Poor A75 viewfinder accuracy...

[Treve]

Hi there!

My recently purchased Canon Powershot A75 seems to exhibit the same problem as the A70 reviewed here (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A70/A70VFAWOL.HTM) i.e. the subject, when framed at the centre using the crosshairs in the viewfinder, appears a bit lower and to the right of centre in the final stored image.

I am aware of the concept of parallax errors when taking photos of subjects that are close to the camera, but this problem also occurs when taking photos of subjects 4+ metres away and even landscapes. The problem appears worse when using the telephoto end of the zoom range.

I can put up with the viewfinder only showing 80-90% of the final image, but the non-centred image concerns me. Is this poor viewfinder performance typical of these cameras, or do I have a faulty unit?

Thanks for your help.
Treve

[Drbeagle]

Why is it such a problem. Frame the picture the way you like it with the viewfinder and then crop out the extra part of the stored image.

It doesn't matter whether it remains centered. Crop to center.

[Treve]

Coming from the world of traditional film photography, I prefer to get my composition right the first time. I don't want to have to perform any cropping on a PC to get the composition right.

I was just wondering if this was the best performance I could expect from the camera.

Does anyone else have any thoughts based on personal experience with the Canon Powershot A-series cameras?

Thanks,
Treve

[Don Schaeffer]

Whats wrong with using the LCD. I never use the otical viewfinder. I have an LCD hood that covers it anyway. I use my A70 like an SLR.

--Don

[Treve]

That wasn't the point of my original question at all - I was pointing out the poor accuracy of the viewfinder.

Of course I would prefer to use the LCD because it shows 100% of the image that will be recorded. Unfortunately, the LCD doesn't perform well in bright conditions and I don't appreciate having to add 3rd party appendages to my camera so that I can compose a shot accurately in bright conditions.

Treve

[Don Schaeffer]

Ok. But if you did construct or buy a cheap magnifying hood you would have a lot better camera.

I mounted an 2x loupe using loops of string and an elastic holder. There are many designs possible including just holding it down with your eye.

--Don