why no LCD preview shots

[eggoo]

Why the digital SLR camera LCD does not preview shots like the P&S digital camera? The LCD only shows menus beforehand, and it displays images shot after.

Thanks.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

It's because with an SLR camera, the picture comes through the lens onto the image sensor. The mirror/prism diverts the image to your eye through the viewfinder until you press the shutter button.

P&S cameras have a separate viewfinder that shows a somewhat different view of the subject.

Regards,

[ldivinag]

nature of the SLR = single lens (reflex).

i'm guessing here since it's been a while since a shot an SLR (film even), the shutter doesnt open until you press the button. otherwise, you would have to implement another lens for the preview. then it wouldnt be an SLR... right???

correct me if i'm wrong...

btw, still waiting to get my 10D... i'm planning on going to the seybold conf in san fran next month. hope canon aint showing nothing new there... ;)

[Morden]

As it is an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, the light entering the camera through the lens is directed, via a mirror, up to the eyepiece so that you can see exactly what the sensor will 'see' when the photograph is taken. This mirror is raised out of the way when a picture is taken, and this is the only time that the light from the lens reaches the sensor. So, before you take a picture, the sensor cannot 'see' the light and cannot show a preview on the LCD monitor.

I still use my G2 P&S camera, which shows an image preview, and I do sometimes miss this tool on my D60 and 10D, but, believe me, the advantages of having an SLR greatly outweigh the disatvantages.

I hope that this helps.