LCDs, Viewfinders, and Monitors: Our Take

In this episode of The Underwater Photography Show, Alex Mustard and Matthew Sullivan dive into the pros and cons of LCDs, viewfinders, and external monitors for underwater photography. The ability to choose between these three options is a major advantage of mirrorless cameras, as they all provide a live, up-to-the-minute view of what the lens is capturing. The choice really comes down to which viewing position offers the best ergonomics for your shooting style and subject matter.

One of us (Alex) prefers using an electronic viewfinder (EVF), while the other (Matthew) has recently transitioned to an external monitor. However, we both agree that the LCD screen is often underrated. A major benefit of using the LCD is that it doesn't require an expensive accessory to get the most out of it. We've found that having the ability to angle the LCD screen slightly back towards you makes for a more comfortable shooting experience, but not all housings offer this flexibility. If you plan to use the LCD as your primary way of framing shots, it's a good idea to check what kind of angling flexibility the housing provides. The main drawback of angling the screen is that it can be a bit awkward when shooting vertical shots [1:16].

For years, Alex resisted mirrorless cameras because of the EVF, but now it's his preferred viewing method due to the advancements in technology. He particularly likes using an EVF with an angled viewfinder, as it creates a bright, cinematic view through a shaded eyepiece, which helps him concentrate on the details. The EVF also allows you to adjust the view to your eyesight and provides a consistent view for shooting, reviewing images, and navigating menus. Alex also likes the traditional feel of using an EVF, which he says inspires him and suits his shooting style. When he does use his LCD, he keeps it flat against the camera body, especially for shots where the camera is further away from him or for shooting straight up or down [2:37].

Matthew still likes using the LCD for certain situations, like shooting sharks, where he holds the camera at eye level and can look straight through it. He finds it saves the bulk of a viewfinder or monitor in these cases. However, for macro and non-pelagic subjects, he now loves shooting with a monitor and doesn't anticipate going back to a regular viewfinder. Matthew has vision problems, and a 5-inch Kraken monitor, which is very bright even in the middle of the day, makes composition much easier due to the larger screen. The bigger screen helps him see every detail, making it easier to notice and correct things he might have missed with a viewfinder. The monitor's ability to be tilted in any direction is also a huge advantage, especially in environments where he needs to get the camera low to the seabed. For instance, he was able to photograph a frogfish tucked behind a dock piling by tilting the monitor towards himself without having to physically get behind the camera. The monitor also makes shooting upward angles for wide-angle shots much easier, as you can hold the camera out at arm's length and avoid your bubbles getting in the shot [4:10].

One of the cons of a monitor is that it adds size and weight to the rig, which can slow you down, so Matthew doesn't use it for fast-moving subjects like sharks. Alex was concerned that a monitor would make it difficult to judge exposure in very bright conditions, like those at Stingray City in Cayman, where even the camera's LCD is hard to see. Matthew hasn't had any issues with this on his Kraken monitor, which is bright enough that he often dials the brightness down. He says the only issue he's encountered in very bright conditions is glare from the glass, which can be fixed by angling the monitor differently.

Battery life is another consideration. Matthew has used his monitor for three dives without charging it. While it's rated for about three hours at full brightness, he believes you can get more life out of it by not running it at full power. The good thing about a monitor is that if the battery dies during a dive, you can still shoot pictures, unlike a camera or strobe battery. It also has a user-replaceable battery, making it easy to swap out if needed [10:10].

Matthew also found a unique way to use his monitor by tucking it down behind the camera to mimic a larger LCD screen. This gives him a bigger screen to work with while maintaining a familiar shooting position. Alex thinks this could be a great way to shoot wide-angle subjects like models, as it allows you to maintain eye contact with the subject while still being able to check your composition and exposure on the monitor.

We both agree that seeing the composition on a larger screen helps to notice details more easily, which can greatly improve your photography. Matthew resisted getting a monitor for a long time but now finds it indispensable for most of his shooting. While only a small percentage of serious underwater photographers currently use external monitors, we think this could be a real game-changer in the community [18:37].

Check out the episode below if you want to hear the full discussion.