Tested out a new DSLR viewfinder

Dennis Wood · October 7th, 2010, 07:04 PM

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.

Ivan Mosny · October 8th, 2010, 12:02 PM

"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?

Dennis Wood · October 13th, 2010, 03:52 PM

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.

Mitchell Lewis · October 17th, 2010, 08:25 AM

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

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

Peer Landa · October 17th, 2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchell Lewis

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

John Vincent · October 18th, 2010, 12:00 AM

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.

Joe Bailey Jr. · October 19th, 2010, 12:41 AM

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.

Johannes Gruenig · November 3rd, 2010, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peer Landa

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

-- peer

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

Thanks,
-Johannes

October 17th, 2010, 08:25 AM	#19
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	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 I just found out about this and the new Zacuto Z-Finder EVF. __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

October 19th, 2010, 12:41 AM	#22
Joe Bailey Jr. Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 25	Cyclops still seems a likely best bet for 5D focus 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. Last edited by Joe Bailey Jr.; October 19th, 2010 at 12:46 AM. Reason: Typo

October 7th, 2010, 07:04 PM	#16
Dennis Wood Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 916	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.

October 8th, 2010, 12:02 PM	#17
Ivan Mosny Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Poland Posts: 141	"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?

October 13th, 2010, 03:52 PM	#18
Dennis Wood Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 916	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.

October 18th, 2010, 12:00 AM	#21
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	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.