My Pet (Photographic) Hate

[DerekFaber]

Is a camera without a through the lens viewfinder! Pentaprism or EVF both OK ( must have a dioptre adjustment). I would probably have bought a Ricoh GXR tomorrow but for the lack of that very facility. I believe that the surge of hybrid camera manufacturers leaving out a viewfinder will live to rue the day. At least I have my Lumix G1! And anything but an external flash mounted on the hot shoe is to me unacceptable - has any one yet designed a camera with two hot shoes?

[chris-p]

Hi Derek, welcome to the forum.

Why is a TTL viewfinder a must? The GXR has a TTL liveview screen and an accessory viewfinder.

[DerekFaber]

Hi Chris - Thanks for the welcome. The big problem for me (and probably many other people) is that when out shooting I cannot easily focus my eyes to see the monitor screen. For normal seeing I do not need glasses, so for a quick shot I would first have to put on specs - and probably miss the shot.
With a dioptre adjusted viewfinder there is no such problem. I see so many people holding cameras at almost arms length. I just think that this does nothing for photography. When I look through my viewfinder the world is limited to what I can see in it, without the immediately surrounding distractions. Having said that - a monitor screen is great for some situations.
Regards to all.
Derek

I also find it easier using the viewfinder, because there is less distraction (towards quick concentration upon prefered composition / framing of the shot) and often a clearer view; As particulary on bright light days, I have to manouver, angle the camera or monitor screen to see the 'depth of view / fullness of colour'! (Which in effect, is adding another operation in the whole process.)

[chris-p]

I have to say I am a fan of the LCD screens (although I use my viewfinder for 99% of my shots but it's an SLR not a compact).

For me at least, the LCD screen gives you the ability to shoot more comfortably from different or unusual angles, the ability to preview effects (if your camera supports it) and has generally made photography more available (although the jury is out as to whether thats a good thing or not!).

It's just my opinion of course! And, as I said above, although I have live view on my SLR, I only use it rarely.

[GerryBateson]

There are millions of people with less than perfect eyesight who find it difficult to use an LCD screen at short distance. for myself and my wife I have to find compacts with an OVF preferably. Also If is wasn't for stabilisation technology holding the camera out at arms lenth is a reciple for blur.

[highlandscenics]

I like to use both.....the LCD screen is good if you are shooting from close to the ground, the position of the camera or at obscure angles, but that said it is no substitute for the view finder. An LCD is only good when there is soft light...as soon as the sun hits it or you get glare from reflective surfaces....eg water...snow...its useless. The one gripe I have about my camera is that is doesn't have a T & T LCD.....it has this view from any angle technology...again which is only good if light conditions allow.