Steve'sDigicams

Morag2 · Dec 28, 2006, 3:15 PM

Hey all, I've looked at a few DSLR's recently and have noticed that in addition to the usual colour screen for menu navigation and what not, they also have a second gray screen with some numbers on it. What exactly is this screen for and why do only DSLR's have it? And why do some DSLR's not, I noticed the Canon Rebel XT and XTi do not have it.

(Here is a picture showing the screen)

rjseeney · Dec 28, 2006, 4:11 PM

This is just an information screen which allows you to view and change various settings such as ISO, shutter speed, image size, etc. Dslr's are big enough to accomodate this type of screen, and it's kind of a holdover from the film SLR days. The DSLR's that don't have this feature use the lcd for the same purpose.

Bob Nichol · Dec 28, 2006, 5:05 PM

My Nikon Coolpix 5700 has one of these screens as well but it was designed to be a pseudo DLSR at a time when DLSRs were very expensive. As rjseeney pointed out it is for showing camera setting information but using a lower energy display compared to the colour LCD. You will note the DSLRs that don't have this extra display are the lower priced models where it was removed to cut costs.

inneyeseakay · Dec 28, 2006, 8:24 PM

Morag2 wrote:

Quote:

Inoticed the Canon Rebel XT and XTi do not have it.

Don't the Rebel's have the second screen directly above the color LCD?

Morag2 · Dec 28, 2006, 11:50 PM

Thanks everyone!

And inneyeseakay, you have just made a liar out of me, I was looking on the top of the camera, not above the LCD. Thanks for clearing that up.

inneyeseakay · Dec 29, 2006, 4:28 AM

I wouldn't have known either, but a buddy of mine bought one the day after I got my DL.

_____

-Nick

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Dec 28, 2006, 3:15 PM	#1
Morag2 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 820	Hey all, I've looked at a few DSLR's recently and have noticed that in addition to the usual colour screen for menu navigation and what not, they also have a second gray screen with some numbers on it. What exactly is this screen for and why do only DSLR's have it? And why do some DSLR's not, I noticed the Canon Rebel XT and XTi do not have it. (Here is a picture showing the screen)

Dec 28, 2006, 4:11 PM	#2
rjseeney Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Taylor Mill, Kentucky Posts: 2,398	This is just an information screen which allows you to view and change various settings such as ISO, shutter speed, image size, etc. Dslr's are big enough to accomodate this type of screen, and it's kind of a holdover from the film SLR days. The DSLR's that don't have this feature use the lcd for the same purpose.

Dec 28, 2006, 5:05 PM	#3
Bob Nichol Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Eastern Ontario Canada Posts: 823	My Nikon Coolpix 5700 has one of these screens as well but it was designed to be a pseudo DLSR at a time when DLSRs were very expensive. As rjseeney pointed out it is for showing camera setting information but using a lower energy display compared to the colour LCD. You will note the DSLRs that don't have this extra display are the lower priced models where it was removed to cut costs.

Dec 28, 2006, 11:50 PM	#5
Morag2 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 820	Thanks everyone! And inneyeseakay, you have just made a liar out of me, I was looking on the top of the camera, not above the LCD. Thanks for clearing that up.

Dec 29, 2006, 4:28 AM	#6
inneyeseakay Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,379	I wouldn't have known either, but a buddy of mine bought one the day after I got my DL. _____ -Nick