The new firmware has been posted by Zacuto to update their EVFs and we now have metering…fantastic !  Using it with the Sony FS100 now gives you -24dB, -12dB and 0dB, something badly missing from the Sony LCD.

Sadly you still can’t monitor 1080 50p but I am sure this will come in a further update.

Firmware 1.01.00 includes the following updates:

-Audio meters enabled that are able to be positioned in any of the four corners.
-Battery meter can now be positioned in any of the four corners
-Audio loop through enabled
-Underscan now implemented
-Can now save and recall Chroma, Contrast and brightness settings as presets.
-Changes to color, brightness and contrast are now saved on power down and return on power up.
-Red One, Sony FS100 scaling presets added
-Various glitch and bug fixes

http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf/evf-support

I was just about to extoll the virtues of adding a Zacuto Z-Finder EVF to your AF101 or F3 when I came across this picture of the new Sony FS100 kitted out in full battle gear and there is no doubt about it…it looks the part !

This set up takes away the semi Pro look of the camera and with the matte box gives you the ability to add ND filters in front of the lens.

The EVF Flip has a Z-Finder frame built into the unit that can be flipped open to 180 degrees. You can also pop off the Z-Finder and use the electronic viewfinder as a monitor similar to the EVF Snap. You can use the Z-Finder Pro or Jr. on this model as well. This is essential when working handheld with a producer or director so you can show him the shot without having to have him get his eye in the viewfinder. You just flip up and he can see the shot.

The Zacuto Pro…This is a complete electronic viewfinder with a diopter. It includes the EVF Flip model and an optical viewfinder, which will snap onto the frame on the monitor and can flip up 180 degrees. The optical viewfinder contains high quality 2.5x optics with anti-fog shields and a diopter. The anti-fog is extremely important for reducing fog. It will also include extender frames. The Z-Finder Extender Frames allow you to further adjust the focal point of the Z-Finder by semi-permanently stacking the frames via a snap fit on to the skirt of the Z-Finder until the LCD screen is in focus for you. If you want to be able to use your Z-Finder on your camera LCD screen, you will need to purchase the gorilla plate and frame separately. It is not included in this kit.

All electronic viewfinders include a standard hotshoe EVF mount, HDMI cable, rechargeable battery, battery charger, lens cloth and protection case. Additional mounts will be available for purchase; the mount needed will depend on your shooting needs.

A Zacuto rig on a Sony PMW-F3. If you are lucky enough to be going to NAB 2011 you can see the Zacuto EVF in action along with all the various cameras and rigs. The one thing that I really like about Zacuto’s EVF is the build quality and the standard size HDMI sockets, far more substantial.

This is an interesting little gadget, an independent EVF that claims higher resolution than your Canon DSLR, Panasonic AF101 and Sony’s F3. Now I have to remain on the fence with this one until I see one working in the flesh, maybe Creative Video could send me one to review.  Details are on Creative Video’s web site the price is £645 incl vat.

CVP link…http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/public/view_item_cat.php?catalogue_number=cineroid_EVF-4L