Why a separate viewfinder on mirrorless cameras?
Dec 23, 2017 10:32:15 #
I'm a relative beginner and have a question about mirrorless cameras: Why is there a separate viewfinder from the large 3' screen?
In other words, why isn't the 3' screen sufficient for focusing, zoom, etc. After all, its image is exactly what the sensor sees.
I was looking through the viewfinder on a mirrorless camera at a store, and found the view through the eyepiece tedious and a source of eye strain. Also it had multi level menus, which I would think more easily dealt with on the main 3' screen. Ok, maybe the shutter has something to do with this?
In other words, why isn't the 3' screen sufficient for focusing, zoom, etc. After all, its image is exactly what the sensor sees.
I was looking through the viewfinder on a mirrorless camera at a store, and found the view through the eyepiece tedious and a source of eye strain. Also it had multi level menus, which I would think more easily dealt with on the main 3' screen. Ok, maybe the shutter has something to do with this?
Dec 23, 2017 10:36:27 #
The viewfinder can be easier to use in bright sunlight.
The viewfinder allows you to hold the camera close and tight to improve stability.
The viewfinder can give you a better sense of composition without peripheral distraction.
The 3" screen may be flip-able and rotatable so that you can hold or mount the camera in creative ways.
The 3" screen may have creative touch focusing choices.
Some mirrorless cameras don't have the best viewfinders and can cause eyestrain, but it may still be a better choice in bright sun.
The viewfinder allows you to hold the camera close and tight to improve stability.
The viewfinder can give you a better sense of composition without peripheral distraction.
The 3" screen may be flip-able and rotatable so that you can hold or mount the camera in creative ways.
The 3" screen may have creative touch focusing choices.
Some mirrorless cameras don't have the best viewfinders and can cause eyestrain, but it may still be a better choice in bright sun.
Dec 23, 2017 10:39:27 #
paul j svetlik
Loc: Colorado
You can't see anything on the screen in a bright light. For that reason the manufacturers provide the EVF's.
Dec 23, 2017 10:49:28 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
manpho789 wrote:
I'm a relative beginner and have a question about ... (show quote)
Mirrorless cameras generally have an Electronic View Finder (EVF), as opposed to the Optical Viewfinder (OVF), as seen on non mirrorless cameras. DSLRs. While strange at first, if you're use to the OVF, many I know, have adjusted to the change. Remember, going mirrorless is a choice. No one forces you to buy one.
Dec 23, 2017 10:50:36 #
manpho789 wrote:
I'm a relative beginner and have a question about ... (show quote)
A general answer since I don't own a Mirrorless. And I'm sure there are many technical as well as marketing reasons.
Most photographers, cinematographers, and videographers are used to having a viewfinder. I am too and choose to use the viewfinder on my DSLR as well as all my SLR and other cameras. For data display and a quick "Chimp", Fine Focus or Histogram check after a shot I may often use the screen, other people may not. I never focus or compose with the screen. The Screen also runs the battery down faster. Now with my SmartPhone camera, that is different and you really have no choice. I also in old school style I use my face against the camera as a stability point.
Dec 23, 2017 10:58:24 #
The vast majority of the responses above are right on. I would add one more and that is that if you use the viewfinder you will save the battery while if you only use the back screen batteries will run out sooner.
Dec 23, 2017 10:58:46 #
Many current Fuji cameras have a switchable viewfinder offering both optical and EVF.
Dec 23, 2017 11:02:19 #
Lots of good reasons here.
The EVF also never blacks out during exposure.
It allows you to see a horizon level, a histogram, your exposure, your set image aspect ratio, and other data.
You see what is, essentially, the processed JPEG *before* it is recorded, so you can make adjustments to the menu settings.
You can set it to “see” in black and white, which takes B&W work to a new level.
You can “pull focus” on the touch screen during video recording.
You can monitor audio levels with peak meters during video recording.
Download a manual to a high end mirrorless camera and give it a gander. You’ll be amazed!
Mirrorless is a complete paradigm shift from SLR/dSLR designs of the past. Those old cameras ARE STILL relevant, and have their advantages. But as the technology of the mirrorless design evolves, we will see fewer of them.
The EVF also never blacks out during exposure.
It allows you to see a horizon level, a histogram, your exposure, your set image aspect ratio, and other data.
You see what is, essentially, the processed JPEG *before* it is recorded, so you can make adjustments to the menu settings.
You can set it to “see” in black and white, which takes B&W work to a new level.
You can “pull focus” on the touch screen during video recording.
You can monitor audio levels with peak meters during video recording.
Download a manual to a high end mirrorless camera and give it a gander. You’ll be amazed!
Mirrorless is a complete paradigm shift from SLR/dSLR designs of the past. Those old cameras ARE STILL relevant, and have their advantages. But as the technology of the mirrorless design evolves, we will see fewer of them.
Dec 23, 2017 11:09:17 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
manpho789 wrote:
I'm a relative beginner and have a question about ... (show quote)
Holding a camera like a point and shoot or phone seems awkward to me. If the viewfinder is focused properly there should be little eyestrain.
Dec 23, 2017 11:13:52 #
RWR wrote:
Holding a camera like a point and shoot or phone seems awkward to me. If the viewfinder is focused properly there should be little eyestrain.
The “live view” mode of a dSLR always seemed to be an apology for having a mirror in the body... The EVF brings back the viewfinder experience we’re used to, and takes it to a higher level.
Dec 23, 2017 11:20:26 #
I have Fuji's X-T2. All good answers.Not only can you see the image you are about to take much easier than on a sun drenched LCD screen, but you can accurately review the shots taken too!
Dec 23, 2017 11:40:23 #
Not a why, just a comment for those frustrated with lcd viewing. With my Nikons (not mirrorless) I have to use the rear screen to shoot video. Hoodman and others make loupes that cover the 3" screen and improve stability when you squash the eyepiece against your face.
Dec 23, 2017 11:52:46 #
bsprague wrote:
The viewfinder can be easier to use in bright sunl... (show quote)
One more thing. With the viewfinder you have the eyepiece which acts as the magnifier so the image you see in the viewfinder is larger. However, I do know people who hate viewfinder and if that is the case with the OP then either elect not to use the viewfinder or find a mirrorless without viewfinder. There are a number of mirrorless where the viewfinder is optional.
Dec 23, 2017 12:44:39 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
burkphoto wrote:
The “live view” mode of a dSLR always seemed to be an apology for having a mirror in the body... The EVF brings back the viewfinder experience we’re used to, and takes it to a higher level.
I’ve not seen the need for live view with my DSLR, and am comfortable with the electronic viewfinders on my two “bridge” cameras, even the 12-year-old 5MP Kodak P850. The latest mirrorless EFVs are bound to be even better. I do like the articulating screen on my Nikon P520 for low-angle shots, though.Dec 23, 2017 13:59:13 #
Another Question: Does the EVF have a separate sensor, or is its image derived from the main sensor?
In reply to the many posts that prefer the EVF, I personally prefer using the main display as a focusing and composition reference. It's much like with an iPhone
which seems simple and easy. But that is a subjective thing, unless there is some more objective reason for preferring the EVF that I am not understanding.
In reply to the many posts that prefer the EVF, I personally prefer using the main display as a focusing and composition reference. It's much like with an iPhone
which seems simple and easy. But that is a subjective thing, unless there is some more objective reason for preferring the EVF that I am not understanding.
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