help with my new 30d - DPChallenge Forums

01/22/2007 03:38:22 PM · #1

this might be really dumb but I just got my 30d in the mail today and am perplexed. You can't use the lcd monitor as a viewfinder while shooting???

puzzled

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

01/22/2007 03:41:17 PM · #2

Nope. You need to look through the little black hole at the top. You can try auto mode until you get used to it (auto mode is the green square on the dial at the top of the camera). The LCD is for reviewing pictures you've taken. Congrats on the new camera!

I Enjoy Ham

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/22/2007 03:41:30 PM · #3

nope, nor can you on any d-slr made by canon or nikon, or pentax, or olympus, or anyt other brand...

Ben

01/22/2007 03:42:53 PM · #4

Not quite true Ham man.

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

01/22/2007 03:44:06 PM · #5

I had no idea. I mean I know I have just used point-n-shoot digitals prior to this but I just assumed...I guess my concern is that I wear contacts and my eyes go all screwwy after a few seconds of looking through an eye-piece...

scarbrd

Leica M10

01/22/2007 03:49:43 PM · #6

Originally posted by I Enjoy Ham:

nope, nor can you on any d-slr made by canon or nikon, or pentax, or olympus, or anyt other brand...

There is one.

//www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1226

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/22/2007 03:52:21 PM · #7

I feel like crying. Is there some reason that they don't? Why in the 9,000 reviews I read did I never hear anyone mention this?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/22/2007 03:53:00 PM · #8

You'll definitely get used to peering through the eyepiece. You'll soon find that an optical viewfinder gives yoiu more ability to accuratley compose and focus - especially focus - and provides other information like your shutter speed and aperture, exposure compensation, focus confirmation.
Congrats on the new cam, it will be a learning curve, but also will greatly expand your creative choices.

Edit:
Also, you're surely not the first person that's been confused by this. Those who have never operated anything but a modern Point&shoot digicam can't be expected to know what the features of an SLR camera are. Needing to use the optical viewfinder is a compromise that is inherent to SLR cameras (at least almost all of them) and one that is, IMO, well worth making. Even though I shot with film SLRs for decades, I still miss being able to compose while holding a camera above my head occasionally. But I don't miss the image quality of my Point & shoot!

Message edited by author 2007-01-22 15:58:21.

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/22/2007 03:55:43 PM · #9

Originally posted by oravsky123:

I feel like crying. Is there some reason that they don't? Why in the 9,000 reviews I read did I never hear anyone mention this?

lol :D

You will really get used to it, IF you want to. And, it would be really weird (at least, that's what I think) if you'd compose with the LCD-screen with a DSLR. Just doesn't look natural with a big cam. Leave that for the compact-camera-owners :P

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

01/22/2007 03:59:27 PM · #10

I know I know, I'll get used to it. I am definately committed to learning. I wouldn't have just spent $2,000 if I didn't intend for this to be a life-long endeavor. Just a little bump in my road I guess. Thanks all for your quick replies :-)

scarbrd

Leica M10

01/22/2007 04:00:17 PM · #11

Originally posted by oravsky123:

I feel like crying. Is there some reason that they don't? Why in the 9,000 reviews I read did I never hear anyone mention this?

Because no dSLR save the Olympus does this. The design of an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) with the mirror box prevents the the image from passing through to anywhere except the optical view finder via a series of mirrors, one of which is blocking the sensor until the shutter is released.

I like the LCD screens on the P&S cameras, expecially the ones that tilt and swivel allowing you to put your camera in extreme positions.

Having the flexibility of interchangable lenses means you don't get the LCD view finder.

You should be fine with your contacts. There is an adjustment dial for the viewfinder that will conpensate for your contacts or using your camera without contacts.

Good luck!

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II