Live view on a Digital SLR
What’s Live View?
Essentially Live View is simply a means to frame your subject via the rear display, as opposed to through a separate optical viewfinder. The image is a live feed directly from the sensor of your SLR, and it provides a real-time view of the subject you’re about to take a photo of.
Live View is used extensively with compact cameras and mobile phones, but it is still a relatively recent introduction to digital SLRs, although all recent models include Live View functionality.
When should I use Live View?
It’s best employed when the subject you’re photographing is relatively static. Landscapes and macro are both subjects that can be tackled effectively using the Live View mode. On a digital SLR, Live View is definitely better when you can sit the camera on a tripod, but you can get away with hand-holding and using Live View. This is useful with cameras that have tiltable LCD monitors, so you can see the area framed in the display even when you’re holding the camera above your head or at ground level.
When should I not use Live View?
Live View has to use a different type of autofocus system, which is slower than the type used when viewing the image through the optical viewfinder. This means that it is not really suitable for fast-moving subjects where ultra-fast AF is essential.
How effective is Live View?
Live View is a brilliant and perhaps underused function on a digital SLR. It gives you a real-time and reasonably accurate view of how correct your exposure is before you press the shutter. It’s great for accurate focussing – either manually or using the built-in AF system – on still subjects. Most cameras allow you to zoom right in and move the focus point anywhere around the frame so you can pinpoint the area you want to be pin-sharp. It also enables you to see the creative effect of changing aperture or potentially shoot remotely. It’s worth noting that Live View is quite energyhungry, so make sure you have a fully charged battery and a spare when using it.