Which Nikon can I shoot through viewfinder?

SirenWilliams

Senior Member
Hello!
I currently use a Nikon D3200 and the only way to shoot video is to use the live video mode with the display screen. Exactly how far up on the totem pole of Nikons must I go up to be able to shoot video through the viewfinder?
I often shoot surfing and video outdoors and it's nearly impossible to see the display screen when the sun hits it, and even harder to squint and move the camera as fast as my subject is moving when i can hardly see.
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks!
 
A DSLR has to have the shutter open to shoot video and the viewfinder has to see through the lens to work so if the shutter is open the viewfinder is closed. That is why every DSLR I know of you have to use the rear screen to see when you are shooting video.
 

SirenWilliams

Senior Member
Really?? I met a guy on the beach once with a Sony that was noting how strange it was that I couldn't look through the viewfinder, and he even let me hold his camera and shoot video with it. I don't remember what it was exactly.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Really?? I met a guy on the beach once with a Sony that was noting how strange it was that I couldn't look through the viewfinder, and he even let me hold his camera and shoot video with it. I don't remember what it was exactly.
Probably a Sony mirrorless camera. DSLR's use mirrors in conjunction with the shutter. This arrangement does not allow you to use the viewfinder to shoot video. It's just a mechanical difference between the two types of camera.

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SirenWilliams

Senior Member
Do you think it'd be a downgrade to consider a camera like that? That camera he had, it had a built in lens that had as much zoom if not more than my 300mm, and it looked good! I was actually really impressed, but couldn't help but wonder what the downfall was, besides not being able to change the lens, of course.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
As far as i know you would need mirrorless to achieve what your asking for,the only possible solution with Nikon is the 1 range,after reading through 3 of your threads i am coming to the conclusion you just want to pick a camera up point it and press the button,if this is right i would seriously think about whether a Niikon DSLR is the best choice for you.
Its obviously my opinion Nikon make some of the best cameras around but DSLRs are not point and shoot.if you want great results with your Nikon you will have to let go of what your previous Sony would do and learn to work with your Nikon.
 

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
Do you think it'd be a downgrade to consider a camera like that? That camera he had, it had a built in lens that had as much zoom if not more than my 300mm, and it looked good! I was actually really impressed, but couldn't help but wonder what the downfall was, besides not being able to change the lens, of course.

Actually it could be an upgrade if you go full frame mirrorless and with 24 MP's, it will definitely give a few Nikons a run for their money in shooting video. On the other hand, Nikon takes great movie shots also. It's just a matter of preference. If you look at my signature, you will see that I shoot both Nikon and Sony.
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
A digital camera with the capability of using the viewfinder during video has an electronic instead of an optical viewfinder. Depending on the camera it could be an upgrade, a downgrade or sideways-grade.

There are LCD viewfinder add-ons that allow using a DSLRs LCD like a viewfinder.
 
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