Camera viewing screens.

[garywayne]

Right, another digital question.

When I'm in sunlight or in the dark I can't see anything in the screen. I know you can get cameras where you can see the screen when in sunlight or dark. Does anyone know what type of screen it is?

Cheers.

 

[Sailor]

Good evening & Merry Christmas,

Not sure if you mean a new screen, or new camera!
The screen depends usually on the backlight for it's brightness and as far as I know, can't be changed.

However, it's possible to get a little folding 'hood' which fits on the back.
I got one of these: http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/screenshade.htm#LabelDSS for the Pentax my Wife uses.

HTH,

Colin

 

[garywayne]

Sorry. I'm totally brain dead at the moment.

I am talking about digital camera viewing screens.
I want to buy a new camera, but, I want one that I can view what I am about to take a picture of on the viewing screen whilst in sunlight, or in the dark. The camera I have at present I am unable to see anything on the viewing screen when in sunlight or dark.

If I haven't explained clearly please ask.

 

[beejay]

I think you will always have a problem in certain lighting conditions with a small LCD screen, even with the accessory hood that is availble.
I would recommend a camera that has a viewfinder as well as an LCD panel and you wont have a problem.
beejay

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have the same problem with my cheapo digital - in dim light the screen shows a nice view of a black cat in a coal cellar. Unless you can afford an expensive camera, I'd try to get one that also has a conventional viewfinder if I were you.

Bring back conventional film photography - never had all these problems with that :roll:

Cheers :ho2

Paul

 

[garywayne]

Thanks guys for your replies.

I realise I have to get a more expensive camera, and one with a bigger screen. I didn't know if anyone new of a particular type of screen I should be looking out for.

Thanks again.

 

[Shultzy]

I think you will find that even the expensive camera screens are unviewable in sunlight. As other members have said choose a camera with an EVF / viewfinder as you will be able to see what you are taking and view the results as well through it. I find this the best way to hold a camera, as you can keep it rock-solid against your face.

Before you buy a new camera you need to decide what you want to get from it. Its a bit like buying tools, you don't need to spend £250 on a cordless drill if you only use it very occasionally.

 

[RogerM]

Gary - no need to spend a fortune. Definitely get a camera with a viewfinder as well as a screen as in bright sunlight it can be difficult to see even screens on the most expensive cameras. Also you can switch the screen off and save battery power by using the viewfinder - very useful if you know you're going to have a full day and you don't have a spare battery.

What sort of budget are you looking to spend, and what will it be used for? I found these sites useful when doing my research.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

 

[jasonB]

You will always have problems seeing in the dark as the image the camera is looking at is not illuminated until the flash goes off. As the others have said a camera with a smaller LCD in the viewfinder is a lot easier to use and it has the added benifit of not using up as much of the batterys power. The viewfinder LCD on my Minolta is activated when it sences your eye up against it so only uses power when you are actually looking through the viewfinder.

My Father has just bought the new Sony Alpha(who now produce Minolta) and I think that you can adjust the brightness of the screen on that.

Jason

 

[garywayne]

I would like to thank you all for your help and advice. I also hope you all had a terrific Christmas.

THANK YOU ALL. :deer