Viewfinder Size (Film SLR Vs DSLR)

So, my father is finally thinking about taking the leap from SLR to DSLR. He tried out my camera, but all his pictures came out blurry. We realized the tiny viewfinder makes it harder to manually focus the camera, and when it finally is in focus, it's much harder to see the DOF, when compared with his film camera. I also think composing the shot is marginally harder in a smaller viewfinder.

So, what DSLRs have larger viewfinders?

The Digital SLR cameras that have larger viewfinders are 'full frame' DSLR cameras.
Most DSLR cameras have a sensor that is somewhat smaller than a frame of 35mm film but some of them do have a sensor that is the same size as 35mm film....we often call them 'full frame'.
Examples of current models are; Canon 1Ds III, Canon 5D II, Nikon D700, Nikon D3. You probably won't find a new one for less than $2500 though.

Thanks for the quick response! So, if I'm understanding you right, the size of the viewfinder is linked to the size of the sensor/film? So a 35mm SLR will always have a larger viewfinder than a crop sensor?

If not, do you have any suggestions on entry level DSLRs with slightly larger viewfinders?

Essential yes...although I'm sure there are other factors. Some are probably made smaller to save space & weight on the camera. I'm not sure if the use of a 'penta-mirror' rather than a 'penta-prism' makes a difference...but cheaper cameras tend to have mirrors.

I'm not sure which entry level cameras have bigger viewfinders, or if any of them are even bigger than others.

Manual focusing and checking the DOF certainly is harder with these cameras, but you also have the advantage of instant review on the LCD screen. So you can take a shot, then check it right away.

Powell Pink wrote:
Manual focusing and checking the DOF certainly is harder with these cameras, but you also have the advantage of instant review on the LCD screen. So you can take a shot, then check it right away.

Very true.

In any case, it sounds like my father will just have to get used to the smaller viewfinder until he can save up for a higher end camera.

Thanks.

He may need to adjust the diopter to get a clear view. The other option is using live view (if available) on his camera and view through the LCD. Several companies made magnifiers for the LCD screen also.

You can find used 5D's fairly cheap. A fast lens helps make a brighter image too.

Matthew

PS True Baydream, the diopter may have been set wrong for him. Not many film cameras had one built in.

The smaller viewfinders was something I really noticed when I switched from film to digital. I've installed special focus screens in every one of my DSLRs to help with manual focusing. I got split ring screens from Katzeye Optics for my 20D's and 40D's. They did help, but APS-C format viewfinders are just small if you are used to something else (especially if you are old enough to remember that 35mm used to be called "small format" rather than "full frame" ).

Lenses with a larger max aperture will brighten the viewfinder, but some stock focus screens (for instance Canon) are made for zooms and even if using a fast prime you may not be able to brighten the viewfinder more than f/2.8. If your camera manufacturer doesn't offer alternate focus screens for your camera model somebody else probably does.

These days I'm using 5D's & 5DII's with f/2.8 zooms and primes. I've installed the official Canon super precision bright screen in some, and a split cross screen I got from slrdaren.com in others. The Canon screen is brighter, but I'm not really experiencing their "snaps into focus" sales pitch. I wish it had a split ring. Even with these mods my 35mm DSLR viewfinders are still not as big and bright as my old Nikon FM2n's (which cost me a tenth of the price and are 25+ years old).

I guess there's always live view.

There are several ways you might go...

For example the LCD viewfinder... with magnification. cgi.ebay.com/Prolite-2-8X-DSLR-LCD-Viewf...3eb81#ht_3188wt_1138

Or the more practical (?) magnifying viewfinder replacement...
cgi.ebay.com/Magnification-View-Finder-1...f547f5#ht_2130wt_908

I just picked these at random. But you can do a more specific search.

Henry Peach wrote: The smaller viewfinders was something I really noticed when I switched from film to digital. I've installed special focus screens in every one of my DSLRs to help with manual focusing. I got split ring screens from Katzeye Optics for my 20D's and 40D's. They did help, but APS-C format viewfinders are just small if you are used to something else (especially if you are old enough to remember that 35mm used to be called "small format" rather than "full frame" ).

Lenses with a larger max aperture will brighten the viewfinder, but some stock focus screens (for instance Canon) are made for zooms and even if using a fast prime you may not be able to brighten the viewfinder more than f/2.8. If your camera manufacturer doesn't offer alternate focus screens for your camera model somebody else probably does.

These days I'm using 5D's & 5DII's with f/2.8 zooms and primes. I've installed the official Canon super precision bright screen in some, and a split cross screen I got from slrdaren.com in others. The Canon screen is brighter, but I'm not really experiencing their "snaps into focus" sales pitch. I wish it had a split ring. Even with these mods my 35mm DSLR viewfinders are still not as big and bright as my old Nikon FM2n's (which cost me a tenth of the price and are 25+ years old).

I guess there's always live view.

For manual focus the Katzeye is your best friend. Also on Dslrs even though you are focusing manually the camera still gauges focus, well atleat Nikons do. If you look in the View Finder look for the green dot to show for focus. My D300 has a good sized VF with 99% coverage. But when going full manual I use the Katzeye. He maybe able to find a decently priced D300 on KEH.