LCD or Viewfinder?

Many manufacturers have opted to remove the viewfinder from the camera.  But I still believe that this is an important part of the camera.  Have you ever seen an LCD screen during bright sunlight?  You can barely see what's in it, right?  This is why the viewfinder is still important.

So if you are in a bright or sunny environment, use the camera's viewfinder to take your shots.  It will help you in framing your picture better.

In any other situation where there is minimal light (inside your house, sunset, etc), you can use your LCD instead.

Liveview, LCD, Viewfinder

One of the best innovations of the digital camera has got to be the LCD!  Here you can have a good view of the shot that you have just taken and you can then decide on whether to keep it or delete it.

Let's define the basics first

• LiveView:  A feature most digital cameras have.  This enables you to see in real time what you are focusing on.  Note however that not all DSLRs have this feature.  Some only use the LCD as a post-shot preview screen.
• LCD:  Or the Liquid Crystal Display.  This is your mini screen where you preview your shots before and after taking the photos.
• Viewfinder:  The classic little window in your camera.  Seldom used nowadays but still very important if you really want to be a good photographer.

To maximize the potential of your LCD screen, you should customize (again, read the manual) your camera in order to set the following:

1. Preview time:  The purpose of your LCD is for you to get an actual view of the shot you have just taken.  Manufacturers allow you to modify the time it takes for the pictures to stay on your screen before going back to LiveView mode.  In most cases, you no longer have to change the settings.  But you might want to set it up between 5 and 8 seconds in order for you to have enough time to review your shots.
2. Auto-rotation:  Most cameras have an auto-rotate feature so you won't have to turn your camera as you preview the shots. Check if your camera has this feature.
3. Auto shutdown:  LCDs eat up a lot of battery power.  So make sure that you are set your camera to auto shutdown after 3 or 5 minutes.
4. LCD on/off:  If you really want to save on battery power, some cameras allow you to turn off the LCD completely.  You will then have to use your camera's viewfinder to take your pictures.

So when is the best time to use the LCD and the viewfinder?  Look HERE.

Chapter 1 Your Camera

You don't have to worry about the brand of camera you are using.  Whether you are using a DSLR or an ordinary Digital Camera, the secret to taking great pictures is practice!  And of course, this website!

I have an Olympus E-410.  You may have a Nikon or a Canon or even a Sony.  It doesn't matter.  My first tip would be to read the manual first in order for you to understand better the features and capabilities of your camera.  Besides, you will need to customize your camera every so often.  So let's customize your camera.

1. Liveview, LCD, Viewfinder
2. When to use LCD and the viewfinder
3. Saving your pictures
4. Resolution and file type
5. Focusing tips
6. Various camera modes

Start Here

Pictures play an important role in everyone's lives.  Even before human beings began to write, we tried making cave paintings just trying to "capture" the moment.

Photography used to be a very expensive habit.  But today, thanks to modern technology, everyone can be a photographer.  However, without proper training, not everyone can be a great photographer.  I have always loved photography and, just last year, my sister gave me my very own DSLR!  I haven't stopped taking pictures since then.  You may look at her pictures HERE.  I must admit that she is definitely, infinitely, tremendously better than me.  But hey,  I can provide you with FREE lessons.

Anyway, I have decided to divide this blog into different topics.  Since I am relatively new in the blogging community, you will see constant changes every now and then.

Please do leave your comments and I will try to answer them as soon as I am able to.