Can an LCD monitor be covered while shooting?

[larry_kincaid1]

An odd question, but I cannot see where to find an answer except here. With an

SLR digital camera or the new Leica RF digital M8, is it possible to turn of

the LCD monitor and then cover it with a half-case in the back while shooting

without doing any damage to the camera. I'm wondering if the cover would

cause the LCD monitor to over heat. The idea is to use the LCD to make sure

all the settings are correct by means of a few test shots, then cover up the

LCD for actual shooting. This would be useful for so-called street

photography, but it is also a way to simply stop yourself from "chimping" or

peeking at each shot every time you make one. This drives me a bit crazy when

I see a pack of tourists all doing this at the same time. So, why do it at

all once you're set to go? This is what we all did with film cameras. Why

not continue the practice with digital cameras? One can always pause

periodically, drink a capucino and then chimp thru 30-40 at once. But I'm

concerned about covering up the LCD with a leather half case. Does anyone

here shoot digital photography this way, and would covering the LCD damage the

camera or LCD itself?

[stwrtertbsratbs5]

Most DSLR LCDs stay off until activated by a button. It's mortly p&s cameras that activate the LCD by default. And even with a p&s you can turn off the LCD in the menu system. Or you could just use duct tape.

[iambaxter]

Most DSLR's allow you to turn off the LCD screen.

[graybrick]

It won't overheat. The LCD doesn't generate much heat at all, and certainly not enough to damage itself or even become noticably warm during long periods of use. No worries.

[ronaldo_r]

I have my LCD turned off all the time. I only use it when I have to.

[eric merrill]

On many DSLRs there's a setting for how long to display the photo, ranging from not at all through indefinitely, until you press a button.

 

Just turn it off. The only time I've done that is when shooting in the dark, and I don't want the the screen to be distracting to others.

 

If you don't want to chimp, don't. I wouldn't worry about trying to cover it just to prevent yourself from looking. Simply don't look.

 

 

Eric

[marc_van_lommel]

Ha, the Sony alpha has an IR LCD shutdown recognition ... as soon as your skin is about 1 cm (0.5") from the sensor the LCD shuts down ...

[jcuknz]

The problems people get themselves into :-) I use the LCD to avoid getting my knees muddy or for the high angle view. Rest of the time my 'natural' reaction is to use the EVF.

 

Specifically to the question .. one could have a cover with ventilation holes top and bottom if overheating was likely to be a problem.

 

Since professional video camera operators frequently use a screen to track their shot why should not digicam operators? Could this aversion be a case of jealousy that DSLR owners don't have electronic preview?

 

There is an argument that holding the camera with bent arms away from the body is an aid to steady pictures and more important is how the trigger is caressed rather than punched.

 

Final argument, quite a number of the newer digicams don't have any kind of viewfinder, so what can their owners do but 'chimp' :-)