Viewfinder vs LCD monitor, let battle commence...

In today's photography world, we rarely use the optical/electronic viewfinder on our cameras. Most people are content composing with the LCD monitor on the back of the camera, in a similar way to how we capture images with our mobile phones. In fact, I have always struggled to take decent photos on my phone, I just don't find it very engaging and intuitive, but I guess that's just me with new tech...

I am a strong advocate of composing through a viewfinder rather than an LCD monitor. I believe one can get closer to the subject matter and there is something magical about seeing your subject through the viewfinder it's the window to the world, while the LCD monitor in my opinion doesn't give you the full engagement and connection with the subject capture.

The viewfinder has been part of my visual diet since I took up photography almost 25 years ago... In the good ole days, you would have the option of taking 12. 24 or 36 shots so it was critical what I photographed and the optical viewfinder is where I would make this creative decision.

I have been through a number of digital compact cameras and generally struggled using the LCD monitor to compose. However, I have met my match in the Ricoh GR Digital, the very first iteration of the cult GR series of cameras. The compact size and the ergonomics just felt right and I began to understand how to use the LCD monitor. This in turn pretty much led to the evolution of my street photography and began shooting in a raw 'free-spirited' way.

In today's market, the design and technology within cameras have radically developed so much that the viewfinders particularly the Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, in my opinion, are particularly enticing and really connect the user with the camera, the shooting, and user experience.

Apart from the Ricoh GR Digital camera series, I always shoot looking through the viewfinder. I love seeing the magic unfold and capturing the image that you visualize through the viewfinder.

So, in my opinion, the viewfinder wins hands down, but the LCD monitor does have its place, however, it's taken me around half a dozen compact cameras to realise this...