EVF technology

[Jason Denning]

Whilst optically not as good yet, what sells an evf for me is a brighter image, focus assist and an accurate view of what the exposure looks like meaning you instantly know if you have over or under exposed.

[Rory]

I appreciate all the feedback.  Thanks again!

[BobDavid]

I'd take an Olympus EM-1 evf or the VF-4 for the EPL-5 over any optical viewfinder (including MF) without a nanosecond of hesitation.

[BJL]

I'd take an Olympus EM-1 evf or the VF-4 for the EPL-5 over any optical viewfinder (including MF) without a nanosecond of hesitation.

I agree for my usage, but for some action photography there is the problem that EVFs still have more than a nanosecond of hesitation (lag). That is probably the last main technological limitation before EVFs completely surpass the 20th century approach of "mirrors, prisms, and frosted glass or plastic". Actually, if the current 120fps EVF rates can be delivered with just that same 1/120s = 8ms of lag, it would be irrelevant compared to the lag needed to get the mirror out of the way.

[Isaac]

… the nasty blocked up shadows, too contrasty and odd colors make the EVF a very poor viewing experience IMO compared to the 900.

EVF is a different viewing experience. It isn't that clear reflection of the world we ordinarily see, it's more like what the camera might record - and as-you-are-aware that has advantages and disadvantages.

What am I missing in terms of being able to fine tune the EVF for use outdoors?

Perhaps change the "Creative Style" (from the Fn button) -- explicitly reduce contrast and sharpness.
Perhaps change the colorspace (from the Menu button) to AdobeRGB.

However, my guess is that what we EVF-users fine tune is our response to what we see through the view finder.

[Telecaster]

I've been using EVFs since the first time I picked up a camcorder in the 1980s. Those were very crude by today's standards but they did the job. Leica M rangefinder VFs are large & clear, but the Retina & Contax RF cameras my dad prefered (and that I learned pic-taking with) offer a tiny, rather dim view. No matter...you can see with 'em well enough to compose. These days we have it easy. The latest EVFs are great. If you must have the reflex experience instead (or in addition) you still can. I love EVF manual focusing accuracy so that's the tech I currently prefer.

-Dave-

[elf]

I think everyone is missing the biggest benefit of EVFs.  Have you ever tried taking a selfie through an OVF?

[Isaac]

Mirrors. Shadows. Silhouettes (Self portrait at dawn,Torres del Paine).

[BJL]

I think everyone is missing the biggest benefit of EVFs.  Have you ever tried taking a selfie through an OVF?

Look at Telecaster's avatar in the post just above yours.

[BJL]

Mirrors. Shadows. Silhouettes.

Point taken, but that "Shadow" portrait was taken with a mirrorless camera.