A PERSONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDERS AND REAR SCREENS
I started out with the Sony NEX-5 and had no real problem with the fact that there was no EVF. Later I purchased a Sony A7R and loved using the EVF and never used the screen for photography. Eventually I decided that I would never get a camera that did not have a top class EVF. As soon as it became available I purchased a Sony FX30 and until it arrived I did not realise that it did not have an EVF. After using it for more than a year I have formed the view that Using an EVF and depending only on a back screen/back-panel encourages two different styles, equally valid, of photography.
Here’s a breakdown of how EVFs (Electronic Viewfinders) and back screens can influence different photographic approaches:
EVF Photography: The Immersive and Deliberate Approach
Isolation and Focus: Using an EVF blocks out ambient light and distractions. This allows for heightened focus on the composition within the viewfinder.
Pre-visualisation: EVFs show real-time exposure adjustments, effects, and focus peaking. This gives photographers a precise pre-shot view, facilitating meticulous adjustments before capturing the image.
Stability: Bringing the camera to your eye creates a more stable shooting platform, especially helpful in low light or when using longer lenses. This reduces camera shake and potential blur.
Manual Control Affinity: EVFs often pair well with cameras that emphasize manual controls (dials, etc.). This encourages a slower, more deliberate shooting pace focused on intentional adjustments.
Back Screen Photography: Flexibility and Spontaneity
Adaptable Angles: Back screens, especially fully articulating ones, allow for shooting from perspectives that would be difficult with an EVF. This includes high-angle, low-angle, and candid shots.
Street Photography: Screens can be less conspicuous than raising a camera to your eye, ideal for street photography where you want to blend into the surroundings.
Videography: For video work, back screens are often superior for framing and tracking moving subjects.
Touchscreen Functionality: Many cameras offer touchscreen controls like focus point selection or menu navigation, enhancing ease of use for those accustomed to smartphones.
It’s Not Just About The Tool: Photographer’s Intent
It’s crucial to remember that the presence or absence of an EVF doesn’t automatically dictate a photographer’s style. Here’s why:
Experienced EVF users can be spontaneous as well: A photographer familiar with their EVF camera can develop quick reflexes and anticipate interesting moments.
Back screen users can be deliberate: A back-screen photographer can employ techniques like a tripod for stability. They might also rely more heavily on elements like depth-of-field visualisation to compensate for the lack of a real-time exposure preview.
The Takeaway
EVFs and back screens cater to different preferences and offer advantages in specific situations. Understanding these strengths makes a photographer more versatile. Rather than being mutually exclusive, sometimes the best approach is having a camera that offers both options!
20.1 MP Exmor R APS-C (Super 35mm format) image sensor with wide dynamic range
S-CinetoneTM for a cinematic look straight out of the camera without grading
Flexible ISO, Cine EI Quick and Cine EI Log shooting modes for optimized image quality
User LUTs can be applied to the LCD display and HDMI output and embedded in clips
Dual Base ISO and a 14+ stop range for wide latitude and low-noise images
Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sony FX30 is a budget-friendly cinema camera that packs a punch. Here are the key points:
Features and Design: The FX30 is a video-first camera but can also capture 26MP stills. It outperforms Sony’s aging A6000 series and even gives the FX3 a run for its money. Cinema Line LUTs, log modes, and 4K 120p (with a crop) make it a versatile choice. Premium build quality adds to its appeal.
Pros: Cinema camera features and design. Cinema Line LUTs and log modes. Affordable price point. 4K 120p (albeit with a crop).
Cons: No built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder).[this did disappoint me] 3-inch rear screen feels small. IBIS (in-body image stabilisation) isn’t very effective.
FX30 vs. FX3 vs. a7R V Sony FX3: Essentially a reskinned A7S III for cinema users. Internal tech in the FX30 is all new. 26MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor.
Sony a7R V: 61MP sensor, more focus points, and higher resolution. Better for photography.
Why Choose FX30: Affordability: Full-on cinema camera at a mirrorless price. Stabilisation and AF technologies. Unlimited recording times and 4K up to 120p. New 26MP sensor matched with a fast BIONZ XR processor.
Lenses for Sony FX30 Wide-Angle Zoom: Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G Lens or Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens. Wide-Angle Prime: Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens or Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Lens. Standard Zoom: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens or Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens. Portrait:Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens or Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens. All-In-One: Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens or Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens. Telephoto Zoom: Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens or Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens.
Full Frame Lenses: If you’re already using full-frame lenses, consider the Sony 20mm f/1.8 or Samyang 18mm f/2.8.
I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.
A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew that I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a 5DIII in a competition but as they had no real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.
Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:
You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:
Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge. Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD). This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.
Key Points:
DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders. CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan. Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.
While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:
Pros
Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors. Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments. Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time. Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition. Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras. Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.
Considerations
Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:
Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen. Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.
Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken). Who Is it Right For?
The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:
Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market. Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations. Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life. Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.
King John’s Castle also known as Limerick Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King’s Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John of England in 1200.
The River Shannon is the major river on the island of Ireland, and at 360 km (224 miles) in length,is the longest river in Britain or Ireland. It drains the Shannon River Basin, which has an area of 16,900 km2 (6,525 sq mi), – approximately one fifth of the area of Ireland.
Leaca, leacain or leacan in Irish means the side of a hill.
The Lacken Walk, which forms part of the River Nore Linear Park, follows the east bank of the River Nore as it flows south for Bennetsbridge. Access from either the ring road at Ossory bridge or from the “Lacken Steps” at the end of Maudlin Street/Dublin Road (near the viewing area). The Lacken Walk comprises a mix of old pathway dating back to the 1950’s which travels to the rear of the old Health Board grounds at St. Canice’s. As the path opens out into the flood plain a board walk is provided to take walkers across the often wet and flooded ground. This in turn leads to a new pedestrian bridge which crosses over the Nore and links to the Canal Walk on the western bank of the river. From here one can walk back towards the city centre and access the Castle gardens when the pedestrian door in the Castle is open during opening hours.
The medieval origins of Lacken Mill, which stands across the River Nore, opposite Ormode Mill, remain visible today. Discoveries made in the 1980s revealed a medieval stone arch as well as a stone slab bearing an incised carving of a man in 16th century costume, part of the Archer’s coat of arms. The mill’s brick façade is also built on a 15th/16th century structure. In the 19th century, the Sullivan family, who lived in Lacken Hall and owned the Brewery on James’ Street, renovated the mill, bringing it up to 19th century standards.
A well-composed large-scale building forming an important element of the long-standing industrial legacy of Kilkenny occupying a site that has had associations with milling for many centuries: a mill is identified as having operated on site as early as the fourteenth century. Although having fallen into ruins the composition survives substantially intact as identified by the regular pattern of openings across each elevation with the mill presenting a picturesque feature of some Romantic quality overlooking the River Nore.
PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2018 PUBLISHED 15 JANUARY 2024
There were two buildings on the banks of the river Nore and they were collectively known as The Tea Houses and as part of the ongoing development of the Abbey Quarter site, Kilkenny County Council recently completed the refurbishment of the Tea Houses on Bateman Quay. The buildings are located at the entrance to the new Riverside Garden and Skatepark amenity area which was officially opened in the summer of 2021. The Tea Houses are also strategically located adjacent to the bus stops for the City Bus Service and the Market Yard car park.
The Houses, dated 19th Century, and were known as “Pleasure Houses” have a history of operating a coffee/café type service as historically they were used by the gentry to take their afternoon tea on the banks of the River.
There is also a memorial tree here the “Tree Of Heaven” erected by the Bereaved Parents Support Group Kilkenny
There is now a pedestrian bridge connecting John’s Quay to Bateman Quay which is home to a courthouse and the new Thomas Woodgate Memorial.
On the former Smithwick’s Brewery and Bateman Quay sites, historical maps reveal that the area was subdivided into long plots of ground with one end on the main street known as burgage plots. These burgage plots were first established by William Marshall in 1207. A ‘burgess’ rented a burgage plot for a shilling a year and built a house on the street. Behind the house stretched a long narrow garden for growing fruit and vegetables. The burgesses built sheds in these gardens and in some instances, a dovecote, which ensured a supply of fresh meat for the family all year around.