Posted: 10/25/2008 4:00:57 PM EDT
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It seems like the Nikon cameras don't incorporate the use of the LCD screen for pictures unless you go about $1200. Nikon has a couple of entry level cameras ($700-$800) but they are only designed with a view finder for picture taking. The LCD screen is only for reviewing the pictures. My concern is getting one of these to find the LCD screen is highly missed for picture taking. Who still uses the view finder to take pictures? Who doesn't like to take pictures without using the LCD screen? |
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If you are referring to DSLR's, it is MUCH better and easier to use the view finder VS the LCD. The LCD screen is easier to use with a point-and-shoot as the subjects are normally close to the camera since they don't zoom very far. Not sure what the concern is, if you are looking to get a DSLR, you'll find yourself using the viewfinder 100% and using the LCD for review of the pictures just like you said. |
| I can't fathom why in the world anyone would want to use a LCD to frame a shot instead of a viewfinder. I'm pissed that all the damned P&S cameras are doing away with the viewfinder. I have yet to find LCDs that work well in the sun or dark settings. LCD sucks. |
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Reasons for using the viewfinder:
- Holding a camera is kinda like holding a scoped rifle. You want your arms under the camera to hold it steady and preferably you'll want good bone support. Recoil and eye-relief issues aside, would you ever consider it a good idea to try aiming a scoped rifle while holding it out in front of you? - On a digital SLR the auto focus mechanism in live-view is crap if the camera even has one. They are less accurate and much slower than the AF mechanism that is used when looking through the viewfinder. - In order to display an image on the LCD, the image sensor must be activated. Being activated means that it is generating heat and heat is what causes "noise" to appear in an image. Reasons for using the LCD: - When you cannot use the auto-focus. Digital SLRs have focusing screens that place clarity and brightness above usefulness for manually focusing. With the LCD you can digitally zoom and confirm that fous is correct. - When the camera is in a position that prevents looking through the viewfinder. Most often this will be macro photography, but not always. Both of the above advantages are generally not going to be of much use unless you are using a tripod. |
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The main benefit of an SLR is the optical viewfinder. An LCD is slower, shows inaccurate color and unless it zooms, doesn't show as much detail as a viewfinder.
The ONLY case where I use the LCD of my 40D is when taking ridiculously depth-of-field dependent macro shots where the viewfinder just isn't accurate enough to show DOF. In that case, and that case only, an LCD with 10X zoom (on any point of the frame) shows DOF better than a viewfinder. And even then, I don't use the LCD to frame the image, I frame it in the viewfinder first then switch to the LCD to fine-tune the focus. Also, you don't want to look like an amateur holding your $1,200 SLR 1 foot from your face, do you? 
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I don't know crap about photography. I just have a cheap Canon something.
I only use the viewfinder. The main reason is stability; looking through the viewfinder gives me a better indication of whether the camera's shaking. The secondary reason is battery consumption. |
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Quoted:
Reasons for using the viewfinder: - Holding a camera is kinda like holding a scoped rifle. You want your arms under the camera to hold it steady and preferably you'll want good bone support. Recoil and eye-relief issues aside, would you ever consider it a good idea to try aiming a scoped rifle while holding it out in front of you? - On a digital SLR the auto focus mechanism in live-view is crap if the camera even has one. They are less accurate and much slower than the AF mechanism that is used when looking through the viewfinder. - In order to display an image on the LCD, the image sensor must be activated. Being activated means that it is generating heat and heat is what causes "noise" to appear in an image. Reasons for using the LCD: - When you cannot use the auto-focus. Digital SLRs have focusing screens that place clarity and brightness above usefulness for manually focusing. With the LCD you can digitally zoom and confirm that focus is correct. - When the camera is in a position that prevents looking through the viewfinder. Most often this will be macro photography, but not always. Both of the above advantages are generally not going to be of much use unless you are using a tripod. uhh what he said plus when you use the optical view finder for shooting sports or action the AF is faster (already said before) plus w/ current cameras the 'blackout time' of the mirror going up & such is much faster. LCD can lag just enough to be a PIA. 7mm |
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Quoted:
when you use the optical view finder for shooting sports or action the AF is faster (already said before) plus w/ current cameras the 'blackout time' of the mirror going up & such is much faster. LCD can lag just enough to be a PIA. 7mm Holy crap I can't even fathom trying to shoot sports with a LCD. 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
when you use the optical view finder for shooting sports or action the AF is faster (already said before) plus w/ current cameras the 'blackout time' of the mirror going up & such is much faster. LCD can lag just enough to be a PIA. 7mm Holy crap I can't even fathom trying to shoot sports with a LCD.
Yep I tried to shot my niece's softball game w/ my Canon Sure Shot S5IS. It was a BIG PIA but I got off a few good shots. edit to add the S5IS has a flip out LCD & an electronic viewfinder. Which translates in to a VERY SMALL but magnified LCD for a viewfinder.
7mm |