FS100 Viewfinder Options

[Mark Weisen]

On recent trip my viewfinder was snatched - I'm now trying to sort out options, should I replace stock viewfinder or upgrade? Zacuto EVFpro looks great, but currently a bit over my budget. Any recommendations for less expensive options? I need something with diopter, I usually shoot off tripod, not looking for shoulder rig...

[Piotr Wozniacki]

If you are shooting with tripod, the stock viewfinder is enough; what you might need is a monitor. Much more convenient to use over extended periods of time.

I do have the Zacuto, but use it exclusively with my shoulder rig.

Piotr

[Glen Vandermolen]

Wow, that sucks it was stolen - or misplaced.
I say go for the stock eyepiece. It really is nice, especially if it's mostly for tripod use.
Plus, should you decide to sell it one day, it'd be easier to move it if it's a complete camera.

[Mark Weisen]

Thanks for advice - I ordered replacement viewfinder from SONY today: $300 shipped -

If I were to buy a $1,000 monitor, say a SmallDP6, or high end Marshall would that offer more in terms of dialing in focus than using the FS100 stock LCD w/peaking?

What do you find to be the main advantage(s) of having an external monitor?

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Well Mark - even if the monitor is very basic, it's always good to have one for ergonomics reasons. I just cannot imagine bowing and looking into the viewfinder for the whole hour or so, when recording my classical music concerts!

Not to mention that a good monitor can also have all sorts of adds - like peaking, 1:1 zoom, false colors, or even WF monitoring...

My 7" Marshall is enough for focusing (even though it's only 800x480), and great for exposure (I find the false colors feature very useful).