Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

Why-v2

Why would you spend £250 on a Zacuto Z finder when you have a EVF fit for purpose on the new Panasonic GH4 ? The only reason I can demonstrate this is that I have a Zacuto EVF that I needed for my Panasonic AF101 and Sony NEX-FS100 and comes in useful for various high tripod shots  and JIB shots.

Eyecup-3

For £15 on EBAY you can buy yourself an eyecup that fits like a glove, in fact this was a Sony extra large eyecup I had in my drawer.

GH4-EC

If you add an expensive loupe to the GH4 you loose the ability to perform tasks by touch screen which I find very useful. You need to get away from thinking Canon or Nikon with the Lumix GH4, this is a mirrorless camera with a fantastic crisp EVF with no problems focusing.

The need for a loupe senario has chased the DSLR for years with cameras that are photographic…first…who think they are also video cameras…second, coming from strong photographic pedigrees like Canon and Nikon.

Me-&-GH4-v6

The Panasonic GH4 has changed the rules…Everything about the GH4 is geared towards video including the EVF which is better than you get with a Canon C300, the YAGH with SDI, XLR and 4 pin power, VU metering and sound controls and thats just a handful of video features.

It makes my blood boil when people show you expensive items that are a waist of time and money…I repeat you do not need a 3rd party loupe on your GH4 so don’t waste your hard earned money buying one.

NOTE : If you already own a loupe like the Zacuto Z finder you have nothing to lose by trying it.

 

author

Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

10 thoughts on “3rd Party loupes are not needed with Panasonic GH4…thank you !

  1. I like your style of being frank and up front about each product you review. This gives the end user a no nonsense approach to spending their hard earned cash on what they really need.

  2. Hallelujah! Plus I understand the viewfinder can be used in B/W as well. Well done Panasonic!

  3. Philip,

    Can you give us more detail on how to get the eye cup? A link to eBay perhaps?

    Thanks, RJett

    HDW : Hi RJett please remember this eyecup was in my drawer I will try to pin it down and give you a link.

  4. I’ve only found Sony eyecups for £60+, and links for £15 eyecups that fits the GH4?

  5. Hi, could you show us the rest of your rig? ty for the idea on the cup!

    Kaiser

  6. I have a GH4, MB Speedbooster and sigma art lens – all manual focus work. My biggest problem is getting focus – and yes I use the focus assist blue fringing. My problem is I am farsighted wihen I wear my contacts, and so have to have readers on. This gets to be a real pain, and in the past I used a kamerar viewfinder with 3x mag for my 5DM3; which worked great. When I sold the 5d to get the gh4 I had to sell that VF too because it didn’t fit the gh4; so yes, excellent built in, but I can’t always put my eye up to the VF when I’m recording video.

    HDW : Good point I have noticed this with my son who wears glasses.

  7. Very good post thank you! Now i’m looking for a shoulder rig that allow me to use the eye cup. Any idea?

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