p.1 #1 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
I love using the Zeiss prime lenses. I blow up the LCD to enlarge the square, but still....The camera shakes using this method, don't want to always use monopod/tripod, and it's also hard to tell on the LCD without enlarging an area.
How do the LCD viewfinders work? Anyone use them and feel like they're helpful? Without something to help with the eyesight it makes me worship autofocus lenses, but they're not Zeiss primes. Any advice?
p.1 #2 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
You can use a Zacuto Z-Finder to provide an excellent view of the LCD on a DSLR, while also getting a much steadier handheld setup, as the camera is steadied against your noggin.
p.1 #3 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
PGcanond20 wrote:
I love using the Zeiss prime lenses. I blow up the LCD to enlarge the square, but still....The camera shakes using this method, don't want to always use monopod/tripod, and it's also hard to tell on the LCD without enlarging an area.
How do the LCD viewfinders work? Anyone use them and feel like they're helpful? Without something to help with the eyesight it makes me worship autofocus lenses, but they're not Zeiss primes. Any advice?
Thanks in advance.
The external monitors (large LCD viewfinders as you call them) have several features built for video use that aid in manual focusing. In video work as your subect changes distances you have to manually track this focal length change, a process called focus follow. This can be challenging and often there is a dedicated camera assistant who is dedicated to this task alone. The monitors have features that make this task easier; one of the main features is called focus peaking. Its where the part of the image that are in focus change color of the edges or highlighting, making it easier to quickly establish the in-focus parts. For example check out the feature called "focus assist plus" in the software of the Small HD DP4 http://www.smallhd.com/products/dp4-evf/software.html
High resolution and larger screens compared to the 3" Canon LCD, are also advantages that can be features of these external monitors. However, they require the use of the camera's HDMI output. For manual focus with Canon tilt/shift lenses, I use the DP6 which has a true HD resolution of 1280 X 800. Better resolution certainly helps nail the focus. https://www.fredmiranda.com/smallhd/
Competitive products are also made by Ikan, Marshall, Sony and others, and all have different versions of focus peaking.
Mike K
p.1 #4 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
Hi Mike,
You're absolutely right about the utility of an external HD monitor. I have a SmallHD DP6 for tilt-shift and macro shooting. It's great. OTOH, it doesn't work so well for the OP's desire to use a handheld setup...
PGcanond20 wrote:
... don't want to always use monopod/tripod, ...
p.1 #5 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
Thanks everyone, very helpful information. I didn't realize I could purchase after market focus peaking software. I'm really liking the looks of the 4"DP4.
p.1 #7 · LCD, how to see it better, Manual Zeiss Lenses on 5DIII
Yes, the DP6 or DP7 can be a bit awkward without a tripod, as their size/weight makes them flop over more easily when moving vigorously. However many videographers do use these larger external monitors handheld, usually with dedicated frames to attach camera, monitor, focus follow, etc.
The DP4 has the eyecup to hold up to your face and helps stabilize the camera and monitor when handheld. Quite a variety of set ups shown here http://www.smallhd.com/gallery/
There are many competitive external monitors with the resolution of the DP4 that feature variations of focus peaking.
Mike K
