poll: built-in EVF or add-on EVF?

As EOS M5 is coming near, the revealed(?) image is being discussed because of its design.

Some are saying that built-in EVF is not useful because of increased size, while others long for the built-in EVF.

Here is the poll for it.

Which one do you prefer?

lumenite said:

As EOS M5 is coming near, the revealed(?) image is being discussed because of its design.

Some are saying that built-in EVF is not useful because of increased size, while others long for the built-in EVF.

Here is the poll for it.

Which one do you prefer?

Click to expand...

I don't feel like a built-in EVF adds enough bulk compared to an add-on.

If you're going to do an EVF, it might as well be built in. Comparing the M3 with the EVF mounted to the "sketches" of the M5, the built in EVF produces a much smaller overall package. The built in EVF looks to add only half as much volume to the camera as the removable EVF. Also, the built in EVF is nice and smooth with no awkward protrusions. With the add on EVF, you're in constant fear of snagging something and tearing it from the camera.

It looks like Canon is moving to two basic designs; the M, M2, and M10 series with no external viewfinder and built to be as small as reasonably possible. The second option is the up spec' higher end model with a built in viewfinder. My guess is that the "middle ground" M3 is a dead end.

nnowak said:

If you're going to do an EVF, it might as well be built in. Comparing the M3 with the EVF mounted to the "sketches" of the M5, the built in EVF produces a much smaller overall package. The built in EVF looks to add only half as much volume to the camera as the removable EVF. Also, the built in EVF is nice and smooth with no awkward protrusions. With the add on EVF, you're in constant fear of snagging something and tearing it from the camera.

It looks like Canon is moving to two basic designs; the M, M2, and M10 series with no external viewfinder and built to be as small as reasonably possible. The second option is the up spec' higher end model with a built in viewfinder. My guess is that the "middle ground" M3 is a dead end.

Click to expand...

I think with news about the EVF-DC2 ( http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-evf-dc2-likely-coming-soon/ ) it's actually likely the next M10 will work with this viewfinder.

I almost always use my M3 with the EVF - it's a really nice unit with a great picture and feel. But I hate having to take it off/put it on when storing the camera and like others have said I feel like it's going to get caught up on something when on the strap.


Having it built in will be convenient not to have add-ons and it's all in one package.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125556024@N05/

When I meant a built-in EVF, it is something like that G5X, of course.

The third option could be EVF as in Sony A6x00.

It does not require more height, but width with smaller LCD.

I love my add-on EVF. It works well, but really changes how the whole camera feels, and gives me an experience much closer to using a dSLR (which I prefer). Sure, you can't use the flash with it, but I mainly use the EVF for landscapes or on bright sunny days anyway. It's great that it is articulated and makes photographing landscapes much more comfortable rather than having to bend my neck to peer through the view finder. When not in use, I can just put it in my pocket and reduce the size of the camera body, which I can also pocket.

That was until my add-on EVF fell out of my pocket. I must have pulled it out by mistake when grabbing for something else in there (probably the tiny add-on flash) and hadn't realised. I had to buy a new one and they are not cheap.

I voted for a built in EVF.

I prefer to not have the center hump and it be more like an RF design.

An additional benefit of a built-in EVF is that there is no extra charge. If purchased separately on the Canon USA Store, Electronic Viewfinder EVF-DC1 currently goes for $239.99. The suggested retail price is $299.99

(Camera companies tend to price gouge on optional accessories.)

justmeMN said:

An additional benefit of a built-in EVF is that there is no extra charge. If purchased separately on the Canon USA Store, Electronic Viewfinder EVF-DC1 currently goes for $239.99. The suggested retail price is $299.99

(Camera companies tend to price gouge on optional accessories.)

Click to expand...

But then again I already have one. If it made the body $100 cheaper then I'd be good with that. As I mentioned in another thread, it would be nice if the camera could trigger an external flash though.

I voted for the external/accessory EVF, but only because I like being able to "down size" my M3 when traveling by bike or hiking. But if the M-next has the form factor of the Sony A6x00 series with a built-in EVF that would be nice.

I expect that I'll go for the M-5 either way, depending of course on improved AF, better (read EOS not Power Shot) menus, actual size as compared to the M-3, and useable AEB.

I do love the M-3 well, 95% of the time anyway. But the other 5% can be a real bugger. Like last fall when my 7D MkII seized up and I had to try and use the M-3 for Eagles on the wing. The thought of it still makes me cringe. :-x

JD

An attached EVF is too fragile. I can't leave it on full time in my bag without worrying about it breaking off. This is the same reason I do not leave an external flash permanently attached.

I am an old fashion SLR guy. I prefer to put a camera against my forehead for stability. An external EVF looks too fragile for that.

I have gotten used to the original M and its rear LCD interface. My only gripe is it is not bright enough, especially if I want to save battery power. Using the trash can to brighten the screen temporarily is a kluge I can live with.

Bear in mind that a built in EVF frees up the hotshoe for other things like a flash or microphone mount.