EVF vs OVF (Viewfinders)equipment
An OVF shows the real scene through glass; an EVF shows a digital preview of what the sensor sees.
An optical viewfinder (OVF), found on DSLRs, shows the scene directly through the lens with zero lag, but can't preview your exposure or white balance. An electronic viewfinder (EVF), on mirrorless cameras, shows a live feed from the sensor — so you see the actual brightness, color, and depth of field before you shoot, plus focus aids — at the cost of a tiny lag and some battery drain.
Use this when
- Preview exposure before the shot: EVF
- Fast action, zero lag: OVF
Common mistake: Judging EVFs by an old, low-resolution one — modern EVFs are bright and detailed.