Electronic viewfinders have transformed how you interact with your camera. Beyond just framing shots, these tiny screens affect everything from how accurately you can judge focus to how connected you feel to your subject during fast-paced photography situations.
Coming to you from David Bergman with Adorama, this informative video breaks down the significance of EVF resolution and refresh rates in modern mirrorless cameras. Bergman explains that EVF resolution is typically measured in dots rather than megapixels, with each pixel comprising three dots (red, green, blue). When manufacturers list 2.36 million dots, you're actually looking at about 0.8 megapixels. This distinction matters because early mirrorless cameras featured low-resolution EVFs that created a disconnect between photographer and subject. These early viewfinders appeared dim and laggy, with poor color accuracy that made capturing fast action particularly challenging. Professional photographers often cited these limitations as reasons to stick with DSLRs and their optical viewfinders. The technological improvements since then have been substantial, with modern high-end cameras offering EVFs with 9.44 million dots (approximately 3.15 megapixels) that virtually eliminate the previous limitations.
Refresh rate proves equally important when evaluating EVF performance. Measured in Hertz (Hz), this specification indicates how many times per second the screen updates. Bergman highlights the difference between 60 Hz and 120 Hz EVFs, noting that the higher refresh rate provides significantly smoother motion when tracking moving subjects. This improvement creates a more natural viewing experience where the camera seems to disappear, leaving you fully connected with your subject. Some newer models even offer switchable refresh rates, allowing you to prioritize either battery life or viewing smoothness depending on your shooting situation. Camera manufacturers continue developing additional EVF enhancements, including Canon's "OVF simulation view assist," which uses HDR tone mapping to create a more natural-looking viewfinder image in high-contrast scenes.
When choosing a camera, consider how you'll use it before deciding how much EVF resolution you need. For casual photography, 2-4 million dots should serve you well. However, if you frequently shoot fast action, critical work, or spend long hours with your eye to the viewfinder, investing in a higher-resolution EVF with faster refresh rates will significantly improve your shooting experience. Modern high-end EVFs have become so good that many photographers who once resisted electronic viewfinders now prefer them for their real-time feedback and "what you see is what you get" advantage. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bergman.
