Why use the viewfinder

smelni

smelni

Veteran
Is there a reason why the viewfinder is better then using the lcd screen. I very rarely am even tempted to look into the viewfinder. Maybe i am missing an opportunity for something. What does everyone else use it for?

thanks
 
You'll conserve battery life if you use the VF. I find myself using it far more than the LCD (especially if I'm going handheld). When I'm setting up a shot on sticks, I'll use the LCD to check my shot if I'm not quite sure of something, but for the most part, I'm a viewfinder guy.
 
smelni, I don't use it either! But it's nice to have it there, because the camera would look odd without it.

I usually have plenty o' batts around that I don't need to conserve on my dueling LCDs...
 
ok ok, so occassionally i look through the viewfinder to try and fool people that i use it.

It may all go back to that time I was kidnapped by pirates and spent years on the open seas as their captive. All their single eyed-looks really turned me off to the one eye closed thing.

Tragic, I know.
 
If you don't have a hood for your LCD it's great to use outside when it's too bright to see your screen. The eye cup is one of the bast I've seen, I have to wear glasses (as seen in my avatar!) and the eye cup blocks out all the light perfectly, works pretty well. But I too prefer the LCD on most occasions.

Joe
 
Arrrrrrrrgh!

red-pirate.jpg
 
I find that it helps with composition as well. It keeps you focused on what's actually IN the frame to a greater degree. At least for me.
 
I find when I use the viewfinder while moving the camera, the movements are smoother...

also you can view the picture in black and white...

annd, no glare out doors when looking into the viewfinder!

essential part of the camera
 
Sometimes you can get more stable shots if you're hunched over the camera looking through the viewfinder.

Also, it tends to stop people from asking you questions when shooting in public -- well that or my "F--K OFF! I'M WORKING!" T-shirt.
 
Does anyone shoot with both eyes open while using the viewfinder? I tried this once while shooting some mountain biking, and although it's disorienting at first, it actually helped because it allowed me to see "whats coming next" in a sense, and not get suprised on my framing.
 
i dont know why..but i can hold the camera more steadily when using the vf. thats probably just me though.
 
Nick, you're right. Holding the camera snug to your eye limits a lot of the body movements that result in shaky footage. Plus, think about how you hold your camera when you're using the VF--you're probably resting your elbows against your body, which is definitely helpful for stabilizing a handheld shot.
 
PDX_DVX said:
Does anyone shoot with both eyes open while using the viewfinder? I tried this once while shooting some mountain biking, and although it's disorienting at first, it actually helped because it allowed me to see "whats coming next" in a sense, and not get suprised on my framing.
Click to expand...


Rick Schmidt (Feature Filmmaking at Used Car Prices) recomends this technique, allthough he shoots a ton of improv and "figure-it-out-as-you-go" films. If you get used to it, sounds like it would work well. It would be hard to do that with the LCD because you're looking down a lot.
 
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