2016Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Building a cost-effective director's finder using cameras and software
Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.
What the thread found
- The Sony A7RII and A7SII cameras offer a super 35 crop mode that matches cinema formats, making them suitable for director's finder applications.
- An iPad Mini running the Artemis app can serve as a practical director's finder without requiring dedicated camera hardware.
- Using a phone or tablet app for framing eliminates the need to swap lenses on the main camera during production.
- The Artemis app with iPro lenses covers both wide-angle and telephoto focal ranges needed for shot previewing.
- An iPad Mini display allows multiple crew members to gather around and discuss framing decisions simultaneously.
- An iOgrapher holder improves ergonomics when holding an iPad Mini as a director's finder during handheld operation.
- A Paralinx Triton HDMI wireless transmitter can broadcast the finder image to additional monitors via WiFi using Apple TV mirroring.
Depends on
- The comparison of camera sensors shows that APS-C and full-frame formats do not match super 35 dimensions, limiting their usefulness for accurate framing.
- The super 35 crop feature appears limited to specific Sony models as of the discussion date.
- App-based solutions require additional hardware like holders and wireless transmitters for certain workflows.
- Using a tablet for framing differs from traditional dedicated viewfinder equipment and may have workflow implications.
Gear in this thread
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