Pro90 viewfinder

[GaryBerg]

I'm evaluating switching from my Elan II equipment to using a digital camera. I'm really interested in the Pro90IS from the reviews I've seen, but I'm unable to locate one here in Dayton, Ohio.

One feature which attracts me is the electronic viewfinder. Not so much that it's electronic, I guess, as the fact that it's equivalent to an SLR viewfinder.

Anyway, a couple of the reviews I've read have mentioned that the viewfinder gets a bit "pixelized" when the image stabilization kicks in. Looking at the specs of the viewfinder, it has more resolution that the LCD on the back of the camera. How well does it work in real life? Can you see what's in focus and compose well with it? One Olympus I played with which had an electronic viewfinder was apparently very low resolution, as it was hard to see much at all through it.

My hope would be to use this camera much like an SLR, not looking at the back much at all except to see how the shot came out. I'm sure there would be times when I would use it to compose and such, but I'd expect to use the viewfinder to do so most of the time.

[James]

Hi Gary,

I have a Pro90 and at first the electronic finder was unusual, however I hardly notice it now.

The pros of this camera far outweigh the cons and I am very happy with my purchase.

Hope you enjoy yours too.

James

[GaryBerg]

James,

So how clear or fuzzy is the electronic viewfinder in real life? It's supposed to have more pixels making it up than the LCD has - does it seem that way or is the LCD easier to read?

Does the viewfinder change at all when the Image Stabilizer kicks in?

How well can you determine what areas of the picture are in focus?

I'm coming from using an SLR, so I'm used to a very clear 'view" through the lens. Since I've been unable to find a Pro90 to look at, I have to wonder how well the viewfinder works...

[sasc]

I dont care much for the viewfinder and usually use the lcd. Its nothing like on a slr film camera.

[MARobertson]

>So how clear or fuzzy is the electronic viewfinder in real life? It's supposed to have more pixels making it up than the LCD has - does it seem that way or is the LCD easier to read?
Does the viewfinder change at all when the Image Stabilizer kicks in?
How well can you determine what areas of the picture are in focus?
). I rarely use the LCD display to compose a picture; mostly only for playback. I find the viewfinder clear. I always have Image Stabilization on and don't notice any changes in the viewfinder, except if something moves very fast in front of the camera. Pointing towards flying pigeons, the image in the viewfinder looks a little choppy, the way few-frame-per-second video would look.

When I set manual focus and reposition the camera, I can easily see which parts are in focus.

Go to a camera store and try it out!

--Mary Ann

[GaryBerg]

It sounds like you are one of the few who actually likes the viewfinder on the Pro90; most people aren't really excited about it.


>> I always have Image Stabilization on and don't notice any changes in the viewfinder, except if something moves very fast in front of the camera. > Go to a camera store and try it out!

[James]

Hi Again Gary,

I guess the best way to desribe it is "different" I do not like it better than a Film Viewfinder, I just like the package of digital cameras better than film.

A film camera viewfinder is much clearer than the electronic one, but I do not find it enough of a reason to miss out on all the other benefits of this fine camera.

James

[Goldenrams]

I have a Canon S100, Pro 90, D 30 and EOS 1 film camera. The viewfinder in the Pro 90 is awful
compared to the other three. It is not sharp at all. The other three are, particularly the D 30 and EOS 1.

[Roger]

I'm using the 90 IS, a 1V and a D30. Just like the D30 viewfinder is not like the 1V, the 90 IS is not as good as the D30. But that doesn't stop me from taking pictures with it. Some people hate the electronic viewfinders but if Canon had built-in a SLR viewfinder as good as the D30's, the 90IS would cost much more and be quite a bit thicker.

You quickly learn to adjust to it with use. But I would definately try it out. Have you thought of ordering one from mail order, for example, Cameraworld.com. They have a 15 day return policy, so if it doesn't work out for you, you can return it.

Good luck.

Roger

[GaryBerg]

It took me a month or so, but I finally found a dealer withing 50 miles of me who stocked the Pro90. I traveled, he demoed, I bought! He came pretty close to matching the B&H price at the time.

Yes, an optical viewfinder would be better than the EVF, but I agree that eventually you get used to it. Not perfect, and I can certainly envision better (like the optical on the E-10), but I think the Pro90 has about the best balance of features around. The 10X lens and IS capabilities are great!

[icpixels]

I agreed with goldenram...I use my 90 as a point and shoot and to build shots for email...I will be getting a 1D soon..it will be better for my poster prints. The 90 was my first foray into dig cams...not really disappointed, but film still gives me the res I need for huge posters!