Viewfinder on Canon SX50 HS darkens or dims when using outdoors?

[2tango2]

I recently purchased a refurbished SX50 HS directly from Canon.  When using the viewfinder to take pictures outside it seems like it darkens or dims...when taking pictures inside it looks fine.

Is this normal behavior?  I'm talking about the viewfinder you press your eye to, not the LCD screen.

Thanks!

[Mykolas]

Hi 2tango2!

Thank you for posting.

Since the viewfinder is electronic, it is basically a tiny LCD displaying what is captured by the image sensor.  When you go outdoors in brighter ambient light, it may appear that the viewfinder darkens, but the brightness of the viewfinder is something you can adjust in the menu.  To do this:

1. Make sure the viewfinder is active using the DISP button, if not already.
2. Press MENU.
3. Select the TOOLS tab.
4. Select LCD BRIGHTNESS.
5. Adjust it using the LEFT and RIGHT buttons.

Brightness of the viewfinder and of the LCD on the back of the camera are adjusted separately, so you can always leave the LCD where it is, then keep the viewfinder a little brighter.