Olympus VF-2 Electronic Camera Viewfinders

Get Optimum Photo Accuracy With a Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder

Since every Olympus PEN camera comes with a live view display, you may wonder if buying an accessory like the Olympus VF-2 electronic viewfinder is really worth the investment. The short answer is that the viewfinder will give you a more accurate idea of what your final picture will look like. Many of the available VF-2s are still in Japan; luckily, there are a number of vendors who have the Olympus VF-2 for sale on eBay.

Why do you need an accessory viewfinder?

If you've been relying on your camera's live display monitor, you've probably noticed that it's hard to read when the light is too bright or the subject is dimly lit. The viewfinder is shielded from ambient light, so you get a clear image of what your photograph will look like. With a viewfinder, you will notice real improvement in your photographs, even if you buy your Olympus VF-2 used.

What are the VF-2's best features?One of the outstanding things about the VF-2 is its clarity and high resolution (800x600). It is easy to use since it is lightweight, and a button makes it easy to switch back and forth between the viewfinder and the live display monitor. The VF-2 rotates within a 90-degree angle, which makes it more comfortable to use in physically awkward situations. Two other features will be especially appealing if you wear glasses. The viewfinder has a diopter adjustment, and the soft rubber cup ensures that your glasses won't bang against it. How do electronic viewfinders (EVF) compare to optical viewfinders (OVF)?

Most photographers find the EVF easier to use. Because it is a video viewfinder, the EVF allows you to see the entire view and not just 90-95% of the view. Because it includes focus peaking and allows you to magnify details, it makes it easier to get exactly the picture you want. The Olympus VF-2 permits magnification of up to 1.5 times the size of the object you're viewing. Perhaps most importantly, it works with mirror-less cameras, which are lighter and more compact.

Is the viewfinder compatible with all Micro Four Thirds cameras?

The Olympus VF-2 is compatible with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and the following Olympus cameras:

• Olympus PEN E P2 and P3
• Olympus PEN E PL1 through PEN EPL5
• Olympus PEN E PM 1 and PM 2
• Olympus XZ 1

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