Zacuto USA

Choosing between the Pro 2.5x and 3x:

The only difference between the two Pro versions is the lens magnification, which also alters the negative diopter range. If you are near-sighted, the 2.5x might be the Z-Finder for you as it offers a -4.75 correction whereas the 3x offers a -2.75 correction. If you are not near-sighted, then selection between the two versions is simply a matter of preference.

The Zacuto EVF is a 3.2" high-resolution monitor that is used in conjunction with all the Z-Finder models. This electronic viewfinder is compatible with all cameras that have an HDMI output, including the Panasonic AG-AF100, Sony FS100 and Sony F3.

This electronic viewfinder allows you to operate the DSLR camera or any camera with an HDMI port, with the correct form factor for video with the camera "in-line" to your rod system (the most stable way) and your eye in the Z-Finder offset. This is the way all film cameras and ENG video cameras were operated and Zacuto believes that DSLR cameras should be operated the same way.

Advantages of using the EVF:

• Enhances stability
• Gives better resolution
• Allows you to get your eye where it most comfortably needs to be
• Enable low mode shooting
• Shorten your camera package
• Allows you to place your electronic viewfinder in the back of a dolly or crane or detached from the rig for car shots

Option 1:

Shoot handheld with the EVF directly on top of the camera via the hotshoe mount. This will allow you to look directly down into the viewfinder.

Option 2:

Shoot shoulder-mounted by offsetting the EVF so that you can shorten your camera package and have the camera in-line with your rod system. This will enhance stability.

Option 3:

Shoot on a tripod or dolly by using an extender viewfinder mount. This will allow you to position the viewfinder towards the back of the tripod.

EVF Snap

The EVF Snap is the standard electronic viewfinder that has the Zacuto Z-Finder Frame built into the unit. The Z-Finder Pro or Jr. snaps on and off the monitor. Therefore, you can use the monitor as a small on-board monitor or as an electronic viewfinder by itself.

EVF Flip

The EVF Flip has a Z-Finder frame built into the unit that can be flipped open to 180 degrees. You can also pop off the Z-Finder and use the electronic viewfinder as a monitor similar to the EVF Snap. You can use the Z-Finder Pro or Jr. on this model as well.

This is essential when working handheld with a producer or director so you can show him the shot without him having to get his eye in the viewfinder - just flip it up and the shot can be viewed easily.

Z-Finder EVF

This is a complete electronic viewfinder. It includes the EVF Snap model and an optical viewfinder, which will snap onto the frame of the monitor. The optical viewfinder contains high-quality 2.5x optics with anti-fog shields, which are extremely important for reducing fog.

It does not have a diopter but will include the Z-Finder Extender Frames, which will get the focus close but might not be as exact since you can't dial it in with a diopter the way you do with the Z-Finder Pro models.

Z-Finder EVF Pro

This is a complete electronic viewfinder with a diopter. It includes the EVF Flip model and an optical viewfinder, which will snap onto the frame on the monitor and can flip up 180 degrees. The optical viewfinder contains high-quality 2.5x optics with anti-fog shields, which are extremely important for reducing fog, and a diopter.

It also includes the Z-Finder Extender Frames which allow you to further adjust the focal point of the Z-Finder by semi-permanently stacking the frames via a snap fit onto the skirt of the Z-Finder until the LCD screen is in focus for you.

If you want to be able to use your Z-Finder on your camera LCD screen, you will need to purchase the Gorilla Baseplate and Frame separately (not included in this kit). 

EVF Specifications

• LCD Size: 3.2" TFT LCD IPS LED
• LCD Resolution: 800 x 480
• LCD Color: 16.7 M
• LCD Viewing Angle: 170 degrees (horizontal) / 170 degrees (vertical)
• LCD Viewing Area: 70.6mm (W) x 42.76mm (H)
• Power Source: 7.2V Canon LP-E6 battery or equivalent, or optional 12V external power adapter
• HDMI Video Input / Output: 480i / 480p / 576p / 720p / 1080i
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
• Storage Temperature: -30°C to 80°C
• Power Consumption: 2.5W (5.2 hours with 1800mAH battery)

» For more information on the EVF, please click here to visit the EVF's FAQ page.

Gorilla Kits are simply "points-of-contact" kits. These rigs have been developed to be lightweight for a more "on-the-go" gorilla shooter and are recommended for journalists as well as event and indie shooters who might be doing a combination of still photography and small clips of HD video.

Gorilla Kits are extremely lightweight and are not necessarily designed for long periods of shooting - for that, you might want to go for the shoulder-mounted kits in the Cinema Line. The Gorilla Kits are easy and light to handle because they do not have the accessory rods built into its Gorilla baseplate, which means you cannot mount any film accessories like a matte box or follow focus. What the Gorilla Kits provide is the stability needed to shoot small segments of HD video and keeping your overall rig compact, light and small.

What's unique about the design of the Gorilla Kits is that by attaching your tripod plate to the bottom of the Gorilla plate, you can go from the tripod to handheld just by hitting your tripod's quick-release plate. The Zacuto accessory port with red locking lever allows you to remove or install the entire Gorilla mounting system.

The Gorilla Line is made up of the following kits: Target Shooter and The Striker.

The foundation of all Cinema Kits is the Zacuto DSLR baseplate which has a platform that allows you to grow our kit into anything you want it to be. All your Zacuto components, even previously purchased ones, are usable to go from one kit to another or to create your own custom kit.

The DSLR baseplate is height-adjustable and can accommodate every video DSLR in the market with and without battery grips, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 550D, 7D and more. It can also accommodate taller-bodied cameras such as the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s.

Integrating the DSLR baseplate to your system is simple: screw your tripod plate to the bottom of the DSLR baseplate using standard tripod screws (2 x ¼ 20" and 1 x 3/8 16") and you're ready to go from tripod to handheld! If you want to get some quick down-and-dirty shots without your DSLR kit, just turn the red knob on your DSLR baseplate, pull up your camera with the Z-Finder still attached - the camera quick-release plate stays mounted on your camera so that you can quickly switch between using the camera as part of a rig or on its own.

The Cinema Line is made up of the following kits: Single Action, Cross Fire, Fast Draw and Double Barrel.

The DSLR Z-Cage allows you to have a small, stable and portable mounting solution for your DSLR and all of the accessories used with it. Not only does it give you a better form factor for holding the camera in your hands, thus more stability when shooting, it also offers lots of options and space for all of your additional accessories such as a HD monitor, audio recorder and so forth.

The Z-Cage uses the DSLR baseplate which is fully adjustable and expandable, as well as DSLR handles which are very durable and form-fitting to your hands.You can adjust the height of the baseplate to suit all DSLR cameras with and without battery grips simply by using the allen screws on the front of the baseplate. With multiple ½ 13" threads on the sides, this baseplate also acts as the platform for building your kit into a shoulder-mounted rig.

A huge advantage that the Z-Cage has over other similar products in the industry is the ability to quickly release your camera from the rig by turning the red knob on the side of the DSLR baseplate and then pulling up your camera. The camera quick-release plate stays mounted to your camera so you can quickly switch between using your camera as part of the cage or on its own. Your tripod plate mounts to the bottom of the baseplate by using the standard tripod screws (2 x ¼ 20" and 1 x 3/8 16"). The 3.5" rods on the front of the baseplate are perfect for mounting a follow focus or matte box.

If you are using longer lenses, you might need optional rod extensions. To mount a small HD monitor, an optional monitor mount is needed. The monitor mount consists of:

• Z-Mount II
• 3" Female/Female Rod
• Zicromount III

The Z-Focus is an extremely accurate follow focus that allows the operator or assistant to pull focus. The mechanism utilizes a set of gears that connect to and spin the focus ring or Zacuto zip gear on the camera lens. The white disk allows the focus puller to create distance marked for repeatable focus pulls.

In the words of Philip Bloom (DoP, Director & Filmmaker), the Z-Focus is "a lovely unit, very smooth... and it uses a lovely gear system. With the Zacuto Z-Focus, you undo the lock at the bottom, slide the follow focus back and forth until you make contact and lock her in to the gear. It is a great system and is flawless."

Need we say more?

The Zamerican Arm Kits are designed to allow you to mount on-board monitors, viewfinders, lights, hard drives and more to your DSLR cameras via screw connection or 15/19mm rod systems. What makes these kits unique is their quick-release feature, and the fact that they are universal, making them the new standard for speed and durability.

The Zamerican Line is made up of the following kits: Zonitor Handheld Kit, Zonitor ENG Small Kit, Zonitor ENG Large Kit, Zonitor Lightweight Kit, Zound 3/8 Kit and Zound Rod Kit.