To be honest, if your looking to be professional, you don't want to look at a LCD screen to take pics. The eye view-finder is the way to go, esp. when using any SLR camera.
JL :o)
 

You def want to use the viewfinder you get better framing and your better stabilized...also LCD screens drain your battery leaving you with less picture oppertunitys.
 

I was just going to say the same thing.

You're better off not getting an LCD screen.
If you do get one.... I'd suggest getting one that you either charge the whole camera or that uses a special kind of battery.
If not, you'll be charging more than you'll be using the camera.
My mom had a Nikon Coolpix. GREAT camera if you're looking for an LCD screen to use.
And it didn't totally eat the battery up.
 

I agree with everyone else, you don't want to rely on the LCD screen, but I know there are some situation where being able to use the LCD screen would come in handy.
there are some slr's that let you use the LCD or the view finder the only one I can remember that does this off the top of my head is the Olympus EVOLT E-510, they also have a newer model that just came out too I really like it ... the E3.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/e3/features.asp

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1295
 

thanks everyone, the only thing is that I have glasses now and I'm afraid of not getting good pics through the viewfinder.
 

the 40D lets you do it now. but i do agree with everyone you should learn to go without it. the 40D is a great camera though. and you can turn the lcd on until you get use to the viewfinder. it's tough with glasses. i had to switch to contacts. i wish they made prescription viewfinders for us nearly blind people.
 

Hey David they do have a adjustable view finder in the Sony A100 and I believe that the New A700 has one to. I like it myself Ican adjust it so i dont have to use my glasse through the view finder. only problem is I cant read any thing on the buttons and dials of the body if I dont use my glasses. Just thought i would mention it to you.
Bryan
 

Most of the new Canon DSLRs and I believe Nikon as well both have a "live view" LCD screen option, its not as easy to use as it is on a point and shoot. In most cases the camera has to be on manual focus.

I agree with everyone else that youre not going to look "professional" using the live view and I know I for one never thougth "Hey I wish I could hold this heavy camera out away from my body and look at the screen and do the normal "P&S lean back" but there are a few cases and scenarios where it might be a good option. On the Canon 40D you can set it up so you can view it through your computer and operate it remotely from there, would work wonders, set it up by a Humming Bird feeder and then get out of view! Also would work great for doing still life in a studio environment or when doing extreme macro shots I can see it becoming useful.
 

I sell cameras at Best Buy, but the only SLR camera I'm familiar with that you can shoot using the LCD screen is Canon's new 40D and it costs about $1,500.00. Hope this helps.
 

I agree with everyone, sorta. The LCD is great for takings shots with a tripod.
I use the Sony H9 view finder most of the time because I have better control and it is ajustable for the blind.