Thoughts on Live View

[MarkBarbieri]

When the first DSLRs with Live View came out, I was skeptical. I really didn't see much use for it. Now that I've got a couple of DSLRs with the ability and have shot with them for a while, I find it surprisingly useful.

The first big use was with shooting video. Obviously, it's just about impossible to shoot video without it because the viewfinder is blocked while video is being recorded.

Even with live view, it is hard for me to adequately monitor video. The first problem is that the screen is too close for my old eyes. I've got good distance vision, but my minimum focus distance is farther than my arms are long. That means that I have to wear glasses while using Live View, which is a pain.

The second problem is that the screen is too small and too low resolution for shooting HD. Getting accurate focus with a narrow DOF in video is hard enough when you can see what you are doing. With these tiny 3" screens, it's almost impossible if your subject is moving. I use an external monitor when I can, but the 5DMII only outputs 480p while you are recording, so it is still tough.

Where Live View really shines for me is when I'm shooting static scenes from a tripod. My standard practice when doing that is to switch to manual focus and use Live View as my focus screen. I can magnify the scene at 10x and get more precise focus than I can with AF. In normal shooting, this is really handy. When shooting with a T/S lens, it's invaluable. I have no idea how film shooters managed with T/S lenses.

Aside from the ability to do precise AF, there are other benefits of Live View. You no longer have to worry about mirror lockup. The mirror is up during live view by definition. You also don't have to worry about your exposure being thrown off because of light coming in through the viewfinder. Another nice feature is the ability to see better with low light images. There have been times when it was difficult to manually focus because it was so dark but Live View gave me enough light to manage it.

There are downsides to Live View. As I already mentioned, it requires that I use glasses. It washes out in the sunlight. It can also add noise to your pictures because it heats up the sensor. I haven't seen any problems with that, but I haven't done any direct comparisons either.

Another way I deal with the near focus and sunlight issues is with a Hoodman Loupe. It's great for looking at fine details. It's also handy when I want to do detailed chimping. They even make a custom rubber band (for a mere $20) for attaching it to your camera if you want to use it while shooting video.

Live View doesn't come close to taking the place of a viewfinder. I never shoot pictures with Live View except on a tripod. I suppose with the 60D and other articulated screen cameras it could be useful for handheld over crowd shots.

To be honest, I almost never used it until I started playing with a T/S lens. That caused me to fall in love with the manual focus capability of using 10x magnification. If you've got a Live View capable camera that you use on a tripod, I suggest that you give it a try.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

An illustration. Here I am at 6:35 AM use Live View to set up a shot and the shot that I took.

If you are wondering why I'm posting so much this morning, it's because I'm going through the 5,000+ pictures we took on our trip. My mind quickly grows numb when looking at lots of pictures of essentially the same thing, so I go post stuff to take a break.

 

[zackiedawg]

When the first DSLRs with Live View came out, I was skeptical. I really didn't see much use for it. Now that I've got a couple of DSLRs with the ability and have shot with them for a while, I find it surprisingly useful.

It's refreshing to hear some long time DSLR users adapting to and accepting technologies like this as a tool to be used at times rather than dismiss it as a useless gadget or tech designed for non-photographers. Having owner live view DSLRs for 3 years, I've heard the other argument all too often, and no amount of patient explanation ever got through.

Where Live View really shines for me is when I'm shooting static scenes from a tripod. My standard practice when doing that is to switch to manual focus and use Live View as my focus screen. I can magnify the scene at 10x and get more precise focus than I can with AF. In normal shooting, this is really handy.

Exactly - folks who haven't used it sometimes don't even know what it can do. The ability to zoom (some go to as much as 15x) for manual focus accuracy is fantastic, and some live view systems can present exposure simulation, white balance, even display gained-up DOF preview, letting even small aperture DOF be easily seen rather than a dark, barely visible viewfinder view. Also, some live view systems even have more advanced metering capabilities in that mode - some with up to 1200 zone evaluative metering systems in live view, compared to many less in optical view.

Another nice feature is the ability to see better with low light images. There have been times when it was difficult to manually focus because it was so dark but Live View gave me enough light to manage it.

That's another one I've tried to explain to people who don't use it, and they just don't get it, or don't believe it. I can shoot basically in pure darkness, manually focusing on something that can be clearly seen in live view and completely unseen through the viewfinder.

There are downsides to Live View. As I already mentioned, it requires that I use glasses. It washes out in the sunlight. It can also add noise to your pictures because it heats up the sensor. I haven't seen any problems with that, but I haven't done any direct comparisons either.

Glasses issue is something each individual needs to consider of course. As for washing out in sunlight - mileage may vary - as some DSLRs have some pretty snazzy LCDs that gain up incredibly well, have great coatings, amazing resolution, and can even vary their angle, making them very useful in direct sun without washing out. As for the noise issue...possibly true when relying a lot on live view off main sensor - again, not all systems are equal though - some have developed ways around that by using secondary sensors or other techniques.

Live View doesn't come close to taking the place of a viewfinder. I never shoot pictures with Live View except on a tripod. I suppose with the 60D and other articulated screen cameras it could be useful for handheld over crowd shots.

Remember too with the different types of live view out there, they aren't all alike. The reason I went with the camera I did is because of the live view system having a mode whereby it could be used in everyday shooting, at full phase-detect autofocus speed and advanced metering, with no performance degradation or shutter delays...though I use an optical finder 85% of the time, having a completely seamless and normal functionality live view with no performance loss was something that really appealed to me - that combined with a variable angle LCD for odd-angle shots makes live view literally an equal but alternate option to the viewfinder...including casual, anytime handheld shooting. Sony DSLRs, and any of the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras out there, all offer a live view system that can be used handheld, anywhere, anytime.

And you're right - for tripod based shooting, live view is great - my strong recommendation would be to enjoy using it for night shots, where I rely on it probably for 90% of my tripod shooting. With a tilting LCD it's even better - but putting the camera on a tripod then lining up the shot via live view, enables perfect focus, less leaning over to weird angles trying to look through the finder, exposure simulation, and easier use paired with a remote trigger since you can see your shot and composition even as you stand a few feet back with the remote to trigger the shutter.

Live view is just another tool available to photographers, and with varying designs and styles that offer a pretty interesting range of functions and abilities...using live view at times as part of your shooting regimen doesn't revoke your 'real photographer' label, and it's worth looking into the different types of live view systems out there to understand how they are different and what their advantages and disadvantages are. Good to see that you've learned to use a tool you have in your toolbox, rather than letting it sit in there rusting to the tray!

 

[photo_chick]

I see the benefits when shooting on a tripod. And even in low light. And obviously it's a necessity for video.

But I'm a dinosaur, set in my ways, and have not used it much. It took me a good ten years of having a camera with AF before I consistently used AF, so give me a few more years. But I no longer look at Live View with the disdain I did when it first hit DSLR's, so I guess that's progress.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I rarely use Live View on my 50d, the focus system just doesn't impress me. But my Sony Nex 3 is live view only and has an articulating view screen - now that is a fun little camera. I took it for a work out at the Zoo and I love the articulating view screen - it makes me yern for one on my 50d.

I agree though, Live view has some great uses! I do use it to line up shots, but forget about it, I was at the Lewis Ginter Gardens this morning and should have packed in a tripod and one this, I couldn't quite get the focus I wanted on the flowers (of course, I have yet to micro adjust my lenses.)