So after watching the video, what do you think? Viewfinder? Screen? Why? 😊

I use the viewfinder because looking on the lcd is usually not easy to do with (bright) sunlight plus when I use full manual exposure and or focus the viewfinder makes accurate manual focus and exposure the best. For viewing photos to someone i use the lcd. But for exposing and focus I prefer the viewfinder

Wait till you age and require reading glasses, then only you will realize the need for view finder with diopter adjustment.

I use both, but the viewfinder makes me feel more connected. Hard to explain. But use the screen a lot when shooting landscapes, because 99% of occasions the camera is on the tripod. I’ll try to use it more often though! 😊 Thanks!

Main reason i don't use the viewfinder is because on the dslr i was not seeing the same with both eyes and i believe one degraded more because of the viewfinder. I was getting dizzy as well.

I noticed a lot of photogs using the back LCD more in this day and age and I wondered why. In the 25 years that I’ve been shooting, I preferred using a viewfinder. I always felt like I had more stability and control. That said, your arguments made a lot of sense, especially with a mirrorless system (which I just recently switched to from DSLR). You convinced me to work on my skills shooting with the back screen.

This reminds me when Olympus launched the first DSLR (Evolt E-330 - 2006) with "live-view"rear LCD and dpreview said it was "a solution looking for a problem"- and now every DSLR has it.

Many rangefinder users claim that RF is superior to SLR/ DSLR because they can view more than 100% of the frame! Therefore, they can have more preparation in taking a shot, especially in taking street photography. Actually, viewing at a LCD screen, is like looking through a RF viewfinder! The screen is the frame and your eyes see beyond the frame! The difference is that viewing at a LCD screen, you can have a much bigger view than the restricted size of a RF viewfinder!

Okay.I really do not like the screen. I often find it impossible in bright light. Some of my older cameras, all Olympus Pen or OMD models do not have a movable screen. I am 85 and my eyes are not what they used to be. I have add on EVF and with the movable eye piece I can use it to look down even it the camera needs to be closer to my eye. Having said all hat I do occasionally attempt use the screen if that particular camera has a moveable one but usually go back to the view finder. I did enjoy your presentation.

Hi Similar to directors of Photography in the movies, I do use the viewfinder for the first approach on the composition and, also in quick shots (especially those when I am in movement, seated on car, trucks, buses etc). But, when I am using mono or tripods, the LCD screen is much more confortable to use. That's it. See ya, blue skies

I'm one of those who use the viewfinder all the time but it's an interesting coincidence that this video came up at a time when I'm planning to work with the screen on my upcoming trip and see how that works. I mostly shoot wildlife so I find the viewfinder quicker to work with when the animal is moving around but I also want to try and see if I can get better angles for relatively stationary creatures.

I hardly ever used the screen but after watching this video I used the screen to get candid shots at the farmer's market and the results were fantastic. I would never having gotten those shoots using the viewfinder because people would probably have looked at me.

Excellent photos! I think when you are first starting out, it is good to use the viewfinder, it helps to train a person's eye to focus on what they wish to shoot. I liken it to blinders when training horses who are easily overwhelmed and distracted. However, once your eyes are well trained, then yes the screen is excellent. Once again love your work!

Yes since 2006 and I will use the viewfinder forever

For me the viewfinder helps minimize visual clutter and facilitate artistic framing, while providing extra stability to the camera. I also prefer the old-school charm of using the viewfinder on vintage-style digital cameras, as people think I'm using a film camera.

Viewfinder only for stills, because it puts me "in" the scene, like an extension of my eye, while looking at the screen separates me from the scene. For video, I use the camera screen or additional monitor for obvious reasons. Having said that, when I had a medium format camera with focussing screen or used view cameras, the screen was the only option ... but that led to a different kind of photograph.

Both , i like both,& need both.

I wear reading glasses and without reading classes I can't see any thing from the screen. With an evf I always can see supersharp.

How have I gone my whole life not knowing you work! Absolutely stunning!!!

using the viewfinder for me is like putting something together and then turning it on for the first time to see if it works.

I am learning to love the screen also, sometimes more prone to camera shake but it’s a question of practice for me I think. I am certainly going to do more of it now

I will always love the good old viewfinder, I use both but it always feel good to zone out into the viewfinder. My knees definitely enjoy the articulating screen though.

One more advantage of the viewfinder is stability. There are three points of contact (your two hands and your face or nose) vs two (your two hands). With bigger lens or when shooting with marginal shutter speeds this is a real benefit.

I used the EVF because I have it - while mine tilts up... I rarely use that. While LCD does the job as well, in some scenarios I prefer EVF. Not only for stability and removing distractions/sun light. It helps the subject find eyelevel makes more sense, it's also part of the angle I end up using. And the type of photography I do is different to what you are highlighting here. I am really tall, especially compared to the usual subjects I shoot. My photos are naturally from higher up and often I even extend my arm and take them from even higher up. I met a photographer once that was even a head taller than me. And the effect was even more clear, looking at thier results. I tend to shoot a lot of wide shots - and I do love to twist may camera which basically means I shoot blind, prefocus or just trust the AF, and time the movement by ending the exposure about straigh. Every single image is reframed, cropped and rotated in post anyway. And I hope to get even wider lenses soon. I never shot SLR or even DSLR. So I never had to remember equivalent exposures, set the ISO or use DoF preview buttons. What I see is what I get (usually), and I do use autoISO, EV dial and A/S modes. It works better.

I use a G9 with articulating screen. I feel it takes time to swivel out and rotate the this type of screen. Also it sticks out and doubles the size of the camera, makes it bulky. I would like to try a flip up screen. Otherwise screen is great with my kids for the reasons you mentioned .

I feel like I need a camera with an articulating touch screen now… you have created a really compelling aesthetic for people photography in the documentary genre. Wonderful!

I do love fully articulated screen since it allows to compose the shot really in a creative and flexible way in most occasion. But the tilting one is best for shooting on the hips in street photography session

Both the viewfinder and the screen have their place in the photographic process. Only using one or the other is putting limitations on creativity. The diopter in the viewfinder works best for me when I need to nail focus and to look at my composition without peripheral distraction that a screen produces. I can also pay more attention to my background with my viewfinder, more so than the screen. I also find that laying on the ground and getting dirty puts me in a more personal eye level position with my subject. If I use my articulating screen, I am distant and less likely to feel connection. The angle of view may be creative but the emotion is handicapped. Always there are exceptions and sometimes the angle of view that a screen offers is necessary.

I use both b/c using both makes the most sense. I'm not sure these feature are pitted against one a other. They're complimentary.

I use viewfinder on my film cameras and I really like using them. On digital never use viewfinder, only LCD. Using a viewfinder puts me in the analogue mood but on digital the articulating LCD is perfect.

i guess i’m old school. i like to frame a shot with the viewfinder. my eyesight also is ‘t that great, so while i can compose a shot (when it’s not bright outside), i can’t tell if i’m in focus using the screen. one of my biggest gripes is that many of the newer cameras that don’t cost an arm and a leg don’t have viewfinders. i’m considering the sony a7c to replace my old bulky canon 60d, but i’m hesitating due to the tiny evf. the struggle is real. 😅

Having been using an SLR for 50+ years, it still feels much more natural and comfortable to use the viewfinder. However I agree with all that you said in the video and I do at times use the screen when it is advantageous to do so, particularly for low shots where it's getting too difficult to not be in a standing position. I also use a Panasonic compact and couldn't upgrade quick enough when they finally added a viewfinder.

I love the flip screen on my fuji x100v for street photography, it changes the game. But of course, there is still something special about using the viewfinder. Indeed, when I have a camera in pocket with no viewfinder, just a screen, I end up disliking the experience overall. Like most things in my life, I swing both ways.

I can see the merits of the screen but in real life, I still find it so damn hard to adapt to it that I keep coming back to the viewfinder over and over. I could cite brightness as well as stability but I think what still makes a difference to me is that there's a subjective experience of feeling more one with the camera. It is as though I were able to think and react faster when I have it stuck to my eye, as if it magnified reality. In any case, the great thing is that both methods are there to our disposal. The ability to go have both and use them depending on each situation is a huge addition to our tools.

I do struggle with using the screen, but I can definitely see the advantages when trying for candid shots of my grandchildren, street photography, and travel photography. I have found using the viewfinder automatically attracts attention.

Great video. In my 20s and 30s I shot probably 80% of my photos with medium format cameras: my favorite being my Rolleiflex 2.8F. The "looking down" method is quite natural to me. In fact, two of my favorite mirrorless cameras are my Lumix GX8 and GX9. The flip-up EVF along with the screen offers a lot of flexibility and options beyond eye-level shooting. I wish more cameras had flip up EVFs. Also, in addition to the discretion offered by right angle viewing, I've always felt that raising the camera to the eye can be perceived as aggression by some and raises tension in the subject (even if they are cooperating).

Brilliant advice. I will try this for candid shots

Since 2016 I've been using my camera's articulating screen while doing street photography, particularly in situations where one needs to be stealthy. I use it even in harsh lights (harsh light isn't that unwelcomed in this genre) and use my own shadow to block the light.

Iam a hobbyist photographer using the screen over viewfinder is just amazing to compose your shot with the ISO control and Exposure value as under dark conditions the screen plays a great role obviously the viewfinder is just as natural as human eye...I personally don't use viewfinder always but for nice portrait shots then it's a yes !

Those are some great points you made there. It’s true that people are much more aware of photography than earlier. Nowadays, millions of pictures are taken and posted every hour and snaps have different meanings nowadays. Great video!

I have an older DSLR that doesn't have a flip out screen; however, I just pickup a waist level finder for my F3. I'm hoping to get a mirrorless Body later this year and would definitely use both the viewfinder and screen.

using only the Viewfinder on my Fuji X-E3 , more infos and a better view in bright light

I agree with what you are saying ... but for the problem I have needing reading glass to see the screen. In the view finder I see sharp without glasses. Maybe a solution is to get a pair of half reading glass half plain glass? I do not need glasses on distances over 1,1 meter ...

Fully agree, using the fully articulated monitor for stills is a strategic aset. Obviously it is not this OR that, but using both according to circunstances.

Often in Peru, particularly in market environs, I became aware that I was sticking out like a sore thumb and the focus of attention. My technique was to ensure I had the appropriate telephoto lens on my camera, go to a far corner or wall. lower my camera and become as bland as well as boring as I could. Inevitably people soon became bored and accepting of my presence and then I could then get my "interesting" photos of them going about their daily lives oblivious to me or my camera. My new camera will have the articulating screen and I look forward to utilizing the opportunities that it will present.

I use my viewfinder to extend my battery life

My favorite LCD screen was the design that Fujifilm used from some of their cameras - a two axis tilt screen. I miss that design but video ruling the LCD design more than photography it seems. At least Fuji has the GFX line with the two axis tilt screen if I ever decide to go back to Fuji. I have been using mirrorless cameras since 2015 so I have gotten used to using what is most comfortable for the task at hand. Having both options are great; however, some of my cameras have the 9.44 million dots EVF and it is just sheer fun to use those EVFs. :D

Thanks intersting video and great photos of people! After 40 years of using viewfinders i am now on the way to use more and more the disply.

I think it really helps to understand what your lens “sees” via practicing in static situations so shooting from the hip is more accurate.

Most time I use the viewfinder. Photos are more presize and quality while looking at my subject is much better than the display. But there are also situations where I use the display.

I have an SLT so I have been using the screen since day 1. Also, my glasses are progressive so the viewfinder is a PITA. But sometimes it is needed so I'm glad that it's there.

Just came back from a trip to the Balkans to do travel photography for a client. Though it was great, I wish I watched this video beforehand :D Thanks for making this video! Even after watching all of your youtube videos and buying your course, I can't get enough of looking at your pictures. So authentic, inspiring, and beautiful!

I started using the back screen about 5 or 6 years ago. After years of using the viewfinder it took a bit of getting used to, especially when using flash (that slight delay is most vexing haha), but now I love it and hardly ever use the viewfinder anymore. And the articulating screen on my new camera (Canon R5) just makes it even more useful and amazing! Great vid bro, agree 100%

I have been shooting with a DSLR for decades. I am now in my late 60's. I went to a ML camera 3 months ago. I now have very tired, red and nearly swollen muscles around my eyes. My eye doctor suggested the issue was caused by eye fatigue and pollen or allergy issues. That could be the cause but I had no such issues when using a DSLR. I will try using the screen more to see if that helps. Other wise I will sell my ML and go back to a DSLR.

Actually when I think a bit more, I feel that this is what people said like 10 years ago when all the new camera abandon their VF/EVF (like olympus EP-1, Panasonic GF1, Canon G1X). Now EVF has as strong come back. Now people fully aware what the LCD and do and also fully aware that LCD alone is not good enough. This is an video 10 years too late.

I can see the benefit. I do not take pics of people, at least not in Mitchell's style, but will have to give it a try on our upcoming trips if an opportunity presents itself or wherever I feel like giving it a shot (no pun intended?).

I like the canon screens the most. They go in every direction. I find some other brand screens extremely limiting

Thanks for this video, it inspired me to start using the screen again! I mostly use the viewfinder because I use reading glasses (which I don't need with it ). I have my camera configured for back button focus and using it gives me the green dots showing the (continues) focus and tracking. If I use the screen however I don't have that, instead I get a rectangle (which also follows the focused point). Is there a way to also get the green dots using the screen? Perhaps it is a setting which I have done wrong. Do you have some tips on how to configure the optimal focus settings for use with the screen?

Sometimes I struggle to see the LCD screen in bright light, so have no choice. Also, I feel I can frame the picture better with the viewfinder.

Hey Mitchell, loved this video of your, very informative and you really explained very well. I wanted to ask can you please tell me what lens and setting you have used for this video? Will be very helpful for me.

Thank you for this video! I tend to use the viewfinder when handholding my camera, but the LED screen when using a tripod. I have long admired your work. Now that I'm aware of this technique, I'm going to try it. I'm an amateur. This technique will make a difference in the quality of the street shots I take.

I actually prefer rotating screen over the flip one. The reason is simple, once I have camera in my backpack or on my shoulder, I don't worry that screen will get broken and once I'm taking photos, I just "open it". for the rest, thanks for useful tips again Mitchell!

YES ! I do most of my photography with manual focus.

While I agree with every single point in your video, personally I don't often need to be "stealthy". I much prefer the viewfinder since I find using the camera and all the controls much more ergonomic to use that way. There is a time and a place for using the display. Just like with everything - every tool has its use case

I agree with your points. Since I switched to a mirrorless camera I have found the screen great for taking photos. The EVF is a higher quality picture so I still find it useful in bright light and when the scene is evenly lit so I can more easily pick out a detail through the EVF. I also use it for astro photography when I want to focus on a star accurately. It is very liberating not to have to be a contortionist or have to lie on the floor to get interesting angles for photos and especially for natural photos where the subjects don't know when you take the photos!

Hey Mitchell, I had just begun to use the screen not long before I saw this video. I use an X-T30 Fuji which does not have the most ergonomic positioning for clicking the shutter at the best of times. So much worse when you hold the camera low down. Being a “back button” focus guy this was made even worse until I changed things up. I now have a ‘back button” on the front (usually the DOF button) which I control with my second finger and operate the shutter with my thumb. It works out very well for my sized hands and I am beginning to see the many advantages. If I have the touch focus set on the back screen I am also able to get a much quicker shot in than using BBF. Thanks for your videos and courses. Great content to help me on my journey

I have used the screen occasionally, and your video has inspired me to experiment further. However, the majority of my photography involves birds and BIF, and I don’t see how a screen could be used to locate and track these subjects.

I use the viewfinder because I don't get a good enough view on the screen - I will have to wear reading glasses. For the same reason I take relatively few photos on the phone. If I take a photo of a mushroom on the forest floor I use the flip up screen 😊. But I like your examples, it might be something to practise.

I remember being mocked for using the view finder to get the dual pixel auto-focus, because I was supposedly looking like a dork. I bought a mirrorless just because of that, and as times changed, I could have used the screen all long and be more sure of myself. It's a shame I let myself be influenced like that.

Waaay back I had a canon, early digital, with a flip out screen - I used the screen constantly and LOVED the 'low at the waist' shoot angle. The camera got old, I went back to the Pentax dslr BUT have ever since hankered after a flip screen. Soon will be purchasing a compact camera for everyday carry and one of the "MUST HAVES" is ... a flip out screen. So I completely agree with your thesis.

When you get to my age, Mitch, the screen is far more convenient. Crouching, kneeling, sitting, all get to be a pain, eventually. Unfortunately I'm a committed Nikon user. And for some extraordinary reason, so far Nikon have only put a screen that you can point anywhere, on one camera - the recently released Zcf, which - of course - is only half frame. Now, it seems unlikely that they'll fit one to the Z7 or the Z9 - or even, the Z50. While the Zfc is "desirable", it wouldn't really provide me with a suitable path forward with the mirrorless range. Right now, I shoot mostly with the D850 or the D500. Maybe there'll be a Z8 sometime, to use up that gap in their model numbers - and maybe, just maybe, it'll have an adjustable screen like the Zfc. For the moment, I feel locked out of the market for new camera bodies. And this movable screen is one of - not the only one, but certainly an important one of - the reasons I have yet to go "mirrorless". With all your comments about being surreptitious about capturing images of people, my mind went back to my early days with an SLR. Early 1960s. I've ALWAYS been a fan of "available light" - and I amused myself at an office Christmas party, taking shots of the tribe I was working with at the time. None of them took any notice - they didn't believe any of the photos would work - there was no flash, was there? So they ignored me completely. When I produced the prints, in January, it seems one of them must have had second thought - I was out of the office for an hour or so, that morning, and when I returned, I found someone had broken into my filing cabinet and stolen the prints and the negatives!

If you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious what lens you have on your Sony in this video? …I’ve shot mirrorless for a long time as have always used the screen to be more discreet when necessary. It’s definitely helpful

SUPERB channel. I also bought your first course and highly recommend to everyone. Too many so called photographers create a channel out of boredom with no real or zero credentials. This channel is a gold mine. THANK YOU Mitch.

Re: the type of viewfinder, I have rented a few cameras and generally I am comfortable with either. I currently have the fully articulated type but being mostly still image centric I love the tilting screen too. My issue is that my eyesight is not as good and screens in general are difficult in outdoor conditions. When I do use it I usually use a shutter to eliminate as much shake as possible. If I eliminate the shutter delay the 6 stop ibis comes in handy.

Depends on what I'm doing. Portraits and so forth I use the viewfinder because i can focus on details more. But, i use the back screen alot Yes, i commented early

Hi Mitchell! Thanks for reminding me what to do with the screen😆... Out of habit I use 90% the viewfinder. But in fact, you have the opportunity to capture authentic situations and you are quicker to react (after a little practice). I'll actually try to get used to this technique now. Thank you for the great tip and your valuable videos in general! 😊

Excellent points. I use the screen in landscape photography but I’ll have to try it with people.

I was using the screen on my Sony A7RII and liked it. It did not articulate. I just bought the new Sony ZV E10 which does not have a view finder and am very happy with it. I agree the screen is the way to go. Would love to see a tutorial on the new camera including the set up for stills and video. Enjoy learning from you and your travels, Johnny

Great vid Mitch...I'm going to give this another go. Really like your suggestion to talk/interact as you shoot....and I'm turning of the shutter sound on my Olympus EPL7 right NOW! Thx.

Great Photos. I use my Fuji X-T3 screen especially for low positions. But using the screen while talking to people is a good idea. I am wearing glasses and when looking through te viewfinder I always remove my glasses, while using the screen I can just keep my glasses on.....so that is an advantage too. Thanks for the great video. Frank

I have a Canon RP for two years and I may have used the flip screen a few times. I love the WYSIWYG EVF. But I will use flipped screen more now for candid shots of people. I agree with much of what you say. THANKS!

I love a viewfinder as strong sun is a nightmare

i wish i could use a screen when i shoot on my bike. i have to guess and shoot from the hip because i can’t bring my focus away from the road for long when i’m traveling around vehicles, potholes, debris, traffic signals etc. street photos on a bicycle is a challenge, but my shooting from the hip has improved drastically over the past year or so. always looking for a new solution though.

I started my photographic journey with smartphones, so I've been used to using the screen since the beginning. I've always felt that using the VF seemed cooler and more "professional", but never really got influenced into thinking of VFs as the "right way" to shoot. I think shooting with a good VF can be very satisfying, but in most cases I just used the screen unless the sun is strong and I can't see well. Also I just don't like people noticing me taking photos :P

I have used the screen but only when it was the only way to get the shot. I plan now to try some experimenting with the screen and will be curious to see how necessary my reading glasses will or won't be. I don't wear them all the time and find them a bit of an encumbrance especially with plain lens sunglasses. Thanks for the points you made I hadn't thought of and driving me to try something relatively new!

I’m definitely going to try it 😎🙏🏾

Hope you come out a video of camera settings on your Sony camera as I always miss the focus points when I use the screen,and thanks for upload the video just as I need it.

Really well made video! I never have watched your video's before but this is so good! Keep rocking.

Would anyone buy a camera today without a screen? For vacation travel photography I am seriously considering a smaller MFT or APSC interchangeable-lens camera entirely without a viewfinder. With compact primes these "screen-only" camera systems are pocketable, discrete looking, carry all-the-time camera systems. By using a prime lens, some shots will have have sub-optimal framing. Not having a viewfinder could also mean sub-optimal framing in bright sunlight for some shots, but even in bright sunlight the screen enables shots not possible with viewfinder. A camera ready to shoot all-the-time will yield more good vacation photos, then the perfect system that must be pulled out of the back pack. People today are comfortable with cell-phone photos being taken while eating together or social interactions. No viewfinder on cell phones.

I am glad that i came across your channel. thank for the video.

Great set of phots mister and a pretty good lesson as well.

Glad you’re loving your Sony! It’s a great system. I’ve been really enjoying my Xpro3 because of the same reasons of the screen but also because it’s hidden. My documentary work is left unhindered because people assume it’s a film camera.

Good points, thank you for stressing the utility of the screen. I guess, the only reason I have not to use it, is that my eyesight is not good and it's hard to tell if a shot is sharp or not (I can adjust the view finder diopter, thought).

The screen on the back of my Canon 5Diii doesn't flip out. :-(

Thanks for the video. Have to admit your photos , portraits have that National Geographic look about them. Brilliant !!! The best I have seen for a while. Really capture the moment.

Great information. I will get out of my comfort zone and give it a shot.

I mostly use a Ricoh GR3, so I don't even have a viewfinder or a tilting screen, just a touchscreen. It's different with my Olympus, where I both use the viewfinder and the screen.

You had great points. I use more often the viewfinder. 1st I really don’t get in the flow for pictures when I am using the screen. I use a Xpro1 and the screen is so so (as the viewfinder too but better). Maybe because I shoot primary analog the viewfinder is the only tool that I have. I understand your point because I love using my Rolleiflex. Shooting without looking ahead creates different look and reactions.

The fully articulating screen that Sony a99 had would be optimal. I use screen most of the time but I find that the tilting screen on Sony A7iii or A7riv limits vertical shots too much. I hope the upcoming A7iv will have more of articulation.

Thank you for the video, Mitchell, that was more interesting then I thought. Ill maybe try it when I get around to it. The thing though that you forgot to mention in the video is that using the screen is really most beneficial when youre photographing people and its not a "straigt portrait" shot. I rarely if ever do photos like this though, mostly landscape, cars and architecture or straight portraits. So theres no need for me to look unsuspicious :)