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LCD Screens on Digital Cameras
The promise: Before you click on, hear us out on this one. Looking back over the evolution of digital cameras, you'll of course remember the megapixel race, but as you look closer, you'll see a huge growth in LCD size. Those mini monitors have swallowed the backs of cameras in the past decade to the point where they've even engulfed the old camera standby: the eyepiece/viewfinder. Larger and larger screens promised easier image taking.
The reality/Why It's overrated: Viewing your just-snapped shots is a blast on an LCD, but we're old-school when it comes to our actual framing and shooting. We're not opposed to LCD screens, but we're concerned that the glossy displays are making it harder to snap good pics. If there is one thing sure to improve your picture-taking as a beginner, it's camera stability. No, a tripod isn't necessary, nor is dropping a couple hundred extra dollars on additional image stabilization features. Holding your arms straight out while attempting to frame your friends via LCD is probably the least stable position possible. And don't even get us started on how quickly LCD screens eat up batteries!
Bottom line: That's not to say we don't like the screens -- trust us, we review all the time while shooting -- but framing a picture at arms's length is just asking for blurry photos. We think manufacturer should keep the viewfinder and continue innovating with LCDs to give us the best of both worlds.
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Comments
5
Subscribe to commentsCathyOct 7th 2008 3:15PM
Yes! While I have been able to improve my photos, I have found that using a camera without a viewfinder has hampered my ability to get sharp photos. My next camera purchase, probably a small digital SLR, will have to have a viewfinder or it will be no deal. My husband and I are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe and clear photos are an absolute must.
I guess the folks who decided to leave the viewfinder out of the latest cameras have all the other toys to stabilize their cameras. Bring back the viewfinder!
lisa FrenchOct 7th 2008 3:44PM
What most people dont realize is every digital camera also has a view finder. There is a little button near it that you can press to turn off the screen and turn on the view finder instead.
ChrisMitchOct 7th 2008 7:18PM
@lisafrench
Nope, "every digital camera" does not also have a viewfinder. There are several models that don't have one. Unfortunately I've owned one and never will again. Another pitfall of the LCD only option is that if you are in really bright light, it's difficult to see what is on the screen. So for a lot of outdoor shots, I was left to guess based on dark shapes I could sort of make out. The battery drain was super annoying too.
It's definitely ideal to have both. I shoot with a Canon S3IS and it's the best of both worlds. And my batteries last about 3x longer when I primarily use the viewfinder as opposed to the LCD. But the latter is great when I'm at weird angles (like holding the camera above my head or at a weird angle) and, like the author mentioned, for reviewing photos.
valOct 7th 2008 7:19PM
"What most people dont realize is every digital camera also has a view finder". Not EVERY digital camera has a view finder. Most of the compact cameras do NOT have a view finder. If you look at the bridge and DSLR cameras, then yes, you will find a view finder those, but as for the compacts, not many.
Laurel VanBuskirkOct 9th 2008 11:21AM
I completely agree with this. I bought my current camera online so didn't notice there was no viewfinder until I tried taking my first picture. The worst thing about them is that you can't see anything on the screen if you are trying to take pictures in the sunlight. Without a viewfinder you have no idea if you captured the picture you want until you can get somewhere in the shade and review.