camera lcd screen viewer factory

high desert, mountain lake, sagebrush, Oregon Sunshine wildflowers, tall grasses, aspen trees, Oregon, blue sky with clouds, noon, 24p, Red One camera, HD, 4k, 1080p

high desert, hills, Oregon, large clouds, small clouds, blue sky, noon, afternoon, evening, sunset, ground squirrel, 24p, Red One camera, HD, 4k, 1080p

At Rostra, we’re pleased to announce a large expansion to our factory-installed LCD screen interface camera system program. Now available for ordering, our RearSight® interface application listing includes plug-and-play kits for many popular GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles. The applications found in the guide below include either our discrete wedge-shaped CMOS camera, our teardrop CMOS or CCD camera, or a custom tailgate-handle integrated CMOS camera (available in black and chrome) to retain the factory look of a truck’s tailgate.

Please note that some of these systems do require programming by a dealership to activate the camera once installed, but the necessary steps for these procedures are outlined in the instructions included with each kit and labeled as “DAR: Yes or No” on this guide.

Installer is advised to remove the factory LCD screen and verify that the original Ford screen part number matches those in the list below before ordering:

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Please note, our RearSight® factory LCD screen interface systems are only sold through authorized distributors. Please contact Rostra to locate a distributor in your area for your original equipment touch screen camera interface system.

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Should I use the camera viewfinder or LCD? More importantly, in the age of iPhones and touchscreens, is the viewfinder now obsolete? Read on, and you may just discover a need for both.

Should I use the camera viewfinder or LCD when capturing an image? Indeed, this debate will no doubt continue into the foreseeable future. At any rate, long before the liquid crystal display (LCD) came into the picture, the viewfinder was the only game in town. Thus, it certainly stands to reason why many seasoned photographers prefer the viewfinder over the LCD. However, in light of the miniature camera revolution, one might consider the viewfinder outdated or even obsolete; consequently, many contemporary photographers appear to favor the LCD. In any case, the LCD has changed the game and offers distinct advantages and new possibilities for photography. Regardless of your current preference, a bit of experimentation may help improve your game.

Above all, composition is the most crucial element in any photograph. Indeed, everyone enjoys a stunning well-exposed tack sharp photo. Of course, the methods used to capture an image play an essential role in the quality of the image. For example, during hand-held photography, using the viewfinder draws the camera closer to the body offering a lower profile thus providing a better foundation as opposed to extending the camera forward to compose an image. Naturally, getting the shot is what counts! Deciding between using the LCD or viewfinder boils down to personal preference.

Although wearing eyeglasses can exacerbate the situation, it’s still possible to use the viewfinder. However, whether farsighted or nearsighted, fumbling around with eyeglasses can take the fun out of photography. Fortunately, many cameras offer viewfinders with a built-in diopter that permits one to compensate for optical shortcomings. In fact, some camera models offer additional diopters for those requiring further correction. Honestly, while wearing reading glasses, I do find it a bit cumbersome to bounce back and forth from the viewfinder to the LCD. I sometimes wear my glasses tethered around my neck. At any rate, I find using the viewfinder worth the extra effort.

No doubt, shooting at ground level can make framing an image extremely difficult. Composing a photograph with the viewfinder while lying on wet grass presents an unacceptable challenge for some people. Still, using the LCD does not guarantee the user will remain completely dry, even with a tilting LCD. Plus, not all cameras have an adjustable LCD. Nevertheless, the increasing popularity of the adjustable LCD suggests many people may favor the LCD over the viewfinder. Although I prefer the viewfinder in most situations, the LCD occasionally has its advantages. Regardless of one’s preference, an adjustable LCD has an undeniable ergonomic benefit when shooting at low levels. On the other hand, for the diehard viewfinder fan, it is possible to retrofit many camera models with an angled viewfinder.

While composing an image, a mindful photographer pays careful attention to every detail in the frame, especially distracting elements near the edges. Unfortunately, excluding high-end cameras, most DSLR viewfinders do not offer 100 percent coverage. For example, when using a DSLR with only 95 percent coverage, during post-processing one is likely to discover overlooked articles near the edge of the image. Whereas the articles would have been visible if composed on an LCD. In other words, unlike the LCD, what you see in the viewfinder isn’t necessarily what you get in post-processing. As for myself, this is an outright deal-breaker. Although many camera models offer viewfinders with greater than 95 percent coverage, nothing beats 100 percent. On the other hand, is five percent more coverage worth the added expense? Honestly, the deciding factor comes down to personal preference and budget.

Viewing an image on an LCD in brightly illuminated situations may prove difficult indeed. When shooting under extremely bright conditions, one may find it impossible to actually see the image on the LCD. Although I certainly prefer the viewfinder in bright situations, purchasing an LCD hood or shade provides a simple solution. Though an LCD hood will help reduce glare, these devices are bulky and require removal to use of the viewfinder. Honestly, the LCD has its benefits, but in this case, why add an additional device if it’s not necessary.

I occasionally hear the notion that bright light from an LCD impairs night vision. Of course, staring at any bright light source will affect one’s night vision. Be that as it may, I would not rule out using the LCD for night photography. In fact, I often use the LCD at night for image playback, and I’m yet to stumble over my gear from loss of night vision. In any case, both the viewfinder and LCD are beneficial for night photography. Incidentally, while shooting a moonbow at Cumberland Falls State Park near Corbin Kentucky, I found the LCD indispensable in reviewing the color span captured in the moonbow. Due to sparse lighting, the human eye has a difficult time discerning the colors of a moonbow, and thus it appears white to the naked eye. Nevertheless, during image playback on the LCD, the colors in the moonbow are evident. See the moonbow here.

Depending on the camera model, the information available in both the viewfinder and LCD will vary. Regardless of the camera data, with today’s technology, most people have no trouble pointing and shooting a camera with satisfactory results. However, being acquainted with the exposure triangle can open new possibilities with the potential for boundless creativity. Hence, the ability to observe shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure is paramount. One advantage of the LCD is the ability to view a live histogram in live view. Indeed, a live histogram is pretty impressive, but not available on all cameras. In any case, I prefer to use the histogram during image playback.

Now, this is extremely important for those that need to squeeze every ounce of life from a battery. I often hike and camp in primitive areas where electrical power is a luxury. That being the case, the difference in battery life is monumental! An LCD requires far more energy compared to an optical viewfinder. In fact, the LCD requires 100 percent more energy. However, poor battery life is easily mitigated in most cases. For example, carry extra batteries and take advantage of charging opportunities while traveling near power sources or while dining in a restaurant. Also, consider investing in a battery grip.

Depending on the type of photography, both the viewfinder and LCD have distinct advantages. For example, live view employs contrast detection to analyze image contrast pixel by pixel, thereby significantly improving focusing accuracy. Furthermore, live view provides additional focusing points allowing more versatility, especially handy when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Utilizing the LCD, one can zoom in and precisely focus on a specific detail. Consequently, a landscape photographer may favor using the LCD to enhance the focus of still subjects. However, the focusing speed is at a snail’s pace compared to using a viewfinder which employs phase detection for focusing.

Indeed, whether using the LCD or viewfinder to compose an image, covering the viewfinder eyepiece on a DSLR is an excellent idea. In fact, in backlit situations, light can enter through the viewfinder and appear on the image as a solar flare. Moreover, light entering through the viewfinder can fool the camera’s light meter resulting in an underexposed image. Despite manufacturing attempts to protect against light leakage, even the most expensive cameras can leak light back to the sensor. In fact, with the mirror in the up position, the light may still pass through and find its way to your image, especially during a long exposure. Consequently, and for a good reason, many manufacturers deploy the use of built-in eyepiece shutters or external eyepiece covers. Why leave your masterpiece to chance?

A DSLR utilizes a mirror to reflect an image through the lens and onto the sensor. Obviously, a “mirrorless” camera does not use a mirror to reflect an image to the viewfinder. Instead, a mirrorless camera projects an electronic or “digital” image to the viewfinder. I think an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is much like an LCD only smaller. As a matter of fact, an EVF is analogous to having a tiny TV screen extremely close to your eye. Alternatively, an optical viewfinder (OVF) allows the user to look straight through the lens via the mirror. Nevertheless, both the OVF and EVF provide the user with a practical view; however, the two views are entirely different.

Nevertheless, the EVF does have a few advantages. For example, like the LCD, the EVF offers 100 percent coverage, so what you see in the viewfinder is what you get in the image. Also, the EVF is illuminated and thus beneficial in low-light situations.

Although I do my best to remain objective when writing, I’m sure it’s apparent that I prefer the viewfinder over the LCD. Despite that being the case, you may have noticed that I practice both in my photography. Honestly, I suspect many people do the same. Indeed, I very much enjoy the connection to nature that photography affords. Although an LCD has its benefits, I prefer viewing my subject through the sharp clarity produced by an optical viewfinder. In short, if forced to decide between one or the other, I choose the OVF. At any rate, these are mere opinions and should be taken with a healthy portion of common sense and personal experience. As I always like to say, it’s genuinely a matter of personal preference.

This invention relates to protective devices for digital camera LCD screens and more particularly to a device that allows viewing of the LCD screen through the device while the device is protecting the LCD screen. The device also provides a mount for a glare reduction device allowing the LCD screen to be viewed easily in outdoor sunlight.

It is known in the art relating to digital cameras to provide an opaque cover fittable over a LCD screen to protect the LCD screen when the camera is not in use. When the camera is being used the cover must be removed rendering the LCD screen susceptible to damage.

Often digital cameras are used outside and at sporting events. Professional photographers may use many cameras in their work. When covering an event the photographer may have three or more cameras, each with a different lens, strapped around her neck. Some photographers leave the protective coverings off their cameras exposing the LCD screens to damage caused by the camera bodies swinging around and hitting the LCD screens. Other photographers deal with the task of taking off and putting on the opaque protective coverings. Often these protective coverings are lost in the field during camera use.

Furthermore, when these digital cameras with LCD screens are used in bright light, the photographer often has to shield the camera LCD screen so that the screen can be viewed.

The present invention provides a protector accessory which mounts over a LCD screen of a digital camera such as for example among others the Nikon D1. The protector includes a viewing portion of an optically clear plastic that allows the LCD screen to be viewed through the viewing portion. The viewing portion may be scratch resistant and preferably is clear Lexan® plastic. The protector also includes a mounting portion having mounts for mounting the protector about the LCD screen. The mounting portion surrounds the viewing portion and preferably the two portions are made as one plastic injection molded part.

In one embodiment of the protector, the mounting portion includes at least one connector for connecting a glare reducing device to the protector. The connector may be a tab, flange, or other means for connecting the glare reducing device to the protector. The glare reducing device includes a cooperating connector. The glare reducing device is of a tubular shape and eliminates glare associated with outside viewing of the camera LCD screen. The glare reducing device may be of flexible or rigid construction and may have straight walls or be of a collapsible bellows construction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the digital camera of FIG. 1 having a glare reducing device connected to the LCD screen protector of FIGS. 2A–2E mounted about the LCD viewing screen;

FIGS. 5A–5E are various views of a glare reducing device constructed in accordance with the present invention illustrating its connection to the LCD screen cap; and

Referring now to the drawings in detail, a protective device according to the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 20 and is adapted for use with a digital camera 22 having a LCD viewfinder 24. As is hereinafter more fully described, the protective device 20 provides protection to the LCD viewfinder 24 while allowing the LCD display to be viewed therethrough. Furthermore, the protective device 20 provides for the mounting of various glare reducing and/or eliminating devices on the device as is more fully hereinafter described.

In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a digital camera 22 that includes a LCD viewfinder 24. A frame 26 of the viewfinder 24 includes a plurality of attachment features 28. The protective device 20 is attachable to the attachment features 28 to mount the protective device to the viewfinder 24 as shown in FIG. 3.

The protective device 20 also includes mounts 36 disposed on frame 30 for mounting a glare reduction device on the protective device and thereby on the camera 22. Mounts 36 are illustrated as a pair tabs 38 extending outwardly from frame 30 to which a glare reduction device is adapted to be attached as hereinafter more fully described.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5E there is shown a glare reduction device 40 that is adapted to fir onto the protective device 20 via a cooperable connector 42 connecting with tabs 38. Glare reduction device 40 is a bellows type glare reduction device having side walls 44 which are expandable to form a tubular shape and collapsible to flatten against the frame 30. Glare reduction device 40 may be made of any flexible material and is preferably formed from a rubberized plastic or fabric material. As shown in FIG. 4, the glare reduction device 40 may be fitted on a protective device 20 and the combination of the glare reduction device and protective device may by mounted to a digital camera 22.

In the description that follows, all available indicators are shown for illustrative purposes; the indicators actually displayed vary with camera settings. Note that the LCD monitor and electronic viewfinder have different aspect ratios.

When ON is selected for SCREEN SET-UP > EVF AUTOROTATE DISPLAYS in the setup menu, the indicators in the viewfinder automatically rotate to match camera orientation.

The brightness and hue of the viewfinder and LCD monitor can be adjusted using the options under SCREEN SET-UP in the setup menu. Choose EVF BRIGHTNESS or EVF COLOR to adjust viewfinder brightness or hue, LCD

My friend"s Olympus isn"t working... the LCD screen stays black (you can see the menus, etc., just fine, but doesn"t display image), viewfinder doesn"t work, won"t take photos (yes, the lens cap is off!).

Remove the lens. Switch the camera on. Obviously you see no picture, but it should display something, and it should display the difference between light and dark.