The ability to compose images on a camera’s screen using live view technology is still regarded with scepticism by some photographers. Many of these naysayers associate it with using compact cameras with small sensors and no viewfinder, and they see no benefit of it to the DSLR user.

However, although it’s not suitable for use in all situations, using live view can be an incredibly useful feature and offers a level of control that advanced users often say they crave.

Using Live View: what you see…

One of the most useful aspects of live view is that the image on the screen comes from the imaging sensor and this means that it resembles the photograph that you capture much more closely than the image in an optical viewfinder.

Any changes that you make to the exposure, white balance and colour processing, for example, can’t be shown in an optical viewfinder, but they are shown on-screen in live view mode.

As a result you can be much more confident about making settings changes and you often know that you have the image ‘in-the-bag’ before you even press the shutter release.

The live view image is shown with the aperture wide open, but it’s often possible to close down the aperture using the depth of field preview control.

However, the shallow depth of field visible at maximum aperture makes it very clear where the point of focus is, so you can be sure that it is on the correct part of the scene.

PAGE 1: What you see using Live View
PAGE 2: When to use Live View and when not to use Live View
PAGE 3: Using Live View – what you need to know
PAGE 4: Go remote with Live View

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Live View mode comes in very handy for shooting stills as well as video. In fact, in some instances it has advantages over the viewfinder itself. One of these is the ability to precisely check focus, so it’s great for macro work when focusing manually, enabling you to ensure the subject is sharp.

This is because Live View lets you magnify the subject up to 10x for even greater accuracy. This is particularly useful when working at maximum aperture when depth of field is limited.

In fact, Live View mode is the best way to check how much of your shot is in focus at any aperture you are using.

Simply press the Depth of Field Preview button and Live View will display the image at your chosen aperture, so you can see exactly how much or how little is in pin-sharp focus.

Taking a step back from the camera and using Live View is a great aid to composition, too, and the grid can be used to eliminate crooked horizons.

Live View also provides a 100% view, so you can check for distractions around the edge of the frame and reshoot if necessary.

In situations where it’s difficult to see through the viewfinder – when shooting at low levels, for example – the large LCD screen comes in very handy. It can also be used for shooting with the camera held high above your head.

Finally, Live View prevents camera shake caused by mirror vibrations and when used with a cable release will ensure blur-free shots.

01 Switch to Live View
On a Canon EOS 5D Mark II like we’ve used for this tutorial, press the Live View button for a real-time video feed that’s viewable on the LCD screen. You can set Live View to Stills only or Stills + Movie via the Menu button and the Tools icon. For other cameras, check your manual.

02 Display key info
Pressing the INFO button with Live View active displays the exposure settings. Press again to display other details on the left-hand side. Press a third time for the histogram to check exposure. Press again to clear all information from the screen.

03 Check focus
Use the Magnify button to zoom in on the image and check focus when using manual focus for static and macro subjects. Press once to magnify x5 and again for x10. Press again to return to normal view. Use the ‘joystick’ to move around the image.

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Rather than using an optical system using mirrors and prisms, Live View gives you a big-screen view using a live video feed, and takes advantage of the high-quality TFT LCD on the back of the camera that you already use to scrutinise pictures after you have taken them. It is a way of framing your pictures that compact camera and mobile phone users have long taken for granted.

Many of us know generally what Live View does, but many of us pine for a viewfinder. Below we’ve rounded up 10 specific instances in which using Live View will help your photography more so than your viewfinder.

We’re sure some will disagree with these points, and you may have your own reasons to add to this list. If so, let us know in the comments!

1. Switch to Live View when using manual focus for more accuracy (for more on this, check out Manual Focus: what you need to know to get sharp images); this is ideal for shots with limited depth of field (like macro).
2. Forget crooked horizons, switch on the grid display to ensure scenes do not end up slanted. Live View is also great for positioning grad filters precisely.
3. Try Live View’s Face Detection AF Live mode when shooting kids – it will follow them around the frame for you, so you don’t need to keep refocusing.
4. Live View is very handy with still-life subjects. You get a 100% view, so you can make maximum use of your pixels.
5. The big screen is also great when shooting things with your SLR on the ground, or with it above your head – as you can still just about see the LCD.
6. ND filters are great for getting slow-shutter speed shots even in daylight – but the strongest are so dark, you can’t see the subject in the viewfinder (download our cheat sheet on how to use a viewfinder). Switch to Live View, so you can see what you are doing.
7. Try using manual white balance to give your pictures a creative, toned look. Use Live View, and you can quickly scroll through the options available and see immediately which gives the colour you are after. Use the Q button, if your camera has one.
8. Seeing low-light scenes clearly using the normal viewfinder can be difficult – brighten it up Live View!
9. Want to see how much of your shot is in focus at the aperture you are using? Just press the Depth of Field button by the lens whilst in Live View. To make absolutely sure key parts are sharp, press the magnifier key, and scroll around the enlarged image (check out our in-depth guide to everything you need to know about using depth of field).
10. Want to eliminate the vibrations caused by the mirror flying up as you take a picture? Switch to Live View (and use Silent Mode 1, if your camera has it). Also use a remote cable release!

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It can be a lot to take in all at once, particularly if you’re new to photography, but it’s one of the more powerful tools at your disposal.

For the latest infographic in our Photography Cheat Sheet series we’ve identified all the features on your Live View screen and explained what they are so you won’t be confused ever again!

You can download our free high-res version of this photography cheat sheet and keep it handy in your kitbag, on your tablet or wherever it is convenient to be the next time you’re confused by one of the icons on your LCD screen.

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