OVF, EVF or Live View – which one should you choose?

There are three primary methods for viewing the scene on your camera: Optical Viewfinder (OVF), Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), and Live View. Which is which, and more importantly, which one is the right for you? In his latest video for Adorama TV, David Bergman answers these questions and shares some pros and cons of each.

Optical Viewfinder (OVF)

An OVF is a classic viewing method, often found in SLR cameras, both digital and film. It provides a direct optical view of the scene through the lens.

Pros of OVF

• Real-time viewing: You see the scene exactly as it is, without any processing delays.
• Fast and accurate focusing: The dedicated autofocus sensor is optimized for speed and precision, which is especially useful for action or wildlife photography.
• No battery drain: Unlike electronic methods, an OVF doesn’t consume battery power for the viewfinder.

Cons of OVF

• Limited information: You can’t see real-time exposure, white balance, or other settings. So, you gotta know what you’re doing before taking the shot. But if you ask me, this isn’t a bad thing!
• Potential for eye strain: Long viewing sessions can be tiring, especially in low-light conditions. This is something I sometimes struggle with. My dominant eye is right, and switching to left helps this a bit (even though it feels a little weird at first).

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

An EVF is a digital screen that displays a live preview of the scene. You’ll usually find it in mirrorless cameras.

Pros of EVF

• Real-time preview: You can see how exposure, white balance, and other settings will affect the image before taking the shot. This is especially helpful if you’re still learning, and I believe it can speed up the learning curve.
• Additional information: EVFs often display helpful information like histograms, focus peaking, and electronic level.
• Versatility: EVFs can be used in various shooting scenarios, including low-light conditions and video recording.

Cons of EVF

• Potential lag: Older EVFs might suffer from slight delays in the live view, which can be noticeable and potentially crucial in fast-paced situations. Still, newer models don’t suffer from this issue, so I think you’re good to go.
• Battery drain: The constant display and processing of the image can drain the battery faster than the OVF.
• Screen resolution: While modern EVFs offer high resolution, they might not match the clarity of an optical viewfinder. I personally don’t enjoy EVF and my eyes get tired more quickly when shooting with a mirrorless camera.

Live View

Live View uses the camera’s main image sensor to display a live preview on the rear LCD screen.

Pros of Live View

• Flexible composition: The tilting or swiveling screen allows for creative angles, whether you’re shooting from up high or from low angles.
• Precise focusing: You can use the magnified live view for critical focusing, which is especially useful in macro photography.
• Real-time preview: Similar to EVFs, you can see the effects of settings before taking the shot.

Cons of Live View

• Slower autofocus: Autofocus can be slower in live view, especially in DSLRs. I have an older camera, and while I find Live View useful on some occasions, this is annoying as hell.
• Battery drain: Using the rear LCD screen constantly drains the battery.
• Camera shake: Holding the camera away from your eye introduces more camera shake, especially in low-light conditions. When you hold it against your face, with elbows tucked in, you have more points of support and your camera is more stable. With arms stretched out to shoot through Live View, you lose this stability and you might struggle with sharpness.

Choosing the right method

So, which method is right for you? Like with everything else, there’s no one solution for everyone. It all depends on your specific needs, but also your preferences. Consider factors like:

• Shooting style: Action photographers might prefer the speed and accuracy of an OVF, while landscape photographers might benefit from the flexibility of live view.
• Camera type: DSLRs typically offer OVFs and Live View, while mirrorless cameras rely on EVFs and Live View.
• Personal preference: Some photographers prefer the directness of an OVF, while others appreciate the versatility of an EVF or Live View. It depends on your eyesight, habits, and the like.

While there’s no “one method to rule them all,” I believe these guidelines will help you find the best solution for you. Don’t be afraid to switch between different methods and see what works best. Ultimately, the key is to experiment and find the method that suits you and that makes photography a pleasure.

[OVF vs. EVF vs. Live View: Which Camera Viewfinder is Best for You? | Ask David Bergman | Adorama]

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