Do You Really Need an EVF on Your DSLR?
The DSLR Film Noob asks a very good question this time out. Are Electronic Viewfinders really necessary? Deejay has a good argument about why you don't really need one and how your camera already provides you with magnified picture information. It's easy to get caught up in the latest gear, but sometimes you can get by without it and save or spend your money elsewhere.
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There has been much discussion on other sites (like CheesyCam) about the possibilities for these devices. Of particular interest is how they may allow for a greater flexibility in camera placement and unique shooting angles as the position of the camera is no longer limited by the need to place the camera where an operator can also still look at the built-in view screen or finder.
What DJ is discussing are what are commonly known as lens loupes. While certainly not useful on their own for assisting with critical focusing, they are extremely useful for far-sighted individuals like myself in helping us see the tiny screen better as we make our adjustments. They also serve as a sort of makeshift EVF that is much easier to see when using a DSLR on certain kinds of shoulder rigs, mimicking the EVF found on higher-end dedicated video cameras. I am very fond of my HoodMan HoodLoupe using it whenever I shoot video with my T2i.