QuickGuide to EOS Live View Features
This QuickGuide will review all of the features available for Canon EOS cameras when used in their Live View mode. When the camera is in this mode the reflex mirror is in the up position, blocking the normal pentaprism viewfinder. Instead, the image is projected through the lens and directly onto the sensor, which in turn displays the image on the rear LCD panel. Live View is the only viewing option available when your camera is Movie mode.
The benefits of Live View include the ability to:
• preview the exact focus and depth-of-field at the working aperture
• magnify specific portions of the image at 5X or 10X for critical focusing
• easy viewing and composing when camera is tripod mounted, even with Tilt-Shift lenses
• preview the effects of exposure compensation, white balance and Picture Style changes
Because the mirror is in the up position, it is no longer a potential source of noise and vibration. This is an important benefit for photographers who use long telephoto lenses or macro lenses at high image magnifications.
There are two potential limitations to keep in mind. The first is that AF during Live View is slower than viewfinder-based AF and is therefore not practical for action or video photography. The second is that Live View draws more energy and generates more heat. It is therefore best suited for situations where you will either be using it for only a few minutes at a time or you are using a camera powered by an AC adapter and working in a way that prevents the sensor from overheating.