Viewfinder (Optical or Electronic)
Pros:
* Stability: Holding the camera up to your eye provides a more stable shooting platform, reducing camera shake, especially in low light or with longer lenses.
* Less Distraction: Blocking out external light helps you focus on the composition and metering. It's easier to see the scene clearly in bright sunlight.
* Battery Life: Using the viewfinder usually consumes less battery power than the LCD screen. This is especially true with optical viewfinders (OVF).
* Better for Bright Light: Viewfinders, especially optical ones, are much easier to see in bright sunlight compared to LCD screens which can wash out.
* More Immersive: Some photographers find using the viewfinder provides a more immersive and engaging shooting experience.
* Focus Confirmation: Some viewfinders (especially electronic ones) provide more accurate and detailed focus confirmation.
* Reduced Glare: No glare from surrounding light sources.
Cons:
* Limited Preview: Optical viewfinders show the scene as it is, without any exposure or white balance previews. Electronic viewfinders (EVF) offer previews but might have some lag or lower resolution compared to the real world.
* Less Flexibility in Angle: Can be harder to shoot from very low or high angles compared to using a tilting LCD screen.
* Learning Curve: Takes practice to learn to properly compose and focus using a viewfinder.
* Not all Information Displayed: Some settings and information might not be readily visible within the viewfinder, requiring you to take your eye away.
* Parallax Error: With some optical viewfinders (especially on compact cameras), what you see isn't exactly what the lens sees, especially at close distances. (This is less of an issue with SLRs and EVFs.)
LCD Screen (Rear Screen)
Pros:
* Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive for beginners.
* Versatile Shooting Angles: Easier to shoot from high, low, or awkward angles. Many cameras have tilting or articulating screens for even more flexibility.
* Immediate Preview: See the exposure, white balance, and depth of field effects in real-time (especially with "live view" modes). This is huge for learning.
* Image Review: Great for reviewing photos immediately after taking them.
* Menu Navigation: Easier to navigate camera menus and change settings.
* Touchscreen Functionality: Many cameras have touchscreens that allow for easy focus point selection and other controls.
* Video Recording: Often essential for video recording, allowing you to see what you're filming.
* Assisted Manual Focusing: Many cameras allow digital zoom for precise manual focusing.
Cons:
* Camera Shake: Holding the camera away from your body can lead to more camera shake.
* Poor Visibility in Bright Light: LCD screens can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
* Battery Drain: Using the LCD screen significantly reduces battery life.
* Distractions: External light and reflections can be distracting.
* Less Stable: Can be harder to hold the camera steady, especially with heavier lenses.
* Can be Slower: Sometimes there is more lag when using the LCD to compose.
Here's a simplified guide to help you decide:
* Bright Sunlight: Viewfinder (especially OVF).
* Low Light: Viewfinder for stability.
* Action/Sports: Viewfinder for faster response and better tracking.
* Landscapes: Either, but LCD can be helpful for precise composition.
* Macro/Close-up: LCD for precise focus and awkward angles.
* Video: LCD.
* Learning Exposure: LCD for real-time preview of settings.
* Awkward Angles: LCD, especially with a tilting screen.
* If you wear glasses: Consider cameras with good diopter adjustment in the viewfinder, or use the LCD.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that works best for *you* and the shooting situation. Experiment with both options to see which you prefer. Experienced photographers often switch between the viewfinder and LCD depending on the conditions and the type of shot they're trying to capture.
A good approach is to start with the viewfinder to get a more stable and focused view, then switch to the LCD when you need to shoot from unusual angles or want a better preview of your settings.