Is the VF-3 at $99 worth it?

For my wife's E-PM2? The EVF in my E-M5 is the first I've ever used, and it seems pretty nice - the advanced display features outweigh the lack of a "real" image 99% of the time.

The VF-3 is lower res, but is it still usable for making the E-PM2 more useful in bright sun, or other times the LCD doesn't cut it?

Yes, it's worth it. I'm happy using the LCD monitor most of the time. But for bright sunlight situations and some telephoto shots it's great to have a view finder handy. The VF-3 is grainy but it certainly does the job and $99 is the right price.

That's why I bought it.  Good price and useable.

I've tried all 3.  The VF4 is the best obviously.  You get what you pay for.

The VF3 is certainly usable, and it is a bit smaller than the other two VFs, so it will fit well with the EPM2.  That being said, it is grainer and the colour doesnt match what you see in the lcd.

Also, if you compare it to the VF4, the difference is night and day.  You won't want to go backwards after having tried it.  The VF2 is the medium compromise, but it has no locking feature.  It just clips on and can get knocked off fairly easily.

If you just want to use the VF-3 in sunny conditions, I think it would be ok.  But if you plan on using the VF frequently, save up for the VF4.

jalywol wrote:

No, it wasn't for me. About the only thing it is useful for is basic composition, the color is terrible and it's very grainy. If you can get a used VF2 for a little more, that would be MUCH more worth it.

-J

Looks like the sale is over anyway. Thanks for the info, I can strike that from the list.

toronto1818 wrote:

I've tried all 3. The VF4 is the best obviously. You get what you pay for.

The VF3 is certainly usable, and it is a bit smaller than the other two VFs, so it will fit well with the EPM2. That being said, it is grainer and the colour doesnt match what you see in the lcd.

Also, if you compare it to the VF4, the difference is night and day. You won't want to go backwards after having tried it. The VF2 is the medium compromise, but it has no locking feature. It just clips on and can get knocked off fairly easily.

If you just want to use the VF-3 in sunny conditions, I think it would be ok. But if you plan on using the VF frequently, save up for the VF4.

Thanks for the details. I think I'll wait to try them first, since my wife is happy with the LCD for now. I've spent too much on gear already anyway - need to sell off more old stuff.