Viewfinders

A small rectangle inside the rubber eyepiece at the top of the camera is the viewfinder. It serves as the camera's eye, allowing you to look at the scene you're photographing, as well as the settings and other useful information. Therefore, it is the source of your creative instincts in photography.

Despite the many improvements in existing camera models, viewfinders have always been an integral part of the camera.

There are two types of viewfinders: optical and electronic.

OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDERS

An optical DSLR viewfinder works by light passing through the lens and reflecting off the camera's mirror and prism. Optical viewfinders (OVF) consist of a system of mirrors and prisms that allow the photographer to see what the camera’s lens is seeing. Changing camera settings, such as aperture or shutter speed, will not be reflected in the viewfinder.

An electronic (or digital) viewfinder shows in real-time what the camera's image sensor sees. This means you have a live version of the image you are about to photograph. If you change settings, the exposure will adjust in the viewfinder before taking the shot. Using an electronic viewfinder, you have all the necessary information to focus, frame, and expose the image. Some cameras even display a live histogram. Any changes are reflected in the viewfinder.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Photographers use viewfinders because they help monitor image details in low light conditions; they stabilize the camera, providing a clearer image for sharper shots; they don’t drain the battery. Viewfinders help improve composition and framing. Additionally, viewfinders are convenient for photographers who prefer capturing images using a smartphone. These viewfinders are equipped with an attachment system that mounts to the smartphone.

• The viewfinder allows the photographer to directly observe the actual scene through the lens. The photographer is provided with real visual information about what will appear in the photograph.
• Using the viewfinder, the photographer is able to choose the frame, set the composition, and understand in advance how the objects in the image will be arranged. This is important for creating well-constructed and aesthetically tailored shots.
• The viewfinder allows precise focusing on the subject directly through the lens, giving the photographer more control and opportunities to capture sharp and accurate images.
• The viewfinder provides information about the current settings, such as aperture, sensor sensitivity, pressure, and others. This allows quick selection of the appropriate settings for a specific scene.
• Using the viewfinder reduces camera shake, as the camera is supported against the photographer’s face during the shot, unlike when using a screen where it is held away from the eye.
• Viewfinders can be particularly useful when shooting in low-light conditions when the screen can be hard to see.

WHICH EYE SHOULD I LOOK WITH?

If you are right-handed, you will likely use your right eye, and if you are left-handed, it will be the opposite.

CAN THE VIEWFINDER BE ATTACHED TO THE CAMERA?

Yes, you can attach the viewfinder to the camera using the Hot Shoe.

DO I NEED A VIEWFINDER?

Yes, you may need a viewfinder, and it is essential. The use of a viewfinder depends on the type of photography genre you choose. Viewfinders improve image quality, framing, and composition, unlike Android settings captured on an LCD screen.