rigged to an arm off-camera, guys like me have the same issue. How does one use it in bright sunlight, or indoors when you don't want to have your eye physically tied to an eye cup? Another hot HDSLR monitoring solution is the use of a USB/WIFI device mounted to the camera which streams HD video to an iPhone. The iPhone 4 has a great screen but in bright sunlight, what is the alternative to an eyecup? For a lot of folks Cyclops will help...and as we've added a whole lot of rig options, will also form the foundation for a simple rig.

There are a few more treats in store from Cinevate. One of them is a technical plate which will form the basis for an extremely light, simple and inexpensive rig. This includes a collection of what might be called lego for film-makers to turn a Cyclops sled (or viewer kit) into an incredibly compact/light rig. The stills folks have been really pushing for this type of gear and I'm happy to say we're about to debut it.

Thanks so much for your questions and comments.

Cheers,
Dennis Wood
www.cinevate.com (http://www.cinevate.com)

Peer, to answer your question directly (and you've addressed some really important issues!) the answer to a low angle dolly, or just low angle shooting is to use our articulating mount option shown in video 3 (thanks John for embedding them :-) which allows you to change Cyclops angle upward. We've tested this up to 45 degrees and it works surprisingly well.
Obviously I didn't explain very well the shortcomings that I think those kind of loupes have -- that you are bound to your camera/lens position, i.e., the shooting is limited to only eye/shoulder height filming. And no, I can't see any example in your videos that addresses this issue, (or as you say, makes it possible to do a "low angle dolly" shoot with your loupe).

Well even with a high resolution screen like this rigged to an arm off-camera, guys like me have the same issue. How does one use it in bright sunlight, or indoors when you don't want to have your eye physically tied to an eye cup?
For all my shoots, whether it's indoor or outside in the sun, nowadays I use an external monitor (a 5.6" V5600) with a sun hood (SH56), all attached to a versatile articulation arm -- works pretty well, even in scolding sunlight.

By the way, Dennis, kudos for replying -- always nice to hear directly from the manufacturers.

-- peer

You're welcome Dennis - the gear just looks awesome.

I'd preorder now if'n I had the dough. Impressed by the flexibility and obvious toughness of the gear.

Believe it or not, I had never been to your site before I saw the Cyclops - lots of great looking stuff for sure. The follow focus looks to intergrate perfectly as well as being tough enough for the run-&-gun style I always end up using.

Good luck with it and you'll get some money from me jsut as soon as I have it (which hopefully will be soon as I'm about to start shooting my 5th feature - first with a DSLR, the T2).

This thing look to be (as all other big "loupes") EXTREMALLY dangerous for the Cameras LCD when used in sunlight. The magnification glass is focused precise to the polarisations foil in the LCD.
You are filming in this position with the sun from back:
http://www.gmelliottvideo.com/photos/cyclops03.jpg
A break for 5-10 seconds to communicate with the model or something else and if you look next time on the LCD - there are yellow spots in the picture becouse the polariser is irreparable temperature damaged.
It have not to be even a summer day. It can happen with every magnifier - but the biggest risk are such big open hoods - such a Cavision (very good for eyeglasses too) or this one.

The LCD is positioned by our design well within the focal length of the optics, therefore no chance of what you're describing. A diopter type setup with other viewfinders (which may actually focus precisely at the LCD) is a different story.

There is zero risk of sun damage to the LCD using Cyclops.

John, glad you found us :-)

Peer, we didn't show the angled option in the vids as we're not completely finished with it. The soft parts will form a set, one for the front of Cyclops (allows up to 45 degree tilt) and a removeable portion that would go against the face. It functions similar to an old removable SLR viewfinder eye cup. On the external monitor, understood. Cinevate displayed a 10.2" native HD monitor at NAB 09, and 2010. Prototype 3 was used on our Canon XF305 shoot just published. I'm a huge fan of external monitors, particularly now that we have transflective native HD resolution panels to play with..we've got a few surprises coming in that department :-) Cyclops however, is for the guys/gals looking for a powerless, lighter option.

Cheers,
Dennis.

"The LCD is positioned by our design well within the focal length of the optics, therefore no chance of what you're describing."
How you can have a sharp image if its not focused to the LCD?

Ivan, it's essential physics. In terms of mathematical modelling, you'd model a convex lens (with a given focal length) but have the subject within the focal length of the optic. So you get magification, but focus is not an issue. A simple example would be to take an inexpensive magnifying class and hold it over the object to be maginified. You'll find that within a certain distance range the subject remains sharp. Once you exceed the focal lenth of the optic, your subject would be no longer in focus.

Looks like Small HD has come up with the best solution. It's not a viewfinder, but I think it's the best way to go for critical focus on the 5DM2. Plus it doubles as a confidence monitor for other people on set to view. You can get a sunshade for only $49 for use outdoors. (sorry if this sounds like a sales pitch)

Effective Pixels 101|SmallHD (http://videos.smallhd.com/the-truth-about-canon-dslr-output-signals/)

I just found out about this and the new Zacuto Z-Finder EVF.

Looks like Small HD has come up with the best solution.

Also I was decided on the Small HD, but couldn't wait for it to ship so I went with the v5600 instead which isn't nearly as snazzy as the Small HD but works quite well, even in sunlight (with a hood). As I alluded to earlier, I think loupe devices are too limited to be useful (I got a Z-finder) so I'm really looking forward to Zacuto's EVF.

-- peer

Part of why I want one is that it needs no battery. Batteries always want to die at the worst time... the fewer the better I say.

In my estimation, Cyclops seems the best focus enhancement going for the 5dmkII, and the only real loupe solution for dslrs with articulating screens. Reasoning: the 5d (and T2i, and 60D I think) drops resolution during recording making monitors less effective for focus--even the Small HD's literature claims only a "decent"/fighting chance at hitting all focus marks, in light of those cameras' output limitations. For the record, got to hand it to them for giving users that fighting chance with special software to accomodate the output weirdness--but still not likely to match the color reproduction of the rear LCD, nor the sharpness of the LCD + Cinevate macro optic.

As for those flip screen cameras, only the Cyclops has an articulating support option that won't stress the LCD hinge on cameras like the 60D or GH1/2.

That's not to say it doesn't look kind of Grey Submarinish--however, ergonomically, having that distance from the camera would have saved my neck last week for slider and tripod work...

I totally see the beauty of EVF and monitors--but for these cameras that are handicapped on output resolution, cyclops looks like a great option, short of lugging out a 24" pixel mapped monitor like the hp dreamcolor around so you can see sharp out of a 480 signal...

Just my best compilation of the literature thus far, and personal experience.

As I alluded to in my previous post -- I bet anyone who has done extensive vDSLR work will shy away from this clunky loupe setup -- this because it completely limits your shooting to only eye/shoulder height filming. Hence, I believe an external monitor or the new Zacuto EVF is the way to go: Z-Finder EVF | Zacuto (http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf)

-- peer

Interesting! Does this aspect ratio make better use of the 5DII's limited resolution live view HDMI output during recording?

Thanks,
-Johannes