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Curiosity question on composing shots; Viewfinder vs LCD screen
Apr 2, 2018 09:16:05 #
At 71 years old, I grew up with cameras with some sort of viewfinder as the technology for lcd screens was still a ways off. In looking for cameras over the years, about the first thing I would look for was if the camera had a viewfinder that my eye could look through. As the years have gone by, many manufacturers, especially on point and shoot cameras, eliminated viewfinders and just have an lcd screen to compose shots.
Just curious as to whether you have a preference on viewfinder vs lcd screen for composition.
Just curious as to whether you have a preference on viewfinder vs lcd screen for composition.
Apr 2, 2018 09:21:05 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
At 73, I prefer the viewfinder not only out of force of habit but also for stability against my face.
Apr 2, 2018 09:21:54 #
For hand held, I'd much prefer a viewfinder. Tripod, either would work, as I'm accustomed to using a view camera and that is akin to an LCD screen. One just has to be able to view the world upside down. That feature alone helps immensely with composition.
--Bob
--Bob
akxss825 wrote:
At 71 years old, I grew up with cameras with some ... (show quote)
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Apr 2, 2018 09:22:18 #
I'm so used to using the view finder in my SLRs and DSLRs that I use the view finder >99% of the time. Sometimes live-view on the display, but rarely. I only use the display to review the shots. The displays seem to not view well in bright sun (without a hood).
Apr 2, 2018 09:25:15 #
When using a tripod I like the LCD screen. At times when I need to get close to the ground the LCD, which also articulates is a god send to me as I will be 72 this month.
Apr 2, 2018 09:25:50 #
View finder. Never use the LCD, except for the first few shots to check exposure settings.
Apr 2, 2018 09:27:37 #
I feel like I have more stability with the camera against my face than holding it outward with an lcd screen. I think a lot is just what you are used to and many people today have always just used an lcd screen for composition and that's what they are used to,simply because the camera they are using doesn't have a viewfinder.
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Apr 2, 2018 09:29:20 #
I'm with you, my friend! I cannot see a thing thru the LCD outside. I am so glad that I have the eye viewer to compose and the LCD to review - Only way to go for me. paulb
Apr 2, 2018 09:29:42 #
akxss825 wrote:
At 71 years old, I grew up with cameras with some ... (show quote)
They both have their uses; for instance, IMO it would be a lot harder to shoot video if you had just a viewfinder to work with, and some folks, me included, consider an LCD a great help in composing a scene beforehand. On the other hand, most LCD's in Live View are notoriously slow to focus. Finally, at age 68 I gotta have a viewfinder, even an electronic one; the camera just doesn't seem right to me without it, sort of like a 3-wheeled car.
Apr 2, 2018 09:33:13 #
Apr 2, 2018 09:34:12 #
Good Point! - Just wish that there was some way to see the LCD better in the out of doors situation, as I do like the LCD screen, but it is very difficult to see on sunny days. I have heard of the smaller LCD view finder collapsable top & side screen that can attach to the back of the Sony Next type cameras... Does anyone have any experience with this type of sun block for the Sony LCD?
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Apr 2, 2018 09:41:20 #
I do most of my composing before I ever lift the camera to my eye, but I still need my aiming points. I have an MILC that doesn't have a viewfinder. Unaided, I have a hard time seeing an LCD in sunlight, so I have a Hoodman that turns the LCD into a viewfinder, giving me both the vision and the stability I need.
Apr 2, 2018 10:02:45 #
I prefer to use a reflex viewfinder (as in SLR and DSLR) for 2 reasons.
1. The reflex viewfinder is easier for me to focus manually.
2. Using the finder close to my eye it's easier to hold the camera steady.
However for composing only purpose I think the LCD screen is better because it doesn't show things in fine details but rather show the size and shape of the subject in relation to the frame better.
1. The reflex viewfinder is easier for me to focus manually.
2. Using the finder close to my eye it's easier to hold the camera steady.
However for composing only purpose I think the LCD screen is better because it doesn't show things in fine details but rather show the size and shape of the subject in relation to the frame better.
Apr 2, 2018 10:10:14 #
Apr 2, 2018 10:50:35 #
akxss825 wrote:
At 71 years old, I grew up with cameras with some ... (show quote)
It depends on the circumstances and the specific shot. I use both, viewfinder for the quicker scenes and the lcd screen for still life and some landscapes. I would not want a camera without a viewfinder, that would not work well for me as I photography a lot of wildlife in action.
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