Photography

Smart Z-Finder adds a pro-level viewfinder to existing smartphones

Smart Z-Finder adds a pro-level viewfinder to existing smartphones
The Zacuto Smart Z-Finder is presently on Kickstarter
The Zacuto Smart Z-Finder is presently on Kickstarter
View 3 Images
The various components of the base Z-Finder setup
1/3
The various components of the base Z-Finder setup
There's a smartphone under there somewhere – a Z-Finder equipped with all the fixings
2/3
There's a smartphone under there somewhere – a Z-Finder equipped with all the fixings
The Zacuto Smart Z-Finder is presently on Kickstarter
3/3
The Zacuto Smart Z-Finder is presently on Kickstarter
View gallery - 3 images

With smartphone cameras getting better and better, it's increasingly difficult to justify buying a standalone video camera … although phones still lack a good eyecup-type viewfinder. Chicago-based film-making equipment company Zacuto is out to change that, with its Smart Z-Finder.

First of all, what's wrong with just looking directly at a smartphone's screen? Well, for one thing, the images on that screen can be very difficult to see under direct sunlight or in other brightly-lit environments. Additionally, farsighted people who aren't wearing their glasses typically have to hold the phone far from their eyes in order to focus on it.

That's where the Z-Finder comes in.

Users start by attaching an included aluminum frame (called the bridge) to their smartphone – that frame can be adjusted to fit virtually any phone with a screen size between 6.1 and 6.7 inches, with or without a case. Magnets within the frame subsequently allow the main viewfinder to be quickly and easily popped on and off.

The various components of the base Z-Finder setup
The various components of the base Z-Finder setup

The viewfinder itself consists of an ambient-light-blocking ABS body, with an anti-fog rubber-cupped eyepiece at the user end. An adjustment ring on the eyepiece is utilized to focus its diopter to each user's vision – optional drop-in diopters are available for people who require a higher degree of vision correction.

Importantly, the bottom of the viewfinder is open, so users can still reach in and access the phone's touchscreen controls. Additionally, a hand strap on the side of the device allows it and the phone to be held more naturally, like a camcorder. It's also worth noting that threaded holes on the bridge can be used to mount the rig on a tripod, or to attach optional extras such as an accessory rail, pistol grip, shoulder stock or lens-flare-blocking flag.

There's a smartphone under there somewhere – a Z-Finder equipped with all the fixings
There's a smartphone under there somewhere – a Z-Finder equipped with all the fixings

Should you be interested, the Smart Z-Finder is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of US$299 will get you one – the planned retail price is $499.

It's demonstrated in the following video.

Zacuto Smart Z-Finder

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 3 images
5 comments
5 comments
Brian M
There is still a big difference between functionality between high end phones and even mid-range cameras.

The biggest difference is in the optics available, you can add zooms lens, large aperture type lens to a pro or pro-am camera, Best I have on phone camera is a 3x optical zoom. Plus of course all the options available through easy access controls on a dedicated camera, something you need for serious video or still photography,

Phone cameras are great and convenient but are not a replacement for a proper camera, not to mention the hassle of installing this device, what happens if you need to make a call/text with this device on. Guess you will need a second phone :)
TpPa
Nope Phone camera's cannot replace highend camera's at every job, but they can now do many of the things the camera's can, and in many cases that is all a person needs to complete the level of tasks they are doing.
Oh, if you get a call, you wouldn't answer it while you are working for 1, but there is always speaker phone, they invented that quite a few years ago
navmed
At $499, you can buy a mirrorless DSLR with a kit lens, if you're a little patient and look for a sale.
Ligfietser
Indeed Brian M is right, I have a second phone for phone convo’s. When shooting with my iPhone nobody will disturb me. We call these devices still phones, but they have become so much more then that.
Ligfietser
BTW, the retail price now is $ 395. OK, still a hefty price tag, but the e.g. biggest iPhone is also burning several holes in you pocketbook.