Been using the ZCam EVF for the past 3 weeks and I've been really impressed. The wireless is a huge plus, especially as a directors monitor. The effective PPI (pixel density after the lens) of the EVF didn't bother me, but the one downside I really had was that eye cup. I could never get a great seal and I will probably go as far as to find a way to replace it.
@@FlannelNinjaTech yeah I've only tried two types that work well. Large floppy rubber ones, or completely flat donuts. Funny enough, the Arri EVF cup is similar to the Z Cam and I've seen people replace it with aftermarket ones.
@@FlannelNinjaTech B&H Photo sells padded EVF eyepiece covers in various sizes. They are only $5.75, and are much more comfortable than the hard rubber eye cup on the Z CAM EVF. I find the "oval small" size is a good fit.
Nice overview, all of those EVFs would pair up nicely with our new Axl EVF mount. As you mentioned, Zacuto uses an 1/4-20 thread not the M6 thread which is the ARRI standard which is why we have both ARRI standard & Zacuto adapters for our Axl mount.
I have just purchased the PortKeys OEYE-3G EVF - It was the last one available on B&H as of writing this comment. I held off on buying it for so long because of all the negative reports on the loud fan noise. Well, let me say that while you can hear the fan on my unit, it's actually pretty quiet and nowhere near the audio levels that have been reported all over youtube. I barely notice it all and have used it on a sync-sound production with no hassles.
It’s all relative I guess. Mine started off okay, but is pretty loud now. It probably could use a drop of oil. I saw a video where someone removed the fan and added silicone heat transfer pads. I’m tempted to do it to mine, but it’s my favorite EVF and I don’t want to risk burning something up 🔥
@@FlannelNinjaTech I saw that video! Also would be petrified of doing that hack! Also love the Portkeys and your reviews definitely informed my choice to purchase! Thanks!
EVFs are critical on many shoots. Much better way to get completely inside the world you're capturing. Have used the Zacuto on two docs and it's been awesome yet am still noncommittal... so I appreciate this review very much.
Thanks for video. I have the Zacuto Gratical HD EVF, which was before yours, and most of your gripes were not on that one: on/off switch, 4 separate buttons for custom assignment plus the 4 way toggle switch, having all waveforms and info separate from picture, it has a 4:3 screen, it also has conversion between SDI to HDMI etc. Yes the 1/4 20 is a pain unless you use the Axis Mini, I personally thinks it might be Zacuto not wanting to pay Arri for the patent but who knows why! They do not even have an M6 screw which can be fitted retrospectively. Zacuto’s kit however is built like a tank and covered by lifetime warranty but not EVF. I’ve had quite of few of their bit and bobs just replaced straight out, even after 4-5 years, no questions asked.
Hi Nice comparison! I don’t know for other EVF, but the ZCAM I have is missing a key feature: a tally light on the display. When having my eye on the screen I don’t when the camera is recording or not. Just for the feature, I’ll switch to the another EVF if it has it.
This was a very informative video. Thank you very much for making it. It’s got me kind of confused with what I want to do though. All I really want is for the image that’s on my ninja v to be displayed through an EVF that my eye can press against to get a better view of what is on my ninja v screen. I’m confused how the luts work… for example, if I put a lut on the image from my ninja I would just want that to automatically apply to what I’m seeing through my eyepiece Evf. Do you know what I mean? I don’t need 1 million extra functions on one of these. I would control everything through my ninja and then if I needed a better view of what I’m seeing on my ninja, I could look through my eyepiece and then when I’m recording I would be using the eyepiece Evf….. I know I made that sound much more confusing than it needed to be but I felt like I had to specify in the dumbest way possible ha ha. So for what I want I feel like these are way too expensive. Do you have any thoughts on what I intend to use one of these for? Based on what I’m trying to do do you have any recommendations that are much cheaper? I just hope there is a way that I could use a dedicated external EVF connected to my ninja where I could just see exactly what I’m doing on my ninja screen. I don’t want them to have separate functions.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see in the video what EVF you use day and day out. Or which of these three would you keep if you could only keep one? I have the original Gratical HD and a few of what Zacuto now calls the "ACT EVF Pro". The ACT EVFs are super susceptible to burn in from the sun. I have had the screens replaced at least four times. You can fry the screen after just a few seconds if you face the EVF toward the sun. I haven't had the Gratical get fried (not sure if it's possible, but I've definitely left it facing the sun plenty of times). However, the OLED screen has menu/HUD burn in that I can't totally remove. I despise OLED for the inevitable burn-in that you will face on any device that uses that garbage technology. I hope a new wave of EVFs get built using micro-LED or some tech other than OLED. When you spend thousands of dollars on something, "burn-in" is not an acceptable result. The Gratical HD was good at the time, but my eyes get worse by the year. I feel like I need at least 1080P worth of pixels to gauge focus properly. Based purely on this review, the Portkeys is the clear winner in terms of IQ. I know we can't totally go on this video due to the way it was filmed, but still, it was WAY better in terms of sharpness and clarity. Plus, the larger image size is a plus for me as well. My only gripe with the Portkeys is the fan and the fact that it doesn't cross convert signals. And the goofy shape. It really irks me that no company has really nailed the EVF yet. It seems like a big potential market. Why on earth doesn't Canon, Sony, Blackmagic have a general purpose 1080P (or better) EVF? I can't shoot reliably without an EVF, so it's a really important tool for me. Let's unite and put the pressure on the manufacturers to give us proper tools!
Little worried about that fan noise on the Portkeys evf. Did you find that the reduced resolution of the Z-cam EVF resulted in greater difficulty in assessing if a shot was in focus? Did you find yourself missing focus with the Z-Cam?
The fan noise is definitely a problem. I heard that supposedly there is a way for the fan to turn off while the camera is in record - something about a trigger over HDMI. PortKeys doesn't have good communication about these things. I had a contact with them who was helpful, but they've moved on. When I was shooting with the Z CAM EVF I didn't have the same confidence in my focus as I do with the other EVFs. The end results were actually okay, but I prefer shooting with my PortKeys because it has a more detailed image.
Great review and comparison, very helpful, thank you. I have a question about the Z-Cam wireless transmission. Does the app on the tablet/phone allow you to turn off all overlays for a completely clean image? Thinking whether I could then HDMI out of the tablet for a clean feed (I realise this would increase latency most probably). Thank you.
In my experience using the wireless from the camera itself, which works the same way, you’d have to replay the clip wirelessly to completely remove the menu system. I don’t think there’s a straight clean feed unless there’s some menu option that’s buried that I haven’t found yet. Also the wireless feed is great for monitoring but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable using it as a source. It has little hiccups and pixelated pop ups if and when the signal takes a dip for whatever reason. It doesn’t happen often but enough that it would trash a clip if that was a problem. So it’s probably not ideal to try and record from the tablet wireless feed outside of person use.
Hey. Thanks for a great review for a usually an overlooked topic. I don't think you've mentioned the noise levels on the Z cam (I was very surprised to learn that it's even a thing with evf!). Can you share you thoughts about it?
Thanks for your video is very good, do you know if a teradek bolt 500 can be connected to a komodo camera through the sdi output and from the teradek a monitor and from the monitor to an evf, this because of the shortage of sdi in komodo
Let me know if you think this would work. So I have been using the portkeys BM5II for a while now with my Blackmagic pocket 4K. I’ve been wanting an evf for some time now. Given all of the brands, including the ones you are reviewing, naturally I am thinking of using the portkeys evf…out of my BM5. So the order would go something like this camera > monitor (via hdmi) > evf (via SDI). Is this something that makes sense? Or would you maybe recommend one of the other models with the equipment I have?
The PortKeys EVF is my favorite EVF, but there are a couple of issues. First, as far as I know the BM5II won’t cross convert HDMI to SDI. You’ll have to go with HDMI. Second, PortKeys doesn’t make this specific model anymore. There is a version meant to be used with RED cameras that is fully compatible with other cameras, but it costs a bit more. They are also making a new EVF, but I don’t know when it will be available.
@@FlannelNinjaTech ohhhh. So even though there is an SDI out on the BM5II, I can’t hook an EVF to it? How and why is that? Does it pretty much mean that I can only send SDI out if I am getting SDI in from the camera?
I’m surprised that you’re having a hard time finding ARRI rosettes with M6 threads. Actual ARRI rosettes are only M6, it’s just companies like Zacuto bastardizing them with 1/4 20. I have some links to a number of ARRI rosette items in this video: czcams.com/video/7lJZ9hDlmUw/video.html
@@FlannelNinjaTech Right! I was about to purchase the Zacuto Axis Mini which seems perfect for my setup but it's not M6. Ive been looking on B&H and just having trouble finding something similar.
@@farazmozafarian7249 I converted a Zacuto arm from their silly 1/4 20 to M6 by unscrewing the wing nut, re-tapping the hole with M6, and then putting a M6 wing nut in it. I wasn't worried about cross threading because the threads only exist to keep the wing nut from falling out. Here are some M6 wingnuts: geni.us/gsMDW geni.us/UAsmpz
I have the Z CAM EVF and think is a great EVF. I'm wondering if there is a way to send the WiFi signal to a receiver (other than the iOS device that I currently use). The Z CAM phone app works quite well, but I'd be happy with just the signal coming into another receiver "as is". It would be great if Z CAM collaborated with a company like Hollyland who offer a wide range of very affordable wireless systems, to make a receiver that would interface with the Z CAM EVF.
That's a good idea. I wouldn't be surprised if Z CAM has pursued this already. You should post your idea on the Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/zcame2
@@FlannelNinjaTech Good news! Z CAM just introduced a new product called IPMAN S ($150 USD), which is a wireless unit that can act as either a transmitter OR receiver. I pre-order one to use as a receiver of the Z CAM EVF WiFi signal which I can send to a production monitor. www.z-cam.com/ipman-s/
@@FlannelNinjaTech Thanks! I just bought a portkeys oeye with a replaced fan to reduce the noise on set. The image is indeed Nice and large and great for pulling focus with moving subjects. It’s so weird there aren’t a lot of products out there to mount rosette evf’s. Nitze Also has one that I ordered. But It’s not as low profile as the zacuto. But having to mod that to M6 isn’t great imo.
@@FlannelNinjaTech aa great to know. They stopped making the Portkeys Oeye - 3g . Now they only make the one designed for the RED cameras. Still works with non- red cameras but costs 300$ more.I emailed them and they have have no plans on releasing a newer version so i think I'll go for it.
EVFs are so intimate. It’s you and the image. No distractions. But always have a spot especially for walking shots.
Thank you for taking the time to actually recording what the EVF truly looks like and show the setting this is vary helpful!
Been using the ZCam EVF for the past 3 weeks and I've been really impressed. The wireless is a huge plus, especially as a directors monitor.
The effective PPI (pixel density after the lens) of the EVF didn't bother me, but the one downside I really had was that eye cup. I could never get a great seal and I will probably go as far as to find a way to replace it.
It would be cool if Z CAM offered different styles. Maybe one a little larger and softer?
@@FlannelNinjaTech yeah I've only tried two types that work well. Large floppy rubber ones, or completely flat donuts. Funny enough, the Arri EVF cup is similar to the Z Cam and I've seen people replace it with aftermarket ones.
@@FlannelNinjaTech B&H Photo sells padded EVF eyepiece covers in various sizes. They are only $5.75, and are much more comfortable than the hard rubber eye cup on the Z CAM EVF. I find the "oval small" size is a good fit.
One of the best reviews about evf!!! Just perfect👏👏👏
Nice overview, all of those EVFs would pair up nicely with our new Axl EVF mount.
As you mentioned, Zacuto uses an 1/4-20 thread not the M6 thread which is the ARRI standard which is why we have both ARRI standard & Zacuto adapters for our Axl mount.
The Axl looks pretty sweet. How's the KOMODO cage coming along?
@@FlannelNinjaTech hopefully have details & pricing up on the site by the end of the week.
I have just purchased the PortKeys OEYE-3G EVF - It was the last one available on B&H as of writing this comment. I held off on buying it for so long because of all the negative reports on the loud fan noise. Well, let me say that while you can hear the fan on my unit, it's actually pretty quiet and nowhere near the audio levels that have been reported all over youtube. I barely notice it all and have used it on a sync-sound production with no hassles.
It’s all relative I guess. Mine started off okay, but is pretty loud now. It probably could use a drop of oil.
I saw a video where someone removed the fan and added silicone heat transfer pads. I’m tempted to do it to mine, but it’s my favorite EVF and I don’t want to risk burning something up 🔥
@@FlannelNinjaTech I saw that video! Also would be petrified of doing that hack! Also love the Portkeys and your reviews definitely informed my choice to purchase! Thanks!
I live in Karachi Pakistan I like your comments
EVFs are critical on many shoots. Much better way to get completely inside the world you're capturing. Have used the Zacuto on two docs and it's been awesome yet am still noncommittal... so I appreciate this review very much.
Thank you. I really appreciate the effort you put into this. Very helpful
Thanks for video. I have the Zacuto Gratical HD EVF, which was before yours, and most of your gripes were not on that one: on/off switch, 4 separate buttons for custom assignment plus the 4 way toggle switch, having all waveforms and info separate from picture, it has a 4:3 screen, it also has conversion between SDI to HDMI etc. Yes the 1/4 20 is a pain unless you use the Axis Mini, I personally thinks it might be Zacuto not wanting to pay Arri for the patent but who knows why! They do not even have an M6 screw which can be fitted retrospectively. Zacuto’s kit however is built like a tank and covered by lifetime warranty but not EVF. I’ve had quite of few of their bit and bobs just replaced straight out, even after 4-5 years, no questions asked.
I’m still using the PortKeys EVF and it works great. It’s too bad there aren’t more EVFs on the market.
Great job! Very comprehensive.
You never said which one was your favorite. 🤦♂️
Hi Nice comparison!
I don’t know for other EVF, but the ZCAM I have is missing a key feature: a tally light on the display. When having my eye on the screen I don’t when the camera is recording or not.
Just for the feature, I’ll switch to the another EVF if it has it.
Most EVFs have no way of communicating with the camera and so they aren’t aware when it’s recording.
This was a very informative video. Thank you very much for making it. It’s got me kind of confused with what I want to do though. All I really want is for the image that’s on my ninja v to be displayed through an EVF that my eye can press against to get a better view of what is on my ninja v screen. I’m confused how the luts work… for example, if I put a lut on the image from my ninja I would just want that to automatically apply to what I’m seeing through my eyepiece Evf. Do you know what I mean? I don’t need 1 million extra functions on one of these. I would control everything through my ninja and then if I needed a better view of what I’m seeing on my ninja, I could look through my eyepiece and then when I’m recording I would be using the eyepiece Evf….. I know I made that sound much more confusing than it needed to be but I felt like I had to specify in the dumbest way possible ha ha. So for what I want I feel like these are way too expensive. Do you have any thoughts on what I intend to use one of these for? Based on what I’m trying to do do you have any recommendations that are much cheaper? I just hope there is a way that I could use a dedicated external EVF connected to my ninja where I could just see exactly what I’m doing on my ninja screen. I don’t want them to have separate functions.
Hey, this video heavily affected my purchase. Should be noted that Zacuto includes a 3/8 - m6 adapter in the box.
Yeah, that adapter is odd. I haven’t seen one anywhere else.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see in the video what EVF you use day and day out. Or which of these three would you keep if you could only keep one?
I have the original Gratical HD and a few of what Zacuto now calls the "ACT EVF Pro". The ACT EVFs are super susceptible to burn in from the sun. I have had the screens replaced at least four times. You can fry the screen after just a few seconds if you face the EVF toward the sun.
I haven't had the Gratical get fried (not sure if it's possible, but I've definitely left it facing the sun plenty of times). However, the OLED screen has menu/HUD burn in that I can't totally remove. I despise OLED for the inevitable burn-in that you will face on any device that uses that garbage technology. I hope a new wave of EVFs get built using micro-LED or some tech other than OLED. When you spend thousands of dollars on something, "burn-in" is not an acceptable result.
The Gratical HD was good at the time, but my eyes get worse by the year. I feel like I need at least 1080P worth of pixels to gauge focus properly. Based purely on this review, the Portkeys is the clear winner in terms of IQ. I know we can't totally go on this video due to the way it was filmed, but still, it was WAY better in terms of sharpness and clarity. Plus, the larger image size is a plus for me as well. My only gripe with the Portkeys is the fan and the fact that it doesn't cross convert signals. And the goofy shape.
It really irks me that no company has really nailed the EVF yet. It seems like a big potential market. Why on earth doesn't Canon, Sony, Blackmagic have a general purpose 1080P (or better) EVF? I can't shoot reliably without an EVF, so it's a really important tool for me.
Let's unite and put the pressure on the manufacturers to give us proper tools!
Thanks and nice video - i like EVFs, too - "probleme" - i use my left eye so i have to DIY a bit the to mount an EVF :)
Great. Test. Thankyou.
Little worried about that fan noise on the Portkeys evf. Did you find that the reduced resolution of the Z-cam EVF resulted in greater difficulty in assessing if a shot was in focus? Did you find yourself missing focus with the Z-Cam?
The fan noise is definitely a problem. I heard that supposedly there is a way for the fan to turn off while the camera is in record - something about a trigger over HDMI. PortKeys doesn't have good communication about these things. I had a contact with them who was helpful, but they've moved on.
When I was shooting with the Z CAM EVF I didn't have the same confidence in my focus as I do with the other EVFs. The end results were actually okay, but I prefer shooting with my PortKeys because it has a more detailed image.
can the Zacuto Kameleon be powered with the USB C?
Great review and comparison, very helpful, thank you. I have a question about the Z-Cam wireless transmission. Does the app on the tablet/phone allow you to turn off all overlays for a completely clean image? Thinking whether I could then HDMI out of the tablet for a clean feed (I realise this would increase latency most probably). Thank you.
In my experience using the wireless from the camera itself, which works the same way, you’d have to replay the clip wirelessly to completely remove the menu system. I don’t think there’s a straight clean feed unless there’s some menu option that’s buried that I haven’t found yet. Also the wireless feed is great for monitoring but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable using it as a source. It has little hiccups and pixelated pop ups if and when the signal takes a dip for whatever reason. It doesn’t happen often but enough that it would trash a clip if that was a problem. So it’s probably not ideal to try and record from the tablet wireless feed outside of person use.
Hey. Thanks for a great review for a usually an overlooked topic. I don't think you've mentioned the noise levels on the Z cam (I was very surprised to learn that it's even a thing with evf!). Can you share you thoughts about it?
The Z CAM EVF has no fan, so it's dead quiet
I got Zacuto Z-finder EVF Pro connected to Zcam E2 M4, displays image but no time-code running or even sign that camera runs. Do I need an upgrate?
An EVF only shows what the camera provides over HDMI. If you want to see the on-screen camera information you need to turn it on in the camera.
im confused
is the portkeys compatible with all cameras? like all i need to do is plug HMDI in
Yep, regular HDMI
I have tried the Z cam and Zacuto. The Zacuto is by far superior.
Belo horizonte Uzi
Please elaborate
Thanks for your video is very good, do you know if a teradek bolt 500 can be connected to a komodo camera through the sdi output and from the teradek a monitor and from the monitor to an evf, this because of the shortage of sdi in komodo
I’ve never used the Teradek before. If all of your gear has SDI in and out you should be able to daisy chain everything.
zacuto really know how milk more money out from us, that is a hard pass for me.
😆
Let me know if you think this would work.
So I have been using the portkeys BM5II for a while now with my Blackmagic pocket 4K. I’ve been wanting an evf for some time now. Given all of the brands, including the ones you are reviewing, naturally I am thinking of using the portkeys evf…out of my BM5. So the order would go something like this camera > monitor (via hdmi) > evf (via SDI). Is this something that makes sense? Or would you maybe recommend one of the other models with the equipment I have?
The PortKeys EVF is my favorite EVF, but there are a couple of issues. First, as far as I know the BM5II won’t cross convert HDMI to SDI. You’ll have to go with HDMI. Second, PortKeys doesn’t make this specific model anymore. There is a version meant to be used with RED cameras that is fully compatible with other cameras, but it costs a bit more. They are also making a new EVF, but I don’t know when it will be available.
@@FlannelNinjaTech ohhhh. So even though there is an SDI out on the BM5II, I can’t hook an EVF to it? How and why is that? Does it pretty much mean that I can only send SDI out if I am getting SDI in from the camera?
Do you have any recommendations on EVF mounts for the portkeys? I'm having a hard time finding Arri Rosette style mounts with the M6 Screw.
I’m surprised that you’re having a hard time finding ARRI rosettes with M6 threads. Actual ARRI rosettes are only M6, it’s just companies like Zacuto bastardizing them with 1/4 20.
I have some links to a number of ARRI rosette items in this video: czcams.com/video/7lJZ9hDlmUw/video.html
@@FlannelNinjaTech Right! I was about to purchase the Zacuto Axis Mini which seems perfect for my setup but it's not M6. Ive been looking on B&H and just having trouble finding something similar.
@@farazmozafarian7249 I converted a Zacuto arm from their silly 1/4 20 to M6 by unscrewing the wing nut, re-tapping the hole with M6, and then putting a M6 wing nut in it. I wasn't worried about cross threading because the threads only exist to keep the wing nut from falling out. Here are some M6 wingnuts:
geni.us/gsMDW
geni.us/UAsmpz
@@farazmozafarian7249 And this is the Zacuto arm: geni.us/gVNyk
@@FlannelNinjaTech awesome! I’ll look into that. Thanks for the help!
I have the Z CAM EVF and think is a great EVF. I'm wondering if there is a way to send the WiFi signal to a receiver (other than the iOS device that I currently use). The Z CAM phone app works quite well, but I'd be happy with just the signal coming into another receiver "as is". It would be great if Z CAM collaborated with a company like Hollyland who offer a wide range of very affordable wireless systems, to make a receiver that would interface with the Z CAM EVF.
That's a good idea. I wouldn't be surprised if Z CAM has pursued this already. You should post your idea on the Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/zcame2
@@FlannelNinjaTech Good news! Z CAM just introduced a new product called IPMAN S ($150 USD), which is a wireless unit that can act as either a transmitter OR receiver. I pre-order one to use as a receiver of the Z CAM EVF WiFi signal which I can send to a production monitor.
www.z-cam.com/ipman-s/
Thank you. Will you make a review for Zacuto Gratical Eye?
I don’t think so. The Kameleon Pro would be my choice given its features.
Are you sure the portkeys oeye doesn't do cross conversion? portkeys does advertise this.
It definitely does not do cross conversion.
@@FlannelNinjaTech Thanks! I just bought a portkeys oeye with a replaced fan to reduce the noise on set. The image is indeed Nice and large and great for pulling focus with moving subjects. It’s so weird there aren’t a lot of products out there to mount rosette evf’s. Nitze Also has one that I ordered. But It’s not as low profile as the zacuto. But having to mod that to M6 isn’t great imo.
Hey man, money wasn't an issue would you still prefer the portkeys? bests
I still own the Zacuto, but I use the PortKeys 👍
@@FlannelNinjaTech aa great to know. They stopped making the Portkeys Oeye - 3g . Now they only make the one designed for the RED cameras. Still works with non- red cameras but costs 300$ more.I emailed them and they have have no plans on releasing a newer version so i think I'll go for it.
Does the PortKeys have false color?
Yes, the PortKeys O-EYE EVF definitely has false color. It lays the color chart across the bottom of the screen.
@@FlannelNinjaTech Isn't the Portkeys fan pretty noisy?
Good Vid.
1/4”x20 has been a standard camera thread size forever. The other one is 3/8” whitworth
"camera thread" size, yes, but not rosette thread. That one has been M6 forever...
That Portkeys fan is an absolute deal killer. I had the Portkeys LEYE and got rid of it. An absolute piece of junk.