Simon Shasha

Hey guys,
I wanted to share with you an awesome and affordable monitor made by IKAN that can, with a tiny bit of work, be used as an EVF.
The main reason I wanted an EVF + loupe for my Micro setup was to create a fourth-point of contact between my Micro and my body. 
With my right-hand on the ENG grip, left-hand on the len's focus-ring, chest-pad against my right-shoulder, having the IKAN + loupe pressed up against my right-eye added that extra piece of stability I have been looking for - not to mention being able to monitor and pull focus perfectly in bright daylight.
For those interested, the monitor is called the IKAN VL35 and can be had for as little as $259USD: http://ikancorp.com/productdetail.php?id=1738
I rigged it together with an old ViewFinder that I used to use with my A7S and A7RII. Having sold those cameras, I decided to use it as a loupe for my IKAN VL35.
It doesn't fit the VL35 perfectly (as it is designed for 3" monitors, and the VL35 is a 3.5" monitor), but it will do for now.
However, the good news is IKAN recently told me that they will be releasing a loupe specifically designed for the VL35 - and given the affordability of the monitor itself, I'm sure the loupe will be priced very nicely.
As for the quality of the monitor itself - all I can say is that it's great Very similar to the monitor on the BMPCC. 
I haven't conducted any scientific or methodical tests yet, such as running down the battery or precisely measuring colour and luminosity, but I have used it plenty in the real-world, and it has functioned flawlessly and beautifully. Highly recommended for those looking for a setup like this
Anyway, here are some pictures for those that are interested

 

Hey guys,
I wanted to share with you an awesome and affordable monitor made by IKAN that can, with a tiny bit of work, be used as an EVF.
The main reason I wanted an EVF + loupe for my Micro setup was to create a fourth-point of contact between my Micro and my body. 
With my right-hand on the ENG grip, left-hand on the len's focus-ring, chest-pad against my right-shoulder, having the IKAN + loupe pressed up against my right-eye added that extra piece of stability I have been looking for - not to mention being able to monitor and pull focus perfectly in bright daylight.
For those interested, the monitor is called the IKAN VL35 and can be had for as little as $259USD: http://ikancorp.com/productdetail.php?id=1738
I rigged it together with an old ViewFinder that I used to use with my A7S and A7RII. Having sold those cameras, I decided to use it as a loupe for my IKAN VL35.
It doesn't fit the VL35 perfectly (as it is designed for 3" monitors, and the VL35 is a 3.5" monitor), but it will do for now.
However, the good news is IKAN recently told me that they will be releasing a loupe specifically designed for the VL35 - and given the affordability of the monitor itself, I'm sure the loupe will be priced very nicely.
As for the quality of the monitor itself - all I can say is that it's great Very similar to the monitor on the BMPCC. 
I haven't conducted any scientific or methodical tests yet, such as running down the battery or precisely measuring colour and luminosity, but I have used it plenty in the real-world, and it has functioned flawlessly and beautifully. Highly recommended for those looking for a setup like this
Anyway, here are some pictures for those that are interested

 

Not sure why anyone cares - for video, anyway.
Compared to the Blackmagic Pocket 4K, any mirrorless, full-frame or otherwise, from Panasonic/Nikon/Canon/Sony looks like/will look like s**t.

Not sure why anyone cares - for video, anyway.
Compared to the Blackmagic Pocket 4K, any mirrorless, full-frame or otherwise, from Panasonic/Nikon/Canon/Sony looks like/will look like s**t.

Hey guys,
I wanted to share with you an awesome and affordable monitor made by IKAN that can, with a tiny bit of work, be used as an EVF.
The main reason I wanted an EVF + loupe for my Micro setup was to create a fourth-point of contact between my Micro and my body. 
With my right-hand on the ENG grip, left-hand on the len's focus-ring, chest-pad against my right-shoulder, having the IKAN + loupe pressed up against my right-eye added that extra piece of stability I have been looking for - not to mention being able to monitor and pull focus perfectly in bright daylight.
For those interested, the monitor is called the IKAN VL35 and can be had for as little as $259USD: http://ikancorp.com/productdetail.php?id=1738
I rigged it together with an old ViewFinder that I used to use with my A7S and A7RII. Having sold those cameras, I decided to use it as a loupe for my IKAN VL35.
It doesn't fit the VL35 perfectly (as it is designed for 3" monitors, and the VL35 is a 3.5" monitor), but it will do for now.
However, the good news is IKAN recently told me that they will be releasing a loupe specifically designed for the VL35 - and given the affordability of the monitor itself, I'm sure the loupe will be priced very nicely.
As for the quality of the monitor itself - all I can say is that it's great Very similar to the monitor on the BMPCC. 
I haven't conducted any scientific or methodical tests yet, such as running down the battery or precisely measuring colour and luminosity, but I have used it plenty in the real-world, and it has functioned flawlessly and beautifully. Highly recommended for those looking for a setup like this
Anyway, here are some pictures for those that are interested

 

Yes for raw stills. There is very little noise and when pushed its 99% luma noise which is very easy to remove or plesant to keep.
I often shoot the new Fuji sensor in daylight at iso 4000 just because of the nice grain structure.

Correct.
IBIS and very high-ISO performance are definitely two things I like, but neither are ever my priority when looking at a new camera. For me its dynamic-range, highlight roll-off, and colour accuracy/fidelity (ESPECIALLY in skin-tones).

The GH5, despite being a very fun camera to work with (mainly due to the IBIS) always left me feeling underwhelmed with its image. There was just something missing.
My Blackmagic cameras have the opposite effect on me - when they're not surprising me, they're blowing me away with the image they deliver. Especially with the 4.7 firmware update on the Micro (that improved sensor exposure sensitivity by 2 stops)
Regarding my A6500's - they have IBIS and very good high ISO performance, however, I rarely ever used them for video. Almost strictly used them for photography only. Also, the handful of times I did use them for video, I found the ISO performance great, but the colours horrific.

Who knows - perhaps I've simply been spoilt by my Blackmagic cameras...

I still think the best camera setup for low-budget production is the BMPCC + Metabones x0.58 Speed Booster + Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 IS. If the budget can be pushed a bit more, and requires 50/60FPS, the BMMCC + Metabones x0.58 Speed Booster + Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 IS + Blackmagic 5" Video Assist (especially now with the 4.7 firmware update).

P.S. I might grab a cheap GX85, though - I'm very in love with the 20mm F1.7 lens. A GX85 might be the perfect home for it...

Precisely why I'm selling my GH5. Great image, but my BMPCC is still far ahead. Especially in the rendering of highlights.

Despite the moire the bmpcc imo still looks better. Still an incredible camera after all these years.

The GH5 is the first time I am willing to trade dynamic-range for ergonomics.

I am absolutely sick of rigging up cameras, if not with external monitors, than with shoulder-rigs and whatnot.

For my personal shooting style, the 5-Axis on-sensor IBIS, high-res EVF and LCD, and 10-bit internal, make up for the lack of dynamic-range and usable 12,800ISO (which I wouldn't even use, anyway).

The GH5 is the first time I am willing to trade dynamic-range for ergonomics.

I am absolutely sick of rigging up cameras, if not with external monitors, than with shoulder-rigs and whatnot.

For my personal shooting style, the 5-Axis on-sensor IBIS, high-res EVF and LCD, and 10-bit internal, make up for the lack of dynamic-range and usable 12,800ISO (which I wouldn't even use, anyway).

Thanks, appreciate the kind words
Yeah, the form-factor can be cumbersome. I use the Micro for filmmaking, live-event work, and anything that requires 50/60P, and take my Pocket whenever I leave the house and just want to have some fun. I'd say the Pocket is my favourite camera of all time, actually. Sony Australia is providing me with an A6500 soon, however, I can see myself reaching for my Pocket Camera as my "daily driver" for a long time coming. I'll tell you what's good fun - that little Panasonic GX85. I used it the other day with a Panasonic 20mm F1.7 - really great. Definitely a camera that doesn't put hurdles in the way of content.

Regarding brand allegiance, I have never understood it, to be honest, and in my defense, and though it may have appeared to some this way, I wasn't attacking Blackmagic - merely trying to gauge why Windows 7 64bit hasn't been included in the requirements list, and why I find that very illogical - and also trying to dispel the myth that the latest Resolve and Camera Ulitity do not work on Windows 7 64bit.

Light the scene properly for your equipment. It's a crazy idea, but it might just work.

I have a rule. Even with A7S. If you need more than 1600ISO, you probably shouldn't be shooting there in the first place. Either change the scene's location, or use lights. Simple.

Cancelled both GH5 pre-orders today.
Not liking what I'm seeing, unfortunately. Will stick with my Blackmagic Pocket and Micro until a Pocket successor comes out (hopefully).
Also, besides rolling-shutter, which I personally have no problem with, I am not finding the current GH5 image anymore superior to my A6500. Perhaps the 400Mbit ALL-I will change this?
Anyways, good luck to all those waiting on their pre-orders, hope you get them soon and make some amazing things with it. Enjoy!

Nope, I'm happy with my Blackmagic Pocket and Micro
Also, not fond of ML RAW - the workflow is hell on Earth.

Nope, I'm happy with my Blackmagic Pocket and Micro
Also, not fond of ML RAW - the workflow is hell on Earth.

Cancelled both GH5 pre-orders today.
Not liking what I'm seeing, unfortunately. Will stick with my Blackmagic Pocket and Micro until a Pocket successor comes out (hopefully).
Also, besides rolling-shutter, which I personally have no problem with, I am not finding the current GH5 image anymore superior to my A6500. Perhaps the 400Mbit ALL-I will change this?
Anyways, good luck to all those waiting on their pre-orders, hope you get them soon and make some amazing things with it. Enjoy!

Hmmmm, not too impressive.

2017, and we're still not getting real 10bit from the billion dollar tech giants.

Blackmagic for the win.

I shot live music for a long time (video below). All on Canon 7D and 60D. Pretty much only had one lens (Sigma 30mm F1.4), and would rent a Sigma 20mm F1.8, or Canon 70-200 here and there/when needed:
The Canon 7D and 60D were not ISO champions, they pretty much fell apart after ISO 640.

When I bought my A7S, I wasn't that impressed. Sure, I could shoot crazy high ISO, but given my experience with the 7D and 60D, I didn't really need it in the end. Not for the shooting style I had developed by that time, anyway. Fast aperture made the difference. Most of the time. I'd gotten so used to pulling focus at F1.4 - F1.8. Would drop the shutter to 1/40, 1/30, if the lighting being used allowed it. Was never fond of shallow depth of field. Tried to keep my shots wide to avoid it. I always found very shallow depth of field disorientating. I never used my own artificial light - I always found it visually obtrusive, fake. I wanted viewers to feel like they were there.

I guess I had to really choose my shots back then. Wait for the light. There were many times where I wouldn't be shooting at all, just waiting on the sidelines for the light to change. If I got the shot, I got the shot, if I didn't, too bad. Sometimes I think it was better this way - stopped me from over-shooting. The only downside was having to pay attention non-stop to the lighting...but I guess that's our job in the end, no?

To be blunt, as time has gone on and more footage has come out, I have begun to question my GH5 pre-order.

I think the compression of 10bit is just too much. I find my Blackmagic Pocket and Micro to be far superior thus far compared to what I am seeing out of the GH5.
Regardless, the form-factor and IBIS has kept my pre-order in place. For live-event work, it will be my go-to camera.

Couldn't give two shits about AF.

No 10bit internal on A7SIII is DOA for many a serious shooter.

Will most likely come in higher than A7R2.

What about the large portion of video shooters that never use AF? Seems like more of a hobbyist hangup than something that'd hold back a working pro. 

At the risk of sounding like a total dick here and I of all people have no right to, but I just don't get some people on this forum. I know most things are subjective, but that Kholi footage is probably the nicest GH5 footage I have seen and people complain about it?!
WTF?!