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.
What is a Viewfinder?
Having a viewfinder in your camera essentially provides a window through which a photographer sees the scene they're about to capture. Viewfinders are a crucial component of a camera, allowing the photographer to frame the shot, adjust focus, and compose the image before taking the picture. A camera viewfinder is important to photographers as it provides a direct view of the scene to be captured.
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.
Do all cameras have viewfinders?
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! If you're ready to explore your options, browse our roundup of the best DSLR cameras available in Australia in 2026. 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. Check out our picks for the top mirrorless cameras at Ted's to find models with standout electronic viewfinders.
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. For a deeper look at how this mirror system works and how it compares to mirrorless technology, read our complete guide to how mirrorless cameras work. 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.
What makes the best camera viewfinder?
Not all viewfinders are created equal, and knowing what to look for helps you choose the right camera. For optical viewfinders (OVF), the key metric is frame coverage — professional DSLRs offer 100% coverage, meaning exactly what you see is what you capture, while entry-level DSLRs may show only 95%. For electronic viewfinders (EVF), resolution is critical: modern high-end mirrorless cameras now offer EVFs exceeding 9 million dots, delivering a crisp, true-to-life preview. Magnification also matters — a higher magnification (e.g. 0.78x versus 0.5x) makes it easier to spot fine detail and nail focus manually. When shopping at Ted's, ask our in-store team to compare viewfinders side-by-side, as the difference is immediately apparent in person.
Bridge cameras with viewfinders
If you want a versatile all-in-one camera that includes a viewfinder — without committing to an interchangeable lens system — a bridge camera is worth serious consideration. Bridge cameras sit between compact cameras and DSLRs, offering long zoom ranges (often 20–125x optical zoom) in a single fixed lens, and the vast majority include a built-in electronic viewfinder. This makes them excellent for wildlife photography, travel, and sports shooting in Australian outdoor conditions where bright sunlight makes composing on an LCD screen difficult. Popular bridge camera options available at Ted's include models from Sony, Panasonic, and Nikon, with prices typically ranging from around AUD $600 to $1,200. They are a practical, affordable entry point for photographers who want the viewfinder experience without the added cost and complexity of buying separate lenses.
Choosing a digital camera viewfinder: a quick reference
To help you compare your options at a glance, here is how the main digital camera viewfinder types stack up:
- DSLR optical viewfinder: Lag-free, true optical view — ideal for fast-moving subjects and those who prefer a natural feel. Best suited to portrait, sport, and wildlife photographers.
- Mirrorless EVF: Shows a live digital preview including exposure and white balance — excellent for learning how camera settings affect your image before you shoot. Resolution varies by model, so higher-end cameras deliver a noticeably better experience.
- Bridge camera EVF: Compact and convenient, built into a fixed-lens body. Great for travel and everyday shooting across Australia's varied landscapes.
Whichever type suits your shooting style, composing through a viewfinder consistently delivers sharper, better-composed images than relying solely on the LCD screen.
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.
Browse some cameras with viewfinders
Explore our full range of DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras with viewfinders online or visit your local Ted's store to try them out in person.
Embrace viewfinder photography with Ted's help today
Hopefully this rundown has helped you decide if a viewfinder is important to you.
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. Browse our photography glossary to look up any unfamiliar terms from today's article.