D5100 viewfinder

[Papperclippy]

I've just about settled on either the d5100 or d5200. I've read that the 5k series viewfinder displays 95% of the pic whereas the 7k displays the whole frame. When using the 5100, if u look at the live mode with the LCD, will the LCD display the full frame? Is it better to look thru the viewfinder as opposed to using the LCD?

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I've just about settled on either the d5100 or d5200. I've read that the 5k series viewfinder displays 95% of the pic whereas the 7k displays the whole frame. When using the 5100, if u look at the live mode with the LCD, will the LCD display the full frame? Is it better to look thru the viewfinder as opposed to using the LCD?

I have the 5100 and almost never use LiveView. I prefer the viewfinder as I find it fast, better for composition and manipulation of focus points and exposure modes.

I find liveview useful if I am taking a photo where I cannot get to the viewer (overhead, near floor level etc)

Pat in NH

 

[dervari]

Live view is a battery hog also. A friend ran her battery dry at a nature shot by using live view the whole time.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD

 

[fotojack]

There's a reason why DSLR cameras have a viewfinder. Learn to use it and you will find it much faster and easier to use than Liveview all the time. As has been mentioned, Liveview is a battery hog anyway. There are a lot of expensive Point & Shoot cameras that just have a Liveview screen......but you bought a DSLR.

 

[SkvLTD]

That 5% you don't usually see is say, the top 1/6th of the window in the viewfinder

Does that really affect much of anything? Hardly. Could even be slightly useful since if you place your subject inside the viewfinder's field of view, you can be sure nothing will be cropped since it gives you that 5% leeway.

 

[Papperclippy]

Thanks for the help and thanks sky for visually putting it in perspective.