View finder or LCD display

[Goldcoin79]

I notice that most photographers use the view finder and don't very often use the LCD display, I have used both but am interested in people's view on this subject and what they prefer and why?

James

 

[KmH]

I prefer the viewfinder. The camera settings information and the scene I am shooting are all that I can see, so there are no outside distractions like when using the rear LCD.

The viewfinder does not have varying amounts of ambient light falling on it like the rear LCD does.

Using the viewfinder promotes a steadier hold, with the arms close in and against the body than using the rear LCD allows.

 

[Big Mike]

The sharpness of a photo is dependent on the stability (lack of movement) of the camera during the time the shutter is open.

Now consider how stable a camera is when it's being held out in front of you, while you view the screen...vs how stable the camera is when you have it up against your face, with your elbows tucked close into your body.

 

[rlemert]

I've often found that I can't see the LCD display when I'm out shooting because there's too much glare on it. It makes it hard to change settings.

 

[chris]

I use both, the viewfinder when using the camera hand held or with a monopod and sometimes the screen when using a tripod, usually zoomed in to check focus.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

My camera doesn't have an LCD monitor

 

[kschalo]

I'm new to photography so I'm still learning exposure. I use the lcd to check exposure (a lot actually). That has helped me quite a bit, especially when I'm using the tripod.

 

[jenniesims321]

I always prefer the view finder its easy and user friendly

 

[Solarflare]

Right now I dont really have much of a choice.

Phase autofocus (AF) is why DSLRs are faster than other types of cameras. This form of passive autofocus allows to know instantly into which direction the focus has to be changed in order to improve. Only DSLRs have enough room to implement a Phase AF, and since it only works when using the viewfinder and not in lifeview, I try to use the viewfinder almost always.

Contrast AF works on the sensor itself. Unlike Phase AF, it also doesnt need any calibrating. However, it doesnt know the direction - it can only start running into one direction, detecting if its right, and if it isnt, switch back. Contrast AF is what all non-DSLRs use.

I remember reading somewhere that there are plans to include Phase AF on fotosensors. This would be extremely awesome. Not only could one have a virtually unlimited number of DSLR quality autofocus points, but also all other types of cameras could have the exact same Phase AF that have been previously exclusive for DSLRs.

This and new electronic viewfinders (EVF) with higher resolutions could create a new generation of EVIL (electric viewfinder, interchangeable lens) cameras that would dethrone the DSLRs for real.

 

[Dao]

95% of the time, I use viewfinder as mentioned from other forum members. Once in awhile, the LCD screen is preferred.

For example, this firewall photo I took on July 4th, it is hard to do auto focus when there isn't much light. So I set the lens to manual focus, switch to liveview (by the way, camera is on the tripod) and Digital Zoom in to the max so that I can see the boat/ship on the water. And then I turn the focus ring manually until I think it is in focus on the screen. And of course, it is not focus to infinity.

 

[JakePhoto]

I prefer the viewfinder. The camera settings information and the scene I am shooting are all that I can see, so there are no outside distractions like when using the rear LCD.

The viewfinder does not have varying amounts of ambient light falling on it like the rear LCD does.

Using the viewfinder promotes a steadier hold, with the arms close in and against the body than using the rear LCD allows.

Exactly. Your face stabilizes the camera quite a bit. Besides, the viewfinder shows "reality". I also find auto focus to be much worse with the LCD.

J

 

[jjwarrenphotography]

I always use the viewfinder if possible as it adds a huge amount more stability when shooting. If i'm using a manual focus lens or on a tripod then I may switch to live-view/LCD.

 

[sovietdoc]

I use the back LCD to take a photo in 5% of my shots. Yes, it's needed once in a while but very rarely.
VF + top lcd? 95% of all shots. I usually just keep the back LCD turned off to save power, because 5D3 eats the batteries like nothing when you're using IS on the lens.

 

[Hobbytog]

I use the viewfinder to shoot and the LCD screen to review.

 

[christop]

I only have a viewfinder! Granted, it's a bright, life-size viewfinder which very clearly shows what is in focus and what is not. I'll take a nice viewfinder over an LCD screen any day. It's not bad for a $40 SLR with an included 50mm f/1.7 lens.

PS. I'm talking about my Pentax ME.