Live View For DSLR Beginners

Photographers moving from Point & Shoot cameras are insisting on only considering DSLRs with the Live View feature.

There is an emerging trend of photographers graduating from the Point & Shoot scene preferring to use the LCD screen, instead of the optical viewfinder. This also involves the two-handed extended arm stance, rather than the normal technique of holding the camera up to the photographer’s head.

Many have no idea how good the optical viewfinder is on DSLRs, especially for critically focus adjustments. The newbies rely solely on autofocus systems or fixed focus lenses. Most camera LCD screens really do not have the resolution for fine focus adjustments required in manual focusing.

The Live View feature now starting to appear on top end DSLRs is useful when using the camera mounted on a tripod. It offers an excellent view of the image for critical composition adjustments; it allows a relaxed consideration of the scene through the lens.

The viewfinder technique also helps brace the camera, minimizing camera shake. It is possible to brace the arms against the body as well as steadying the camera with your forehead. While DSLR cameras are now embracing shake reduction systems, it is better to hold the camera as still as possible and use the shake reduction to gain extra sharpness in the image.

The resolution of DSLRs will show these differences, where as the poorer image quality of the P&S camera’s will mask some of the deficiencies in a photographer’s technique.

The differences between the two types of cameras really becomes apparent when using long lenses or operating controls and zooming at the same time. One significant difference is the extra weight of the DSLR, and particularly quality lenses. Try holding a pro style body with a battery grip and equipped with even a moderate telephoto zoom for any length of time.