Do you use the viewfinder or LCD screen?

[praline3001]

I wasn't really sure where to put this so I figured general chat would work?

I was reading in my handy dandy camera book and it explained that photographers shouldn't use the LCD screen unless doing video. They mention that the viewfinder is better for your camera and an overheated camera can cause more noise? I had no idea that the LCD screen was bad for your camera. I have terrible eyesight and even with contacts I have trouble using the viewfinder with spot on focusing. What do you use, the viewfinder or the LCD screen on a regular basis and why?

[RichardTaylor]

On my Canon G11, the screen almost all the time.
It is a lot easier to see (except in bright ambient light) and the live histogram is a very handy tool. The G11 viewfinder is only good if you are desperate.

On my DSLRs I mainly use the screen for checking the histogram and for camera settings.
The viewfinder runs rings around the screen and I find that the camera is a lot easier to shoot hand held with the camera jammed up to my face instead of at arms length..

[Tzetsin]

I use both about equally. Depending on if the situation calls for it.

For example, my 60D has an articulating screen, I flip that thing out when its on a tripod, or if i have to take an overhead shot, or if i want to take a low angle shot.

I use the viewfinder for pretty much every other situation. And honestly never use the lcd on the 5D. So i guess if i didnt have a cam with the flip screen, I'd likely never use the lcd for framing.

[Vincent_G]

I watched a tutorial on how to take long exposures on bright days. The photographer placed black tape over the viewfinder so light couldn't reach the sensor through it. How much light it prevents, he didn't say, but I am curious so if anyone knows the answer I'd appreciate it.
cheers

[RichardTaylor]

@Vincent_G

See the first 4 Nov post on this thread, by Vernnewtophoto.

Eyepiece cover..Do you use it? [Page 1]: Canon EOS 1100D - 300D Forum: Digital Photography Review

[Vincent_G]

Thanks Richard, this curious cat lives on.

[SwissJon]

The LCD screen cuts your battery life down, which might be a reason not to use it too much. However I've got 3 batteries so don't really care in most circumstances.

I tend to use the viewfinder a lot because I find it concentrates my mind on what I'm doing, but on many occasions I'll chop and change.. The viewfinder will give me a better quality experience, live view will adjust the picture so that the exposure matches your settings, so there are occasions when I will switch on the Live view, check what the picture looks like, check the histogram, and then switch back to the viewfinder. The viewfinder is essential in low light situations when you want to use flash because the live view is often just black.

This is one of the reasons I got rid of my a55.. I found that the electronic viewfinder couldn't cope with lowlight flash photography and I was left guessing or using torches to compose my shots.. Since I've done a lot of low light photography, that's not really good enough.

[praline3001]

John, they do mention the battery drain but besides that my handy dandy book is saying that it will overheat your camera faster and the hotter your camera, the more noise you get. I always keep extra batteries as well but wasn't sure about this whole overheating thing.

[praline3001]

Originally Posted by Vincent_G

I watched a tutorial on how to take long exposures on bright days. The photographer placed black tape over the viewfinder so light couldn't reach the sensor through it. How much light it prevents, he didn't say, but I am curious so if anyone knows the answer I'd appreciate it.
cheers

Most camera straps have a viewfinder cover. I learned that too last night!
Its the tiny rubber thing on your strap. I never knew what that little black rubber piece was for so now I am all impressed

[Biomech]

I use the OVF mostly, it just seems right. I press the camera into my forehead lol for stability. I only really use the LCD when setting up shots on a tripod so I don't have to keep bending over but also, the LCD is great for getting the camera into positions/angles that you can't fit your head - like crammed into a wall.

I should point out that my LCD isn't fixed...