NEX-5N electronic viewfinder

Jasvox · 01-31-2012, 04:38 AM

I am thinking of getting this to go with my Sony, but wanted to hear some opinions from those who have owned or do own this accessory for the 5N.

Worth the $$$?
Better than composing through the screen only?
Any negatives?

Thanks,

Jason

bimjo · 01-31-2012, 08:49 AM

I have one. It is worth it to me. I find some things just easier to do with a viewfinder than with a LCD screen. While using the camera at waist level is cool, sometimes you just need the camera to be at eye level to get the shot and that's just easier to do with a viewfinder. Unlike a OVF, the EVF adjusts levels so you can see the scene. This allows stop down metering/focusing to work really well with legacy lenses.

Negatives? Cost. It's a big lump on the top of the camera, though that doesn't bother me. Can't use a flash and the EVF at the same time (though that isn't the EVFs fault).

Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days. If you can live with that (realizing that the LCD on Pentax bodies doesn't move) you probably don't need the EVF for the 5N.

hth, YMMV

deadwolfbones · 01-31-2012, 08:50 AM

Yes, worth the money.
Feels more natural than composing with the screen (dSLR bias).
Negatives are the cost and the fact that it's possibly fragile since it protrudes somewhat awkwardly. And, of course, that it's still an EVF, so it slows down in poor light.

JHD · 01-31-2012, 10:26 AM

Buy one from a place that has a good return policy. You'll know soon enough whether it's worth it or not. I find it easier to compose with two eyes on a big bright high quality flip out screen than one eye in a tiny OVF / EVF.

JHD · 01-31-2012, 04:40 PM

Here's a used one... Sony Nex FDA-EV1S OLED Electronic viewfinder: For Sale and Wanted Forum: Digital Photography Review

Jasvox · 02-01-2012, 04:06 AM

Originally posted by bimjo

Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days. If you can live with that (realizing that the LCD on Pentax bodies doesn't move) you probably don't need the EVF for the 5N.

I dont usually use liveview on my Pentax bodies simply because I have preferred a viewfinder for years and only use a "liveview" approach when using a P&S, and now my 5N. I have never been in love with any cropped sensor DSLR viewfinders...too dark and narrow. If only the 5N's viewfinder could be more FF viewfinder'like.

Another reason I am considering one is because when trying to manual focus with the screen only and in bright light (sunlight), it is just about useless. The viewfinder would certainly help here.

Regarding a shop that may let me return one after purchase if not satisfied after a few days....This is Greece, no such thing here like that (If there is and someone knows, please enlighten me).

Jason

Emacs · 02-01-2012, 03:04 PM

It quite useful, but sony didn't utilize it properly.
First, the VF design problem. The DR issue is not that hard as usually described even in high contrast scenes. The hood is too small (or it's shape isn't good) to protect from bright sunlight. It just didn't shade well, so eyes (my eyes at least) adapts to brighter environment brightness instead of EVF one and shadow details in it become practically invisible. But when shaded from the light, details appear. Not quite good, but enough for most cases (the problem will be resolved soon, Sony has just introduced their RGBW sensor with HDR video capabilities. 12-14ev would be enough). I also hope they will make better hood.
The second problem is selecting magnification area center. It's just done bad. There are better methods. They chose the worst.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 02-01-2012, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by bimjo

Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days.

Sadly, LiveView on DSLRs doesn't yet match the implementation on MILCs. It is much poorer.

Jasvox · 02-02-2012, 05:52 AM

Still on the fence with this purchase...knock me one way or the other.

Jason

Emacs · 02-02-2012, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by Jasvox

Still on the fence with this purchase...knock me one way or the other.

In those cases I usually buy an item

Jasvox · 02-02-2012, 06:05 AM

Me too, but at 300 euros....harder to pull the trigger.

Jason

bimjo · 02-02-2012, 09:01 AM

Originally posted by Jasvox

Me too, but at 300 euros....harder to pull the trigger.

Jason

As scarce as they've been you would be able to sell it at not much of a loss if you don't like it.

bimjo · 02-02-2012, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

Sadly, LiveView on DSLRs doesn't yet match the implementation on MILCs. It is much poorer.

True, but it will still give you an idea if you can live without a viewfinder. Only real flaw for Pentax owners is the fact that the LCD is fixed, so it's hard to accurately judge if a viewfinder is needed or not.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 02-03-2012, 12:53 AM

Originally posted by bimjo

True, but it will still give you an idea if you can live without a viewfinder.

No, it doesn't. It just gives you the wrong idea that LCDs are a crappy replacement for a viewfinder - which isn't the case when LiveView is well implemented.

Jasvox · 02-03-2012, 04:36 AM

I am am aware of the difference between the Pentax Liveview and shooting through an LCD ala the LX3 and the NEX-5N. The way "Liveview" is implemented on the K-7/5 is pretty poor compared to the NEX-5n. The mirror being the problem in the K.

Anyway, I think I will purchase the viewfinder...Thank you to JHD for pointing out the used one over at DP. I am in contact with the seller and are working out payment details.

Thank again!

Jason

01-31-2012, 04:38 AM	#1
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	NEX-5N electronic viewfinder I am thinking of getting this to go with my Sony, but wanted to hear some opinions from those who have owned or do own this accessory for the 5N. Worth the $$$? Better than composing through the screen only? Any negatives? Thanks, Jason

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01-31-2012, 08:49 AM	#2
bimjo Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasco, WA Posts: 967	I have one. It is worth it to me. I find some things just easier to do with a viewfinder than with a LCD screen. While using the camera at waist level is cool, sometimes you just need the camera to be at eye level to get the shot and that's just easier to do with a viewfinder. Unlike a OVF, the EVF adjusts levels so you can see the scene. This allows stop down metering/focusing to work really well with legacy lenses. Negatives? Cost. It's a big lump on the top of the camera, though that doesn't bother me. Can't use a flash and the EVF at the same time (though that isn't the EVFs fault). Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days. If you can live with that (realizing that the LCD on Pentax bodies doesn't move) you probably don't need the EVF for the 5N. hth, YMMV

01-31-2012, 08:50 AM	#3
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 7,451	Yes, worth the money. Feels more natural than composing with the screen (dSLR bias). Negatives are the cost and the fact that it's possibly fragile since it protrudes somewhat awkwardly. And, of course, that it's still an EVF, so it slows down in poor light.

01-31-2012, 10:26 AM	#4
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Buy one from a place that has a good return policy. You'll know soon enough whether it's worth it or not. I find it easier to compose with two eyes on a big bright high quality flip out screen than one eye in a tiny OVF / EVF.

01-31-2012, 04:40 PM	#5
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Here's a used one... Sony Nex FDA-EV1S OLED Electronic viewfinder: For Sale and Wanted Forum: Digital Photography Review

02-01-2012, 04:06 AM	#6
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107 Original Poster	Originally posted by bimjo Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days. If you can live with that (realizing that the LCD on Pentax bodies doesn't move) you probably don't need the EVF for the 5N. I dont usually use liveview on my Pentax bodies simply because I have preferred a viewfinder for years and only use a "liveview" approach when using a P&S, and now my 5N. I have never been in love with any cropped sensor DSLR viewfinders...too dark and narrow. If only the 5N's viewfinder could be more FF viewfinder'like. Another reason I am considering one is because when trying to manual focus with the screen only and in bright light (sunlight), it is just about useless. The viewfinder would certainly help here. Regarding a shop that may let me return one after purchase if not satisfied after a few days....This is Greece, no such thing here like that (If there is and someone knows, please enlighten me). Jason

02-01-2012, 03:04 PM	#7
Emacs Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Moscow Posts: 1,223	It quite useful, but sony didn't utilize it properly. First, the VF design problem. The DR issue is not that hard as usually described even in high contrast scenes. The hood is too small (or it's shape isn't good) to protect from bright sunlight. It just didn't shade well, so eyes (my eyes at least) adapts to brighter environment brightness instead of EVF one and shadow details in it become practically invisible. But when shaded from the light, details appear. Not quite good, but enough for most cases (the problem will be resolved soon, Sony has just introduced their RGBW sensor with HDR video capabilities. 12-14ev would be enough). I also hope they will make better hood. The second problem is selecting magnification area center. It's just done bad. There are better methods. They chose the worst.

02-01-2012, 11:52 PM	#8
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by bimjo Want an easy way to decide if you need one? Shoot live view on your dslr exclusively for a couple of days. Sadly, LiveView on DSLRs doesn't yet match the implementation on MILCs. It is much poorer.

02-02-2012, 05:52 AM	#9
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107 Original Poster	Still on the fence with this purchase...knock me one way or the other. Jason

02-02-2012, 06:02 AM	#10
Emacs Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Moscow Posts: 1,223	Originally posted by Jasvox Still on the fence with this purchase...knock me one way or the other. In those cases I usually buy an item

02-02-2012, 06:05 AM	#11
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107 Original Poster	Me too, but at 300 euros....harder to pull the trigger. Jason

02-02-2012, 09:01 AM	#12
bimjo Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasco, WA Posts: 967	Originally posted by Jasvox Me too, but at 300 euros....harder to pull the trigger. Jason As scarce as they've been you would be able to sell it at not much of a loss if you don't like it.

02-02-2012, 09:03 AM	#13
bimjo Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasco, WA Posts: 967	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor Sadly, LiveView on DSLRs doesn't yet match the implementation on MILCs. It is much poorer. True, but it will still give you an idea if you can live without a viewfinder. Only real flaw for Pentax owners is the fact that the LCD is fixed, so it's hard to accurately judge if a viewfinder is needed or not.

02-03-2012, 12:53 AM	#14
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by bimjo True, but it will still give you an idea if you can live without a viewfinder. No, it doesn't. It just gives you the wrong idea that LCDs are a crappy replacement for a viewfinder - which isn't the case when LiveView is well implemented.

02-03-2012, 04:36 AM	#15
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107 Original Poster	I am am aware of the difference between the Pentax Liveview and shooting through an LCD ala the LX3 and the NEX-5N. The way "Liveview" is implemented on the K-7/5 is pretty poor compared to the NEX-5n. The mirror being the problem in the K. Anyway, I think I will purchase the viewfinder...Thank you to JHD for pointing out the used one over at DP. I am in contact with the seller and are working out payment details. Thank again! Jason