By site editor Dan Chung:
It came as no surprise to me that monitor maker SmallHD would bring out an EVF solution for its diminutive 502 5-inch Full HD monitor, which it launched recently. The company did the same previously by offering an EVF solution for its DP4 monitor. What did surprise me was the unique, innovative design it has opted for.
The Sidefinder takes the 502 and transforms it into an EVF by adding a loupe onto it sideways. To do so without making the loupe bigger and more bulky – like the F&V Spectra for instance – SmallHD have chosen to just use just a 1366×768 portion of that display to create a crisp, clear image. This is still much higher resolution than most other EVFs.
The added benefit of doing so is that the screen can be flipped out away from the eyepiece at any time and used as a monitor. This is a bit like the display on Sony’s 3.5 inch DVF-L350 EVF for the F5 and F55, only larger. Being able to use the monitor function is great for changing camera settings or during long interviews where you don’t want to keep your eye up to an EVF the whole time.
The loupe of the EVF has a wide diopter range and should suit most users. Interestingly, SmallHD says it offers a way of adjusting the field of view from 20 degree to 40 degrees so that the image can appear larger or smaller in your vision, according to your preference.
One feature I have been lobbying for on all EVFs is the ability to remote control the functions – especially magnification for focus. Thankfully, SmallHD have done this by creating a small remote whicha will attach near your handgrip or trigger and allow control of the main focus and exposure tools.
3D Lookup tables (LUTs) can be applied to Log or flat images on the monitor. These make for easier viewing while shooting in RAW, Log or flat images in camera.
The Sidefinder can be powered from Canon LPE-6 type batteries, by DC or via D-tap using an adapter.
Mounting is via a special bracket that attaches to the EVF and allows it to be fixed to ARRI rosettes, magic arms, 15mm rods or NATO type rails.
Video connection is via SDI or HDMI sockets on the rear of the monitor. One slightly odd thing is that when the Sidefinder is used as an EVF these cables then face sidewards in front of the operator’s face. I’m guessing that right-angled SDI and HDMI connectors will be needed to prevent this becoming annoying.
Ultimately, the Sidefinder stands or falls on how easy it is to compose and achieve accurate focus with – something I hope to test at NAB in Las Vegas next week. This will depend on the fill factor of the pixels, the contrast and the amount of screen lag experienced. Comparisons are bound to be drawn with Zacuto’s Gratical EVFs.
Price and availability are not yet set but for more info you can go to the SmallHD website.
This is from SmallHD:
Cary, North Carolina: April 7, 2015 — SmallHD introduces a ground breaking new concept in affordable on-camera displays. The Sidefinder is a true high definition, fully featured, electronic viewfinder that boasts a groundbreaking benefit: a 5-inch, fold-out, Full HD display for use as a field monitor.
“Our goal for the Sidefinder was a lofty one: create the best EVF on the market, and somehow make it affordable,” SmallHD co-founder Wes Phillips explains. “It needed the highest resolution, the biggest diopter range, excellent battery life, minimal size and weight, a huge choice of mounting options and no noticeable lag. This pursuit eventually led us to a rugged design that also includes a 5-inch Full HD flip-out display—an unbelievable bonus. Throw in the software feature set we’ve created and the Sidefinder becomes two truly cutting edge products for the price of one.”
Unparalleled specs and true multifunctional use are just half the story. The real magic of the device is in its compact, ergonomic design. Its patent pending “folded” shape means a footprint smaller than many of today’s third party EVF solutions, while offering a much bigger screen boasting more than double the viewing area in most cases. Critically, its shape also allows operators to slide the viewfinder closer to the camera than any other third party EVF, eliminating a common source of neck strain during shoulder mounted operation.
The foundation of the Sidefinder is SmallHD’s powerful new 502 field monitor. Its immense tool set and simple user interface translates directly into the operation of the Sidefinder, while adding several unique settings that may be customized based on user preference, such as an adjustable field-of-view.
“The ideal field-of-view for a viewfinder is a highly polarized topic,” comments Dale Backus, SmallHD co-founder and product visionary. “Some want a large field-of-view to achieve accurate focus more quickly, while others prefer it to be smaller so that shot composition is easier and eye strain is minimized. The Sidefinder is the first electronic viewfinder to provide a highly adjustable field-of-view of 20-degrees to 40-degrees so that no preference is left behind.”
Shooters also get to choose how they control the Sidefinder. Since the user interface of the 502 field monitor is so simple, it has been transplanted onto a tiny omnidirectional remote that can be mounted right at your fingertips so that camera operators never have to move their hand away from the camera to instantly see focus and exposure tools.
The Sidefinder is also incredibly flexible when it comes to mounting options. Shipping standard with a specialized side-mount bracket, the EVF can be fastened to any camera setup using a 15mm rod system, ¼-20 based EVF mount, NATO rail clamp, and even an Arri-style Rosette mount.
Using a built-in LP-E6 battery bracket, the Sidefinder accepts power from rechargeable Canon LP-E6 batteries. External power may be provided via D-tap using a regulated LP-E6 adapter cable, or from an AC adapter that also snaps into the monitor’s battery plate.
For added versatility, the slimline 502 monitor swiftly detaches from the optical system of the Sidefinder altogether for use as a stand-alone compact monitor on a jib-arm, gimbal rig, slider or other camera support.
Price and availability will be announced at NAB 2015 (SmallHD Booth C9548). For more information on mounting options, software tools, inputs and other cool stuff, visit: www.smallhd.com/sidefinder
