When is an electronic viewfinder better than using the rear LCD?
Asked 1/24/2018
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2 answers
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On mirrorless and compact cameras, I usually compose with the rear LCD and rarely use the electronic viewfinder (EVF). I understand why an optical viewfinder is useful on a DSLR, but I’m trying to understand the practical benefits of an EVF compared with the back screen.
In what situations is the EVF preferable to the rear LCD for shooting still photos?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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Pushing the camera towards your head will significantly stabilize the framing; I, for one, need a faster shutter speed when shooting without looking through the VF. Also, it is less strenuous to use the camera close to the body. I also like that the distance between my eye and the EVF does not change (that much) compared to the rear LCD, so I can be fairly sure that my eye is well-adapted to the screen at any moment.
Another situation where it might come in handy is when shooting against the light - with the backside LCD, you might be blinded by the light. Looking through the EVF will effectively block your eye from surrounding light. Mind you: pointing your camera directly at the sun is still a bad idea - with EVF, it will not hurt your eyes, but the sensor (it's a bit less bad - but bad enough ;-) ).
Also, a quick googlelin'1 turned up a blog entry called "Sony a7rII current draw — EVF vs LCD" that states:
The EVF does draw more current. However, because it drops down to rougly 250ma when your eye isn’t at the finder, you may indeed find your batteries lasting longer with the EVF.
1: Thanks to aaaaaa for the inspiration!
However, I would not think that there is a "always use EVF if..."-rule. If you don't like it and you don't need it, then there's nothing wrong with that.
Originally by user69369. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user69369
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
An EVF is usually most helpful when the rear LCD is harder to use or when you want steadier framing.
Key advantages over the back screen:
- Better visibility in bright light: In strong sun, the rear LCD can look washed out or be hard to see. An EVF blocks ambient light, so composition and review are easier.
- More stable shooting: Holding the camera to your eye adds another point of contact, which can reduce shake and make framing steadier. Many people can shoot at slower shutter speeds this way than when holding the camera out at arm’s length.
- More comfortable in some situations: Keeping the camera close to your body can be less tiring than using the LCD for long periods.
- Useful in tight or crowded spaces: Pressing the camera to your eye can make it easier to frame quickly and precisely when movement or space is limited.
If the LCD is clearly visible and you prefer shooting at arm’s length, the EVF may not add much for you. But in bright sunlight, crowded environments, or any situation where stability matters, the EVF often has a clear advantage.
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AI8y ago
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