Why do cameras still have view finders?

Introduction

With virtually all digital cameras now having an LCD screen on the back, allowing us to see a much bigger and often more accurate idea of what is going to be captured when the picture is ultimately captured, why then do so many cameras still have a viewfinder?

This is a question I often hear asked.  Do we really need that tiny window in the back of the camera?  The answer is actually very simple, but not really that obvious.  Let me explain.


The Causes of Blurry Images

There are two things that will make your pictures look blurry.  The first is the one we all know, and that is simply if the lens was not properly focused on the subject.  But there is another reason.  Motion blur.

Motion blur, also, can be caused by two things.  One is if the subject is moving when you take the picture.  This can be mitigated by using a faster shutter speed, but this isn't always possible.  The other cause of motion blur is if the camera moves during the exposure.  It is very important to keep the camera as still as possible while taking the picture to make sure you aren't contributing to motion blur.


Steadying the Camera

Do this:  Hold your arms wait out in front of you and try to keep them steady.  It's hard!  It doesn't matter how steady you are, your arms will still be moving slighting.  Plus, if you hold them out for awhile, your arms will begin to get sore, making it even harder to hold them steady.  So what happens if you try to hold a camera steady for long periods when you are holding it out in front of you?  The same thing ... it will be very difficult to hold it steady.

Now, try pulling your arms in close to your body and hold them steady.  Much easier!  If you hold your camera in close to your body, you are essentially turning yourself into a tripod.  Your pictures will be in general, noticeably sharper. Plus, your arms won't get as sore over time.

This is exactly what the viewfinder does for you.  It let's you get your camera in as close as you can, and hold the camera as steady as possible!


Conclusion

By using the viewfinder, your pictures will be sharper, and you will be able to get more pictures throughout the day!

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