[Peter Vesuwalla]

Coming from a motion picture background, where even 16mm film cameras have output jacks for video monitors, I find myself more open to the idea of a live-view feature on an SLR camera than most people. I've yet to see a valid argument against it, but there's no shortage of benefits.

This morning I dreamed up another one (borrowed from my experience on movie sets), that I've yet to see posted anywhere: assisting in multiple exposures.

If you're a fan of doing in-camera multiple exposures (or many other visual effects including forced perspective), and don't want to spend a lot of time fixing things in Photoshop, live view is the answer - especially if you want elements in the different exposures to appear to interact with one another. Simply buy some of those cheap, stick-on screen protectors and a fine-tip marker. Now you can trace key elements in the composition with a marker before each exposure to better position objects in relation to one another, much like the "Stitch Assist" mode on some compact cameras. If you're using a laptop, you could even tape a large piece of acetate to the screen.

I got this idea on a film set with Guy Maddin, when he and his crew used a similar method to take multiple exposures of Isabella Rossellini's mouth, strategically positioned about the screen. It takes a lot of guesswork out of in-camera visual effects photography.

[barondla]

Interesting idea. Jogged my memory about a still life pro doing similar trick on his 4x5 ground glass. It would be great if Pentax allowed us a ghost image of the first shot to line up next shot. They already offered that feature on a camera - the Optio 750. Still regret not buying one.
thanks
barondla
ps - friend loaned me a Canon L1 with 3 lenses. No idea what to do with it yet. Hard to think in moving pictures.

[benplaut]

here's an even different idea: is there a AV port on the k20d to let you view pictures on a TV screen? If so, would it be possible to use that with live view and record to a tape or dvr?

Maybe

[D W]

Yes K20D live view works with external monitor. However sensor heat and image noise would come into play if you are recording video for any long period of time.

[falconeye]

is there a AV port on the k20d to let you view pictures on a TV screen?

Yes, but with a bad quality. LiveView is only 600x400 pixels or so (worse than TV) and via video cable doesn't get any better... It isn't a pleasant view And as D W said, stays active for a limited period of time only.

It may have its applications, esp. if somebody finds out how to activate LiveView in Remote Assistant 3 (maybe via Custom Function?) ...