Cineroid Retina Archives

SHAPE KIRKNEFF PRODUCT PICTURE 640x480-v1
Over at NAB 2014 I stopped at the SHAPE booth to talk with Kirk Neff. I admit there's a bit of brown nosing on my end, but if you ever get the chance to chat with Kirk, it's inspiring to hear about the equipment (or lack of) he chooses to work with. He's a down-to-earth shooter not obsessed with RAW video or 4K cameras. No need for external HDMI ProRes recorders or 'Cine Style' lenses. His workflow is about being fast and functional with minimal gear.

I've got a lot of respect for this guy, as he's out there traveling the world, shooting long content news / documentary pieces for broadcast television and winning awards that are shot entirely from Nikon D800 DSLR cameras with Nikon auto focus lenses. So it's interesting to see the bundle that he decided to put together with SHAPE, and the pieces he personally feels are important for getting the job done.

Sold as a complete bundle so you don't need to fiddle, the Kirk Neff 2.0 Rig comes with an oversized DSLR Video Cage 2.0 with Quick release base, adjustable SHAPE shoulder rig, mini composite Shoulder Pad, Rear back pad, 'Swing Away' Matte Box with (2) 4x4 rotating filter trays, Telescopic push-button Adjustable Handles (Arri rossette), Follow Focus with both friction wheel and Gear, and on the website it also shows the expensive Cineroid EVF4RVW with Retina Display as part of this bundle. I'm sure i'm missing a few items, but you can find out more about this entire Kirk Neff 2.0 Shoulder Rig Kit over at the SHAPEWLB.com website (click here).

SHAPE DSLRKNOS20 PRODUCT PICTURE 640X480-v1_180x101 SHAPE HAND12SH PRODUCT PICTURE 640X480-v1_180x101 SHPAD3-640X480-v1_180x101 SHAPE NEW MB4X4KIT-640x480-v1_180x101 Cineroid-EVF-4rvw 640x480-v1_180x101 FFCLIC-Aluminum gear-v1_180x101 100729-001-v1_180x101 SHAPE KIRKNEFF PRODUCT PICTURE 640x480-v1_285x160
SHAPE Kirk Neff 2.0 DSLR Video Shoulder Rig Bundle

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Here's a look at how the new Cineroid Retina Display EVF4RVW looks mounted up to a BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera. It's expensive no doubt, but I decided to pick up this EVF and replace the SmallHD DP4 EVF and Zacuto EVF. The Cineroid has a better display using the same Retina tech as the iPhone, Waveform and Vectorscope Displays, and most important a direct 3G/HD/SD-SDI (BNC) + HDMI input (and pass through) to support the BMCC. On this particular EVF i'm also using the Red Fleece Oval Large Eye Cushion.

BlueStar Eye Cushion Cineroid EVF
Blue Star Eye Cushion for LCD View Finders

I didn't want to dive into the features on my own video, since there was one already available that shows off some of what this EVF is capable of and how it can help you when shooting video on just about any camera from the BMCC to smaller GH3 or Canon DSLRs. Even if you are not interested in EVFs, the video below is a good explanation of monitor features in general to help you understand what Zebra, False Color, Peaking, Waveform and Vectorscope displays are used for and why some monitors will cost more than others.

This will not replace my larger monitors in every situation, but it will replace other small EVFs i'm currently using. It is very helpful to use an EVF with the BMCC, but even more useful when shooting with DSLRs because you have to try to nail your color and exposure as best as possible. Compressed footage will not have the same latitude to adjust later in post processing.

Even though I went 'balls out' on the most expensive Retina Display version, Cineroid also makes EVFs that are less than half the price I paid. You can get more information other Cineroid products available at B&H following the link (click here).

894123 Cineroid EVF HDMI Cineroid Retina EVF
Cineroid Retina Display EVF with HDMI HD-SDI Loop Through

For reference i've mounted the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera into a O-Ring Rig Kit. It's originally designed for DSLR cameras, but it works well to add a top handle,, 15mm rails, and several new mounting points for accessories. You can find that rig via eBay (Click Here).