How can I measure a camera viewfinder’s magnification?
Asked 7/12/2011
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What’s a simple way to measure the magnification of a camera viewfinder? I’d like a method that works for both optical viewfinders and EVFs, and I only have access to one focal length.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
2
Use a second camera, preferably a P/S with a small aperture. Take a picture through the viewfinder of your main camera, then a second picture of whatever your main camera is aimed at, and from the same distance. Be careful to use the exact same focal length for both pictures.
Now you just have to compare the sizes of the two images. Take a random element visible on both pictures, measure its size in pixels in both pictures and calculate the ratio.
Originally by user1730. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1730
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A practical way is to use a second camera to compare the viewfinder image with the real scene.
- Aim the camera you want to test at a subject with clear details.
- With a second camera, photograph the scene through the tested camera’s viewfinder.
- From the same position, take another photo of the actual scene directly.
- Make sure the second camera uses the same focal length for both shots.
- Compare an object visible in both images and measure its size in pixels in each photo.
- Divide one size by the other to get the magnification ratio.
Using a camera with a small aperture can help keep the viewfinder image in focus. This method can work for both optical and electronic viewfinders, as long as framing and focal length stay consistent.
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