Manual focus viefinder at DVinfo.net

Terry Hulf · March 8th, 2012, 03:29 AM

I am using a Canon XH-A1 in the manual mode all the time but find the viefinder for manual focus not particually pleasent to use, what would I need to upgrade to for better manual focus viewfiner performance or are the ways to improve on the XH-A1 viefinder.

Les Wilson · March 8th, 2012, 06:49 AM

The problem is that the VF and LCD are low resolution. That is one of its limitations and one of several reasons I upgraded to a new camera. The A1 does have peaking (white outline showing high contrast) in case that helps you. I found it ineffective at low resolution and being white. Other cameras let you customize the color. YMMV

At this point, you can add an HDMI field monitor such as a Marshall, Zacuto or SmallDP. The latter 2 have models with loupes that turn it into a VF. The trick is mounting it on the A1 which lacks attach points.

Denny Gulvas · March 10th, 2012, 07:38 AM

Get a Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0 and connect it directly to the LCD screen. I have worked with one on my Sony Z-5U and it has performed very well.

Chris Harding · March 10th, 2012, 12:34 PM

Hi Denny
That doesn't help if you have a low res screen!! My Panasonics have hi-res with Hoodmans and they are great but the Canon with a loupe won't help...The Hoodmans are also heavy!!! I had to build a support hook from the camera handle otherwise the loupe and widescreen adapter (both rubber) will put serious stress on your LCD hinges!!

Chris

March 8th, 2012, 03:29 AM	#1
Terry Hulf Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK south east Posts: 29	Manual focus viefinder I am using a Canon XH-A1 in the manual mode all the time but find the viefinder for manual focus not particually pleasent to use, what would I need to upgrade to for better manual focus viewfiner performance or are the ways to improve on the XH-A1 viefinder.

March 8th, 2012, 06:49 AM	#2
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: Manual focus viefinder The problem is that the VF and LCD are low resolution. That is one of its limitations and one of several reasons I upgraded to a new camera. The A1 does have peaking (white outline showing high contrast) in case that helps you. I found it ineffective at low resolution and being white. Other cameras let you customize the color. YMMV At this point, you can add an HDMI field monitor such as a Marshall, Zacuto or SmallDP. The latter 2 have models with loupes that turn it into a VF. The trick is mounting it on the A1 which lacks attach points.

March 10th, 2012, 07:38 AM	#3
Denny Gulvas New Boot Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: DuBois, Pa. Posts: 22	Re: Manual focus viefinder Get a Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0 and connect it directly to the LCD screen. I have worked with one on my Sony Z-5U and it has performed very well.

March 10th, 2012, 12:34 PM	#4
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Manual focus viefinder Hi Denny That doesn't help if you have a low res screen!! My Panasonics have hi-res with Hoodmans and they are great but the Canon with a loupe won't help...The Hoodmans are also heavy!!! I had to build a support hook from the camera handle otherwise the loupe and widescreen adapter (both rubber) will put serious stress on your LCD hinges!! Chris