When should I use a DSLR's optical viewfinder vs live view for focusing and composition?
Asked 12/24/2011
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My DSLR offers both an optical viewfinder and live view. Which is generally better for focusing and composition, and in what situations would one be preferable over the other? Are there things you can do more easily with the viewfinder than live view, or vice versa?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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It would depend on the specific camera, but in many cameras Live View will show 100% coverage (the final image will be the same as what you see in the LCD) where the viewfinder may only be 95% (true on certain Nikon models at least).
Live View uses a different autofocus mechanism, which seems slower to me, but is said to be more accurate. It is often used to focus in landscape and macro photography, and has the advantage that you can even zoom in on your subject to check focus more accurately.
Live View has a distinct advantage in low light where the image on the LCD will be brightened so it is easier to see your subject and compose, whereas the viewfinder will become dim as the light fades.
Live View will be a drain on the battery.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
14y ago
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Neither is always better; each suits different shooting situations.
Use the viewfinder when you want speed, responsiveness, and stability. Holding the camera to your eye is usually steadier than composing on the rear LCD, which can help reduce camera shake. It also works better in bright sunlight, where the LCD may be hard to see.
Use live view when you have time to compose carefully, especially on a tripod. It can be helpful for landscape and macro work because many cameras let you magnify the preview to check focus very precisely. Live view may also show closer to 100% of the final frame on some cameras, while some optical viewfinders show slightly less. In low light, the LCD preview may be brightened, making composition easier than through a dim optical finder.
Trade-offs: live view often uses a different autofocus method that is commonly slower, though it may be very accurate. It also drains the battery faster. In strong sun the LCD can wash out, and handholding in live view can be less stable.
In short: viewfinder for fast handheld shooting; live view for deliberate composition and critical focus, especially on a tripod.
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