Getting to know your Camera LCD screen
Reading the headline above, has it ever crossed your mind “What is there for me to learn about LCD screen?” Well, believe it or not, the LCD screen is easily one of the most ignored parts of a camera that many should learn to understand, be it for professional or amateur photographers. Too often, people do not see the need to “understand” their camera's LCD screen while others simply think they know the subject well enough, till they study about it!
What is a camera LCD screen?
The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen is the little
monitor located at the back of a camera. Also called an LCD viewfinder, the LCD screen is simply one of the fastest way to check the success of your shot. Previewing your image on the spot gives you the joy of immediate gratification and also helps you improve your next shot. It is indeed one of the most exciting features in digital shooting.
So what does an LCD screen do? What are the different types of LCD Screens? And how is it that understanding an camera LCD screen leads to creating magnificent image results? Read on...
Before the LCD screen was introduced, students interested in learning photography will have to jot down every single aperture
and shutter speed settings, taking down the frame number and other important notes each time they take a picture. All these were crucial back then as it helped them understand, identify and compare which setting are the most appropriate to create the different effects. It is a tedious and time consuming process all photographers back then need to experience before the introduction of an LCD screen (Count yourselves lucky now!).
The way an LCD screen works depends very much on the nature of the camera. For a Compact Digital Camera, your lens may interfere with the optical viewfinder when you are zooming out, necessitating the use of an LCD screen as the viewfinder. And as for macro (close-up shot) photography, you may encounter what it call a “parallax” problem. This is when both you and your camera sees the object differently, especially when you move closer to your subject. 
What you see through the viewfinder might differ from what is being projected. To get around this problem, many digital cameras are now programmed to automatically switch on the LCD screen when you turn your macro mode on.
Digital SLR Cameras are generally more stable. What you see through the viewfinder is exactly what you get so you will never find the need to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, even when you are doing macro photography!
The 2 main advantages of using the LCD screen are:
1.You can learn your mistakes instantly upon previewing the images you have just captured. On top of that, you can improve your skills on the spot.
2.You don't have to wait for the images to be developed to know what went wrong and therefore save you cost and precious time!
Using the LCD screen
The LCD screen might appear to be simple but do you know how to make the most of it? Here are some information gathered from the little black book of photography.
1.Do you know that using the LCD screen as a viewfinder is a definite No-No? As tempted as we might be, using the LCD screen simply consumes too much battery. The optical viewfinder on the other hand will keep you shooting for a longer period of time before you find the need to recharge the battery and decrease your chances of getting blurry pictures. Squinting through the tiny viewfinder might be difficult at first but it will prove to you that it is worth the trouble!
2.Instead of pressing the play button each and every time you finish taking a shot, learn how to set your camera so that it gives you an automatic display of the photos right after you've taken it. Usually it's in the settings!
3.You can view your composition, aperture, histogram (brightness & contrast), color (RGB) and sharpness of the pictures which are on display.
4.Use the LCD screen as a menu to option setting.
5.If you want to delete any images from the camera itself, be really careful! This is because the LCD screen only gives you a rough idea of what the images really look like as compared to viewing it on your computer screen. If you are not entirely sure of what to delete, why take the chance?
6.Do you recall missing a great shot when you are too engaged viewing the images on your screen? Well, “LCD Distraction” is far too common. It happens all the time and many of us don't even realize it is a problem at all! So be on focus whenever you are on a job.
Things to look for when reviewing your work on your LCD screen
Blurs – Zoom in to check the image in close up and it will help you grasp a better focus next round, as always.- Composition – Check if your subject is how you want it to be, and not missing any parts. Also, look for slanting horizons, negative spaces, distracting elements, and other compositional faux pas.
- Brightness – Find out if your images are too dark or too bright.
How to reduce glare on LCD screen
- Use an anti-glare LCD protector.
- Turn your camera slightly until the glare is off the screen.
- Take your shot when the sun goes behind a cloud and doesn't reflect harshly on the screen.
- Move to a spot in the shade.
- Wear a cap with a visor.
- Keep the LCD screen clean from dirt and smudges.
Care and cleaning of LCD screens
LCD screens are highly sensitive parts of a camera. The slightest pressure can cause permanent damage which require repairing and replacement (they can be quite
costly as well!). You should take care of the LCD screen as much as you take care of the camera body and lens.
First and foremost, learn to hold your camera so that your fingers never touch the screen. Dirt and smudges are hard to remove but can be done by using the right cleaning material. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol will work to clean most dirt but remember to wipe clean and dry the LCD screen with a microfiber cloth.
Next, add a “protective film” over the screen to prevent it from scratches. These protective films are relatively cheap and can be purchased at most camera or electronic stores. Last but not least, avoid storing your camera in a case that is button-accessible. This is because most users break their LCD screens as they are snapping the case shut.
So yea, that about covers most of it!
