Photography without a traditional viewfinder often divides opinion sharply. For many, relying solely on an LCD screen seems limiting, yet increasingly, cameras are designed without viewfinders, raising the question of whether adapting to this approach might be worthwhile.
Coming to you from Craig Roberts of e6 Vlogs, this practical video explores the shift from viewfinders to LCD screens through Roberts' personal experiences. Roberts initially favored viewfinders but found surprising benefits when transitioning to screens. He describes using the Canon 5D Mark I, adapting it for square format compositions by crafting a simple cardboard mask over the LCD. This method, unconventional but effective, highlights a significant advantage of screens: flexibility in framing, especially when specific aspect ratios aren't natively supported. Roberts' subsequent shift to mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GF1 and Olympus EM5 offered tilting screens, reminiscent of waist-level viewfinders common in film photography, creating a natural and intuitive shooting experience.
Roberts further suggests that LCD screens encourage greater compositional creativity by providing a wider visual context. Traditional viewfinders limit peripheral vision, focusing your attention tightly on your subject but potentially overlooking distractions or missed opportunities just outside the frame. Drawing parallels with Leica’s frame-line approach, Roberts emphasizes that seeing beyond your immediate frame can significantly enhance your photographic outcomes. This approach forces you to consciously exclude unwanted elements, improving composition by actively engaging with the entire scene, not just the immediate subject.
Another compelling point Roberts discusses is practicality. Shooting discreetly, capturing low or high angles effortlessly, and maintaining constant eye contact with portrait subjects become simpler with LCD screens. These scenarios reveal how screens can fundamentally alter your photographic workflow, providing greater flexibility and comfort, especially in dynamic shooting environments or when working quickly under varied conditions. Roberts notes that tripod users already rely heavily on LCD screens for framing at unusual angles, underscoring screens' widespread practical value.
Visibility challenges, often cited as a significant drawback of LCD screens, are acknowledged but addressed practically. Roberts explains how slight adjustments, like increasing brightness or customized eyewear solutions, effectively mitigate these issues. This pragmatic advice demonstrates that barriers to screen usage can be less substantial than they appear initially, provided you are willing to adapt. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.
I originally bought a viewfinder for my Canon EOS M6 Mark II... now I don't know where I've left it. I might be able to find it. When the sun was out the last weekend, there was a couple of times where seeing the LCD was slightly difficult, because of glare like you mentioned, but I muddled through. How much for glasses that bluetooth to the camera? lol. That would be the ultimate viewfinder. I claim copyright, if it hasn't been invented yet.
I only use the lcd screen when shooting at angles in which I can’t use the viewfinder , and I find it much harder to get a good composition. Also can’t see the finer details I see through the viewfinder like things creeping into the sides of the frame, and there’s the sunlight/reflections issue. I do usually shoot with both eyes open to keep an eye on my surroundings and see the whole picture.
And yes I’m getting old and need to take off my glasses to see nearby (dropped my glasses in the mud several times). So shooting with the rear screen is not for me.
After several years of using an EVF I have gone back to using a camera with an OVF. I much prefer using an OVF and can't bear using a camera at arms length (or there abouts).
Use whatever feels comfortable for you. You certainly don't need anyone telling you otherwise.
Really it's not about OVF vs EVF, this is the future now. If your going back to OVF, doesn't also mean that you have chosen to go back to DSLR vs more modern mirrorless tech? Without the mirror, I don't think the optical view finder can work like it used to straight through, that is part of why it is electrical I think.
No, it's not about OVF vs EVF, it's about personal preference. When I went to mirrorless I kept my DSLR kit, I have gone back to using that. Better tech does not mean better photos. As Ansel Adams once said "The most important part of a camera is the 30cm behind it". That statement still holds true.