Nikon d80 screen question

[olmytsi]

I just got a nikon d80 camera (very nice!) but i was wondering if it's possible to have the image show on the screen prior to taking pictures instead of having to look through the small hole like old school cameras. It's my first dslr camera so i don't know if that's just the way they are supposed to be.

Thanks guys.

[97TurboDSM]

the D80 does not have "live view" through the lcd screen. most dslr's do not have this feature though i think one of the new canon's that is out or coming soon will offer that feature. using the live view for a dslr is pretty pointless imo anyway

[i like rice]

All of the current newer Canon prosumer and pro bodies have it (40D, 1Ds MKIII, 1D MKIII)

[97TurboDSM]

k thanks for clearin that up. my dumbass shoulda waited for the 40D...or saved for the 5D. either way, use the viewfinder lol

[olmytsi]

Thanks guys!

[TROLL]

without sounding like too much of a cocky asshole... 95% of the time, 'live view' wouldn't be used by any serious photographer. if you're looking to get serious then looking through the viewfinder is the way to go. i have live view on my D300 and it was fun to play with but i've never used it when i'm in the field.
so... you're really not missing anything at all, imo.

[BeautifullyBlued]

I have a D80 and when I first got it I was wondering why there wasn't a live view, since I was so used to a point and shoot, but I got so used to the viewfinder that when I picked up someone else's point and shoot I forgot it even had a live view. Anyway, have fun with it!

[TROLL]

yeah i think thats it really... you'll get used to the viewfinder and i think you'll end up preferring it.

[TurboV]

Yeah... my husband and I played around with the live view on his D300, and it was stupid... just not a very effective way of using a DSLR. They're probably only putting that feature in to attract the masses towards the DSLRs...

Heh, I love handing my camera over (D200, so it doesn't have live view) and watching people try to figure out why there's no picture on the screen and how they're suppose to take a picture without the live view. But I am also kinda mean and cold hearted enough to laugh and point at them... so yeah...

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by TurboV

Yeah... my husband and I played around with the live view on his D300, and it was stupid... just not a very effective way of using a DSLR. They're probably only putting that feature in to attract the masses towards the DSLRs...

It's meant for studio and macro photography to ensure the focus is correct when the camera is set on a tripod.

[PAFirefighter11]

Why would you want a DSLR if you're not going to use the viewfinder? I've done all kinds of photography and I can't think of any instances when I really wanted a "live view" on the screen. If you want that, get a P&S. Otherwise, get your ass... err eye up to the eyecup and LOOK.

[olmytsi]

Originally Posted by TROLL

without sounding like too much of a cocky asshole... 95% of the time, 'live view' wouldn't be used by any serious photographer. if you're looking to get serious then looking through the viewfinder is the way to go. i have live view on my D300 and it was fun to play with but i've never used it when i'm in the field.
so... you're really not missing anything at all, imo.

Cocky asshole!

For all those wondering, i was asking this for my parents who sometimes get behind the camera and they wear glasses (read "can't see ****") so it would be alot easier for them if there was the live view.


One more question. How come when im viewing pictures either on the camera or the tv (via cables), there are weird white/black spots that flash?

[BlackTypeR]

Originally Posted by olmytsi

One more question. How come when im viewing pictures either on the camera or the tv (via cables), there are weird white/black spots that flash?

The blinking spots show the blown out highlights in the picture. You can turn that off if it bothers you.

[gpzjack]

Originally Posted by BlackTypeR

The blinking spots show the blown out highlights in the picture. You can turn that off if it bothers you.

lol...that happened on mine and i thought something was wrong with it.

[TurboV]

Originally Posted by i like rice

It's meant for studio and macro photography to ensure the focus is correct when the camera is set on a tripod.

yeah, my husband told me that last night but come on... i still think another reason is to appeal to the masses that have gotten use to live view.

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by TurboV

yeah, my husband told me that last night but come on... i still think another reason is to appeal to the masses that have gotten use to live view.

There are a lot of useless functions on cameras, case in point - sensor cleaning, direct printing, etc

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by HibachiZ28

Why would you want a DSLR if you're not going to use the viewfinder? I've done all kinds of photography and I can't think of any instances when I really wanted a "live view" on the screen. If you want that, get a P&S. Otherwise, get your ass... err eye up to the eyecup and LOOK.

I like livefiew for a few things...for example when I shoot engine bay shots at work, if im working with a tall SUV, im not tall enough to aim down and see wha tim shooting..a liveview would help at least a litle to make sure im centered and all and then just angle down at that point

ive gotten used to the viewfinder as well, i even picked up our dinky little P&S at home and immediately looked through the thing.

[dancemf666]

The New Canon XSi has "live View" BUT its focus is slow so unless your using a tripod its kinda worthless.
Its good for macro but not normal photography.
The new Sony A350 and A300 both have "live view" which focus kinda fast BUT the lcd only has about 90% accuracy
so you might find it looks good on the lcd but then find it looks blurry at home.
The Nikon D80 is a great DSLR if you can just learn to use the viewfinder.

These four are all kinda in the same price range.