On this page

Zacuto Z-finder for C300/C500

February 20^th, 20142

by Tim FokFebruary 20^th, 2014

It was only a matter of time before we saw this product released; Zacuto has announced a new Z-finder specifically for the Canon C300 and Canon C500 cameras.

The Z-finder slides onto the existing 4″screen, securing with a rear snap clasp. The Z-finder also ships with a handy component which slots in the hinge of the screen to stop it from moving forward when operating the Z-finder.

The C300/C500 Z-finder is similarly spec’d with other Zacuto pro Z-finders; it ships with 4 removable diopters (0,+1,+2,+3), these are fine tuneable when installed and also fog resistant. The sunshade takes an upgrade; now made of aluminium, it makes rotation and installation of the eyecup easier.

Like the C100 Z-finder, the C300/C500 Z-finder offers a magnification of 1.8x. Sadly, these devices use completely different mounting methods, so you’d have to buy two separate products if own both a C100 and C300/C500.

I loved the cross compatibility of the older Z-finders. Whether you were looking for a Z-finder for your Zacuto EVF or the back of your DSLR, your Z-finder was compatible with just a couple of extra components. Current Z-finders are much more camera specific, you will no longer find a Z-finder that will fit on a Blackmagic Cinema Camera, 5D mark III and C300.

This is more down to the diversity between each platform however; each screen is a different size and requires a different magnification for optimum results.

Further more are a couple of extra releases by Zacuto for the Canon C300 and C500. The Helmet is a nice solution to adding mounting options to both cameras, without the bulk of a traditional cage. The helmet bolts to the existing marker holes on the body, adding stable foundations for further accessories through 1/4″ and 3/8′ holes.

It ships with an array of new top handles by Zacuto, which are based around the Z-rail for mounting. This is a standardised rail that has cross compatibility with many other brands, and with the ability to swivel the rotation of the mount it provides wide compatibility with other camera platforms.

Back to the Z-finder, it ships with an optional mounting kit, which works in conjunction with the Helmet. The mounting kit puts the canon screen module into what Zacuto deem the optimum position for operation when the viewfinder is offset to the camera. It indeed looks great rigged up, which could prove to be very effective to shoulder and tripod use.

A downside is the stretch of the Canon cables, Zacuto recommend that to operate in this configuration you should have the module cables extended. Which is a further consideration to cost (Canon offer this service for a quoted sub $500) and commitment to permanently longer cabling (not ideal if you want to strip the camera back to original state on occasions).