Recommend as an inexpenisive EVF?

[Ed Ollei]

http://www.myvu.com/
These personal media viewers, give you 480 lines of resolution. Would this at all work as an EVF for a camera? Anyone ever used one of these things?

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

No, I would not use this as an EVF for a RED. In fact I wouldn't use it as an EVF for any camera.

The resolution is too low.

Even if it had the resolution, I'd be wary how it encompasses your vision. When operating you need to be able to look at the viewfinder and directly observe the subject simultaneously. So, any "solution" that keeps you from looking directly at the subject is really a problem trying to crop up.

Another consideration is disorientation. If you are riding a moving camera platform and operating a camera with this on, then unless you keep your head pointed the exact same way the camera is you will be disoriented. It happens all the time to users of virtual reality systems. I secretly think its kind of funny to watch. (Oops, did I type that out loud?)

You should try an LCD panel. Later, when you do get a proper EVF, you will still have lots of use for an on camera LCD, for the assistant for example.

The cheapest usable on camera panels I found was the IKAN v5600

A new (well new to me at any rate) company making LCD's
Manhattan LCD

The HD8900 impresses me on paper. It has a resolution of 1280x768... and it displays the full RED menus. There is also a non-SDI version with a battery plate built in. Its weakness is brightness- you need a hood if you are going to try and use it outside- you might need one occasionally on set.

There are a PILE of other units out there, but those are the units that caught my attention.

I want to emphasize that I am not endorsing these monitors. I intend them as examples of units that meet my minimum requirements. Those requirements are:

1) Resolution of 1024x600 (like RED's LCDs) or better. Don't fall for the 1440x234 LCD's... they look very nice, but they can decieve you when working a 1/2" camera in 1080p... and they can definitely bite you in the a$$ when using them while working S35 on a 4k camera.

2 At least 250cd/m^2. Most of these units barely qualify.

3) It must have HDMI input, and some analog i/o. Ideally they should at least have a version that includes HD-SDI as standard.

These are fairly low end requirements, and few units meet the standards.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

im not gunna talk on this unit in particular.. but personally i dont give a crap about resolution in my viewfinder... i use it to frame.

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

im not gunna talk on this unit in particular.. but personally i dont give a crap about resolution in my viewfinder... i use it to frame.

Really?

You don't check at all for focus? What about boom poles and other gear then?

I suppose that the advantages of an OVF are entirely lost on you then.

Perhaps, I should lay off the sarcasm. I am surprised though to read this from any operator or DP. I hope you are just severely overstating your case. I'd hate to think you don't care about the duties of the operator- of which framing is just one.

I should also note that these head mounted displays have very low resolution, maybe you didn't note that before commenting.

The units I saw listed were 320x240 and 640x480. That's 0.076 Mpixels and 0.307 Mpixels respectively.

The units I pointed out are 1024x600 and 1280x720. That's 0.614Mpixels and 0.921 Mpixels. I think those represent RED's thoughts on what's acceptable for use on set.

Sure I'm not grading in the EVF, but you do have a responsibility as an operator to look at details.

I also find that with sufficient detail in the viewfinder (electronic or optical) I can see any stray gear that breaks the frame, mics and other intermittent intruders and details of the set that I can use as guides for framing too. I can even let the assistant know if they are off their marks.

I don't know about you Mr. Sandberg, but I am old school enough to think that the operator needs to be on top of these things.

Remember 600's motto: "We see it first." Well, if you are going to brag on it, then you had better make sure you truly are seeing it.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Alex, Like I said.. I did not check out what the OP was talking about. I wasnt able to load the link, So I was talking blindly.

Im mostly referring to a resolution War. Personally.. I dont know the difference between evf resolutions. I can still see boom poles weather its a red evf, optical, or a ex3.

I certainly dont check for color representation or focus.. I use an on board monitor usually for that, or a larger monitor off to the side..

But see, I dont really use my EVF for anything but framing.

in fact, I know A LOT of dp and operators who are primarily using the LCD or another type of on board to do most critical checks (focus, small details)

I use to think checking focus was easier with my EVF... but I have since learned that my onboard /off camera monitors are better for it.

 

[David Rasberry]

I think media glasses like the myvu's might be a useful option for a jib or crane operator.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Right.. the meaning behind my opinionated post was lost.
I was simply stating my thoughts on a EVF. like I said.. I mostly rely on monitors now,
however, Optical viewfinders are still lovely