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Butterfly Garden

Does my new camera need a viewfinder?

16 years ago

Does anyone have a camera without a viewfinder? Is it hard to follow a moving subject outside if you're just using the screen? I want to be able to take pics of butterflies and hummingbirds.

This camera has good features for the price but no viewfinder which might be a pretty big drawback if I can't see what I want to take a picture of.

What do I look at to compare the shutter speed?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kodak EasyShare 12.1MP

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Comments (13)

butterflymomok
16 years ago
Christie,

I have viewfinders on my cameras, but I don't use them. I have a Canon and an old Sony and I use the screens entirely. I feel like I can compose the picture better on the screen.

Sandy
tdogmom
16 years ago
I think it just depends upon you, the photographer! My husband bought a Casio Exilim which doesn't have a viewfinder but does have a large LCD. He happens to be one of the 'old school' and has always used a viewfinder so it took him quite awhile to get used to the LCD. Initially, it was quite a challenge for him as he said he couldn't see the image but now he is comfortable with it since the LCD is fairly large.

SO, if on your older cameras you only use the LCDs then I would think you would be fine. Just go and 'test' some of the new ones and see what you think!
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grouperman941
16 years ago
The only time I use my viewfinder is when there is too much light behind me so that I can't see the LCD due to glare. It happens quite a bit in the garden, actually.
christie_sw_mo
Original Author
16 years ago
My daughter has an inexpensive digital camera without a viewfinder and I've had the same problem that grouperman mentioned. Sometimes I can't see ANYTHING on the screen if I'm outside and there's a glare on it. I was hoping that it's just because it's a cheap camera and maybe a decent one or newer one wouldn't do that. Is there anyone that never gets a glare outside?
butterflymomok
16 years ago
If you wear a big brimmed hat, you can usually get the glare to go away!

Sandy : )
tdogmom
16 years ago
Even with a viewfinder, bright sunlight makes viewing difficult. I take surf shots and the glare is awful from the ocean. They DO sell little 'shades' that go over the LCD panels.
christie_sw_mo
Original Author
16 years ago
Tdogmom - That's what we need, a little clip-on visor or shade of some sort. I will check best buy to see if they have them if I get that camera.

Sandy - A big brimmed hat sounds like a good idea. I will try that next time I'm taking pictures in bright sun.
gcertain
16 years ago
I've seen many, many excellent photos shot with Kodak EasyShare cameras. But before you buy a camera without a viewfinder, you should consider how well you can see and how still you can stand.

If you have reached that delicate age at which you have to hold the camera at arm's length to be able to see the LCD screen, you may find it impossible to trip the shutter without jarring the camera.

geni
rjj1
16 years ago
It's rare I take a photo without a tripod. That allows me to shade the LCD with my body or hat while I take photos.

What's a viewfinder? :-) Haven't used one when 10 years, guess when I quit using a 35mm.

randy
tracey_nj6
16 years ago
I'd be lost without my viewfinder! I've had 2 digital cams since 2003 and simply hate using the LCD. I can't imagine life without it...
christie_sw_mo
Original Author
16 years ago
I've been looking at camera reviews all afternoon. I'd love to find an article on which cameras are best for taking close-ups of small objects such as bugs. How do I know whether they'll focus up close on a small object? That's different than zooming in on something larger like a person 50 feet away.
grouperman941
16 years ago
Christie,

You are looking for a 'macro' feature to be able to focus on things up close.
christie_sw_mo
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you Grouperman. I need to be sure to get one with a macro feature then. I only knew to look at the optical zoom strength. I have been reading a lot of reviews and now thinking about getting a Panasonic - Lumix 7.2MP Model: DMC-TZ3. It has 10x optical/4x digital and still under $300. It has Macro and now I can't find it but I think I read that the LCD screen can be adjusted for glare or something. Not sure on that. It's a point and shoot. I don't think I would use manual controls anyway.
It's better than my last one so I know it will be fine for taking pictures of my kids, and birds and butterflies outside. Hoping it will work on smaller bugs too but if not that's ok.
It comes in black, silver or blue.

Here is a link that might be useful: Best Buy Panasonic Lumix TZ3

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