Camera Labs

It seems the industry is pushing for the live view feature on DSLRs. Do we really need this? Isn't looking through the viewfinder part of the joy of using a DSLR?

I previously owned a point & shoot (Canon Ixus 75) and being able to use the viewfinder was actually one of the reasons I changed to a DSLR.

I remember when the equivalent screens were introduced on digital video cameras. The argument back then was that you could be filming something and sill enjoy looking at what was happening, without "having your eye stuck on the viewfinder". Which is a perfectly good argument for video cameras, I guess.

So, will you consider live view as a valid buying argument, or prefer continue to use the viewfinder?

_________________
Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

I only have a viewfinder, guess what I voted for.

Zorro.

_________________
http://zorrofox4.deviantart.com/



Various lenses, SB800 & Manfrotto 190 with 460MG head

Luis, nice poll! I extended it with a third option to capture all opinions. I also supressed my urge to add a fourth: "View finder? Live view? Bah, I never look at anything when taking a photo!"

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Well, for the 350/400d, Live view with a high res screen would kick ass since the viewfinder isn't that big.

I'd use LiveView without a doubt in some situations, so I voted for the 3rd option

_________________
Canon EOS 5DmkII + BG-E6 + Canon EOS 40D + BG-E2N + Canon EOS 33
Canon 17-40 F/4L USM + Canon 24-70 F/2.8L USM + Canon 28mm F/1.8 USM + Canon 70-200 F/2.8L USM IS + Canon 85mm F/1.8 USM
Canon Speedlite 580EX II + Canon Speedlite 540EZ + 2 x Nikon SB-80DX
Cactus V2s Wireless Trigger - 5 x Cactus V2s Wireless Reciever

MY FLICKR!

LOL I actually do this once in a while due to my agility when shooting wide and macro close to the ground So since you didn't add this option combined with "occasionally" VF, then I had to vote for what I think I would do if I had Live View.

_________________
Minolta primes: 2.8/20 2.8/24 1.7/50 2.8/135
Minolta zooms: 28-135 35-70 70-210(beercan) kit
Minolta cameras: Dynax 5D 7000
M42: Pentax Asahi S-M-C Takumar 1.4/50 and 2.8/105 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35 Industar-61L/Z Kiron 2.8/105 Macro

I'd like a flip out screen

_________________
Canon EOS 5DmkII + BG-E6 + Canon EOS 40D + BG-E2N + Canon EOS 33
Canon 17-40 F/4L USM + Canon 24-70 F/2.8L USM + Canon 28mm F/1.8 USM + Canon 70-200 F/2.8L USM IS + Canon 85mm F/1.8 USM
Canon Speedlite 580EX II + Canon Speedlite 540EZ + 2 x Nikon SB-80DX
Cactus V2s Wireless Trigger - 5 x Cactus V2s Wireless Reciever

MY FLICKR!

I think the VF is a big part of having a DSLR, I mean it takes out the feel of a real camera to have live view. I would never base an upgrade on wether or not a camera has live view. even when I hada a kodak super zoom i used the digital VF.

_________________
Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

Up to this moment, it seems no one would use live view exclusively. It's a close call between die-hard viewfinder users and those who would try live view at certain circumstances.

Please cast your vote. You don't have to explain, if you don't want to. And the names of the voters won't show at the end.

So many forum users, so few votes...

_________________
Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

I have two camera's now with LIVE VIEW, and I always use the viewfinder. However it REALLY is a nice feature to have for framing arkward shots and test shots etc!!!!

_________________
Canon 40D - EFS 17-85mm IS - EF 50mm 1.8 II - EF 70-200mm f.4 L - Speedlite 580EX II - GF Lightsphere Cloud - S.I.L.K 300DX PRO Tripod - Manfrotto 679 monopod - LOWEPRO Trekkar Backback - Adobe CS3 -

The very reason I switched to an DSLR is because I wanted an optical viewfinder. No lag and it is easier to check focus.

_________________
"Where does the lens end and the camera begin?..."
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
DT 18-70 mm F3.5-5.6 (Kit)

Well, I don't have Live View but if I did have it I am sure I would use it in many circumstances. It would not be a reason at all for me to update or buy a new DSLR though. I would prefer to spend my money on a new lens or flash or tripod

_________________
Dale
Nikon D600, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, NIKON AF NIKKOR 28-105mm F/3.5-4.5 D, NIKON AF NIKKOR 85mm F1.8 D, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F1.4G, Nikon AF 16mm f2.8D FISHEYE, HP Pro 9180, Adobe CS5 Master Collection, Lightroom 4, Capture NX2, DxO Optics Pro v 7, Elite Edition