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
Lonfils Jean-Marc
Concerning the waveform ; there are a few horizontal white lines and one orange line ( like a pattern in the waveform) but no indication of IRE values in front of them. Where is the mark for 40 IRE for instance ?
Thank you
Darren
I agree, it was odd. To me, this EVF is the best out there for the $$$ so I'm hoping that getting one from a different batch (?) will do the trick.
Emm
Post author@Darren - Unusual, as i've been using mine for a very long time. I met several people at NAB who also use this exact same EVF. Unless they changed something recently, not sure what to make of this.
Darren
An update, b/c I think it's important for others to know... I went back to B&H and they let me try a total of 5 different EVF4RVW's. With each one, when I first turned it on, it was fine. But after turning it off and then on again, the screen started flickering - the edges were flashing / flickering, not the entire screen. Turn it off and on again, and it would get better or worse, but it was always still there. Maybe it was a bad batch? I'm disappointed b/c it's an awesome EVF.
Darren
I just picked up one of these from B&H... maybe 10 minutes after I fired it up, the screen started flickering. I tried different battery plates / fully charged batteries and nothing helped. I think it has something to do with poor contact between the battery plate and the monitor. That, or the backlight is toast. Either way, I'm glad I'm in NYC so I can walk it back into the store tomorrow and exchange it for another. Hoping a new one will be perfect, because this EVF is pretty slick (or at least it was for 10 minutes)
Emm
Post author@Michael Beck - Let me double check when I have it in my hands, I don't remember that it does. Of course it supports overlays so if your camera has on screen meters, then it will appear on the EVF. The GH3 has on screen audio meters.
Michael Beck
Does this have audio meters on it? If it does.. I think I will be buying one ASAP.
Sam-Jacob
What's the battery solution to get this running? and Charger, ect...
Andreas
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
Emm
Post author@Andreas - Mine was a tight fit also, and it took some wiggle to get it in but it fit perfectly.
Andreas
Hey Emm are you sure that you have the large not extra large cushion? I bought the large and I think its to tight 🙁
Emm
Post author@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.
Habez
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 😛
Emm
Post author@Lee Mullen - Yes it is made of metal with foam over the handle.
Lee Mullen
No Emm, definately went to the ebay US site...anyhow I did find a seller on there. Is the O ring aluminium?
Patrick
@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.
https://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 😉
Emm
Post author@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.
Pietz
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 640x480 pixels.
"Retina" simply does not mean anything in technological terms.
Emm
Post author@Lee Mullen - Might be the country you are in. It prevents you from seeing it because they do not sell to that country.
Emm
Post author@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.
Patrick
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!
Lee Mullen
The link to the DSLR O-Ring Rig on ebay doesn't reveal any.
Scott
@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... https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824639014
(Though the product is exactly what I need)
Emm
Post author@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: httpss://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 httpss://cheesycam.com/lilliputs-new-9-7-flagship-hdmi-ips-lcd-field-monitor/
Marklondon
Well chosen. That's a great EVF.
That's a serious rig you're putting together.
Scott
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)