Comparison of SLR and dSLR viewfinders

[Mac1337]

I have looked through Rebel's viewfinder and what I see is much more limited than what my Canon EOS film camera shows. EOS is much more life-like. First, is it true? Second, what specs do I have to look for to make sure I am buying a dSLR with an optical viewfinder comparable to film SLRs?

[AAA]

Funny you should mention that. I still carry my N90 and popped off a couple shots recently. Man, it's like a 300 watt lightbulb compared to the D50's 100 watt. I COULD SEE!!!!

So, I guess I'm saying that I, too, desire a worthy viewfinder comparison resource.

[Dik2]

It has to do with the size and quality of the prisms. The Rebel skimps in this area.
Take a look through a 1 series.
You are also using a very dim lens on the Rebel, compared to what you were likely to have on a film SLR.

[mattkime]

its just for framing. if you want to see a good image through a camera, use one with a ground glass.

[Mac1337]

I know it is just for framing. Bu it makes a world of difference if you can see better. The worst offenders are those LCD viewfinders. Horrible.

[pRON aHOLIC]

The biggest difference between film and entry level SLR now is the sheer physical size of the prism box. On your film SLR it needs to be big enough to cover a 35mm film area. On a digital SLR such as a rebel, d40x etc the prism doesn't need to be as large. The second issue is trying to make the entry level as small as possible.

Once you get to the mid level cameras such as your 40D, D200 etc. they build in some magnification to make the viewfinder more viewable.

If you absolutely must have a huge viewfinder, the Canon 5D chip is the same size as 35mm film and is now $2100.

[Mac1337]

OK, I was looking to keep using my EOS for those special occasions and now I have one! May be likes of Canon G9 are a better substitute for a dSLR.

[pRON aHOLIC]

Refurb of the 30D are $800 at Adorama.

[davester]

Besides not having a full-frame (compared to 35 mm film) image sensor, most of the zoom lenses these days are really slow compared to older prime (fixed focal length) lenses, so they are only gathering a fraction of the light, further degrading your viewfinder image. You just can't fight the laws of physics.

[AAA]

[quote pRON aHOLIC]Refurb of the 30D are $800 at Adorama.
http://www.adorama.com/ICA30DR.html?searchinfo=30d&item_no=19