13Feb Cineroid Retina Display EVF HDMI HD-SDI w BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera
Here’s a look at how the new Cineroid Retina Display EVF4RVW looks mounted up to a BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera. It’s expensive no doubt, but I decided to pick up this EVF and replace the SmallHD DP4 EVF and Zacuto EVF. The Cineroid has a better display using the same Retina tech as the iPhone, Waveform and Vectorscope Displays, and most important a direct 3G/HD/SD-SDI (BNC) + HDMI input (and pass through) to support the BMCC. On this particular EVF i’m also using the Red Fleece Oval Large Eye Cushion.
Blue Star Eye Cushion for LCD View Finders
I didn’t want to dive into the features on my own video, since there was one already available that shows off some of what this EVF is capable of and how it can help you when shooting video on just about any camera from the BMCC to smaller GH3 or Canon DSLRs. Even if you are not interested in EVFs, the video below is a good explanation of monitor features in general to help you understand what Zebra, False Color, Peaking, Waveform and Vectorscope displays are used for and why some monitors will cost more than others.
This will not replace my larger monitors in every situation, but it will replace other small EVFs i’m currently using. It is very helpful to use an EVF with the BMCC, but even more useful when shooting with DSLRs because you have to try to nail your color and exposure as best as possible. Compressed footage will not have the same latitude to adjust later in post processing.
Even though I went ‘balls out’ on the most expensive Retina Display version, Cineroid also makes EVFs that are less than half the price I paid. You can get more information other Cineroid products available at B&H following the link (click here).
Cineroid Retina Display EVF with HDMI HD-SDI Loop Through
For reference i’ve mounted the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera into a O-Ring Rig Kit. It’s originally designed for DSLR cameras, but it works well to add a top handle,, 15mm rails, and several new mounting points for accessories. You can find that rig via eBay (Click Here).
DSLR O-Ring Rig Kit Handle Support 15mm Rails
Like 
Subscribe 
Follow
19 Comments
Leave a Comment
>> Continue Reading More Articles <<
February 13th, 2013 at 8:58 am
Wow, this monitor makes my DP4 seem pretty outdated, and I only got it a year ago.
(And, while my DP4 has saved my ass on more than a few occasions, I ended up getting ripped off by SmallHD because of a shipping issue with the accessory kit.)
What’s your solution for a larger monitor, Emm? I’ve been looking at Lilliput 969, but if I could find something better for a little more money, I’d be happier.
Cheesycam has a lot of reviews of small (3-7″) monitors, but nothing in the 10+ inch range. (unless the search function just isn’t returning them properly)
February 13th, 2013 at 9:08 am
Well chosen. That’s a great EVF.
That’s a serious rig you’re putting together.
February 13th, 2013 at 9:14 am
@Scott – Anything over 10″ I’m using LED Computer monitors with HDMI input just for framing or to send a feed to someone else. Seen here: http://cheesycam.com/diy-wireless-hd-stream-wireless-follow-focus-steadicam/
For close to 10″ I’ve been looking at the Lilliput 9.7″ though, and still might give that a try http://cheesycam.com/lilliputs-new-9-7-flagship-hdmi-ips-lcd-field-monitor/
February 13th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@Emm – So we’re pretty much on the same page. I don’t think i’ll be dropping 2500$ on this bad boy quite yet… http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824639014
(Though the product is exactly what I need)
February 13th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
The link to the DSLR O-Ring Rig on ebay doesn’t reveal any.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:19 am
I’ve bought this terrible piece of plastic, a waste of money.
The cineroid gets quite hot and died in my hands while filmmaking. Think twice before you buy..
After seeing the Alphatron/TVLogic viewfinder at the B&H pro shop I was convinced. The build quality of the Alphatron feels quite sturdy, it also have both HD-SDI and HDMI and has the same retina display. I am using it on my BMCC for a couple of weeks now and I am very pleased about it!
February 14th, 2013 at 7:02 am
@Patrick – I saw the Alphatron as well, but it had just about the same basic features as the Zacuto. The Cineroid offered way more features that I needed such as waveform, vectorscope, etc. The Alphatron does not offer these features and also costs more.
February 14th, 2013 at 7:08 am
@Lee Mullen – Might be the country you are in. It prevents you from seeing it because they do not sell to that country.
February 14th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
please dont fall for this “Retina” bullshit. im not saying that this evf isnt good, but the Retina part doesnt mean anything. Retina is not a standard, it does not say anything about a devices resolution. apple decided that for them it means 4 times the pixels, but i could build a tablet tomorrow and sell it with a “retina display” which comes with a resolution of 640×480 pixels.
“Retina” simply does not mean anything in technological terms.
February 14th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@Pietz – The resolution is high on the cineroid for a 3.5″ evf. Retina put aside it still offers more features at it’s price point than other evfs on the market. I tried many, and for myself this was the best fit.
February 15th, 2013 at 5:11 am
@Pietz
I think you don’t understand the “Retina” part and I will try to explain you why:
The resolution of the iPhone display is not 640×480, it’s 960*640. The Alphatron resolution is 960×540 (1920/2=960 x 1080/2=540). Of course it’s best if you don’t need to downscale the video from the camera. But, if you have to downscale due to the limitation of the LCD panel, it’s better to have the downscaling factor of 2 rather than 2.4 or 2.25.
http://www.alphatron.tv/2012040342/general-news/alphatron-evf-the-magic-number-for-a-better-picture-quality.html
You’re right that it doesn’t say anything about the resolution of the device. The Retina part only means something if the manufacturer knows what he is doing!
It seems that the Korean company TVLogic know what they do
February 15th, 2013 at 5:39 am
No Emm, definately went to the ebay US site…anyhow I did find a seller on there. Is the O ring aluminium?
February 15th, 2013 at 5:47 am
@Lee Mullen – Yes it is made of metal with foam over the handle.
February 15th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
I just have to put it out there that Patrick sounds like a guy who’s working/selling the alphatron products. lol.
Who else quotes news from the company’s own webpage as a reference to how great its own product is? xD
No offense intended
February 15th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
@Habez – Yeah I sort of felt the same way about that comment. He’s also never commented on this website before about any other products.
April 24th, 2013 at 3:22 am
Hey Emm are you sure that you have the large not extra large cushion? I bought the large and I think its to tight
April 24th, 2013 at 6:41 am
@Andreas – Mine was a tight fit also, and it took some wiggle to get it in but it fit perfectly.
April 24th, 2013 at 10:32 am
It does fit somehow but imho its too tight and it gets compressed a lil bit so its not flat but an inch deep/high
May 10th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
What’s the battery solution to get this running? and Charger, ect…