The Sidefinder is now available to buy on SmallHD’s website. I put my order in, and it comes with a remote. Being able to mount the remote to a grip or arm is a nice idea. I can see zooming in to check focus and change pages. All the same functionality I had when the Sidefinder wasn’t attached.
As you can see in the picture the mounting hardware base is also included. If you need an EVF mount SmallHD has a simple solution for $99.99.
This little guy is interesting. Adding control to the 500 series monitor while in EVF mode makes sense since the controls are covered up when the Sidefinder is on the monitor. The remote buttons are basically the same as the layout on the monitor so that makes changing screens and settings pretty darn easy.
I’m excited to finally get this Sidefinder in my hands since I saw it at NAB. An EVF is an essential piece of kit for me and the ones I have used haven’t really been ideal and new ones are very expensive. I have high hopes this will solve this at a price I’m comfortable paying. Other solutions only give you a high quality EVF and this hopefully will do both. The 502 is a very good monitor. I love mine. If the EVF feature works out I will be thrilled.
The firmware must be updated to V1.1 to get the Sidefinder features and remote to work. Also some bugs have been fixed in the update.
Firmware Version 1.1
6/26/2015
- Features added:
- EVF and Remote control support added. (SmallHD wireless remote available on SmallHD.com)
- Airplane mode – disables wireless radio for remote control. (Enable this if you will not be using the remote)
- Tool menu now remembers your last location.
- Bugs Fixed:
- 501s no longer incorrectly identify as 502 & 502 no longer lose Input/Output menu
- Green line on display that would occasionally appear should no longer appear.
- Audio Meters should now work with Black Magic Pocket Cam and C300.
- Audio Meters no longer lock up when changing resolution.
- Anamorphic and guide lines are more now accurate.
- Fixed purple and green banding introduced by scaler.
- Screen door on zoom effect should now be gone.
- Known Bugs:
- When vertical image flip is enabled an artifact may appear on the last horizontal line of pixels.
- If you are using dslr scale, image scale, or anamorphic scale and use image capture it will not work properly.
My main issue with the Sidefinder when I saw it at NAB was the background of the windowed image was gray and I felt it distracted me. Now the background can be adjusted to make it darker and customizable to your liking.
Check out my review of the 502 HERE.
More to come when it arrives. Trust me. I cant wait!
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What is it like outside without a sunshade? Hard to see? Have you figured out any work arounds? Thanks!
It’s not ideal in full sun. Fine in the shade. The workaround is the Sidefinder. 😀
So, just from looking at the video, the flip out hinge looks flimsy and prone to breakage.
Any first hand/eye experience with that Erik?
I saw it at NAB but really didn’t inspect it that close. I’ll have one in a week or so and do a full review. I have high hopes for the Sidefinder. It will really solve my EVF issues plus the 502 monitor is great. This would push it over the top. Fingers crossed.
Hi Erik,
I bought the first Sidefinder sold in Australia… I love it! The hinge is plenty sturdy, but currently I have it mounted on a mini tripod plate attached at the bottom of the of the Sidefinder, as their mounting attachment isn’t out yet, and the housing flexes just the slightest amount. The Sidefinder then mounts to a custom arrangement on top of my GH4 cage. When their hardware is utilised to attach to the front mounting point there will be no flex at all.
The image is great thru the Sidefinder, and can be resized to be more Gratical-like (smaller), or more Alphatron-like (large): Very cool. One of the best features for doco work is the three-second start up time, which kills the Alphatrons nine seconds.
This is an amazingly-well featured device for the price – Gratical X, look out!
Cheers, Nigel
I have a 502/Sidefinder combo and it’s generally an excellent EVF. Without the Sidefinder its an excellent monitor. The the Sidefinder it’s a great EVF. Resolution and color are fantastic. Configuration “page” concept and navigation is generally excellent. The only glitch I’ve found so far is that they only have a set number of anamorphic desqueeze settings. They have 2x, 1.33x and strangely 1.6x, but no 1.5x which is the most common after 2x and something I have. No ability to specify custom scaling, so I’m out of luck until they update the firmware with a solution. Other than the absence of a external 12v input it’s an amazing piece of equipment.