General Chat

I love taking photos and digital is great. I have a Fuji Finepix. I have no quarrel with the quality of photos (except it does get a lot of sun flare when shooting sunsets etc, which I like to do) but I nearly always have to use the viewfinder to compose the photo as 90% of the time the 'screen' looks like a black glass rectangle. I cannot see the subject or read the settings unless I find a really shady corner. Does anyone else have this problem? Would a more expensive camera not have this problem? What about digital SLRs. If I could save up for one would this overcome the problem. What do you think? Chris

We have an Olympus E500 SLR camera. It is OH's baby but it takes magnificent photos, it works brilliantly for a total camera dunce like me (point and snap), and just as well for OH who is far more knowledgable. We have 2 young kids so bought it on the basis that the kids will only be young once and wanted the best possible momentos of their childhoods. I like it better than my old digital camera because the time delay between pressing the button and taking the photograph used to drive me mad as I found I missed the best shots.xx Not sure about the answer to the original problem with your camera though - sorry xx

Hi Muffy, My OH has an old SLR camera. I used to love using it but it is quite heavy whereas my digital can just fit into my pocket. I do love being able to take as many photos as I like of something knowing one is bound to be right!!! Its just a bit frustaring not being able to compose using the screen. Love Chris x Hi Dee, I had no idea that the newer cameras didn't have a viewfinder, its crazy! I have noticed that the phots I take are a teeny bit off centre using the viewfinder but the cross that you use to centre the subject is only viewable from in the screen so cannot be seen in bright sunlight! Chris x

Hiya Chris. This is a digital SLR so it is fairly light weight, however, I do agree, it is quite cumbersome and not as portable as a non SLR digital. xx

Hi again Muffy, Your camera sounds good. I shall research it!! (Christmas is coming) Chris xx

I still have my Finepix 1400z and it takes smashing pictures...... trouble is, its a bit heavy on batteries.its got a viewfinder AND screen..... Bob

With my digital SLR I hhave to use the viewfinder, there is no option of using the screen at all. The screen is for the menu etc and for viewing photos that you have taken. My small Konika digital camera is great but it is impossible to take photos using the scren in bright light. (And I have the same problem with my Sony Walkman by the way) Ann glos

If, as Ann says, the screen on a digital SLR has the menu on it, does this mean that in bright light it is not possible to view it, back to the same problem! I think I will have to go and 'road test' some in a camera shop! Chris x