By site editor Dan Chung:
Zacuto Z-Finder and Mounts for the Canon C300 and C500 from Zacuto on Vimeo.
Zacuto today announced their new Z-finder LCD loupe solution for the Canon C300 and C500 cameras. The unique design of the in-built C300/500 LCD has proved a challenge for manufacturers seeking to make solutions that transform it into a functioning viewfinder. Zacuto are only the second manufacturer, to my knowledge, to have created a functioning loupe that covers the C300 entire screen – the first being French company Diety.
Using the Canon LCD as a viewfinder has a number of advantages – the resolution of the Canon LCD is high, a loupe has smaller size and lighter weight than a dedicated EVF, no extra battery and it costs less than an EVF. Most important for me though is that I retain the ability to magnify the image for focus check when pressing the button on the C300’s grip. This can be done at any time while shooting. Most EVFs have a similar function but it usually requires the operator to take their hand off the camera and press a button on the EVF – this has the potential to wobble the camera. You also retain the Canon Log view assist function which I find very useful.
The Z-finder attaches to the LCD with a clever slip-on design that is secured in place using a bar clamp. This should make for easy assembly and removal without any fuss. It is extremely lightweight (which is important so it doesn’t strain the LCD hinge) and has a unique monitor lock clip that prevents the hinge between the LCD from moving when you press your eye into it – something that I have found annoying when using a Diety finder.
The C300/500 Z-finder also features a brand new diopter system. There is a set of interchangeable glass diopters with an anti-fog coating. Included are 0, +1, +2, and +3 diopters with the option to purchase -1 or +4 if needed.
Zacuto have gone on step further and created a mounting solution that allows the entire LCD/loupe assembly to be mounted in an optimal position for viewing. The C300 LCD jackpack and it’s original handgrip were never designed to be transformed into a viewfinder setup and this causes a number of issues. Diety users will be familiar with the problems – a viewfinder that is too close to the camera body for comfort, with a limited range of movement. When placed on a shoulder rig the Diety usually requires some kind of custom construct to place it in a usable viewing position – I have tried various options and never found one that is satisfactory.
Zacuto’s solution comprises a pivoting bracket that attaches via a Z-rail to their new Helmet coldshoe handle kit. The bracket can be pivoted to 360 degrees which should allow for correct positioning of the eye. It also allows lateral movement of the whole jackpack/LCD/Z-finder assembly so it can be properly positioned when used with a rig. It is designed to integrate with Zacuto’s excellent Recoil system but should be equally at home on other manufacturers rigs provided a comfortable viewing position can be found.
The Helmet coldshoe is a sturdy metal replacement for Canon’s original C300 handle and connects on three points for a more solid connection. It has a wooden handle that attaches via a 3” Z-Rail. It also has tapped holes for attachment of accessories. The handle can be used on its own or with the Z-finder mounting kit.
There is also a second version of the handle with two cold shoe mounts instead of the tapped holes. These have a unique clamp-on mechanism for mounting accessories which requires only a half-turn of a Zacuto lever. This should make mounting radio mics or LED lights a breeze.
One thing to note is that when using the mounting kit the preferred solution is to have the jackpack rotated so that the audio controls face forward – this is to allow better placement of the finder – especially with larger lenses. If you are constantly adjusting audio levels this is something to bear in mind.
Zacuto have clearly been thinking very hard about meeting the needs of C300 users and I am impressed with the level of detail in their solutions. It will be very interesting to compare the optical quality of the C300 Z-finder against my existing Diety loupe. You can pre-order the C300/500 Z-finder, mounting kit and Helmet handle on the Zacuto website now.
Disclosure: This blog is an affiliate partner of Zacuto.
