I am considering D2X at the moment. Besides all pro features I could get from it, the viewfinder size (the actual image size) is also my main concern.
I had a D70 now. Its viewfinder is much smaller and make my eyes very tired when taking close up pictures. My F5 is much bigger and brighter in this aspect.
Can anyone who owns D2X tell me how its viewfinder images size compares to F5 one?
Yes, the D2 bodies have bright, full coverage view finders. But the size is smaller than a film camera. Even my old FE2 is a dream to compose and focus with compared to my D2H (IMHO). The sensor size is the key.
spanishbayonet wrote:
Viewfinder coverage for the F5, D2H, D2X is "virtually 100%" The D70 is 95%
according to Nikon. That 5% makes a BIG difference, you are correct.
I don't think that is the only factor though. I thought I read in a review for the D2X that some magnification of the image occurs on the way through theh mirror system. That is the main reason it is so hard to have a big, bright viewfinder in a body with a built in flash. You simply run out of room. The extra room the D2X has allows Nikon to build a better viewfinder.
I owned a Canon 10D, and it had the same problem as the D70. The VF was too small. I then owned a Canon 1D mark 2 (1.3 crop), and noticed how much better the VF was. All I can say about the D2X is, it is as big if not bigger than the 1d mark 2, and appears brighter to me as well. It is pretty amazing that Nikon came up with a VF like that on a 1.5 crop camera.
chemprof wrote:
What about size? I would expect the cropped VF to be smaller.
Gerald
Well, I haven't exactly measured it but the finder in the D2X does not appear smaller. I know everybody is saying it's physically impossible to have a big bright viewfinder in a digital camera unless it's full frame, but, laying all that aside, I can't tell any difference in brightness or size between the F5 and the D2X. That doesn't mean there isn't any difference, I just don't see it. I switch between them all the time, and I certainly don't feel like I'm missing something when I pick up the X. Nikon has done something to make the finder big and bright in this camera.
Bearing in mind, this is all anecdotal and expresses my opinion, and I'm sure I will be taken to task
I've had 5 different Nikons over the years Nikormat, F3, 5700, D70 and a D2X.
I've never even thought about how big the viewfinder is. I've guess I've just mentaly adapted to whatever was in my hand at the time and just composed. exposed and shot the picture. The largest and brightest turns out to be the Nikormat !! Now that I'm aware of the differences..............I don't know how I can continue taking photographs...............All I can think about is if some other camera has a larger viewfinder and what am I missing............I'll probally never take another photograph.............You've ruined my life, I hope you're happy with yourself.............It's getting dark..............I can't go on...............................................................WAIT !! what's this.......a view camera !!! Will ya look at the size of that finder will ya !!! It's HUGE !! OMG there is hope after all.!!!!!!!
The "cropped viewfinder" has crop marks that flash red in the big bright viewfinder. When I go from my D70 to D2X it's almost like the heavens open up and a ray of sunshine falls on my eyes. Hokey, but true.
NAVPHONE wrote:
The "cropped viewfinder" has crop marks that flash red in the big bright viewfinder. When I go from my D70 to D2X it's almost like the heavens open up and a ray of sunshine falls on my eyes. Hokey, but true.
I never own D100 or D70. One day, let my friends played with my D1h or D1x. They let me tried D100. I do not used to see too small viewfinder (D100). Other day, we went to store to see D70. Still too small viewfinder. I am glad to have D1 series because bigger viewfinder and faster AF better than D100 and D70.
jacko wrote:
Well, I haven't exactly measured it but the finder in the D2X does not appear smaller. I know everybody is saying it's physically impossible to have a big bright viewfinder in a digital camera unless it's full frame, but, laying all that aside, I can't tell any difference in brightness or size between the F5 and the D2X. That doesn't mean there isn't any difference, I just don't see it. I switch between them all the time, and I certainly don't feel like I'm missing something when I pick up the X. Nikon has done something to make the finder big and bright in this camera.
Bearing in mind, this is all anecdotal and expresses my opinion, and I'm sure I will be taken to task
Not at all. This is exactly the answer I was looking for. Now if the camera were only a bit smaller (D100 sized) and I had about $5000 extra to spend...
NAVPHONE wrote:
The "cropped viewfinder" has crop marks that flash red in the big bright viewfinder. When I go from my D70 to D2X it's almost like the heavens open up and a ray of sunshine falls on my eyes. Hokey, but true.
That's way I feel when I pick up my Olympus OM-2n.
chemprof wrote:
Not at all. This is exactly the answer I was looking for. Now if the camera were only a bit smaller (D100 sized) and I had about $5000 extra to spend...
Gerald
Gerald, I'm sure it won't ever happen, but I would love to see Nikon make a digital F6 (you know, bright finder, silent shutter), it would be a perfect size/weight combo. It would sell, I do believe (at least I would buy one). I'm still tempted from time to time to buy an F6, but I guess the F5 is going to be my last film body.
jacko wrote:
Gerald, I'm sure it won't ever happen, but I would love to see Nikon make a digital F6 (you know, bright finder, silent shutter), it would be a perfect size/weight combo. It would sell, I do believe (at least I would buy one). I'm still tempted from time to time to buy an F6, but I guess the F5 is going to be my last film body.
Jack
Jack, that's the way I feel as well. I just love the way those cameras feel in my hands. If there were an F6 in digital (and preferably full frame at a reasonable price), I would seriously start saving my pennies! Nikon did the F6 right. The extra grip is an option, just the way it should be. That way you can have your cake and eat it too, all in the same body. Well, we can all dream! I still wish that Olympus had left me with an upgrade path (although the E300 two lens kit that I bought my step daughter over the summer is amazingly nice - a well thought out piece of equipment with nice controls and handling for such a funny looking piece!).
Jacko I ask YOU about this since you always have a good way to teach me....I don't get it when you D2X folks talk about the VF being smaller and darker on the D70 compared to the D2X. I have never used another DSLR or any SLR for that matter. So I'm not trying to be thick. Is there a way you, or anyone, could illustrate for me using an image, possibly, the difference between the VF's? I'm really not getting what was said about the D70's being 95% of the D2Xs.
but the finder in the D2X does not appear smaller. I know everybody is saying it's physically impossible to have a big bright viewfinder in a digital camera unless it's full frame, but, laying all that aside, I can't tell any difference in brightness or size between the F5 and the D2X. That doesn't mean there isn't any difference, I just don't see it. I switch between them all the time, and I certainly don't feel like I'm missing something when I pick up the X. Nikon has done something to make the finder big and bright in this camera.
