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.