LCD-Viewing-Outdoors-Possible Solution?

[Sepiana]

Hi everyone,

When shooting outdoors, in bright sunlight, I can't see a thing in the LCD . Is there a gadget to counteract that?

I always use the viewer to shoot a photo; but, when I want to use the LCD, it's practically impossible. I can't even look at the images I have shot.

Thanks in advance.

[lowbone]

Delkin makes a device that is like a folding hood. It is supposed to reduce the glare on a camera lcd as well as protect it when it is in its folded position. I have never seen one on a camera and have no idea if it works but it is probably worth investigating. Other then that about the only thing you could do would be to go into the menu and turn up the brightness of your lcd.

[Inspeqtor]

Sepiana,

Lowbone is correct, Delkin Devices (http://www.delkin.com/products/popupshades/index.html) does make a pop-up shade for LCD screens on a camera. There is a 'frame' that is attached (permanently) to your camera, then the pop-up shade attaches to the frame. You can take the shade off at times if you want. I have one for a small P&S camera. It does help a little. On a very sunny bright day it is still hard to see the LCD screen. I am not planning to get one for my XSi camera. When attached you still have to open up the pop-up shade to see what is on your LCD screen like menus or your photo. If you want to use the view finder (if your camera has one, mine does not), then you have to close or remove the pop-up shade.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1kbaXCYaT0oQuFhe9ssQT2QA2T3gC_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1kbaXCYaT0oQuFhe9ssQT2QA2T3gC)

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1oiALNVFd5INa5awy9aQd0yrTtHy_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1oiALNVFd5INa5awy9aQd0yrTtHy)

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1pI8htWOtkP4EAV8pTCIk4C1IRe5I80_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1pI8htWOtkP4EAV8pTCIk4C1IRe5I80)

HTH

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,
Lowbone is correct, Delkin Devices (http://www.delkin.com/products/popupshades/index.html) does make a pop-up shade for LCD screens on a camera. There is a 'frame' that is attached (permanently) to your camera, then the pop-up shade attaches to the frame. You can take the shade off at times if you want. I have one for a small P&S camera. It does help a little. On a very sunny bright day it is still hard to see the LCD screen. I am not planning to get one for my XSi camera. When attached you still have to open up the pop-up shade to see what is on your LCD screen like menus or your photo. If you want to use the view finder (if your camera has one, mine does not), then you have to close or remove the pop-up shade.

Thanks, Charles.

I think I can use this device in my P&S (Canon A720-IS). It has a view finder, but I more than often use the LCD. For some reason, I get a better grasp of the shot through the LCD, instead of the view finder.

Based on what you said, I don't think I'll use one on my XT (or probably, my future XSI;)). Here I always use the view finder.

EDIT: Thanks for the images! Nice touch! Now I know what this gadget looks like, when I go shopping for it.

[Sepiana]

Delkin makes a device that is like a folding hood. It is supposed to reduce the glare on a camera lcd as well as protect it when it is in its folded position. I have never seen one on a camera and have no idea if it works but it is probably worth investigating. Other then that about the only thing you could do would be to go into the menu and turn up the brightness of your lcd.

Lowbone, thanks for your response. I'm going to check what you're talking about.

EDIT: Charles has just provided a description of this folding hood and even images of it.:)

[Inspeqtor]

Sepiana,

You are most welcome. I am glad I could help you. :D

You may find one available in a local camera store. I have seen some sizes (but not all sizes) at my local Wal*Mart. I ordered mine directly from Delkin, and I had it in less than a weeks time. I looked up your camera on Amazon, and from what that says, you will need a 2.5" size from [/URL]Delkin. Measure you LCD screen to be sure of the size! They have them in [URL="http://www.delkin.com/shop/product.php?productid=237&cat=55&page=1"]Silver (http://www.delkin.com/shop/product.php?productid=237&cat=55&page=1) and Black (http://www.delkin.com/shop/product.php?productid=289&cat=55&page=2) or you can look at their entire Pop-Up Shade line HERE (http://www.delkin.com/products/popupshades/index.html). Delkin (http://www.delkin.com/shop/home.php) also has other products beside Pop-Up Shades.

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,

You are most welcome. I am glad I could help you. :D

You may find one available in a local camera store. I have seen some sizes (but not all sizes) at my local Wal*Mart. I ordered mine directly from Delkin, and I had it in less than a weeks time. I looked up your camera on Amazon, and from what that says, you will need a 2.5" size from Delkin. Measure you LCD screen to be sure of the size! They have them in Silver (http://www.delkin.com/shop/product.php?productid=237&cat=55&page=1) and Black (http://www.delkin.com/shop/product.php?productid=289&cat=55&page=2) or you can look at their entire Pop-Up Shade line HERE (http://www.delkin.com/products/popupshades/index.html). Delkin (http://www.delkin.com/shop/home.php) also has other products beside Pop-Up Shades.

Charles, thanks so much! You're such a gentleman! You have everything laid out for me. I'm getting the silver one. Now, all I have to do is ... get the credit card out. Let the good shopping roll!:D

[CalamityJanet]

Hi Sepiana,

I have one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Hoodman-HLPP-Professional-Screen-Loupe/dp/B000XC2F3K/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex/103-9640748-2960627) and it really works well. It's smaller than it looks in the photo and has a cord for hanging it around your neck until you need it. Unfortunately it's a little expensive and out of stock.:(

[Sepiana]

Hi Sepiana,

I have one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Hoodman-HLPP-Professional-Screen-Loupe/dp/B000XC2F3K/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex/103-9640748-2960627) and it really works well. It's smaller than it looks in the photo and has a cord for hanging it around your neck until you need it. Unfortunately it's a little expensive and out of stock.:(

Hi Janet,

Thanks a lot! This is what I need for my Canon XT, isn't it? As I always use its view finder, I could keep this little gadget around my neck and use it to review images in the LCD. Unfortunately, out of stock. Anyway, I'll keep checking.

[CalamityJanet]

Sepiana, I checked B&H photo and they're out of stock too. Must be a popular item. I really like it because it blocks out ALL light and the diopter keeps me from needing my glasses to review my shots. I hope you find one soon!

[TonyW]

Couldn't help remembering the good old days when a black focusing cloth to throw over the head and camera to let you compose and focus on the ground glass focusing screen was part of the standard equipment that all photographers had to have :D. Cheap and simple :) ...

Tony

[royalmain]

You might want to check out ebay under 'digital camera accessories' and then under 'lcd shade'.

They seem to have a fair number available for different camera models and you might save a coin or two in the process.

[Sepiana]

You might want to check out ebay under 'digital camera accessories' and then under 'lcd shade'.

They seem to have a fair number available for different camera models and you might save a coin or two in the process.

Thanks, I never thought of the good old EBay.

[r2d2]

I had one of the Delkin shades for my Rebel XT. I found that in bright light it didn't work that well. Still really couldn't see images well. I now have an XSi and am not sure whether I will purchase another when they become available for this camera. It may be a great help to have the much larger LCD screen and perhaps it would work well with the larger viewing area. I will try before I buy this time. In Canada they retail about $50 and I might rather save the money for another lens.:D

[ljameso1]

Couldn't help remembering the good old days when a black focusing cloth to throw over the head and camera to let you compose and focus on the ground glass focusing screen was part of the standard equipment that all photographers had to have :D. Cheap and simple :) ...

Tony

What a coincidence. I carry a black rainshiekd that also does triple duty as a cloth to block reflections when shooting through a window and viewing the LCD in bright light-just throw it over my head:D

[TonyK]

Sepiana,
Did you purchase anything yet ? I bought the Hoodman and it works really good. It has a diopter built in the end so you can adjust it to your own vision. You can't believe the difference it makes out in bright sunlight. I ordered it right from Hoodman.
Tony

[Inspeqtor]

Tony,

The hoodman looks like a great product, and I would be interested in getting one for my XSi, but I just checked, and they are out of stock :(

http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017

http://www.amazon.com/Hoodman-Professional-Screen-Loupe-Canon/dp/B000JZB0EQ

[Derry]

Sepiana, they are nice but also sensitive and can be damaged easily,,, my wife has one on her P&S and it has broken off a few times as she is tough on her camera gear,, thank goodness for super glue,,

Derry

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,
Did you purchase anything yet ? I bought the Hoodman and it works really good. It has a diopter built in the end so you can adjust it to your own vision. You can't believe the difference it makes out in bright sunlight. I ordered it right from Hoodman.
Tony


Hi Tony,

For my P&S, I bought this one (http://www.delkin.com/products/popupshades/mini/), recommended by Charles. I really like it. It makes quite a difference -- now I can see the image on the LCD, either for shooting or reviewing.

For my Canon Rebel, I'm holding on for the Hoodman, recommended by Janet. I have been checking and this item is still out of stock.

EDIT: I've just bought Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book, vol. 2, and on page 107, he talks about "Using Your LCD Monitor Outdoors." This is what he has to say about the Hoodman:


. . . That's why I've fallen in love with the Hoodman HoodLoupe Professional. . . . gives you a crystal clear view of your monitor . . . I carry this with me to all my outdoor shots . . . and after you use it even once, you won't want to be without it. . . .

[Sepiana]

Sepiana, they are nice but also sensitive and can be damaged easily,,, my wife has one on her P&S and it has broken off a few times as she is tough on her camera gear,, thank goodness for super glue,,

Derry

Hi Derry,

I better handle it with care. Thanks for sharing this!

[Inspeqtor]

Hi Tony,

For my Canon Rebel, I'm holding on for the Hoodman, recommended by Janet. I have been checking and this item is still out of stock.


I am wondering if they will ever produce this product again :(

I hope they do, as it does look good! If you find out it is again available, please post it here for us :)

[Sepiana]

I am wondering if they will ever produce this product again :(

I hope they do, as it does look good! If you find out it is again available, please post it here for us :)

Hi Charles,

This morning I sent an e-mail to the Hoodman website inquiring about this matter. The moment I get an answer, I'll post it.

[Inspeqtor]

Hi Charles,

This morning I sent an e-mail to the Hoodman website inquiring about this matter. The moment I get an answer, I'll post it.

Thank you! :)

[ricklepage]

Hoodman (http://www.hoodmanusa.com/) makes a lot of great gear, like the Loupe CalamityJanet recommends. I have it too and use it all the time when I'm shooting in lots of different lighting conditions (it's great at night as well, because it really helps your eye focus on that tiny screen). It also comes with a case that will clip to your belt. If you shoot a lot and really want to be able to look at the LCD clearly, it's worth waiting for - assuming they still plan to make it (I don't think it's a huge seller for them).

I also had one of their original LCD 'hoods' (which is where the company name came from) for my D30 back in the day, and I liked that one too. All in all, they're a pretty good, small company.

Rick

[RonH]

I have a flip up like the hoodman but I believe it is a delkin. It is removable to I can take it off when I am shooting indoors. I leave it off until I head out for a trip and then throw it on. It helps a lot outdoors but can be a pain when shooting indoors.

The other day I grabbed my wives point and shoot, which only has a LCD, for a day with my grand daughter. I couldn't figure out whey when I turned the camera to portrait orientation the LCD would go black. This went on for an hour until I realized I was wearing my polarized sunglasses and apparently the screen has some polarizing effect and when they came into sink they equal 0 light. Boy did I feel stupid.

[winclk]

ronh==does double posting help you feel smarter? :D if so i'm going to double post all the time.

[RonH]

Oooooops, Something weird happened. Sorry for the double post. And no it didn't help.

RonH

[Sepiana]

Hi Charles,

I've just received this e-mail from the Hoodman website:


I am very sorry to say that the HoodLoupe is still not available. I do not have a definite date on when these will come in. I have added your contact information to our list, and we will contact you as soon as we have them available.
If you place an order now however, it will guarantee you a spot to receive a HoodLoupe when they do come in.


Kind Regards,

Tracy Osborn
Sales Administrator

Hoodman Corporation
310-222-8608 Voice
310-222-8623 Fax
www.hoodmanusa.com (http://www.hoodmanusa.com)

[Inspeqtor]

Sepiana,

Thank you so very much for posting the email you got from HoodmanUSA. It is encouraging to see they answered your email so quickly! I think I will save up some $$, and possibly then contact them myself to see if they have any new word at that time (whenever that is) as to when they will be available.
I see they are good up to a 3" LCD, perfect for my XSi (and yours when you get it! :D)