topic Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

printer1000 — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:10:57 GMT

I am new to the R6 Mark II coming from the 5D DSLR line. I see now that I have the option to chimp (review the recently taken image) through the viewfinder and not have the rear LCD screen light up for this function. This method feels very unfamiliar to me, but some friends have mentioned that it has several advantages such as the rear screen not lighting up in dark environments and perhaps the representation of the image is a more accurate portrayal of the actual exposure where the LCD rear screen is very affected by the brightness setting and the ambient light.

Can users comment on their experience and advice on chimping in this new-to-me manner and what your thoughts are?

Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

shadowsports — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:49:58 GMT

Greetings,

I use both. It depends on the shooting conditions. The EVF does offer significantly more resolution over the LCD. For me it's more of a power saving measure. When shooting stills I can capture hundreds of more photos than what I might typically expect if I am reviewing on the LCD. My standard MO is screen closed facing in. I hate fingerprints so I rarely use my touch screen 😄

Some people don't like reviewing through the EVF because of eye comfort and some people use the LCD as it gives them a little better perspective for composition.

My EVF and LCD offer higher resolution than the R6 mkII so the experience can vary based on the camera you own. The resolution of the LCD on my R50v is lower than the R6 mkII but it works fine even when bright. I can usually cup my hand from one angle or another if I need to.

You'll gain much more confidence the more you use your camera and If you have a good understanding of the exposure triangle, also with trusting your settings. For stills I use Av, Tv and Fv the most. In Cinema OS I like to control the aperture myself. I mostly use the LCD there.

I'm sure others will share their perspectives.

Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

justadude — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:38:48 GMT

Welcome to the world of mirrorless! While I'm one of those guys that after many years of DSLRs, the past 6 years of mirrorless... and I still prefer the non-electronic viewfinders of DSLRs. But we adapt, and make do, right?

While normally I prefer using the LCD screen for chimping when I shoot, at times the EVF is preferred. For example on bright sunny days, the screen is often washed out to the point of being somewhat difficult to see. On those days I flip the screen closed, and use the EF.

The other times that I use the EFV most is for night sky photography. I flip the screen closed after initial set up. It's less light pollution for me to have the screen closed, and also for anyone else around me, it helps keep your night vision intact. As for the EVF, I'll look at it only when I move the tripod to a different spot during the evening, then not look at it at all while shooting for the next half hour or so until I relocate along the beach, and (again) keeping my night vision intact.

But for regular photography such as events, or photowalks, nature hikes, sports, whatever... I prefer the LCD screen for chimping. Sure, it drains your battery a little faster, but that's one of many reasons we carry a few spares.

Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

printer1000 — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:31:32 GMT

Thanks so much for that. I think I am hearing conflicting opinions on which drains the battery faster, LCD or Viewfinder. Thoughts?

Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

shadowsports — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:53:55 GMT

Using the LCD drains the battery faster than the EVF.

Re: Chimping with just the Electronic Viewfinder of the R series mirorless cameras

justadude — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:56:58 GMT

As some of my colleagues here have mentioned, the LCD drains the battery faster. Bigger screen than in the viewfinder so a very small amount of extra electricity used, plus the fact that the EVF is still on when you use the LCD, so basically two items draining the battery instead of one.

But still, don't let that scare you away. If I'm at an 8 - 10 hour event where I am expected to take and turn over 5,000 or 6,000 photos (average for a race), I'll still be using the LCD for those 8 - 10 hours, and typically won't have to break into my 4th battery for the day. Usually I'm well into my 3rd though, and it's getting tired. Actually, at that point, I'm getting tired too. lol