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Old March 15th 07, 10:38 AM posted to rec.photo.digital
Randy Berbaum
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Posts: 214
Default !External computer monitor as viewfinder

Bruce Patis wrote:

: Most digital cameras have a video output and some even give you the
: choice of NTSC or PAL signal format. So, although a video converter,
: as previously mentioned, can convert a video signal to a format used
: by a computer monitor, the simplest approach is to connect a "video"
: monitor to the camera. I've done that myself, especially when I had
: to position the camera in an odd location and I couldn't see its
: built-in, non-tilting monitor on the back. Of course, neither the
: built-in monitor nor an external one will work as a viewfinder if the
: camera is an SLR that does not have a live preview feature.

: BTW, many TVs (as well as a few computer monitors) have a video input
: jack that will work, too. Also, for indoor use, even a large, heavy,
: relatively immobile TV is easy to see at a distance. You just need a
: long video extension cable connected to the one that came with the
: camera. In fact, for a photo of a group of people, if the TV is
: located behind the camera, they will often pose better because they
: can see themselves as the camera sees them.

I agree that when taking a group photo (like a family photo) a standard TV
monitor to the side of the camera so the subjects can see the photo (even
with an SLR) that you just shot. Especially when you have impatient
children who can not be restrained from rushing to the camera to see the
just shot photo. If they can see it without having to move from the spot
it is easier to take several takes to choose the best (for the family
x-mas card).

BTW, there is at least one solution to the inability to use a TV monitor
as a viewfinder for an SLR. One solution I have seen is a product that
clips to the optical viewfinder of an SLR and provides a tilt screen and a
live video feed from the viewfinder. I have not tried it personally, and I
have no connection with the company, but if this is a problem you might
see if the Zigview would help. And I have no idea if there are other
similar devices so do a search. One reason this item has caught my eye is
a silly idea. I've imagined using a live feed going into one of those
video visors to allow me to have the camera in any location and using a
remote shutter release I could shoot at will. For example put the camera
on a 10' pole and shoot images from a second story window of a building
that isn't there. Sure would make crowds at parades and such a non issue.


Randy

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Randy Berbaum
Champaign, IL