Older Rebels

R2D2 wrote:

PetriMC wrote:

Even on the newest DSLRs, Live View is a bolted-on option that comes with compromises, it's useful at times but not the optimal way of shooting these heavier cameras with slapping mirrors inside.

IME that doesn't apply at all to the 70D or the 7D2 with their dual pixel sensors. Live view is extremely well implemented with unmatched performance (even vs mirrorless). And using it on the 70D with its articulating touchscreen is simply a wonder to behold.

But I do agree that using live view with the cameras the OP has listed would pretty much be a painful experience (due to the slow AF).

I don't doubt that Live View can be well implemented on a DSLR, it's just that a DSLR is never going to be the optimum platform for that kind of shooting.  A DSLR is a DSLR because it has a mirror inside, and the sole purpose of the mirror is to allow a TTL view through a viewfinder.  The existence of the mirror means that a DSLR is generally noisier than other cameras, it vibrates more, and it's inherently bigger and heavier due to the mirrorbox, all of which are compromises that many of us very willingly accept in order to have that viewfinder.

If you take the viewfinder out of the equation, are never or very rarely going to use it, and actually want to exclusively shoot using live view, then why would you opt for the extra bulk and noise of a DSLR over a good mirrorless option?

Don't get me wrong, I'm no mirrorless fanboy, I've used SLRs of all kinds for more than 30 years and I absolutely appreciate the strength of having both that optical finder and great live view as an option.  But if like the OP I was convinced I simply wanted to shoot from the screen 24/7, I probably wouldn't be shopping for a DSLR.