Why do photographers like to see fron the camera peephole rather than from the liveview mode?

Question

Im a proud owner of a pentax kx.. which has a liveview mode and a peephole. I like better from the live view because you can actually see the image youare shooting at and from the peephole sometimes it gets blurry...I think is harder from the peeohole.. except when is sunny.
I dont know anything about photography, but love taking "good" pictures.


I will like to know why phtographers like using the peephole ALOT and NEVER or almost never, the live view mode. I have notice that some professional cameras dont even have a live view mode.

WHY IN THE WORLD?

Answer 1

Since about 1949 photographers using a 35mm film SLR viewed the world through the viewfinder. It allowed the photographer to see exactly what the lens was pointed at and compose the picture accordingly.



The problem with using the Live View on a modern DSLR is additional camera shake caused by trying to hold a heavy object steady at arms length. Your camera is much more stable pressed against your face with your left hand cradling it and your elbow tucked in tight against your torso.



This article will help you learn good camera holding technique:



http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-hold-a-digital-camera

Answer 2

The answer from "Osman" has to be some of the most ignorant babble I have ever seen on this site, and I have seen plenty. It is one of those rare instances when I DO put a thumbs down on an answer.



Why *I* use the viewfinder:

1. It is how I have done it for over 30 years.

2. I can keep the camera FAR more steady against my head rather than trying to hold it out at arms length

3. How you ever noticed that everyone who takes a photo using the monitor CANNOT bring the camera up and get a fast, candid type shot? They are always moving the camera around, in and out, up and down staring at that screen trying to get some kind of composition or focus. I can have half a dozen shots taken in the time they are still wasting time trying to get everything looking right in that monitor.

4. Bright sun directly at my back shining onto the camera... no problem with the viewfinder. I almost have to laugh at people struggling to see that silly monitor instead of just using the viewfinder and getting the shot already.

5. The monitor EATS up battery power. I can get at least 10 times the life out of a battery by not using the monitor as compared to people who use it all the time.



On a related note, I also find it absurd to see people who have to "chimp" after every shot. That means they have to look at the photo they just took on the monitor every time. To that *I* ask WHY? If you know what you are doing with exposure and composition and focus, there is no need to do that. I have my camera set to not even display the photo after the shot is taken. I would wager most anything that since you are using the monitor to take your photos, you are also "chimping" with it after every shot. Good luck with that in some kind of fast moving event. You will miss 75% of the shots I will get using the viewfinder and not chimping.



steve

Answer 3

The "peephole" or view finder on any Single Lens Reflex camera (SLD or DSLR) uses a mirror to show what the sensor is seeing, much in the way that the live view does. If your viewfinder is blurry, you may need to adjust the viewfinders diopter to adjust to your eye. Check your manual for this. I believe there is a slide switch on top of the viewfinder to adjust this. (Look through the view finder and hold the shutter halfway down. Adjust the slide until the digits on the inside of the viewfinder appear their sharpest.)



A big benefit of using the viewfinder rather than the live view is that you can (must) hold the camera closer to your body while using the viewfinder. This may seem meaningless until you realize that by holding the camera closer to your body, you can hold the camera more steadily and decrease the amount of camera shake. This can allow you to shoot more clearly in darker situations.

Answer 4

Looking through the viewfinder I have a much steadier hand holding the camera. My viewfinder shows shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. I can see the picture better because there is no interference by sun light. I would have to put on my reading glasses to see live view but the viewfinder has an adjustable diopter for my crappy eyes. My camera is on the heavy side and to hold out in front of me to see live view wouldn't allow me to last nine innings.

Answer 5

I hate looking at the "live mode" and only do so when in playback mode with a model to show her /him

what the images are looking like. Now why. The live mode almost always for me is not showing me what is in or out of focus very well. I ware glasses and have the "peephole" view finder set so that I see what is in or out of focus when looking in it. I have to take my glasses OFF to see the live view.

Plus, it is what I have been doing for over 30 years, why change a good thing?

Answer 6

Simply because you can't hand-hold the camera at the distance to view the screen anywhere near as steady as you can with it against your eye/head with arms against your body creating a tripod. More control is good.

Answer 7

Ever try to hold steady a one pound camera and a four pound f/2.8 70-200mm telephoto lens at arm's length while you're looking at the LCD?

Answer 8

It's called a "viewfinder" NOT a peephole.



The viewfinder is brighter, is not affected by bright sunlight and does not use the batteries.

Answer 9

actually most studio fotogs use live view nowadays..................





im a studio fotog that doesnt use it, if i had it i would........ i like progress and things that make work easier,



- as you can see many here are resistant to change or progress i wonder how thats working for them? hahahahaha

Answer 10

alot of it is habit for most of them,





i noticed a sports guy recently using it - saves having your face pressed against a camera for hours. - he had the camera on a tripod of course.





i find this funny when live view first came out all the diehards said its garbage just cause they couldnt see how cool it is, many people dont like change or progress - this is like the waist level vs eye level thing all over again. - some will embrace progress and anything that gives them nmore options and some will resist it - study "Humans reactions to change" to learn more



i would prefer to use a 50inch TV as my live view to a camera screen or view finder, that way i can see more and get better pictures thats my bottom line

Answer 11

They think it makes them look cool. Literally, I'm not joking, that's the only reason.