DSLR Camera question

[Prudie]

Daft question I expect - with a digital SLR should I be able to see what I'm seeing on the LCD Monitor as well as through the viewfinder? Mine is black although I can take pics and see them on playback in the monitor? (It's new)

[NazNomad]

I'd expect you need to select the option to view the monitor ... Obviously we can only guess until we know which camera it it.

[NazNomad]

*is.

[T&S]

It's certainly the case with my Canon DSLR that the screen is black. I think you are expected to use the viewfinder as opposed to doing what a lot of people do with normal Digital Cameras and use the LCD screen to set your picture up.

[redcrx]

On my nikon you cant.

[Prudie]

I'm only setting it up this morning Naz, it's a Canon EOS 1000D but I bought body only as understood my 2 Canon EF lenses from my old SLR would be compatible. Now I'm worried that they are the reason I can't see anything (although I have taken shots I can view on playback).
I'm looking through the manual and it suggests that one composes a shot in the monitor not the viewfinder.

[NazNomad]

"I'm looking through the manual and it suggests that one composes a shot in the monitor not the viewfinder. "

Honestly, i'm surprised the manufacturer would give that advice.

"Set the shooting mode to a Creative Zone mode.
Live View shooting does not work in Basic Zone modes."

... according to the manual (page 96)

[Prudie]

It wasn't written advice in the manual. it was from my perception of the illustrations.
Anyway thank you all for answering, it seems this is normal so I'll carry on to the next problem!

[mjwman]

I know that some DSLRs have live view but the majority do not . The lens gathers the light. It is reflected off the 45 degree mirror inside and up onto the pentaprism and then into the viewfinder.
MUCH better to use that than some vague jerky electronic representation of what you can actually see. IMHO.

[bazwillrun]

the lcd is the biggest power drain user so i imagine its off to conserve power unless its needed

[scotman]

I think Naz has it right. My Fuji has option to switch the monitor off to save battery.

[jno]

"2.5" LCD with Live View mode
In Live View mode, use the bright 2.5” LCD to frame and take shots from awkward angles."

- see http://www.canon.co.u...igital_slr/EOS_1000D/

My camera (not a DSLR) has a switch that flicks between viewfinder and the screen on the back; are you sure you don't have one?

[Prudie]

he is, I've now got to page 96! I've got so used to using a compact digital when it's obvious with an SLR I'd use the viewfinder.

[noodles]

Depends on the camera. With most DSLRs you can't use the monitor as a viewfinder because the mirror is in the way, and it doesn't flip up until you take the picture. Some more recent DSLRs, particularly those with a video function have got around this and you can use the monitor for live preview.