How do you preview and compose videos using live view and viewfinder settings?

1 What is live view?

Live view is a feature that lets you see what your camera sensor is capturing on the LCD screen. It is similar to using a smartphone or a point-and-shoot camera. Live view can be useful for shooting videos in low-light situations, when you need to see the exposure and focus clearly. It can also help you frame your shots from different angles, such as high or low, or when using a tripod or a gimbal.

2 What is viewfinder?

Viewfinder is the small window that you look through to see what your camera lens is seeing. It is the traditional way of shooting photos and videos with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Viewfinder can be helpful for shooting videos in bright sunlight, when the LCD screen may be hard to see. It can also give you more stability and control over your camera, as you can hold it closer to your eye and body.

3 How to switch between live view and viewfinder?

Depending on your camera model, you may have a dedicated button or a switch to toggle between live view and viewfinder. Usually, it is located near the LCD screen or the mode dial. Some cameras may also have an eye sensor that automatically turns on the viewfinder when you bring your eye close to it, and turns off the live view when you move away.

4 How to adjust live view settings?

When you use live view, you can access and change various settings on your camera, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus mode, and more. You can either use the buttons and dials on your camera, or touch the LCD screen if it is touch-sensitive. You can also zoom in and out on the LCD screen to check the focus and details of your shot. Some cameras may also have a histogram or a grid overlay on the live view to help you with exposure and composition.

5 How to adjust viewfinder settings?

When you use viewfinder, you can also adjust some settings on your camera, but not as many as on live view. You can usually see the basic information, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, battery level, and exposure meter, on the bottom or the side of the viewfinder. You can use the buttons and dials on your camera to change these settings. You can also adjust the diopter on the viewfinder, which is a small wheel that lets you fine-tune the focus for your eyesight.

6 How to choose between live view and viewfinder?

Deciding between live view and viewfinder for shooting videos is a matter of personal preference, style, and situation. However, live view can be useful when you need to see the exact image your camera sensor is capturing, adjust exposure and focus precisely, or shoot from creative angles. Viewfinder can be better for saving battery life, shooting in bright light, or getting more stability and control. It can also be faster and more responsive than live view for moving subjects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?