Stupid camera question here...

[Elena]

O.K. I finally got my new DSLR out of the box and was playing around with it yesterday (hoping to actually PARTICIPATE in Katrina's class!). So, on my point-n-shoot, whatever I was pointing the camera at would show up on my little LCD monitor, but on the DSLR... nothing, just the display information if I push the display button. After I take the picture, it shows up for a couple of seconds on the LCD, but nothing before. Is this normal? Do I just need to change a setting somewhere? Or is this just how DSLR's work? Obviously I am going to have a very BIG learning curve with this change!

btw my new DSLR is a Canon EOS Rebel XS

[dugarner]

Some entry-level dSLRs don't have the LCD option for the viewfinder, but I googled yours and it says it has Live View. That would be the feature that would put what's in the viewfinder on the LCD screen. Can you look in your manual for "Live View"?

The Canon site says

In Live View Function, the EOS Rebel XS has two AF modes: Quick mode, which uses the camera’s standard 7-point AF system, and Live mode, which is a contrast-based AF system that reads the sharpness of subjects right from the imaging sensor, and can be overridden by pressing the AF mode selection button. A familiar feature in PowerShot cameras, Live mode AF uses similar technologies to achieve focus, while Quick mode is more appropriate for capturing action or for shooting in low light.

[kmartorina]

You can change the setting for the picture to show on the LCD screen for a different length of time after you take the shot. Don't have my camera with me, but it is in your manual.

[DonnaNJ]

The newer DSLRs allow for live view but I would suggest you use the viewfinder most of the time. Having the screen live all the time drains the battery very quickly and using the viewfinder helps you stabilize the camera and avoid camera shake. IMHO If you would just like it to stay on the screen a little longer there are usually options for the length of time before it shuts down. Good Luck Donna

[dugarner]

This was very frustrating for me when I first bought dSLR, because I was used to using the screen on my old ZLR Fuji. Once I realized my Sony didn't have that feature, I got used to using the viewfinder. But it still isn't a true viewfinder; the digital aspect ratio still will cut off the top and bottom long end of the frame, even though I see it through the viewfinder. So I've started chimping when I'm in landscape mode to make sure stuff isn't getting cut off on the top.

The only drawback to not having the Live View option on my camera is the very low-angle shots; getting down on the ground or in the grass, I can't get my head low enough to see into the viewfinder, whereas I could see it on the screen if I had that option. I know they have contraptions that allow you to look through the viewfinder without practicing your yoga, but I'm not in the market for one right now.

Do whatever you're comfortable with!

[katrinak]

I want to chime in here too to say try to use your viewfinder. The weight of the camera and lens means you really need it tight to you to get the steadiest shot. Live View was designed for very particular situations and in my opinion (for what it is worth) only when your camera is on a tripod.

[Teri A]

What Katrina said

[Carol Elliott]

Second to what Katrina said ... you will like your photos so much better using the view finder. My Canon 40d has live view and I only use it to scroll through the white balance settings in certain situations (that I do love). I did take a photo once using live view and was really dissapointed. As Katrina said you want to be as steady as you can and using live view on a DSLR you aren't. Personally, I don't use the LCD screen on the point and shoot cameras that my family has, never have, even when I had a point and shoot. I can't believe all the cameras that are out there that don't even have a view finder. My husband refers to this as one of my "soap boxes"! You're going to love that camera! Katrina's class will be wonderful. And look into getting a Magic Lantern Guide for your camera. I purchased the Magic Lantern Guide for my Rebel Xt and then my 40d when I upgraded. So much better than the manual that comes with the camera! Have fun!

[Elena]

Thanks for all the input ladies! I knew you'd come through! I will just get used to using the viewfinder and I will definitely be looking into the Magic Lantern Guide

[katrinak]

...and you'll look so professional looking through the viewfinder