Possibly a stupid question

[rengstrom]

So I just bought the A100, since I had an older Maxxum XTsi and a few Tamron lenses, so I figured I could save a few $ initially and get more up to speed on the camera.

The camera seems to work great so far, but one thing I do not have/see is when I'm preparing to take a picture, I don't see the subject in the 2.5" display on the back, I can only use the viewfinder. I do have the settings displayed, but if I scroll through (small, large, blank) with the display button, I can never see what I'm shooting at. Maybe I've become way too point and click as of late and this is normal behavior for the DSLR's, I was just worried that something was wrong with the camera, or because I have older lenses, there was an issue (thought the pictures take just great!)

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Rob

[DonSchap]

Happily, your camera is working exactly as designed. A DSLR's rear LCD, unlike a P&S with an LCD veiwfinder, only displays the image AFTER it is taken.

Everything you view BEFORE the shutter release must be viewed with the optical viewfinder (8) as it bounces around the pentaprism (7) as it comes through the lens (1) and reflects off the mirror (2).

When you press the shutter release, the shutter (3) slides open, the mirror flips up (5), momentarily blocking the viewfinder (8) and the camera's sensor (4) captures the image, which is immediately transmitted to the LCD on the rear of the camera, for your viewing pleasure.

20363
Thanks to Wikipedia for image

I hope this clears it up.

BTW: The only DSLR camera, I am aware of, that has a "preview" function is the FujiFilm S3 ... and it's not quite what you think it is.

[rengstrom]

Thank you for the incredibly informative answer! I look forward to contributing to this forum moving forward.

Rob

[Riley]

update your list Don
preview aka LiveView is also on Olympus E-330, Panasonic L1, Leica Digilux 3, and will be on the soon to be released Olympus E-410 and E-510

[DonSchap]

I really haven't been concentrating on the market, as of late. I know, personally, once you buy into your system, you tend to lose track of much else and concentrate on your craft.

Thanks for the "update!' :D