An optical or digital viewfinder is a tool that a photographer or videographer uses to compose, and in many cases to focus, his or her subject matter. Most viewfinders are separate from the camera but will sometimes attach directly to the camera body. You can use a viewfinder on just about any type of camera you can think of: film, video, analog, digital, etc.
The benefits of using a viewfinder are imperative, especially when shooting video with high-definition digital single-lens reflex (HDDSLR) cameras like the Canon 1D Mark IV, 7D, Panasonic G2 or other similar models. When searching for a digital camera with viewfinder, you are faced with a few different options. Zacuto, of course, suggests the Z-Finder Pro. The Canon 5D MKII and most DSLR cameras like it have a small built-in Canon viewfinder and an LCD screen. An optical viewfinder like the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro will allow you to view your image on the LCD screen instead of the built-in viewfinder. The built-in Canon viewfinder will not function while shooting video in live mode. DSLR video cameras have very large image sensors that create a very shallow depth of field making focus critical. This is especially true when the image is projected.
The Zacuto Z-Finder Pro not only blocks out any light distracting you from your image but it also magnifies the image allowing you to see a much larger picture for critical focus. The LCD screen on the back of your DSLR camera is relatively small and of low resolution. Most viewfinders also have a diopter which is used to help you dial in the focus on the LCD screen and get a clear version of your image. If you wear glasses, the diopter will allow you to adjust the viewfinder to your particular prescription, thus allowing you to use it with or without your glasses.
The Zacuto Z-Finder Pro
In addition to assisting with focus, viewfinders add an additional point of contact to your camera. This will help with stabilization and is especially beneficial when shooting video with DSLR cameras. Unlike any video cameras preceding them, DSLR cameras are built like still cameras. Because these digital cameras don’t have the correct form factor for video, they are particularly difficult to hold steady. A viewfinder will help with stabilization by bringing the camera closer to your eye and providing you with a supplemental point of contact, but a shoulder mounted rig or a Zacuto Gorilla rig is strongly recommended for optimal performance. Stabilization is not as big of an issue while shooting stills but it is 100% essential when shooting video.
Viewfinders can be optical or electronic. An optical viewfinder is simply a reversed telescopic lens mounted to see what the camera will see. It consumes no power and has full resolution. An electronic or digital viewfinder is usually a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) based display device. In addition to its primary purpose of composing the picture, an electronic viewfinder can be used to replay or review footage or photos. Another difference between optical and electronic viewfinders is the placement of the viewfinder itself. An optical viewfinder cannot be removed from its original position while some electronic viewfinders can move wherever they need to as long as they are connected to a video signal and power source.
Electronic viewfinders (EVF) can be used with DSLRs as well as mid range cameras like the Sony F3 or Panasonic AG-AF100. When these mid range cameras are set up in a shoulder mount configuration, the EVF gets mounted close to the lens creating a much shorter camera package. An EVF is essential for these cameras.
The Sony F3 & The Panasonic AF-100
The Z-FinderEVF Pro
While an optical viewfinder will help you immensely with DSLR shooting, they do have their imperfections. The biggest disadvantage, of course, is the inability to change the viewing angle like you can on a typical video camera or EVF. The Zacuto EVF will work in conjunction with the Z-Finder Pro to provide the best DSLR shooting experience possible. Not only will you be able to view the image on your digital camera with viewfinder from a variety of different angles, but with HDMI output, rechargeable batteries, anti-fog, hot shoe and ¼ 20 mounting options, the Zacuto EVF should provide you with everything you would possibly need for comfortably shooting and focusing with DSLR cameras.
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