How to Build a Custom Viewfinder Sun Shade For Shooting Video on a DSLR Camera

In this creative tutorial Spencer Weaver builds a custom viewfinder / sun shade for the articulating LCD screen on his Canon 60D DSLR camera.

"After shooting video all day outside and struggling to see my LCD screen in the sun... I came home and thought up this easy to build design. The best part is - the build didn't cost me a dime!
It is a quick solution and the design functions best as a sun shade."

For this build you'll need:

A pencil and straight edge
Foam display board
A hot glue gun
Elastic
Tape (Gaff tape, duct tape, or gorilla tape, all work fine)
Some flexible craft foam
and
A utility knife

Although this viewfinder works best on cameras with articulating LCD screens it can also be retrofitted to work on DSLR cameras like the Canon T2i, Canon 7D and Canon 5D Mark II.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and TIPS:

I use this custom viewfinder on a Canon 60D DSLR camera for shooting HD video.
The design is also compatible with the LCD screens on many consumer and prosumer video cameras.

One thing I didn't mention in the video is that after the viewfinder is glued together I cover the entire unit with a layer of gaff tape. Not only does this increase the strength of the DSLR custom viewfinder - but it also adds a level of water proofing.

A note on the flexible foam... I added the flexible foam to the design to act as a light blocker between the LCD screen on my Canon 60D DSLR camera and the viewfinder unit itself. The flexible foam also minimizes any imperfections in my foam board pieces and improves how the custom viewfinder lines up and seals on the articulating LCD screen of my Canon 60D.


Thanks for watching! And be sure to visit us at:

http://www.ponderpictures.com

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Spencer Weaver
• Ponder Pictures
• ponderpictures
• Canon 60D
• DSLR video
• hdslr
• HD video shooting
• viewfinder
• zacuto EVF pro
• tutorial
• how to build a viewfinder
• Canon 60D DSLR
• Canon 7D
• Canon 5D
• sunshade
• view finder
• LCD screen sun shade
• DSRL sun shade
• DSLR video gear
• diy video gear
• instructions
• creative things you can build
• easy tutorials
• camera gear
• how-to
• electronics
• camcorder
• howto

[Douchefilm]

Thank you Spencer--- I made it and its really effective

[PonderPictures]

@Douchefilm yeah, I've used mine quite a bit as well! I'm glad it's worked well for you!!

[TheKorimaw24]

i like your shoulder rig.. is that a home made?..

[sammyblanks]

Spencer, nice one. What's your rig though? Really nice and compact,

[musicalidaddoremi]

oh god, WHAT A REALLY GOOD IDEA for camcorders lcd screens. patent it and make a lot of money.

[jacquesone100]

ive tried...but no CIgar! :( i end up having to make a flinder thats 30 cm long or my eyes cant focus..youll be needing a magnification glass in it :)

cool vid though!

Jacques

[GraphicCoconut]

Nice idea, thanks! :)

[Jcbproducoes]

@shapeworkstudios1 you can buy them from panavision for like 8$ a piece or all over ebay for even less

[shapeworkstudios1]

THIS IS TOO AWESOME FOR WORDS! I CAN FINALLY GET A VIEWFINDER ON MY NORMAL CAMCORDER WITH A FLIPSCREEN! THX SOO MUCH!!!

it would be even more awesome if it had like a real rubber eyepiece!

like a professional film one!! :D