LCD Viewfinder

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is on the back of the camera. This feature allows you to conveniently frame and take photos, review the pictures, and adjust camera settings. However, the LCD's have a tendency to drain batteries and prove useless when you're outside in the bright sun. Take a portable TV to the beach and you'll see what I mean! A solution to this problem is to buy a digital camera with a viewfinder which works like the traditional ones found on film cameras. Simply hold the camera to your eye to take the photo. Here's an illustration of a LCD and viewfinder type camera:

Three Types of Viewfinders

Not all view finders are created equal. They fall in three categories:

1. Optical
2. Electronic (LCD)
3. TTL

An "optical" viewfinder is the type found on all film cameras. The position of the viewfinder is off center in regards to the camera lens so the viewfinder window will record a different image from what you actually see.

Need to take more precise photos? Try using a digital camera with an "electronic LCD" viewfinder. The camera has a regular LCD display on the back and a smaller version to replace the viewfinder. Check out these best selling brands:

1. Fujifilm FinePix S7000
2. Kodak EasyShare DX6490
3. Minolta Dimage A2
4. Nikon Coolpix 8800
5. Olympus C-8080
6. Samsung Digimax Pro 815
7. Sony DSC-F828

A very cool way to use a LCD monitor is in a tilted or swivelled angle. This is commonly found in high end or prosumer models. This works great if you want to take a picture with the camera above your head or very close to the ground. Photos that aren't taken at eye level tend to be a bit more interesting.

Lastly is the TTL optical view finder. This system is found in SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. This process occurs by light passing through the lens and several mirrors reflecting to the viewfinder; however, the LCD is only effective for reviewing pictures you've taken. The LCD does not work at all for "live" and "real time" pictures.

What's the benefit? Digital SLR's are professional grade cameras and take life like and stunning photos thanks to this lens system. Check out these great deals on digital SLR's:

1. Kodak DCS-14N
2. Nikon D80 with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
3. Olympus Evolt E510 w/ 40-150mm Lenses
4. Samsung GX-10 w/ 18-55mm Lens
5. Sony Alpha A200K w/ 18-70mm Lens