EVF or no EVF

[traveler_101]

Thanks!

I wasn't sure if it was worthwhile, to me, since it kind of defeats the purpose of a compact camera (to my standards, atleast). I felt that if I were to only use the EVF then I might as well get a Panasonic G or even a DSLR, but the great thing is that I'd have a choice. I can see the virtue of shooting both ways.

Unfortunately I won't be pursuing one anytime soon because my old laptop monitor/screen is having problems which means that I need a new computer instead of another camera.

I understand where you are coming from. I shoot with the E-P1 and don't miss a viewfinder, though I shoot mostly with AF lenses. You can get away with MF up to 50mm (100mm equivalent), after that it gets very difficult. Here is a thread from another website you might find interesting. http://e-p1.net/lens-sample-photo-archive/leica-summicron-r-35mm-f2-samples-*****/msg75352/#msg75352

By the way, no need to delay your purchase. The E-P1 (nicest design, IMO, but doesn't take the EVF) has been on sale new for $199. The E-P2 has been going for $249 new.

 

[tchamber]

No EVF

No EVF

I bought a E-PL3 last fall and wasn't sure if I needed an EVF, so I waited. I'm happy I did.

I'm not a fan of the "tourist pose": iPhone/P&S held straight out, with all the attendant problems of glare, keeping the horizon level, screen blacking with Polaroid glasses, shake, and so on. Plus, it's a pretty conspicuous way to shoot.

The E-PL3 has a pivoting screen. I open it up to horizontal. No problem with glare (if there is, it can be set a few degrees off the horizontal), and if I need stability I can prop it against my ample belly. It reminds me a lot of shooting with the TLR I had as a teenager. For street shooting, it's inconspicuous.

After a few months using it this way (for horizontal shots; verticals need the tourist pose), I would not use an EVF if it were given me.

For many years I carried an Olympus XA everywhere and loved it. This one is becoming my new XA. It's not as compact, for sure, but with its waist-level shooting it's a really easy camera to use.

 

[traveler_101]

I bought a E-PL3 last fall and wasn't sure if I needed an EVF, so I waited. I'm happy I did.

I'm not a fan of the "tourist pose": iPhone/P&S held straight out, with all the attendant problems of glare, keeping the horizon level, screen blacking with Polaroid glasses, shake, and so on. Plus, it's a pretty conspicuous way to shoot.

The E-PL3 has a pivoting screen. I open it up to horizontal. No problem with glare (if there is, it can be set a few degrees off the horizontal), and if I need stability I can prop it against my ample belly. It reminds me a lot of shooting with the TLR I had as a teenager. For street shooting, it's inconspicuous.

After a few months using it this way (for horizontal shots; verticals need the tourist pose), I would not use an EVF if it were given me.

For many years I carried an Olympus XA everywhere and loved it. This one is becoming my new XA. It's not as compact, for sure, but with its waist-level shooting it's a really easy camera to use.

Interesting post!!

 

[Ken Ford]

I'm quite interested in m4/3 but have been biding my time until a body with an integrated EVF in the usual RF position becomes available - I'm not a fan of add-on VFs of any kind (optical or electronic.) I wish somebody would hurry up and make one, because there are a lot of m4/3 lenses I'd like to try!

 

[traveler_101]

I'm quite interested in m4/3 but have been biding my time until a body with an integrated EVF in the usual RF position becomes available - I'm not a fan of add-on VFs of any kind (optical or electronic.) I wish somebody would hurry up and make one, because there are a lot of m4/3 lenses I'd like to try!

What about the new Olympus E-M5 then? It has been getting good reviews; has upgraded sensor and built in viewfinder. Looks more like a digital form of their OM series SLR than a RF design. The viewfinder is in the middle of the camera. http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympusem5

 

[Ken Ford]

Nope, I'll wait for one in the upper corner. I have no problem with the SLR-type position, but for this style of shooting I much prefer the RF form factor. I'm very happy with how my NEX-7 is working out in this respect.

 

[traveler_101]

Nope, I'll wait for one in the upper corner. I have no problem with the SLR-type position, but for this style of shooting I much prefer the RF form factor. I'm very happy with how my NEX-7 is working out in this respect.

Well, we agree on that. i am foregoing the E-M5 also, and I am not interested in the E-P3's touch screen either.

What do you make of the new Fuji X-Pro camera?

 

[Ken Ford]

Well, we agree on that. i am foregoing the E-M5 also, and I am not interested in the E-P3's touch screen either.

What do you make of the new Fuji X-Pro camera?

Very impressive, but out of my immediate price range. Also, Fuji products seem like they could use a little more time in the oven before they are released. Look at the X100 - it's been usable since release, but only now is it really starting to shine after almost two dozen firmware updates!

 

[rparmar]

For me, the EVF permits much faster and more accurate use of the camera. It's amazing getting the fast menus and so on right in front of my eyeball, something that is definitely an advantage over an OVF.

I do wish Olympus had an option to engage the menu and review images in the viewfinder as well. On bright days or in dark venues that would have real advantages.

 

[traveler_101]

For me, the EVF permits much faster and more accurate use of the camera. It's amazing getting the fast menus and so on right in front of my eyeball, something that is definitely an advantage over an OVF.

I do wish Olympus had an option to engage the menu and review images in the viewfinder as well. On bright days or in dark venues that would have real advantages.

Fair enough, I've never used one so perhaps I shouldn't comment at all (and I'd like to try one but not possible on my camera).

I have an ocular viewfinder attached to my E-P1 for use with its standard lens (the 20/1.7) and I like going back and forth between the viewfinder and the LCD screen. Set lens at f 8 and in hyperfocal distance and you can turn off the screen and just shoot with the finder (you must separate focusing and capture functions onto different buttons). Or set parameters with LCD screen take a shot or two, then switch to the finder to see the scene from a different more contained perspective. It makes you flexible or gives you a chance to be flexible--freer from constant input of technical information. I usually shoot aperture priority, but I've done a lot of manual shooting as well. But that just suits the way I like to use a camera.

The other thing about the EVF--what I've read--no experience as I said, is that the viewfinder drains the battery.

 

[Dogman]

For me, the EVF permits much faster and more accurate use of the camera. It's amazing getting the fast menus and so on right in front of my eyeball, something that is definitely an advantage over an OVF.

I do wish Olympus had an option to engage the menu and review images in the viewfinder as well. On bright days or in dark venues that would have real advantages.

The Olympus E-P2 does allow for full menu and image review in the viewfinder. To access it you will need to press the viewfinder switch after engaging the menu or image review.

My only quibble with EVFs in general has to do with the way the view is presented--a little jerky and overly contrasty, sometimes grainy and murky. I much prefer the clear view of the optical finder. But that's not a deal breaker for me. I've come to the conclusion that I will never again buy any camera that does not offer some ability for eye-level viewing--be it built-in or a plug-in option. While I sometimes use the LCD exclusively, I like the ability to choose how I want to see the image.

 

[rparmar]

The other thing about the EVF--what I've read--no experience as I said, is that the viewfinder drains the battery.

I can't be sure, but it seems to me from my usage that the viewfinder preserves battery life compared with using the LCD.

 

[rparmar]

The Olympus E-P2 does allow for full menu and image review in the viewfinder. To access it you will need to press the viewfinder switch after engaging the menu or image review.

Good grief! I did not know this! Thanks!

But, in a way, this is even more irritating. Having to press the EVF button on each change between modes is annoying. I guess they still need that setting I referred to! The image should stay in the EVF unless I tell it not to.

My only quibble with EVFs in general has to do with the way the view is presented--a little jerky and overly contrasty, sometimes grainy and murky. I much prefer the clear view of the optical finder. But that's not a deal breaker for me.

Agreed. But EVFs will get better. Otherwise, how will they get us to buy a new camera? 😀

 

[raid]

In strong sunshine it is very useful to have an EVF. The screen becomes useless due to tne glare.