Whether you're choosing between an optical viewfinder, electronic viewfinder, or the camera’s rear screen, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each can help you get the most out of your gear. This isn't just about preferences—it’s about choosing the best tool for the situation.
Coming to you from David Bergman with Adorama, this helpful video explains the differences between the main viewing options on cameras: optical viewfinders (OVFs), electronic viewfinders (EVFs), and live view screens. Bergman kicks things off by explaining the optical viewfinder, which shows you a direct, real-time view of the scene through a system of mirrors. The key benefit here is speed. Because there’s no digital processing, there’s no lag, making it ideal for fast action like sports or wildlife. However, you can’t see exposure or white balance adjustments in real time, so you need to know your settings before you start shooting. This makes the OVF great for those who want to capture moments as they happen without any delay, but it does require a bit more technical understanding.
Next, Bergman covers the electronic viewfinder, which has become the norm in most modern mirrorless cameras. The EVF displays a live digital preview, showing you exactly how your shot will look with current settings. You can see your exposure, white balance, and other adjustments as you make them, which simplifies getting the right shot. However, there’s a catch—older models may have a bit of lag due to the time it takes for the image to process and display on the screen. Newer cameras have sharper, more responsive EVFs that minimize these drawbacks, almost bridging the gap between traditional optical viewfinders and digital previews.
Live view is another option and functions much like an EVF, displaying a digital preview on the rear screen. One of its main advantages is versatility. If your camera has a tilting or swivel screen, you can shoot from a range of angles that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. This makes live view a go-to for shots that require a tripod, such as landscapes, macro, or night photography. But it’s not without downsides. The screen can be hard to see in bright sunlight, and holding the camera out in front of you can lead to more camera shake, especially during handheld shots. Plus, the battery drain is a factor to consider when using live view for extended periods.
Bergman also discusses how autofocus works differently across these viewing methods. On DSLRs, autofocus through an OVF is extremely fast because it uses a dedicated sensor, but this changes when switching to live view, where the camera relies on the main imaging sensor to focus. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, use the same sensor-based autofocus system whether you’re looking through the EVF or the rear screen. With the latest models, this system is as fast—or even faster—than traditional DSLRs, providing features like eye-controlled autofocus for precise tracking.
For Bergman, the choice usually leans towards the EVF. He appreciates the stability of having his eye pressed against the viewfinder, which reduces glare and ambient light distractions. This also helps with holding the camera steady. However, he admits there are times when live view is the better option, particularly when shooting from awkward angles or when using a tripod. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you and your shooting style. Each method has its own pros and cons, and there’s no single right way to shoot. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bergman.
