Using Screens in Various Lighting

Seems worth a thread in itself...given that millions of people use screens all the time on compacts and phones and that it's now the option for the K-01, what do we do to utilise this?

I was using the Q screen the other day in brilliant sun at Witley Court and, with minimal shading when required, it didn't seem to be a problem particularly.

Of course in duller light, for unusual viewpoints and for macro shooting it can actually be quite beneficial in some circumstances.

Any tips, observations?

I wonder if how easy or hard it is to use screens varies with peoples eyesight. I for one can't see the screens on the K20 or K5 to review what's been taken, even in moderate light. When people around me, with the same equipment, seem to have no trouble.

I find the screen on my Q on a bright sunny day just to be useless! There should of been an electronic viewfinder for it

That's interesting Adrian1 and I'm going to have to slighrly disagree. I have used my Q on bright sunny days and find the screen "adequately usable". I confess that I am aided in this being very short-sighted, so I cup my hand over the screen and look at it over the top of my glasses.

I think it merits each individual trying it out for themselves as it will depend very much on individual eyesight.

I was out yesterday in the sun with my k20d and I couldn't see the screen at all without shading it with my hand. I'm not sure if wearing glasses or not adds to this - but it does get annoying.

On my old iPhone the screen was actually ok in sunlight due to a protective skin over the screen, but my current phone is pretty impossible to use in bright light.

May I suggest that contributors include if they have overridden the default screen brightness setting by turning it up or down.

I've yet to find a camera screen I can see in bright sunshine (so I avoid cameras like that now - no point in buying one and then having to guess what it is I'm taking!) However I have no trouble seeing the screen on my SatNav, so it seems it can be done.

John

JAK, my Q is at default brightness.

I wouldn't generally be using a DSLR screen to compose, otherwise it might as well be a K-01. DSLRs' strength is their optical pentaprism finder.

Exactly right. But for the Q, K-01 and most compacts being able to see the screen is far more important. If it is too bright to see the screen on a DSLR it doesn't really matter unless one is trying to change a menu setting - then it can be frustrating. It can normally be left turned off to save power.

I normally keep the brightness on normal as if it is turned up it can give the impression of over exposure when reviewing shots (given conditions where one can view the screen OK.)

John

I find screens usable for shooting only in ideal situations. And even then they are far from ideal. Every decent camera needs a viewfinder. Not just for visibility but for stability, and this is something that does not vary with eyesight.

I have very good eyesight but am very sensitive to bright sunlight, so this would be why i have a problem using the screen. Also i live on the southcoast do you think this would make a diffrence? The sunlight can be very intense

I don't know why Q-owners don't do what their forebears did, and walk around with a square yard or two of black velvet.

When a suitable picture opportunity presents itself, you simply whip out your velvet, throw it over your head and camera (whilst holding the camera a few inches in front of your nose), and hey presto! The screen will be as clear as day.

I agree it can be a little inconvenient for snappers who don't carry handbags (most of us, I reckon), so roll on the day when somebody invents a small viewer INSIDE the camera, so that you can hold the camera up to your eye and see perfectly.

What's that? An SLR? What a GREAT idea. Totally obviates the need for superfluous mercery.

I wonder if they'll catch on....

G

Whip out your velvet! In public! I'm surprised at you George!

Alternatively the little £200 optional optical viewfinder that is suited to just the standard lens is such a great idea!

Say what now? £200 for a framing device?!

If/when I get a Q, I am planning on making one out of cardboard, should work with the zoom as well depending on how far I hold the camera from my eye!

OMG, I thought you were joking! Now I see it's true.

Pentax O-VF1 Optical Viewfinder €299.99 at Conn's Cameras.

Just when I think things can't get any worse for Pentax.