Humbly Asking For Answer (20D viewfinder)

Being new to this fantastic forum I apologize ahead of time if this question is far to simple. I have been a guest here for a while and truly value the collective knowledge that one can gain by keeping my "mouth shut and eyes open". However, being new to the DSLR world I have one question that I was unable to find an answer to after searching.

When I look through the viewfinder of my D20 (I know, I know...it was a gift...my wife must REALLY love me) I see what appears to be a film or filter on it. Almost as if the mirror was coated with something. Is this true of all SLR cameras?

Again, apologies ahead of time for what I am hoping is a simple question. But since this is my first post, I figured I would get a break.

Thanks

Welcome former "lurker" to the forum. I do not have a 20D but I had a Digital Rebel and now have a 1DMkII. The view through the viewfinders looks clear

Hi.. Humm.. Do you only see it when you look at it from an angle and it turns kinda yellowish gold color? I have it on mine too.. Maybe a UV filter like on sunglass.. HAhah.. I don't know.. I'm new to this too.. I got my 20D two weeks ago also as a present from my wife.

dslazyk wrote:
Being new to this fantastic forum I apologize ahead of time if this question is far to simple. I have been a guest here for a while and truly value the collective knowledge that one can gain by keeping my "mouth shut and eyes open". However, being new to the DSLR world I have one question that I was unable to find an answer to after searching.

When I look through the viewfinder of my D20 (I know, I know...it was a gift...my wife must REALLY love me) I see what appears to be a film or filter on it. Almost as if the mirror was coated with something. Is this true of all SLR cameras?

Again, apologies ahead of time for what I am hoping is a simple question. But since this is my first post, I figured I would get a break.

Thanks

Are you referring to the "courseness" of the ground glass that's used in the viewfinder that is most noticeable in bright light? I think that's an "enhancement" for the 20D (10D didn't have it) to make manual focusing easier...or so Canon claims.

Yes, Candid Bandit, it looks like it "could" be a UV filter. As far as courseness goes PacAce, that might be it as well. If by courseness you are referring to something that looks like millions of specks...then yes, it's course. Does not show up on the photos I take though. I just want to make sure this is how it's supposed to be. Thank you all.

That's what's referred to as the focusing screen. What you're seeing is perfectly normal. Also remember to call it a 20D and not a D20. Some people get their undies all in a wad over stuff like that.

Congrats on the new camera. Pretty cool eh?

Yeah ... normal. Canon calls it a "precision matte" focusing screen.

Personally, I like it.

Darn..new I'd mess something up. I meant to say 20D Thanks RFMSport
Ok, so it is normal, whew. Good to know.
Thanks again to everyone for all of your feedback. No more "lurking" for me.