Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera

Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera

from: Panasonic List Price: $199.95 Amazon.com's Price: $159.95 You Save: $40.00 (20%) as of 03/14/2010 10:36 EDT Used Price: $150.99 Third Party New Price: $159.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Binding: Electronics Brand: Panasonic EAN: 0037988263844 Item Dimensions:20 Label: Panasonic Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: LVF1 View Finder MPN: LVF1 View Finder Publisher: Panasonic Studio: Panasonic Features: Provides an external optical glass viewfinder alternative to the LCD while using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 digital camera Mounts into the hot shoe on top of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 digital camera Conserves battery power by allowing the LCD to be turned off while providing a viewing and compositional aid Related Items: Panasonic DMW-BLB13 Battery for Panasonic G1 Digital SLR Cameras Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-45mm Lens Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS Zoom Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds Cameras Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens for Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Cameras see more Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Product Description: External Live View Finder / Mounts into the hot shoe / Conserves battery power Customer Reviews Average Rating: Rating: - Great for us viewfinder users I really like the Lumix DMC-GF1 except for the lack of a viewfinder. The DMW-LVF1 fills this omission. The camera LCD can be difficult to see in bright sun making the DMW-LVF1 a great accessory. The information displayed on the LCD is displayed in the DMW-LVF1. Also, if you have a compatible zoom lens attached to the camera, the lens zoom settings are tracked by the DMW-LVF1 (logical, since the image on the device comes from the imaging sensor in the camera). Switching between the camera LCD or the DMW-LVF1 is as simple as pressing the button on the external viewfinder. The diopter can be changed by rotating the wheel behind the LCD/LVF1 switch; this is handy for us eyeglass wearers who sometimes like to use a viewfinder without glasses. The DMW-LVF1 can be tilted up but don't consider this a real "waist-level" viewfinder. You have to have your eye right at the viewfinder eyepiece to see anything. It does allow use of the camera below eye level, however. The only real "con" for this device is it sits on top of the camera and therefore becomes prone to being hit and you cannot use this device at the same time as a hot-shoe flash. Not much of a problem for me because I rarely us a flash. It does not make the camera top heavy like an external flash because it is not that large. Rating: - Would wait for a refresh I bought the live viewfinder together with the GF1 14-45mm and pancake lens. I'm amazed by the camera and lenses however the LVF is disappointing to say the least. Unfortunately the resolution is too low to make it usable and impossible to focus with. Only use would be to help you frame a shot in broad daylight but again not accurately. Definitely not worth such a high premium. Finally, strangely enough, the aspect ratio of the LVF is different to that of the screen, so you get different black bars than you would get on the screen. I find myself practically never attaching the viewfinder on the camera and would recommend anyone to stay away until a higher resolution version comes out or this falls under $100. Rating: - EVF makes viewing easier in bright sun, etc. The Panasonic GF1 is a great little camera, but when the sun shines, the LCD (like all LCDs) is difficult to see. The Electronic Viewfinder solves the problem. I read reports that it was not easy to see through, but I think it is just fine. I would suggest it as an accessory for anyone with a GF1. Rating: - Very useful, but don't expect miracles This viewfinder is not the same like an optical DSLR viewfinder, so do not be disappointed by what you see through it - you've been warned! But it is an absolute must for a bright sunlight conditions and (you will be happy you have it just for that!) - for a low or ground level pictures (like flowers, little animals or anything else down below): this viewfinder can swivel 90 degrees up and let you take some pictures which could be physically impossible to take without it or with DSLR. I am glad I bought it. Rating: - Works Well A few back I had an EVF built into a digicam, and it was awful. This unit is a bit pricey, but works quite well - and I am one who shys away from EVF's (usually). Being able to view looking down is a great feature - I just wish it also swiveled side to side as well.