Anyone with a Canon 40D

[canny]

I am on the verge of buying a Canon 40D but I am a bit confussed with this Live View that it has. One or two of the reviews I have read don't rate it.
Can anyone explain excactly what it is and what are its faults and does it cause a major problem.

Thanks

[NickCantle]

I can't fault it really. If you're solely a bird in flight photographer then don't get it...I use it for low down shots, it's especially good for wet days and macro. Once in live view mode, the shutter switches to a silent mode.

Why would it cause a major problem?

[Vectisbirder]

There are no major problems that I can think of with Live View, either. I don't use it much myself, but I can see it's uses.

[Jim Ford]

Live view only really comes into its own when it's combined with an articulating screen. You can then take ground level shots without having to contort yourself to see the screen.

Jim

[RoseStones]

I've tried using it a fair bit on my 40D but I must admit that really can't be bothered any more. There's no contrast detection meaning that every live view shot has to be focussed manually by zooming in, focussing using the screen, zooming out, then taking the picture, I've found this to be at best a pain and at worst just plain impossible if you're close to the target (i.e. the slightest bit of forwards or backwards movement will put the camera out of focus).

There are SLRs with articulating screens but I've never really found a need for them that much. There's always the option to use an angle finder of course - like a little periscope in reverse that attaches to the eyepiece and allows the camera to be placed normally, but you look down into the angle finder eyepiece from above - it's at a right angle to the camera body. Hard to explain (for muggins here anyhow), easier to look up on t'internet, you'll soon see what I mean

[Geoff F]

I've had my 40D for about 6 months and never knew such a thing existed until now. So I have just read the manual and somehow I don't think I will bother with this as I can't see any purpose except, perhaps, taking candid shots of people where you can say I'm just checking the previous shots and they totally relax.

I can only think this is included for people who have just moved up from a point and shoot camera and have yet to learn the art of looking through the view finder. With p&s cameras you have to use a screen on macro shots otherwise the image appears off centre.

The manual says that you should always use a tripod when in Live View mode, and there are are a lot of other small print opt outs for things that might go wrong.

Obviously useful if you are connected directly to a computer for viewing, but that is just for very specialised operations.

If you are thinking about a 40D, Canny, and you like the feel of it in your hand, then go ahead and buy one. It is a fine piece of equipment. Get some good lenses and look through the viewfinder to see your images - you won't look back.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by RoseStones

There's always the option to use an angle finder of course - like a little periscope in reverse that attaches to the eyepiece and allows the camera to be placed normally, but you look down into the angle finder eyepiece from above - it's at a right angle to the camera body. Hard to explain (for muggins here anyhow), easier to look up on t'internet, you'll soon see what I mean

If the camera's on the ground, you still have to kneel down and bend double to screw your eye to the eyepiece of an angle finder!

Jim

[Blackbrook Eye]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

If the camera's on the ground, you still have to kneel down and bend double to screw your eye to the eyepiece of an angle finder!

Jim

Very true Jim but at least your earhole doesn't get full of cow muck.

Keith

[Hobjob]

I barely use mine.

Lack of autofocus is the main reason - and to focus well in
live view you have to zoom in, then composition becomes
hit and miss.

Now 50D has auto-focus in live view, and that I would
use a lot more ........... can't justify it though.

But it is bound to hit the battery life I guess.

[PMG]

The better half has a 40D (replacement for the 20D which took a dive into the River Hayle) but muggins here kept tight hold of her 20D and didn't get an 'upgrade'

For stationary subjects the live view is ridiculously accurate - I cannot believe just how accurate........ I've done test shots against the 20D - one in particular with one of those attractive RSPB china mugs with a chaffinch on and used a bit of flash on some and the difference is frightening - it made me want to go outside and drop kick my 20D round the garden........... or find a decent river and drop it in

It allows you to focus on the thing you want pin-sharp so stuff like a heron sitting about you can focus on its eye and then take the whole and the overall sharpness is tremendous............

Its fiddly but his nibs has got used to it and has the shots to prove it and I was severely tempted to upgrade but am now thinking about waiting for the 50D to come down in price and go straight to that...........

Pauline