Camera Viewfinder Photography: The Key to Better Photos

10 November 2024

With the latest DSLR and Mirrorless camera releases, we have seen an increase in the popularity of tilting and flipping LCD screens. This is wonderful for vlogging and for capturing the best-framed selfies on Instagram, but are these screens the best option for classic photographic purposes? 

Today, we discuss why you should consider ignoring your LCD screen and peep through your camera viewfinder for photography instead when framing your portraits and landscapes.


Why would a photographer use a viewfinder?

Are you weighing up framing with a camera viewfinder vs LCD screen? When we compose our images through a viewfinder, it is easier for us to ignore things outside the frame and pay closer attention to what lies within it. We can then make conscious decisions about what we include and crop out, producing stronger compositions.

When we capture an image through our LCD screen we are tempted to check it over for flaws and reshoot if necessary immediately. While this sounds good, it can make us a little lazy; we know if something goes wrong we can just take another photo. By taking a film-like approach to our photography and ignoring the LCD screen for a while, we can improve our skills and chances of getting the right image on our first try.

Our last point on the importance of viewfinders relates to camera shake. When holding our camera up to our eye to take a shot, we can brace ourselves a little better and hold the camera firmly, which eliminates some of the small movements that lead to blurry images.

The Benefits of Composing Through a ViewfinderThe Benefits of Composing Through a Viewfinder

Do all cameras have viewfinders?

The Benefits of Composing Through a ViewfinderThe Benefits of Composing Through a Viewfinder

While scarce, compact cameras with viewfinders are still available and are a key selling point of those models. You will have much more luck finding a camera with a viewfinder in the DSLR or mirrorless segment. Do all DSLR cameras have viewfinders? Yes, they do! Conversely, not all mirrorless cameras have viewfinders but they are still very common, and if you are purchasing a high-end mirrorless camera, there is a good chance it will have an excellent viewfinder for you to compose your shots with.


The key difference between DSLR and Mirrorless cameras is the fact that DSLR cameras feature an optical viewfinder, due to their mirror system that reflects what the lens sees directly through the viewfinder. Due to their lack of Mirror, Mirrorless cameras display an electronic reading of what their lens can see on their viewfinder, which is referred to as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). This is also the type of viewfinder that you will find on select Advanced Digital Compact Cameras.

In the early days of Mirrorless cameras, electronic viewfinders were seen as inferior compared to their DSLR counterparts' crisp and clear optical viewfinders. Modern models, however, have bridged the gap in quality to an acceptable level. Many users are willing to ignore any difference in quality to use a more compact and lightweight Mirrorless camera.

When it comes down to it, both optical and electronic viewfinders produce a clear and detailed view of what your digital camera will capture, allowing you to decide on any necessary changes and fire your shutter.

Top Tip: Is your camera viewfinder blurry? Check for a small dial next to your viewfinder, which is called a diopter. This can be adjusted to provide a sharp and clear image for your eyesight.

Camera viewfinder maintenance

Cleaning your camera's viewfinder is a crucial step in cleaning and caring for your camera, and ensuring it functions at its best. A dirty viewfinder can obscure the view, making it difficult to compose your shots accurately.

If you are wondering how to clean your camera viewfinder, we are here to tell you that it is simple and safe. To clean it, gently remove dust with a blower brush and smudges using a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cleaning brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the viewfinder's delicate optics.

The Benefits of Composing Through a Camera ViewfinderThe Benefits of Composing Through a Camera Viewfinder

Browse some cameras with viewfinders


Improve your understanding of photography with Ted’s today

If you still can’t decide what digital camera is best for you, talk to the staff at your local Ted’s store today. Follow our blog for all things photography, from product roundups and shooting tips. Don’t forget to look at our handy photography glossary if you need help understanding any key terms you may have read for the first time today.


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