Zacuto DSLR Rig
 

http://store.zacuto.com/images/D/sharpshooter762.jpg

Zacuto has done it again with a new rig with several configurations catered for DSLR shooters. There is a "Sharp Shooter" Config that comes with rails, shoulderpad, single grip and an optical viewfinder attachment that allows 3x magnification. Does look like a more complete solution. There are many other options. Hopefully someone could review this soon. Its a little expensive for me though, at USD1902.

DSLR Sharp Shooter - Zacuto

In the video they make a point of pooh-poohing someone who suggested that what they are using is not an optical viewfinder, and it isn't, not as the term has always been used (a true optical path from the lens to the eye).

That's like calling the 5D a film camera because you can make short films with it. It's misleading at best.

Very Slick
 

I'm having a hard time at that price point though.

I would like an alternative to the glidecam for stable shots. I have to really lean back to see the screen and that kills my back after a while.

A minimal setup at best. That sharp shooter, as with most zacuto stuff, looks way overpriced.

With the Redrock DSLR Field Cinema Bundle you get a much more expandable/configurable bundle WITH a follow focus and it can also be hand held easily. Sure, it doesn't have an "optical" viewfinder hood, but at least you're getting a two-handled (three if you count the top handle) rig and a really slick follow focus for the ~$200 more.

ETA: I also found it funny that they show it in that video with a follow focus, which is not included in the bundle and would cost an additional $1100(standard) to $1700 (flippable) if bought in their store. As a comparison, the redrock follow focus (included in their bundle) sells for $545 bare, or $825 as a complete package with 3 whips, a speed crank, and three lens gears.

Here's a much cheaper solution:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos...7-hoodman.html

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos...tebox-rig.html

I made a prototype with very similar ideas. Mine cost me about $30, and it works well.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos...oting-rig.html


Since I posted that, I now shade the LCD with a "sock" I made from a $ 1.00 sun visor

I think their mention of optical viewfinder is in comparison to other cameras on the market in the 3-15k range. They're just saying it's equivalent to the viewfinder you'll find on a Panasonic HVX200 or anything similar. An optic... magnifying a small LCD screen. However your point is valid about the definition of a true optical viewfinder.

They have more than one kit... so their video remains accurate. The sharp shooter doesn't come with a follow focus, but others in the bunch do. Check out this page DSLR Gunstock Shooter Kits

I think part of the appeal of this system is you can collapse it in two lever flicks. It does have multiple points of contact with the body which helps to take the weight off... as well as stabilize things more. No different than 5 points of contact in international ballroom waltz... it helps stabilize you and your partner as well as take the weight of the ladies arms off of your forearms, etc.

Redrock's DSLR field cinema bundle has too many rods in my opinion. It's overcomplicated like gear often times is. And it's heavy as a beast! It also doesn't seem to provide a decent solution to see the LCD effectively without moving the shoulderpad back which increases the weight on your forearms and there's nothing on the back to counterbalance. Who knows... maybe they'll come out with something exciting at NAB too though!

If you want an alternative to a glidecam/steadicam... you have to find an effective solution for monitoring which these cameras don't really offer. No HD-SDI... no HD-component. HDMI... but it's not up to par with what one would expect for professional monitoring. not only that... but you introduce an entirely new problem, pulling focus. You can't use a manual follow focus like Redrock's or Zacuto's on a steadicam. You have to get a wireless solution with transmitter/receiver... and mostlikely that also requires a wireless video transmitter. All of these things exist... but I don't think there's one HDMI wireless transmitter on the market. I may be wrong.

My .02

I think if you put an eye-cup on this, it would be pretty effective for less than $200...

BushHawk 320D Shoulder Mount with double handle by Bushhawk fast action camera mount and Sports Optics Stabilizer

These are really two different animals.

We have filmmaking kits which is what RedRock is selling. These are heavier and not at all what a gunstock shooter is intended for. Using one of those in a handheld config. is not very comfortable, easy to hold, easy to focus. The form factor is just not right for handheld shooting. It's more about use.
The gunstock shooter is a 6.5lbs lightweight way to use your DSLR like a traditional ENG style camera with your eye in the viewfinder. Focus is very thin in 35mm and having you eye in the hole really makes the critical focus easy. You have to try it, everyone who puts it on is like OMG, this really works.
Steve

Z-Finder
 

Peter,
the Hoodman loupe does not magnify (even know they say it does) the image and the picture quality is (I really don't want to use the word). You must have exactly 3x magnification, no more, no less otherwise you are looking around inside the viewfinder or not quite able to see well. The optical quality on our unit is extremely high. We use a 50mm diam lens so we have amazing light throughput and schneider optics. Ours is 3x magnification. I try to make everything the very best way I know, regardless of price. It's not for everyone, I understaned that, but its the only way I know how to make things.
Steve

I've tried it Mike,

You can't really get your eye in the right place without your head cocked.
I doesn't sit on your shoulder for another point of contact
No way to mount rods for FF, MB or counterweight
It's plastic and will break within a week.

The 5 points of contact is really important, our unit needs to be adjusted for every individual so all of these points are hitting at the right spot. This way your head is straight and you shoot with the correct horizon and it's comfortable to shoot all day.

Steve,

How much will the loupe/eyepiece cost on its own when available? I'm slightly worried that you are only using velcro to attach it, will this stand up to the kind of abuse that a run and gun shooter using this kind of rig will throw at it? Is there an option to mount using the eyepiece too?

Dan

I'm dealing with this right now:
home

It is nothing nearly as nice as the Zacuto, but it has served me well for my FX-1. Unfortunately follow focus isn't something that can be added. I use it with my D90 because it helps reduce the "jello effect". It does a good job and since the 5D doesn't have that issue as much as the D90, it should be even better when my Canon arrives.

A year ago I got one of the Spiderbraces for my Canon XL2 -- it ended up being the worst item I ever got for that camera -- what a piece of poop: bad fitment (that partially broke the first day I used it), built with flimsy Home Depot plastic tubes and cheaply spray-painted parts. The few times I had my XL2 rig on that piece, it flexed so much that it squealed, making the footage unusable. Sadly it all looks okay in their web ad, which is unfortunate since it surely deceived me to buy one.

-- peer

Dan,

There is just so much more to it than optics. I've learned a lot about opitics in the past 6 months, Hell, it's physics and crap, but that's for our engineers. I'll tell you, I tested every dioptic loupe on the market and I only liked two, the Schneider and my Hasselblad from 1971. Such differences you can't believe. Optics is one part of it, the other is lens diameter, lens quality, how many lenses you have involved in the system and how you do the diopter. Plus all of this can change the distance to the image plane. So the drawings look like NASA stuff. But when all is said and done, it needs to work, have amazing light throughput, have edge to edge sharpness, no light falloff, correct color, block out all extraneous light, have a mounting system and a lot more. For a relatively simple device, it's pretty complex to make. Steve

Steve,

Understood, I've been using professional loupes for 20 years and my favourite is still a Schneider.

Dan

Hi Steve,

Is the Z-finder's bottom edge small/short/thin enough to allow the ON/OFF button (on 5D) to work on 5D? I mean it seems to be the tallest edge of the finder http://store.zacuto.com/images/D/Zfinder_02762.jpg
By the way is that small locking lever for adjusting dioptre?

Those who have been using 35mm DOF adaptors or designed and built one do know too well what it takes to get perfect, sharp magnification via achromatic close up lens. Not too much time ago there were people who gladly paid $395 for the lens alone.

Is that Panasonic eyecup fitted too tight to the Z-finder by the way ;)...

Cheers an all the best,
T

Steve,

Looking at the pictures am I missing something or are you just using a stock $150 Schneider 3x loupe and added an interface for the 5d and an eyecup to it? I'd be reassured of the price if you could tell me you've optimised the optics in some way.

Also, as I asked before, is the velcro sufficiently strong to take the rough and tumble of daily use by people like me in fast moving situations? Have you tested it running around and bumping it.

Dan

Sorry for off topic but:

Just pick one Schneider Loupes : Teamwork Digital Ltd, Suppliers of Professional Digital and Large Format Photographic Equipment and add a replacement rubber eyepiece from Panasonic HVX200 (order from here Specialized Communications Corporation - Professional Quality Video Equipment - Knowledgeable Sales Staff - Expert Service). Now we know why Z-finder must be so whacky looking from the side - it's a side effect of using off the shelf parts. But for how much would one make a mould a pour that rubbery looking part?

I still don't know anything more secure than those LCD popup hoods (http://i19.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/3b/c7/2dfb_2.JPG) that attach to the optical viewfinder frame but even those must be taped a bit to assure really strong fit. (I have one here on my desk, hint hint) Using such a frame, without the popup hood part would give quite a good mounting point for those loupes.

T

Toenis,

If you look at my rig on the earlier links you will see I've been using a modified LCD pop up shade for a while now. I'm pretty sure this is the best mounting option for a loupe, and I have mine re-enforced with gaffer tape (looks ugly but works well)

If the Zacuto finder is not all that great when tested I'd be tempted to have another go at making a new version of my finder using a Schneider Loupe, Eyepiece and a custom rubber moulding.

Dan

Thanks for supplying the link to the 5D Mark II LCD hood on ebay, didn't
know they were on the market yet....

I have the one for the 40D that requires more modification to align the
frame...

I ordered the new 5D MKII one to see if it will work better with the
hoodman setup.

In the mean time, I found that you can use the small bungy cords
that the girls use for their hair pony tails. They are small and don't
look too bad as they are at least black in color and wont scratch the
camera...

Also considering this is the Zacuto thread... I'd like to get one but its
a little out of my price range... but it does look like a great product.

I have the Hoodman, and I also pre-ordered the Zacuto Z-finder--will post a review once I get it (hopefully mid-May?)

Hi Vladimir, any updates on the comparison?

I got one of the lcd shades for the 5d2, took off the shades etc and glued the hoodloup to it. I then put a little bit of black electrician's tape on the inside join for extra security and to block out any light getting in. Looks pretty cool and is much more secure than using Hoodman's elastic ties. It comes off easier too.

Getting the hang of using the hoodloup now too with practice. Not perfect but not bad for the price.

Still waiting to hear if anyone can do a direct comparison between the Hoodman Hoodloup and a Schneider or ZFinder.

Wayne, what sort of glue did you use? I have just got to the stage of destroying my LCD shade by pulling off the side & top shades. I thought perhaps a hot glue gun would be needed for fixing the rubber Hoodloupe to the plastic of the ex-shade but if you have fixed it securely with some other product then I will use that.

The LCD screen is very nicely made & fits beautifully to the camera I must order myself another one. My wife hasn't let me destroy hers yet as she finds it very effective. We were out this afternoon at the Cannes Film Festival (as spectators not exhibitors:-) & did some shooting of the crowds, pavilions & general hubbub. In the bright sunshine her screen worked great.

Another thing. I now understand why the Hoodloupe comes in its own neat little zippered bag. The soft rubber that it is finished with attracts fluff, hairs & dirt that stick to it very easily & are difficult to remove.

Is your shade specifically for the 5d2? I was in the UK recently and the closest I could find was for the 40d; I was able to make that fit the 5d2 by trimming the inside of the frame, then gluing the hoodman on, but I'd rather have the right frame if it exists.

Do you mean double-sided electrician's tape? Doesn't it leave gunk on the screen when you remove the shade/hoodman? I tried heavy duty gaffer tape on the outside of the shade/hoodman to fix it to the body for extra security, but since I need to remove the shade/hoodman regularly I found that impractical. The best solution I've found is to use the elastic ties to secure the shade/hoodman, so the assembly is both tied and clipped onto the camera at the viewfinder. It's reasonably secure and also easy to remove.

This is the shade that I bought LCD Pop-Up Screen Hood Shade Cover for CANON 5D Mark II - eBay (item 250405177379 end time May-11-09 00:15:56 PDT) It's very nicely made, fits well & is excellent as an LCD shade even before you start adapting it for the Hoodloupe. I have bought other cheap accesories for the 5D from the same supplier which are all very well made & cheap e.g. battery grip & a remote control & an interval timer.

Z-Finder Experience
 

I had the opportunity to walk around the NAB show with a Zacuto DSLR rig and Z-finder for 4 days in Vegas last month. I saw this thread pop up again on my subscriptions and wanted to offer some input. Steve was kind enough to lend me a rig for the week and I got some amazing shots (thanks in part to the ergonomics of the thing).

First of all, I will say this... if you're looking for super discreet, these rigs aren't the way to go. I got stopped everywhere I turned with people asking me questions about my rig! It was nice to just rest the thing on my hip and walk around, but it's not as compact of a solution as using the camera alone.

When I went to Chicago last November, I took the 5D2 out and about without a tripod or anything. And as you can see in my film Millennium (Millennium on Vimeo) the amount of usable footage I obtained was limited by my poor handling. Whereas at NAB, I got a lot more usable stuff due to the stability of this rig design.

I checked out the options from Redrock, Cinevate, Hoodman, and Cavision and I'll say I like the Zacuto best for my style of shooting.


The Hood-Pro Sock-Loupe has a +7 diopter only. The Z-Finder V1 (like I had at NAB) had an adjustable diopter. Additionally the new Z-Finder V2 will have superior optics, a true 50mm lens, and an even larger range of diopter adjustability. But hey post a picture if you got it to work... I'm curious!

Bottom edge leaves plenty of room for the ON/OFF switch on the 5D. You adjust diopter by twisting the eye cup (in the V1). The eyecup fits perfectly fine in my opinion. Easy enough for me to switch when I adjusted the diopter on mine. Also... the V2 will focus using a separate ring instead of twisting the eye piece.

My velcro didn't fall off after four days of constant show use (not to mention shooting in the desert with Philip Bloom). Don't be mistaken... it's not just a Schneider loupe... it's specifically optimized for the 5D2. There's a very high tolerance interface coupler that gives you a fairly exact distance in order to get a sharp image. It's my understanding that without that correct distance, the optics will not be crisp and sharp.

I dunno about other users out there making this... but I do know that Zacuto released the first version to rapidly get it to the market to meet users demand. However, the second version of the Z-finder is supposed to be much improved. The skirt is shortened... the lens tube is longer (to help ppl like me with extreme nearsightedness). I found a picture on their website. Zacuto USA 888-294-3456 | Prototypes I also read that Steve will replace your V1 optics for V2 as well!


I checked out the Cavision and Hoodman loupes and wasn't a fan myself. They seemed to be flimsy and not well made. And there are tons of support solutions out there as you already know. I liked my experience with the Zacuto rig because I could customize it to my body with 5 points of contact for stellar stability... and have the sharp crisp optics I'd expect using the Z-finder accessory. That's my $0.02... take it or leave it.

I used Evo-Stick 'SERIOUS GLUE' Fix and Repair adhesive from the local B&Q hardware store. Seems pretty solid. Comes in a silver tube with a black top. LOT NO: A80723220855. I can confirm that it is pretty damn serious as it takes ages to coax it out of the tube…

I did try the Evostick multi purpose Impact adhesive first but that lasted all of half an hour.

Mine's the same shade as Nigel mentions above. Took a little while to arrive, but it is good quality and the sides and clear bit come off easily enough. A nice fit to the camera too, not too tight, but not too loose. bob-on in fact. Shame to take it apart really. Might get another one sometime.

Am interested in the interval timer Nigel, is it good then? did my first timeleapse yesterday using the canon software on a MacBook Pro tethered to the 5D2. Came out sort of OK but I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING!! Ha!

Jeremy, I mean plain old matt black electrician's tape. Made by Proflex and is 20mm wide. I used it just round the inside edge of where the Hoodloup attaches to the shade frame - NOT the screen of the 5D2 itself. The way the viewfinder attachment clips onto the 5D2 seems fine for my purposes. You could always just put one strip across the outside bottom of the frame/hoodloup sticking it to the bottom of the camera where it won't do much damage if you needed extra security.

Avey

I need to pop into my local DIY mega-shed for some other stuff so I will look out for that.

I haven't had a chance to try it out yet what with the thousand & one other things that demand my attention. It caught my eye when I was ordering the LCD shade & battery grip & I couldn't resist the price. It's different to the one that Jon Fairhurst used here http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos...lawnmower.html Like the other stuff from cam.plus it looks well made & nicely finished. Even the instructions look like they may have been reviewed by a native English speaker.

Hi Nigel,

Is that the 5DMKII battery grip? Does it give full functionality or is it limited like the inexpensive, non-Canon batteries are?

Yes, it has all the extra buttons on it so that you can turn the camera through 90 degrees & still have the shutter, AF-On etc. at the top right hand side. Useful if you are taking stills but less useful for video. When you have genuine Canon batteries in it they do communicate with the camera. It is beautifully made & while I have never handled a genuine Canon grip this one looks & feels the part right down to the instruction leaflet. At less than half the price of the genuine article I am very pleased with it.

That's great to know, Nigel. Thanks!

Hey Sean, yes, I have the Hoodman and it definitely does help you focus, and just being able to press it against your eye while shooting gives you another point of contact for more stable shots. I also recently did get the Zacuto Z-Finder it really is noticeably better in terms of magnification and sharpness, and it also seems a bit brighter, and the eye cup is very compfortable--I really like it.

Sure it's more expensive, but if you're spending all day shooting a wedding I think it's worth the investment. I'm using the Z-Finder with a Red Rock Micro shoulder mount and it's a good combination (although I think Philip Bloom used just the z-finder for his cool Sofia's People movie)

Joseph, thanks for that info. It's good to hear you did have any issues. Users on the other forums seems to be a bit more skeptical so I still don't really know what to make of it. The kind of work I do takes me into some pretty extreme situations, for instance it wouldn't do to have a finder falling off a camera while hanging out of a helicopter, it might hurt someone! I'm not sure I or Zacuto would like any ensuing law suit. I think I'll wait until the v2 is released to be sure.

I'm really glad I didn't order the V1 because shipping and import duties to China are pretty high. In fact can I make a plea to all companies who update products so quickly to spare a thought for international customers who pay a high price even if there is a 'free' upgrade from the manufacturer it doesn't really help too much.

This bit mystifies me a little, my experience with the sock loupe that people like Phil Bloom and myself use with the Sony EX-1 is that the tolerences are not that tight. The glass on the sockloupe just flops around and you never really get the same position twice.

I know the LCD is a mm or two behind the LCD protector but all photographic loupes were designed to used with slide film and negatives. Slides are generally housed in plastic or card mounts and these vary alot in thickness. A professional loupe should have enough lattitude (depth of field) to deal with this and still render a pin sharp image

If this really bothers then you could slowly sand down the loupe plastic bit until it matches better.

Dan

Sand down? No sir! That's not the way to go.

Regardless, you still have to find a way to mount the eyecup onto it!

What makes that one nice is that it blocks out the light and gives you access to a large LCD. It appears to be no different in function than a Hoodman to me. What distinguishes the Z-Finder from the others is that it's trying to provide your eye with a full view of the screen and provide the amount of detail necessary for focusing full frame SLR glass with precision.

Do what works for ya in the end I guess.

Joseph,
Someone has to play around with this stuff sanding and glueing, but I understand its not for everyone. If you want to buy an off the shelf solution thats fine but please don't frown on people who DIY, its how progress is made. BTW - Mounting an eyecup is quite easy.

Zacuto by their own admission were not thinking about a loupe solution when the camera launched, then they after others started using loupes they went out and made a better version. All credit to them and I hope they sell loads. I'll be happy to buy one when they have their mkII sorted out.

I am happy that I did what works for me first because I've had six months of easier shooting with the modified hoodloupe and sockloupe already before Zacuto got to market.

Dan

Thanks a lot for the update! Definately a good reference for me to put my $. I have also been deliberating over the redrock micro kit. Do u find the kit a little high up for shooting? I only require 5-8sec shots for rack focusing normally. I simulated a redrock rig and found that my arms will get tired pretty quickly compared to something like the Zacuto sharpshooter rig. I like the solution below but I am thinking of making do without the loupe sometimes.

http://www.redrockmicro.com/cartpics...20_0271_lg.jpg

I saw the rig photos from Glenn Elliot and I think he is right about having the handles at a position that is slightly higher than waist instead of chest level. I like to listen to your feedback on the comfort of using the redrock micro shoulder kit without the z finder. Thanks again!

Could you make a comment on this as well?

Dan,
I remember a link to a company that sold the comfy eyepieces to attach to the hoodloup a little while ago but now I can't find it. Was it you who posted that one, and if so could you let me know the link again please? I'd quite like to get one I think.

many thanks and also for the fine work that inspires us all here.

Avey

Wayne,

Did you mean these i-cuff Purchase

Mike Tapa sells them on his site in the UK MTF Services Ltd

Or did you mean the rubber Sony eyepiece that I use?

Dan