Why a separate viewfinder on mirrorless cameras? (Page 4): To answer your first question, the EVF is showing exactly what the sensor is seeing. Now for some reasons to love an...

HarryBinNC Loc: Blue Ridge Mtns, No.Carolina, USA

manpho789 wrote:

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.

To answer your first question, the EVF is showing exactly what the sensor is seeing.

Now for some reasons to love an eye-level finder, especially if it is an EVF: The EVFs in higher quality cameras these days have much higher resolution than the rear display, making for better critical focus and reviewing, and, as others have pointed out, you can plainly SEE what you are shooting before and after the fact in the EVF when the rear LCD is completely washed out by bright sunlight. And another advantage of an EVF comes into play if you do a lot of performance video in dark venues such as I do - you can turn the rear display completely off, so you aren't annoying spectators with the LCD glare like so many do with their cell phones.

Another advantage of any eye level finder, whether you are in a dark venue or not, is that you can avoid motion blur with much longer shutter speeds for a lot longer time if you grip the camera with both hands with your eye tight into the eyecup and your elbows pressed into your ribs. It is nearly impossible for most people to keep from shaking when holding a camera out at arms length, especially when they are doing a lot of shooting. ANY eye-level viewfinder, even a poor one, is better than relying on a rear LCD screen, and you will not see many serious photographers without some kind of eye-level finder on their cameras!

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

CatMarley wrote:

I find the articulated screen useful for low shots, because if I get down on the ground at my age, i can't get up again. If the screen were not articulated, I wouldn't miss it at all.

They're also nice for "over head" shots when in a crowd. Even though I prefer the eye level viewfinder, sometimes the live veiw screen is convenient. Any "serious" camera should have both IMHO. Merry Christmas!

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

dhowland wrote:

I second what others have said - using the view finder is steadier, uses less battery (at least on my cameras) and can be adjusted to your eyesight. For me, though, it's also psychological -- it helps me focus mentally and not just literally on what I aim to capture.

For long telephoto lenses (at least to me.) using an eye level viewfinder is vital. Trying a 400mm shot with the camera body away from my body results in unintentional "abstract art"😀 - Unless I use a tripod. I also agree on the "psychology" aspect. Except for TLRs, 95% of my photography was done with my eye looking into a veiwfinder. It psychologically "preps" me to finalize the composition, something I feel "lax" doing via live veiw. (for some odd reason I'm ok with it on video however) It's just me, not a hardware problem! Merry Christmas!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

manpho789 wrote:

I'm a relative beginner and have a question about ... (show quote)

Ever try to use the LCD display in bright outdoor light? If you had, you would have the answer. >Alan

Larrymc Loc: Mississippi

manpho789 wrote:

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.

Shooting with the main display it is almost impossible to stabilize your shot holding the camera at arms length like a cellphone. Now on a tripod it works great but hand held shooting is way more stable holding the camera correctly and using the viewfinder either digital or optical.

Larry

markjay

Maybe you didnt notice - but all the quality and expensive mirrorless have viewfinders --- and all the cheap mirrorless, dont.
There are in fact many people who do NOT like to frame their photographs using a rear screen.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

manpho789 wrote:

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.

Accurate manual focus is impossible, especially with tele, with the LCD screen. If you do everything auto, and happy with your results, then you are probably OK with a camera that only has an LCD. Or the latest I-phone may be quite adequate for your photo needs. Why waste money on an advanced camera whose capabilities you will never want to use? However should you find yourself wanting to do some more creative work with your camera, you WILL find the LCD limiting.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

CatMarley wrote:

Accurate manual focus is impossible, especially with tele, with the LCD screen.

Tripod mount, live view, zoom in on the lcd screen, focus. Very accurate.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

OddJobber wrote:

Tripod mount, live view, zoom in on the lcd screen, focus. Very accurate.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

dmagett wrote:

I would not buy one without a viewfinder any more. I have one without(Nikon P7700) and shoot action movies of dog agility competition. I have messed up some because of sun on the screen and can't see what I'm shooting.

Some new LCDs use cell phone technology and work pretty good in bright sun. Nikon hasn’t caught up. My Panasonic Lumix GM5 has...and it is now a discontinued model..

IDguy Loc: Idaho

CatMarley wrote:

Accurate manual focus is impossible, especially with tele, with the LCD screen. If you do everything auto, and happy with your results, then you are probably OK with a camera that only has an LCD. Or the latest I-phone may be quite adequate for your photo needs. Why waste money on an advanced camera whose capabilities you will never want to use? However should you find yourself wanting to do some more creative work with your camera, you WILL find the LCD limiting.

Touch screen focus on my Lumix GM5 is spot on every time. Can’t do that with a viewfinder.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

IDguy wrote:

Touch screen focus on my Lumix GM5 is spot on every time. Can’t do that with a viewfinder.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

OddJobber wrote:

Tripod mount, live view, zoom in on the lcd screen, focus. Very accurate.

Then all you need is an i-phone with a tripod mount!

tdekany Loc: Oregon

CatMarley wrote:

Then all you need is an i-phone with a tripod mount!

Can’t wait to hear your answer to touch screens.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

CatMarley wrote:

Then all you need is an i-phone with a tripod mount!

LOL. Merry Christmas, Cat.