Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

amp · 09-02-2016, 08:05 PM

I've never used live view on my k3, or on any camera for that matter. What am I missing? What are the advantages? Any serious thoughts are appreciated.

ohaya · 09-02-2016, 08:17 PM

Hi,

For one thing, at least on my K-x, if you are using live view, you can magnify/zoom in-out.

**jatrax** · 09-02-2016, 08:25 PM

Focus peaking, which shows you the area in focus, makes using manual focus lenses easier.
Zoom in to check focus
On the tripod I find it convenient rather than looking through the viewfinder

However, on the k-3II I never use it except on the tripod. The K-1 is a different story and the flippy flexible LCD on the K-1 gets used a lot more.

stevebrot · 09-02-2016, 08:25 PM - **1 Like**

Probably the best advice I might give on the matter is to suggest you push the red button and give it a test drive. To prime the pump, here is a short list of how I use and have used it:

Critical manual focus. Live view being actual sensor output is the gold standard for fine focus. Magnified view ("OK" button) provides 1:1 pixel mapping from the sensor to the rear LCD
More convenient framing for some types of tripod work
Essential for lens testing (see first bullet point)
Essential for checking PDAF fine adjustment (see first bullet point)
Essential for checking focus screen calibration with aftermarket screens (see first bullet point)
CDAF in live view is slow, but has much higher precision and accuracy than PDAF using the viewfinder

Enjoy your exploration!

Steve

Thagomizer · 09-02-2016, 08:27 PM

Live view allows focus peaking which, for manual focus, can be a great advance over the optical viewfinder. DSLRs tend not to be blessed with much in the way of manual focusing aids.

stevebrot · 09-02-2016, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

However, on the k-3II I never use it except on the tripod.

Same here...forgot to include that in my comment above. Handheld video using the rear LCD is one thing, but handheld still photography using the rear LCD sort of sucks.

Steve

**GUB** · 09-02-2016, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by amp

I've never used live view on my k3, or on any camera for that matter. What am I missing? What are the advantages? Any serious thoughts are appreciated.

If you are happy with the precision (or lack of it) with AF then not so much. But for precise focusing the contrast detection system paired with the magnify zoom in is brilliant. I use a lcd viewfinder on my K01 all the time and I feel that combo is streets ahead of an optical viewfinder. I also own a K30 and it tends to get a run only when I am trekking.

stevebrot · 09-02-2016, 08:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Thagomizer

Live view allows focus peaking which, for manual focus, can be a great advance over the optical viewfinder.

Originally posted by jatrax

Focus peaking, which shows you the area in focus, makes using manual focus lenses easier.

Focus peaking is a real boon for many, but I have found it difficult under some conditions where the highlighting is thrown off by DOF, say at short focal lengths.

That being said, it still belongs on the short list of useful LV features.

Steve

micromacro · 09-02-2016, 08:32 PM - **1 Like**

Night landscape. Much better for framing and manual focusing.

**UncleVanya** · 09-02-2016, 08:37 PM

Anytime I have to focus and shoot from an awkward position, for example holding the camera up higher than my face but where I can still see some of the screen.

Adam · 09-02-2016, 09:33 PM

Shortly put, live view is the best choice when the best possibly focus accuracy is desired, thanks to magnification and focus peaking. It's also nice when holding the camera up high (i.e. at events, etc.).

johnyates · 09-03-2016, 01:22 AM

I shoot with the K-5 and find that an exposure reading taken during live view is more accurate than when using the viewfinder.

timb64 · 09-03-2016, 08:35 AM - **1 Like**

Lots of pro's above,one of the main con's is,it eats battery life!

MikePerham · 09-03-2016, 09:50 AM

I used a right angle finder for years, (anyone want to buy it). However, as I get older (77 now) it becomes more difficult to contort my body to use the accessory. I am hoping that the K3II replacement has an articulating screen.

planteater · 09-03-2016, 10:33 AM

IMHO it is hugely useful for macro and astro due to the awkward positions and critical focusing. Focus peaking on an articulated screen is so much easier than OVF.
Otherwise I generally use the optical viewfinder. I simply prefer it.

09-02-2016, 08:05 PM	#1
amp Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 168	live view....what am I missing? I've never used live view on my k3, or on any camera for that matter. What am I missing? What are the advantages? Any serious thoughts are appreciated.

09-02-2016, 08:25 PM - 1 Like	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Probably the best advice I might give on the matter is to suggest you push the red button and give it a test drive. To prime the pump, here is a short list of how I use and have used it: Critical manual focus. Live view being actual sensor output is the gold standard for fine focus. Magnified view ("OK" button) provides 1:1 pixel mapping from the sensor to the rear LCD More convenient framing for some types of tripod work Essential for lens testing (see first bullet point) Essential for checking PDAF fine adjustment (see first bullet point) Essential for checking focus screen calibration with aftermarket screens (see first bullet point) CDAF in live view is slow, but has much higher precision and accuracy than PDAF using the viewfinder Enjoy your exploration! Steve

09-02-2016, 09:33 PM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Shortly put, live view is the best choice when the best possibly focus accuracy is desired, thanks to magnification and focus peaking. It's also nice when holding the camera up high (i.e. at events, etc.). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Solved - What setting am I missing? (Images in PS CC look grainy, but are not)	Sagitta	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	5	05-08-2015 07:22 AM
What Am I Missing...	tabl10s	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	3	02-28-2013 09:13 PM
What Am I Missing?	tabl10s	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	20	10-25-2012 05:00 PM
K20...what am I missing?	SlickYamaha	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	10	02-02-2011 02:55 AM
lens comparisons - what am I missing?	WMBP	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	16	09-08-2009 11:25 PM

09-02-2016, 08:17 PM	#2
ohaya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 242	Hi, For one thing, at least on my K-x, if you are using live view, you can magnify/zoom in-out.

09-02-2016, 08:25 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	Focus peaking, which shows you the area in focus, makes using manual focus lenses easier. Zoom in to check focus On the tripod I find it convenient rather than looking through the viewfinder However, on the k-3II I never use it except on the tripod. The K-1 is a different story and the flippy flexible LCD on the K-1 gets used a lot more.

09-02-2016, 08:27 PM	#5
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	Live view allows focus peaking which, for manual focus, can be a great advance over the optical viewfinder. DSLRs tend not to be blessed with much in the way of manual focusing aids.

09-02-2016, 08:27 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by jatrax However, on the k-3II I never use it except on the tripod. Same here...forgot to include that in my comment above. Handheld video using the rear LCD is one thing, but handheld still photography using the rear LCD sort of sucks. Steve

09-02-2016, 08:28 PM	#7
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764	Originally posted by amp I've never used live view on my k3, or on any camera for that matter. What am I missing? What are the advantages? Any serious thoughts are appreciated. If you are happy with the precision (or lack of it) with AF then not so much. But for precise focusing the contrast detection system paired with the magnify zoom in is brilliant. I use a lcd viewfinder on my K01 all the time and I feel that combo is streets ahead of an optical viewfinder. I also own a K30 and it tends to get a run only when I am trekking.

09-02-2016, 08:31 PM - 1 Like	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Thagomizer Live view allows focus peaking which, for manual focus, can be a great advance over the optical viewfinder. Originally posted by jatrax Focus peaking, which shows you the area in focus, makes using manual focus lenses easier. Focus peaking is a real boon for many, but I have found it difficult under some conditions where the highlighting is thrown off by DOF, say at short focal lengths. That being said, it still belongs on the short list of useful LV features. Steve

09-02-2016, 08:32 PM - 1 Like	#9
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722	Night landscape. Much better for framing and manual focusing.

09-02-2016, 08:37 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Anytime I have to focus and shoot from an awkward position, for example holding the camera up higher than my face but where I can still see some of the screen.

09-03-2016, 01:22 AM	#12
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	I shoot with the K-5 and find that an exposure reading taken during live view is more accurate than when using the viewfinder.

09-03-2016, 08:35 AM - 1 Like	#13
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,514	Lots of pro's above,one of the main con's is,it eats battery life!

09-03-2016, 09:50 AM	#14
MikePerham Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Prince George, BC Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 642	I used a right angle finder for years, (anyone want to buy it). However, as I get older (77 now) it becomes more difficult to contort my body to use the accessory. I am hoping that the K3II replacement has an articulating screen.

09-03-2016, 10:33 AM	#15
planteater Forum Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Hastings UK Posts: 58	IMHO it is hugely useful for macro and astro due to the awkward positions and critical focusing. Focus peaking on an articulated screen is so much easier than OVF. Otherwise I generally use the optical viewfinder. I simply prefer it.

live view....what am I missing?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!