• You are viewing the forum as a Guest, please login (you can use your Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft account to login) or register using this link: Log in or Sign Up

DSLR users that do video. Zacuto EVF

Mark Evans

Mark Evans

Member
Joined
13 Jun 2008
Messages
6,483
Location
newark notts.
Guys! I know there is one or two that shoot video, on their DSLR's

I for one am a massive fan of videos on DSLR's, but live view mode in bright light can be unusable at times. Focusing and exposure are near on impossible. (That's why you never see videos from me, that feature outdoor shots)

I've just bought the Zacuto Zfinder EVF pro. It's just changed my world, in terms of video and stills.

'Critical focus' is a breeze, and to look at the shot through a viewfinder is great, seeing if exposure is wrong, or even your composition.

Here's a quick vid I did this afternoon. Testing exposure and focus, coming home and checking all clips, I never once got exposure or focus wrong.

If you can, get an EVF or a loupe for your DSLR! It will change everything!

Framing and composition at times, are not great, but i tried various shooting conditions (lighting mainly) to see the success rate.

Shot @ stapleford woods near to where i live, it's about 1 hours worth of shooting.

 
Very nice video 🙂

Shame that I am not living closer it would be great to be able to find like minded individuals to meet up and learn what you are showing in the vid. I have a 6D that I am still learning the ropes on this.
My wife is the main user of this for fashion shooting.
 
Wow, that is great video and maybe great piece of kit!!!

I say maybe, because the main factor for this stunning forest shots is the one behind the camera 🙂 and this is hugely misleading 🙂 If I didn't know what you are capable of, would have thought that is easy to shoot such a scene......

Which smashed into pieces the illusion that it will not be very difficult to do a decent video with a DSLR...I was planning a short advert shooting for my business, but you have now set the standards too high.. 🙄 Dear me....
 
Beautiful video mate. Stunning, in its simplicity and wonderful use of limited DoF. Some lovely inspiration for aquascapes too.

I'll probably never be able to justify £600-odd on this, but I'm glad you did and look forward to seeing even better world-class aquarium videos from you. :thumbup:
 
Thanks Chaps.

Antoni. You can achieve great vids without an EVF, but be prepaired for a ton of fiddling and incorrectly exposed shots. I gave up on it, until researching EVF's

mikeappleby said:
you've blocked mobiles (iPads, etc) from seeing your YouTube videos. Would be grand if you could unblock!
Click to expand...

I've just tried. I'm not sure why but it wont let me change the setting. Maybe because it's HD. i'll try uploading a lower res file.

George Farmer said:
Some lovely inspiration for aquascapes too.
Click to expand...

I'm planning a summer of inspiration 🙂
 
I must be getting sentimental in my old age. I just watched that again; this time in 1080p with headphones and it brought a little tear to my eye.

My only criticism mate - the funky font doesn't do much for me. I think something smaller and more understated next time. But maybe it's my age...
 
Antoni. You can achieve great vids without an EVF, but be prepaired for a ton of fiddling and incorrectly exposed shots. I gave up on it, until researching EVF's
Click to expand...

Well, this is what I'm afraid of.. I do not have much experience, but will give it a go for sure 🙂

George Farmer said:
My only criticism mate - the funky font doesn't do much for me
Click to expand...

I can see, what you have had in mind with this font, but I agree with George. Maybe similar font that reminds a handwriting...something in classical or Gothic style will do a bit better IMO.
 
George Farmer said:
I must be getting sentimental in my old age. I just watched that again; this time in 1080p with headphones and it brought a little tear to my eye.

My only criticism mate - the funky font doesn't do much for me. I think something smaller and more understated next time. But maybe it's my age...
Click to expand...

Oh you poor old fart ! LOL George SHUT UP already with the "my old age" stuff.... you are making me feel like a retiree :evil: :lol: :evil:

Having said that, I too thought the video was very emotive. Nice work Mark.
 
George Farmer said:
I must be getting sentimental in my old age. I just watched that again; this time in 1080p with headphones and it brought a little tear to my eye.
Click to expand...

Bless ya matey :angel: A compliment indeed.

George Farmer said:
funky font doesn't do much for me. I think something smaller and more understated next time. But maybe it's my age...
Click to expand...

I've just changed it to something a little more conservative. I did initially have a nice plain text.

I've made changes to the vid, and re uploaded it.

The green border is now black, and text is different.
 
stuworrall said:
how are you using it at the moment? is it mounted on one of those frames that link it to the camera?
Click to expand...

It's on the hot shoe mount at the moment Stu, until i can invest in some 'proper' mounting equipment. I can see me spending a small fortune on gear.

Even for stills, the Zacuto zfinder 3x would be a great investment.
 
Piece-of-fish said:
Ahhhhhhhhhh, stop doing that with my wallet Mark, will you
Click to expand...

:lol: you know you want one!

I've looked into it for ages, and always backed off the idea. Thinking 'i dont need one of those' but boy, i'm glad i did.

I now need to learn to compose for documentary style videos.
 
Mark Evans said:
I now need to learn to compose for documentary style videos.
Click to expand...

Wow man, I smell an aquascaping documentary series soon in Youtube or NatGeo....

I have watched the video few times and it is amazing! The forest scene has been captured in such an amazing way! You have a gift man! :thumbup:

Someday in the future, I would be happy to lay my hand on such a piece of kit! Start saving from today 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top