Using the view finder? I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder. (I have the Nikon D5200) I know I have the option of using the articulating LCD screen, but it doesn't feel...

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder. (I have the Nikon D5200) I know I have the option of using the articulating LCD screen, but it doesn't feel natural to me. Should I try and learn how to use the LCD screen better, or just stick with the view finder? I just want to learn how to take the best possible pictures I can. If learning how to use the LCD screen will in the long run help me take better pictures, I'll invest some time in trying to utilize that feature. As always I appreciate all feedback.
Thanks,
Andy

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'll be interested to see what others have to say, because I personally think the articulating LCD screen is good only for when you can't get up high enough or down low enough for the angle you want :)

I'd never want to own a camera that doesn't have a viewfinder.

the hiker Loc: San Diego

I myself use the viewfinder most of the time but I have found that there are times that using the lcd screen is easier. last week I was trying some night shots and found that using the lcd screen was easier.try it both ways and see witch you like best.

amehta Loc: Boston

AndyCE wrote:

I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder... (show quote)

I think using the viewfinder is generally better. Having the camera to your face helps dampen the camera shake, and holding it away from you can easily increase shake.

cntry Loc: Colorado

Linda From Maine wrote:

I'll be interested to see what others have to say, because I personally think the articulating LCD screen is good only for when you can't get up high enough or down low enough for the angle you want :)

I'd never want to own a camera that doesn't have a viewfinder.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I own a D5200 and use the viewfinder 98% of the time. Live View on the LCD is helpful when photographing the moon, as an example, when I can enlarge the LCD image to obtain critical focus, using a tripod.

Rick Bl

I simply do not understand the lack of viewfinders on modern compacts other than cynical cost cutting. I spent several months using
one without a viewfinder and in general photography I missed many "grab" shots and found it utterly useless 25% of the time due to lighting conditions, both in and out of doors. I will never buy another camera which relies solely on a screen.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

AndyCE wrote:

I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder... (show quote)

Stick with the view finder it will extend battery life and give you better results

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

AndyCE wrote:

I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder... (show quote)

If you are hand holding the view finder is the best option since the extra contact point improves stability and is not subject to the affects of bright sun.

The screen works best when on a tripod and at camera angles that are hard to negotiate. It prevents you from lying on the ground or contorting under the camera. The down side is it consumes the battery more quickly.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Linda From Maine wrote:

I'll be interested to see what others have to say, because I personally think the articulating LCD screen is good only for when you can't get up high enough or down low enough for the angle you want :)

I'd never want to own a camera that doesn't have a viewfinder.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

BigWahoo Loc: Kentucky

AndyCE wrote:

I'm a beginner and I only ever use the view finder... (show quote)

I almost always use the view finder. The exception being when the camera position makes it too difficult.

Jcmarino

I use the view finder too. Also using the LCD cuts down your battery life. Its good for shooting videos though.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

A camera without a viewfinder would be a deal-breaker for me.
But articulating screens do have their use.
Someone already mentioned that it's good when you need to hold a camera up high (e.g. shooting over a crowd).
My grandkids went through a period when they absolutely did not want their picture taken. So I set the camera on the table, chair, floor, with the screen flipped out towards me and the remote-release cable attached. Often they were so busy in their play they didn't even notice the click of the shutter. But they certainly would have noticed me picking up the camera and bringing it to my face!

Of course the huge drawback of using the screen in bright light is that you can't see what you're doing. If I want to see my own face (usually I don't), I have a perfectly good mirror in the bathroom, I don't need the LCD screen for that....

MW

The viewfinder is usually the better choice but I find the articulated screen can make some photos possible that would be difficult or impossible with a viewfinder.

Low level shots where the option of lying down is undesirable, like in mud, thorns, or just not enough space.

To get a viewpoint similar to a TLR. Handy in crouds.

To photograph around corners such an antique room in a museum display hat you can't enter. Also used it once to get the view from inside a passenger compartment in a vintage tail car display.

Etc

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

A Viewfinder has NOTHING to do with taking better photos. First you have to see it in your mind, then you can take a photo. A veiwfinder or screen makes no difference except on battery drain.

The moving viewfinders are good as someone said when you have to put the camera above your head, or down on the ground. They do have their purposes.

But I would focus on creativity