Why do we put up with small viewfinders?

I found this.

anyone used one?

only 1.2x magnification though.

http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/6511/groupID/6/categoryID/33/v/343e559a-ae0a-4d5b-89b3-45abf0400cf3

Well my reasoning is thus: It's the parallax effect.

If you look out of your window and move your head very slightly you may not notice that you have moved. Now put a small frame in front of your eye, then when you move your head, you will instantly notice it.

Erm, what is?

but the finder is not just a frame, and the field of view is the same regardless of the magnification.

or are you referring to the fact that edge of the image is closer to the centre of your vision and so more noticable?

Probably but as it is past 11 PM on a dark and stormy sunday night 50% of my brain is elsewhere!

There is also a NEW Pentax magnifying adaptor... I seem to remember Chris at SRS Microsystems having them when the K10D came in stock originally
Matt

do you mean the one I linked to above? anyone used it?

Whoops! Sorry
Think that was the one! I'd suggest giving Chris a ring - he's probably tried it
Matt

Ahh, slap a CV auxiliary finder in the hotshoe and see what you're missing!

update:

I duly bought the overpriced pentax magnifying eyecup O-ME53

I should mention that the people at Park Cameras tried it out for me and reported their findings by email, and that was very helpful of them!

it works just fine. its a modest but worthwhile increase in size (18% or 1.18x), and corresponding dilution of brightness.

I find it does help with manual focusing and with seeing details in the scene.

Its well made and clear, you can still see the data readout, and vignetting is present but minimal. depends on eye position relative to the cup. on a camera with a smaller finder such as a K100D i would imagine there would be no vignetting.

it has the added advantage of creating nose space behind the camera!

i can totally recommend it except for the price. (£30)

main question in my mind is why they don't make the viewfinder like that in the first place!

its not as big or as bright as a full frame camera, but its a definite improvement on stock.

Thomas - congrats on getting the magnifier. I have one too, they work well. I used a similar Nikon product for a while, about half of the Pentax price, but not as well made.

I also have a magnifier M - lovely clarity, but not as convenient.

imho the manginfier idea is a good solution to the small viefinder.

teather to your laptop.....
How's that for larger image?

good idea! can i do tethering on an ist DS? (being lazy will look it up...)