I absolutely LOVE the viewfinder on the EX3, it is amazing. you won't miss your full size camera's VF once you switch.

I use the Cartoni Focus system, but don't have a remote zoom controller on the handle.

I've an EX1 and I frankly have lot of trouble using it ENG. Not so much it's ergonomics, I shoot on a tripod as often as I can and find the controls to be pretty sensible. The shallow depth of field and the indifferent monitoring make getting sharp focus tricky, particularly when you are fairly close to your subject and have to work fast. I'd imagine the better eyepiece on the EX3 or the improvements in the EX1r might make this easier. The EX1 also has pretty laissez-faire auto iris and that's trouble as well when you need to run and gun. I came from a DSR-300, a camera that saved me time after time. EX1 is a different creature.

The problem with the EX1 solved by the EX1r and EX3 is that the optical viewfinder is not resolved enough for critical focus, and the LCD while sharp is not shielded from ambient light. A hoodman or sockloupe should help there.

I use this fulltime on my EX1(HOODMAN EX1 KIT-Hoodman Corporation) - adjustable optics. I believe it comes close to reproducing what you see with the EX3 viewfinder

Dave - what is the finder eyecup you are using?

Shaughan,

I use the Viewfinder Eyecushion by Bluestar. It's a chamois material that I really like. Keeps the grime off my viewfinder when its hot and helps create a better seal against light. The Oval Small for Betacam fits our EX-3 perfectly.

Dave