LCD screens ...

In the last few months I have noticed that i am finding it a little more difficult to see the green focus icon in the viewfinder, although I am still managing to take a few decent pictures [please see my grey 'squiggel'in my gallery].

The problem has set me thinking about using the LCD screen for my photography. However, this in itself presents the problem of trying to actually see a picture using the LCD. Even in normal outdoor light it is rather difficult and near impossible in bright sunlight. Even using the proprietory screen shades doesn't make much difference.

I am wondering about the new K-01. As it has only an LCD with which to take photographs, does anyone know how good the LCD is? Failing this can anyone recommend any dslr that has a workable LCD?

The K-01 screen has enough resolution to make it useful. After that, the limitation will be our own eyesight.

Fortunately, I'm short-sighted, which means that viewing a screen up close is no problem. To view in daylight I simply shield the screen with one hand, so again, no problem. Hoods can be bought to shield the screen and these are fixed on usually with velcro strips or similar.

But is it necessary to see the green hexagon, at least with an AF lens? There is an audible focus confirmation beep anyway.

I think it makes sense to see it - e.g. when not using center focus when you select the focal point or let the camera decide which point it takes, it is nice to see it and not just get an audio feedback that "something" on the picture is in focus...
I aggree with Gedski that the quality of the LCD image is really poor (at least on my K20D. Cheap compact digital cameras built at the same time like the K20D had a far better LCD image quality. I assume, that at that time, most DSLR users used the LCDs rather seldom so there was perhaps not such a big need to provide a high class LCD.... I still use it rather seldom but it would be great to have something as good as e.g. a smart phone display

I have, in the past, tried various screen shades but have not found one that does a good enough job. I have also done the 'hand over the LCD' method but I feel that that defeats the object of having an LCD option. I am hoping that the K-01's LCD will be above the average. There seems to be no reference as to the standard of the LCD screen, compared to other LCD's, on the Pentax K-01 website and publicity screens. Time will tell, I suppose.

Take a look at this;

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-hoodman-3-inch-lcd-screen-loupe/p1031516?cm_...

Also, don't forget that you can adjust the brightness of the monitor/lcd screen in the Set-up menu

Thanks JohnX, that looks pretty good but I'll have to save up out of my state pension.I had forgotten about the in camera lcd screen adjustment. Muchly appreciated.

Just as an aside, 'Hoodman' had a stand at Focus (although they weren't actually selling anything!)and they were showing a version of the loupe with a fitting that fixed it via the flash bracket for shooting video - and I have to say I was extremely impressed - an amazing difference!!

It's a bit expensive, I think.... but it would certainly make video a real pleasure to do.

There are cheaper versions on eb - but I don't know how good they are

hoodman £80,
here similar on amazon,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/NEEWER-Magnification-Foldable-Viewfinder-Magnifier/dp/B0...=pd_cp_ce_0
£40.71

The K-01 only has the rear screen for viewing. So does it not, in effect, have live view and show the information that you would normally be given in an optical view finder e.g. focus confirmation?

All cameras using the rear screens have focus indicators on the screen - usually red squares that turn to green.

It's different from Live View also in that there's no need for the mirror to be locked up before it works. It should therefore be considerably quicker to employ.

My appreciation to you all. Another new camera, the K-01 would have to wait until Christmas. In the meantime I shall save for the 'Hoodman' thingy. I see that there is an option to buy the rubber bands that fix the Hoodman to the camera, thereby allowing both hands to be free to use the camera. It looks pretty good.
Regards to all,
Jan.

I saw these. Although they say Canon I'm sure they can't be make specific, only LCD size. Could be worth checking, especially at the price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/cameraextras_uk/m.html?_nkw=Viewfinder&_sacat=0&_odkw=...

[quote:3496ace15f="JohnX"]I saw these. Although they say Canon I'm sure they can't be make specific, only LCD size. Could be worth checking, especially at the price.

]http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/cameraextras_uk/m.html?_nkw=Viewfinder&_sacat=0&_odkw=...

Thanks JohnX, I've just tried to telephone them but they must not work on Saturdays. I'll try again on Monday. Muchly appreciated.