BEST EVF on the Market: Zacuto Kameleon Pro Electronic Viewfinder

Thank you for the video. I have a question: do you know if it can be used with RED Helium or RED Raptor cameras? Thank you!

Thank you for the great review!

Hey, thanks for the clear review. I was wondering if you ever suffered burn in on one the Kameleon or gratical eye. Do you evade displaying camera info to counter this?

I’m looking for a EVF for dslr cameras (6d mark 2) any option can you suggest? This one in the video is huge

It’s a great review of a very pricey viewfinder. With options such as the Portkeys LEYE do really need to spend that much money on Zacuto offerings, for marginally better features or picture quality. The LEYE is certainly sharp enough. If money is not a concern I would certainly buy Zacuto, but there is no way I would buy the Kameleon with the power cable coming directly out of the bottom of the unit. That’s nuts and a total dealbreaker no matter how great it is. When you shoulder mount a camera or handhold that cable is going to obstruct reaching the lens barrel features. Terrible design flaw!! And even mounting it the way you do on a DSLR style rig you can tell it is going to be pain holding the rig unless you raise it high. Zacuto got it right with the Gratical HD with the SDI/HDMI cables coming out the top and power cable neatly tucked in on the outer side. The Gratical Eye has the cable porte recessed and up on the unit as well where they do not pose a problem as described. Forget the Kameleon until they re-design this flaw and go with the Gratical Eye if you have the money. Chances are the LEYE will do just fine and it is much lighter and draws less power.

Price is way off!! It cost more then my Cinema camera, LoL. 2000 bucks

Hi Kelly. I have a question for you. I have a Bm pocket cinema pro 6k and just got a zacuto kameleon pro. How do you find the colors and brightness? Did u need to calibrate the kameleon to match it to the BM pocket? Also do u use luts,like rec 709 from the kameleon or lut from bm pocket, when filming in Film dynamic range? Also any other insights about the pairing you have that you can share i would be greatful to read.

What a lovely review. So easy and on point. Subscribed !

I put this onto a NVG mount using a modified PVS 14 J-Arm. The NVG mount is attached to a Crye Precision Nightcap, which is better than a bulky helmet. I put a smaller sized V-mount battery where the night vision battery would normally go (also acts as a counterbalance to the EVF). This allows me to use it without constantly having to bend my neck to the viewfinder and I can it flip up out of the way when I don't need to use it. I can use it with a gimbal as well!

Thanks for the great review. As someone who’s used both the gratical hd and the kameleon - how do they compare in terms of image?

Will it work with bm4k?

I want one!

Thanks a lot for sharing this! So from my understanding, whether you input the EVF through SDI or HDMI the resolution is still 1080p ? Thanks again!

I ordered a Kameleon Pro over a month ago and still haven't got a ship date from Zacuto other than 4-6 wks. delay, with no explanation.

Hi Kelly, thanks for the review. I have the Gratical eye and it’s starting to get some rather bad burn-in. I was considering having the OLED replaced, but now I’m thinking about getting the Kameleon Pro. Is it definitely worth the upgrade over the Eye?

I love the Zacuto EVF but is there any way of getting all the camera info on screen so it mirrors the info on my Sony FS7 viewfinder?

Thank you Kelly. This is a great review, you adopted a very tactile approach and as such it conveys very well the look and feel of the EVF. I’m coming from a Fuji mirrorless hybrid system to the FX6 and even though I have a monitor mounted to my gimbal for the Fuji , I have otherwise always shot using the EVF on the camera. I agree with you about the absence of distraction, and it’s a like the mindfulness that operates when filming, you are totally absorbed in the moment, so I can see myself getting a Kameleon because it does as you say make a difference and allows a more intimate relationship with the scene before you.

Hi, did you find any lighter solution to mount the evf on camera ?

Well done and explained about the optic. But on your audio you need some improves. Sound is terrible!

Enjoyed your program. I can't seem to get the 4 function buttons to save beyond when you power the Kameleon Pro off it resets back to the way they were. Is their a secret that I'm missing?

I'm a newbie. Not at the EVF stage yet. I'm just now getting my first (used) cinema cam. However, I would like a viewfinder. Which of these (or another decent off brand) would you recommend as a "beginner". Doesn't have to be electronic.

Thanks

Thank you!

Thanks so much for this review Kelly. I was looking for an EVF and you helped me choose the Kameleon Pro and I'm so pleased with it. It works with my Ursa Mini Pro using SDI as well as my mirrorless using HDMI. As you say, it has every feature I could ever hope for and has a beautiful screen and diopter. Thanks again.

Does this, or any of the models, have an hdmi out so one could use a monitor as well? Also, is there another EVF you would recommend that’s a little less expensive? I have never used one in my life. But it’s a possibility in the future.

Thanks so much Kelly for helping me the other night with my editing and you gifted me your time... wow... you are a nice lady!!

Great video. I’m wondering if the Powermate NPF battery with the 7.4-12DC port will power the viewfinder with a simple 4pin to DC cable.

Nice review. So fan noise is ok for you ? Heard it could be loud

Awesome review, thank you very much!
Question: the Gratical HD has the battery option and cross conversion. Both, very useful.
Althought do you think the Kameleon is worh over the Gratical without those features??
I know this is very subjective and that’s way I’m asking you.
Thanks!

Hi, and thanks for your quality videos. So do you think the gratical is still a good option, especially for small builds where we don't have p tap or other power? What are the features or drawbacks of it compared to what's new today

Did you get a puppy?? :)

I really wish the powering options would have been covered a bit more in detail. Seems like in all the images the power cable is going to a v lock hidden somewhere?

I definitely need to invest in an EVF at some point soon. At the moment, I just fly with a monitor, but I find that running it in a shoulder configuration is just hard on my eyes. Thanks for the review! I'll be looking into this as an option next time I feel confident that the gigs are going to be steady for a while.

That really helped a lot to be sure we will not order our URSA G2 with the BM EVF but with the Kameleon. Thanks! I hope it also is better in terms of the vignetting we saw with the small eyepeice of the BM (just 0,5" of glas - you must be close to see it all). Is that better with either the Kameleon or the Gratical eye?

Great review, I am using a BMPCC4K can you describe your setup, I am looking to purchase this EVF yet want to know how you rig it with your BMPCC4K
Thanks

you never see nice lady but I know she is good looking.

Still learning about different gear and their benefits in a shooting environment. EVF's have been on my radar lately. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Awesome review...couldn't agree more...there is nothing better than just you and the image ...no distractions.
But nice if the price was lower...coming from Australia, the exchange rate and GST tax kills us ....looking at 40% more on top...not cheap...but ohhhh so gorgeous. Do you have a review of the pocket 4k?... thanks for the upload...always loved your reviews, you tell it from a shooters point so well.

I think you nailed it. I've always felt this disconnect with my material when shooting on set or setting up. People talking, background noise, and so on, but an EVF is the missing link. Just that moment of being able hone in and focus on the frame. Monitors are great, but they aren't intimate instruments. Thanks NLP for the upload and info. I may have to invest in an EVF!