How can I review photos on my camera LCD in bright sunlight?

Asked 7/21/2011

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I struggle to check images on the rear LCD in full sun, such as at the beach, where there is very little shade. Other than cupping my hands around the screen, are there any practical ways to make the display easier to see? I’m using a Canon 500D and wondered if there is any way to review images through the viewfinder, or if accessories are the better solution.

canon camera-accessories dslr sunlight lcd

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

I just use a toilet roll, which I covered in black tape, then colored the inside with a black permanent marker. Good news is it is cheap, folds flat, has almost no weight and readily available in a pinch.

Poormans LCD viewer

Originally by user5140. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user5140

15y ago

AI Answer

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In bright sun, the usual fix is to block stray light from reaching the LCD. For a DSLR like the Canon 500D, you generally can’t review images through the optical viewfinder, so an external shade is the practical option.

Common solutions mentioned were:

a clip-on or flip-out LCD sunshade
a loupe such as a Hoodman HoodLoupe
a simple DIY tube, like a toilet-paper roll covered or darkened inside to reduce reflections

A loupe or shade works by shielding the screen so your eye sees the display with much less glare. The DIY tube is a cheap, lightweight version of the same idea and can work surprisingly well.

So yes: if hand-cupping isn’t enough, an LCD hood or loupe is the best answer.

How can I review photos on my camera LCD in bright sunlight?

2 Answers

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