With its decision to omit the viewfinder on the new XDCAM camcorder Z300, Sony is widely met with incomprehension in user circles. Positioned as an all-in-one solution for professional shooting situations, especially in the news and documentary film sector, the camera must be usable in every situation - for example, in bright sunlight, a display is usually difficult to read. Without a viewfinder, you are quickly lost, and that is exactly what is missing on the Z300.
Zacuto Z-Finder for the Sony Z300
External viewfinders can theoretically be screwed on and connected via HDMI/SDI, even if rigging shouldn't be necessary in this camera class. Zacuto has now announced a Z-Finder specifically adapted to the Z300, which is attached to the camera's display and can be flipped up and down. The connection construction grips the new LCD arm and is said to additionally reinforce it.
The viewfinder is practically an optical magnifier and brings a Zacuto-typical 2.5x magnification, diopter adjustment, and glare protection - a similar Z-Finder already exists for, among others, the Sony FX6. This costs around 700 euros; a price for the Z300 version has not yet been announced, but is unlikely to be lower. Whether Sony filmmakers will be thrilled to pay this sum in addition to the not-so-cheap camera purchase price, only to have the upward-protruding viewfinder housing in the way during LCD operation?
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