I didn't know that this issue existed, but if I had to guess why it exists, it's probably because the live view was a way to get a range finder camera, like my Nikon Coolpix 7900, to have at least a digital SLR feature. A poorman's SLR in effect. I reckon they (the camera makers) thought that they were selling SLR's to pro's mostly, and initially they were, that were used to looking through the viewfinder and wouldn't use the digital live view, and worse, wouldn't accept it.

I agree that it's very useful, and wouldn't want a camera without it either.

My wifes D-50 is the same way. Honestly, at first it was an issue for me but I figured it had to have something to do with the fact that it was SLR.

This was our first SLR so I just went with it. Now I prefer the viewfinder over holding the camera away from me and looking at a LCD. As I grew used to this I also noticed I am holding the camera "more steady?" since its anchored to my face. I have grown used to it and it has becoem a non-issue for me. But, you need to get what you prefer and are most comfortable with so I totally understand.

Pat, I the camera I was using at the Pelican meet was the D-50.

I'm thinking about getting a Canon EOS SLR so that I can use a couple of nice Canon lenses I already own. On the other hand, the 7900 takes pretty nice pictures, I use it at 5 megapixels most of the time, but it will go to 7mp's.

I used to own a Nikon 990, one of the swiveling head models and I miss that feature. I used it to photograph certain hard to get to places on cars, and could see the display while taking the photos at odd angles. I may acquire a used one to have that feature again.

Gizmo's, ain't they grand! :D

I use a D100 a lot, and like Jim, it is a non-issue now. I'm guessing in these "higher-end" cameras, Nikon figures users will be interested in the eye piece. To me, shooting a big camera like this while holding it away so I can see the screen is like shooting a shotgun without holding it against my shoulder.

I'm in the exact same boat. Considering I have a 600-2000mm lense, I really don't want to repurchase that for another make. ;)

Someone came out with a really affordable digitle SLR and it will accept almost evey lense out there. I am not sure how they did it or if I am even right.

Its in a one of our photography magazines, I'll look it up tonight.

Help me out here folks, I'm a total novice when it comes to this stuff. A freind of mine got a D70s last year and my g/f REALLY likes it. I was planning on buying one for her birthday coming up, started looking around, and saw the D80, so I have been debating between the two. I would also like to get a 'very good' all purpose lens to complement the camera. If Wayne did his research, and got blindsided, then I don't stand a chance :). I don't mean to hijack this thread, but can someone offer me some pointers in the 'right' direction?

I have a D70 and don't miss live preview at all. If I want to look at a small LCD, I'll take a point and shoot (which take great pictures). If I want to do some serious macro or other work I take the D70 and put on the appropriate lense. Depending on what you want, the picture quality on the DLSR will look about the same or a lot better than a point and shoot.

Wayne, the other DSLRs mentioned have their own issues. Features aren't really what sells a camera for me these days...they all have more than I want. If live preview is important to you, then you should find one that has it. I think that the Nikon has other advantages and don't miss it at all. Different strokes...

I found this discussion on a photographers' forum, and there are some alternatives:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic2/468879/0#4038665

Would a right angle viewfinder solve the issue?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1165590239.jpg

We have not even begun to tap into the potential of our D50 my bro in law ran out and bought his g/f a D80 and she has it set to full auto and does not even know what she is doing with it.

Our D50 spends 90% of its time on full Auto too because we are still trying to learn how to set it up right.

All I am trying to say is that you may not need the super duper version when the entry level version might already be way over your head and take years to master.

Thanks guys! I'm very much a 'point & shoot' type of person, but my g/f was/is a photography buff, and will likely use the manual settings. What about a 'good' all purpose lens?

buy this one for the Nikon and you likely won't need anything else for quite some time:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0511/05110103nikon18-200vr.asp

SLR - Single Lens Reflex.

Through the viewfinder you are looking at the image the sensor will see (used to be film). A mirror flips up and the image falls on the sensor.

I suppose you could design a camera to see both the optical and electronic image at the same time but there would be trade offs.

Happy D200 owner.

+1

I came to the same conclusions . . .tho' a while back. I was really conflicted about CMOS vs CCD (SLR vs psedo-SLR) I went the route of CCD/psedo-SLR. The large preview screen trumped the the clarity of a true thru-lens optical viewfinder. Furthermore, I can cable my camera into a laptop (live) and use the laptop as a viewfinder . . .and capture ....and camera settings. This means I can put the camera on a pole, or out a window, remote mounted... and still see what I'l get.

Now this remote viewing doen't seem to be a trend yet, but may be a feature to look for.

Just a 'hanging the camera (in hand) out the window' shot @ ~70. (90+ buffets too much for a hand-held clear shot)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1124048809.jpg

...oh w/ a Minolta Dimage A2 (they don't make them anymore) :(

The 18-200 VR is probably the best answer to that question right now. Huge range, small and light, darn near pro quality. If you take your time and wait, you can pick them up new for $750. Get a USA version new so a 5 year warranty applies vs none at all for used or grey market.

these are pro cameras, or ones modeled after them. looking at a screen to frame a pic is not the best way. if i had to guess, saving battery life is more important.

hell, it is a digital camera! i would estimate that 50% of my good shots are taken with the camera shot from the hip.

Anyone know anything about the Canon Rebel XT?

I'm not sure why a live preview screen is necessary. What kind of photos are you taking? One of the beauties of digital is the ability to edit the image files. I usually shoot with an 18mm wide angle at high-resolution. Many times I don't use a view finder at all. Just point the camera in the general direction of the subject. Then I do all the editing afterwards. If I need to frame something precisely, I want to be looking through the optical viewfinder anyway. About the only time I use long lenses is to get the 'compression' effect.

To answer your question though, it's tough to beat the Olympus 'pro-sumer' line of cameras (E330, E500)! One feature they have that has me considering a switch is the dust-free CCD. That is a MAJOR problem with most digital SLR's, that most people are not aware of. You wind up with tiny black specs all over your images. I use mine (a Fuji S1) in fairly harsh environments and I've got to clean the CCD every 2-3 weeks. It's a bit of a PITA!

hmmm, I'm hearing that one doesn't really need a veiwfinder . . .but if you do, an optical is the way to go.

Well, fwiw, optical vf's are less precise for framing, but more precise for focusing. .. seeing focal length.