Using Canon EOS Rebel XSi how do I switch to/from LCD and viewfinder?

Question

I'd appreciate knowhow of how to switch from viewfinding to LCD display on Canon EOS Rebel XSi.
Please, no guess work - been there.
Thanks.
Alan

Answer 1

"how to switch from viewfinding to LCD display" = using "LiveView"



Link to the manual:

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/3/0300000933/01/EOSRXSi-EOS450D_EN.pdf

Section 5 starts on page 95. Directions on page 96. Warnings on page 97. No "guesswork" needed.



More warnings on page 100. Alert: your camera can overheat and shutdown automatically in LiveView mode. This is to protect the camera's electronics. Cool-down takes a while.

Answer 2

The XSi is a very basic DSLR, and I doubt it has Live View, which I think is what you are trying to do.



Besides, Live View just encourages poor camera holding. You will get better photos (less blur from camera shake) if you hold your camera up to your eye and look through the viewfinder.

Answer 3

No guesswork? So you've spent time guessing, but not reading your manual?



The answer is so simple, and it is in the book. As Jim said...... if you lost the book, download it in PDF form the Canon website.



If you don't know how to do something as basic as turning the LCD screen on/off , you are no doubt missing out on a whole bunch of wonderful other features on your camera, as well.



READ THE MANUAL.

Answer 4

The feature you want is live view.

Live view is disabled by default

You need to hunt around in the menus to find "Live view settings"

There is an option in there to activate it.



NB activation just means it is available. Once activated you need to switch it on to use it. I set mine to use the "set" button to do this. To autofocus you use the left of the 2 buttons at top right (marked star) to autofocus.



In 5yrs and 40,000 exposures I think I used it 3 times just to see what it does - it is carp!!

Answer 5

Have you got an owner's manual? If not you can download from the Canon site.



I believe there's a black button somewhere above the screen that makes that switch.

Answer 6

There is a simple button for this. Found in different places. Best to READ you instruction manual. If this is confusing for you, it sounds like you fell for the "everybody must own a DSLR a camera" mentally on this web site. You would have been better off with a good "bridge" type camera. They make excellent prints up to 11x14 size and are simple to understand and operate.