Musella Rose

I prefer viewfinder, but there are plenty of times when I have to use live screen. My setup is lightweight fuji xt1 system. I keep the camera strap at a comfortable length, but short enough that when I use the screen it tightens when straightening my arms. This forms a tripod (more or less) between my two arms and neck. If for some reason the strap is too long, I just fold (actually bunch) the extra length into my right hand. Support the lens in my left.

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

I large part is new Cameras/Cell phone can take photos with faster shutter speed. Therefore same amount stabilization is not required.

ronz Loc: Florida

You are correct, I remember showing showing how a film camera should be held for that steady photo.. It was a much bigger thing back then than now but still important.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Sorry, posted from my phone. It was a typo. Should have read "It WAS pretty clear what IT meant". I guess what should be clear now is that you are a literalist and completely unable to infer the obvious.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I suppose a fast shutter speed would compensate for some instability encountered while holding a camera away from your face. Having grown up with a viewfinder, I would not want a camera without one. I do, however, often take photos with my phone without benefit of a viewfinder - but it is also light enough to hold still.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Don't appreciate the snide remark. I am not psychic. I can only go by what people say, not by what you think they mean. English is a very precise language. I try not to jump to conclusions and interpret what people may or may not mean when what they've written is unclear. I can only respond to what they've actually said.

In his response to my post, the OP said, " Isn't your right thumb in there somewhere?", Which seems to suggest that I might use it to provide additional support against my head. I am uncertain exactly what he meant by that, but unlike you, I don't make assumptions.

jcboy3

Most cameras have image stabilization in the camera body. Some DSLR lenses have image stabilization built in.

Cameras are great tools without a viewfinder. Having a viewfinder these days is a choice you make when you buy your camera. Choice is good.

ferdahl Loc: Republic Missouri

I have a Olympus OMD E-M10. Has a viewfinder and a rear monitor that tilts. I find the rear tilt monitor is the nuts when using a tripod. And also great for holding the camera at waist level like it is an old box camera! Gives a different perspective :)

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

When using an LCD screen on a small camera you can get decent stability with the proper technique. Keep those elbows close in to the body. Or prop against a nearby surface. With the magic of computational imagery that’s inside of camera phones, low light shots aren’t much of a problem for me.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I agree with you 100%. In fact, I bought a new Lumix DMC-ZS100 for my wife yesterday mainly because it has an eye-level viewfinder. Now, the trick is to get her to use it (you can't tell her anything).

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

I have a Nikon D750. It is often used at short notice to capture a rapidly changing landscape. I am frequently surprised at the sharpness of my shots and suspect that is in part due to the technology. But it also allows for a good holding position.

Canisdirus

I'm shooting hand held these days at 1/20th and getting sharpimages.
That probably has something to do with it.
Technology is mitigating the old non stabilized style.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

At my age I can no longer see that well through the viewfinder, so thank God for live view.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Different strrokes for different folks: Great technique is always good, but; The answers to this will be highly variable depending on the equipment used (and layout of same), shooting situation, personal impediments and a host of other influences. Although I used the "proper technique/classic way" for decades, a left arm rotator issue makes that painful now, especially with larger/longer/heavier lenses....that said, I have no problem with producing sharp, steady shots....I learned to adapt to my situation.

Induced "unsteadyness" would be typical with any extension away from your body, as there are fewer support points, fewer vibration "dampeners", and "leverage" effects, a good simple example would be the difference in steadyness between shooting directly from the head of a stout tripod versus shooting from a tripod with a center column extended, and possibly a ballhead or somesuch attached....look through the viewfinder or at the live screen view as you simply touch the camera, watch how long it takes to settle down for the shot. If there is a long lens attached it could take several or up to 5 seconds for complete stop to vibration. If you think you are a "steady Eddie", shoot a video clip while hand holding and the watch it in replay....you will then know if you are "Steady Eddie" or "Wavy Gravy" !!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Answer: Don't buy a camera with out a Viewfinder of some sort. I certainly would not.