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Bomb EVF vs. LCD or Both?

M

Matthew Marenyi

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Glad to be joining the community!

I'm sorry if this is a repost but i did searches and nothing was showing up.

What are the benefits of the viewfinder vs. an lcd screen? Aside from the obvious benefits of avoiding glare from direct sunlight, optical viewing vs. electronic etc, it seems like a matter of personal preference. And if I have both won't my director and DP be right on top of each other. It seems the most logical set up would be an EVF and then have a monitor/video village type set up.

Matt
 
Usually it's an EVF for the operator, and the LCD for those that have a place around the camera, especially the 1st AC and of course the director. Occasionally the boom op may want to have a look at the lines as well.

So, if your budget allows for both, do get both. Otherwise I'd say go for the LCD for broader usabilty (unless you shoot a lot in glaring sunlight.)

But that is just my opinion, why not try them yourself, either at a friendly rental place, at conventions, or rent 'em.
 
Yup- big fan of both. EVF almost essential for operating and LCD for everyone else- especially AC, director, etc.

Noah
 
Thanks! very helpful opinions.

Hopefully my budget will allow for both.
 
For operating outside an EVF is very useful. The lcd is just not bright enough, unless it is getting dark, and if you are using it you can often end up with something over your head to block out the light, which isn't the most practical!
 
I like the EVF outside and the LCD inside. Get them both! The EVF is superb, great colorimetry, great resolution too. Probably the best EVF made for any camera.

Graeme
 
I do wildlife filming. I have had my RED for 1 1/2 years. I had only an EVF for the first year. It is great, but if I have to walk a long way it is heavy, so 6 months ago I got a LCD for the times I have to hike. I quickly realized the LCD allows me to see things outside the camera's field of view. That is important if I am following one animal and there is another nearby animal doing something more interesting. I have a much better "feel" for what is going on around me and find it much easier to make quick choices on what to shoot.
 
Definitely both, EVF and LCD.

But despite of some wanting to get a smaller LCD, for any particular reason, been financial and or cause they think that they don't need a bigger one, I will always prefer a larger LCD vs. the smaller one, s this allows for better Image viewing and in turn a better choice for 1th AC, FP and some times for the Director too, even so most of the times the Director will have his/her own viewing system connected to each camera, and will only take advantage of the on camera LCD when close to one of the cameras, and or off course when is only one camera shoot on the run.

Get Both, spend a little extra and get the Pro line larger one, or if you get a none Red LCD,make sure to get nothing below the 7" to 9".
 
If I had to choose just one, I would pick the EVF . But both is preferable if budget allows.
For an economical solution, one of the smaller LCD's with some type of eye loupe will allow it to serve in both roles.
I have always liked the fairly large EVF's on good ENG cameras that have a flip up eyepiece so it can be used both ways. Not very good for critical focusing in HD or higher resolution cameras though.
 
In August 2007, when I received Red #0008, the 5" LCD was the only feasible viewing option for the mobile, mostly outdoor work I do. I immediately adapted an LCD hood to the LCD to provide shade for the LCD and help define its presentation.

In October 2007 I took delivery of two more Red One cameras, each of which was used with the 5" LCD. In December 2007 I beta tested the Red EVF, loved it, and have used one ever since, along with the 5" LCD/hood combo. For a few years now Hoodman has made a collapsable LCD hood specifically made for the Red 5" LCD. For anyone who shoots outdoors a lot I recommend it highly.

If you can swing it in your budget I definitely recommend getting both an EVF and LCD. Even if you do mobile hybrid or EFP work where you don't need both on the camera simultaneously, having both will seriously enhance your ability to get a wide range and style of shots. I use the EVF for shots that call for it, and the LCD when the camera has to be in a high or low position, thus making it impossible to get my eye to an EVF. Having both the EVF and LCD available will really enhance your field production techniques. That said, for weight and mobility in my work, I never have both the EVF and LCD on the camera at the same time unless its absolutely necessary for my crew and workflow needs that particular day, or portion thereof.

I have briefly tested out the new Bomb EVF, and believe me, it seriously rocks! I hope to be taking delivery of a Bomb EVF very shortly. As I've always done, I'll post here on Red User my field use impressions of it, with pics.
 
Speaking of the Bomb EVF... WHEN CAN WE BUY ONE???
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
Speaking of the Bomb EVF... WHEN CAN WE BUY ONE???
Click to expand...

The word from Red Team on the Bomb EVF at the camera owners Red Day I attended last weekend at the new Red Studios Hollywood is that the Bomb EVF should be put on sale and shipping "sometime soon". Obviously all things are subject to change, but my impression was that the field testing of the Bomb EVF has gone very well, and that we can expect to see it roll out soon. How soon is anyone's guess.

What I can confirm is that it is an incredible piece of equipment...:)
 
Something worth considering is that touch screen LCD's may not work too well will hoodmans
 
Quite true - but I believe Red's new line of LCD panels are designed and coated to enhance outdoor use, and to minimize glare and reflections - thus I'm assuming an LCD shade probably won't be needed for most situations.
 
Steve Gibby said:
The word from Red Team on the Bomb EVF at the camera owners Red Day I attended last weekend at the new Red Studios Hollywood is that the Bomb EVF should be put on sale and shipping "sometime soon". Obviously all things are subject to change, but my impression was that the field testing of the Bomb EVF has gone very well, and that we can expect to see it roll out soon. How soon is anyone's guess.

What I can confirm is that it is an incredible piece of equipment...:)
Click to expand...

Quite true Gibby... things have gone incredibly well. Just putting the finishing touches on them now.
 
I love the RED EVF, but I must say that I see a new level of use with the new one's, I was talking today to fee fellow MF Photographers, and we were thinking of the various ways of using the Epic 645 with either the large LCD and new EVF to use as a low angle shot with out the need to get on your knees, a problem for some of us, he he, and finally a EVF that can be used in any position, and with no difference in fill to the eye form Portrait to Landscape, as it is round and can be further be fitted with standard EVF cushioned eye rings.. Can't wait!! Beside the tiny thing is really so sexy, and I know that the first thing my girls will say is.. OMG that is so CUTE!! :~) cause in a way it is, it looks like is alive when seated on its little twistable stand.
 
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