While LiveView is an important feature for certain settings, the real question is: how ofter are you likely to be in a situation to need to take advantage of it? I've found it to be useful for wildlife and can imagine the "Paparazzi" finding value in it but otherwise, I'm not sure how key the functionality is for other types of settings. A big drawback is the amount of "juice" it uses drawing that LCD but then again, it's made hanging out in swamps alot easier!

While I haven't gotten my hands on my EOS 40D yet (it's in the mail), the fact that nothing comes close to it in terms of image quality, burst rate, and pro- level construction for the price are my prime reasons for making this purchase. The live view function is merely the frosting on top of the cake. I think live view could be an excellent new creative tool. Only an SLR newcomer would be silly enough to think that live view can replace the SLR's optical viewfinder. It's just a new tool. One that I think will prove very useful when teamed with the LensBaby 3G that I purchased with the 40D.

Mark Twain once said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning-bug." The difference between a camera with LiveView and a camera without LiveView is big, only no one really cares about it.

Certainlly the ability to compose and see your results as you are framing is an asset.

I don't really even like live view on my point and shoot although I don't have a choice as the actual viewfinders seem to be missing on them. I can't imagine using it solely on my dslr... I can't imagine using it at all!

Why not have it? You don't have to use it, yet you have the option to be more creative if you do have it!

I bought the Canon XT and it does not have a LiveView option. Owning other digital cameras I've found that in some instances the live view is very helpful. I miss this in my DSLR.

LiveView is okay but depreciates the charge on the battery using a viewfinder allows for better composition of photo's and let's you be little more creative.

I have not found LiveView to help with my type of photography.

It might be helpful, rarely. A view screen that was visible in daylight would be far more important.

I would never attempt to focus a camera using the LCD screen. It is a feature that is not neccessary.

My main DSLR does not have LiveView, but I have used one with LiveView and enjoyed not being glued to the viewfinder with my glasses. Also, live view is nice when you desire to preview shots using different shutter speed combinations, etc.

I would not use it if my camera had it available. Holding to look through the view finder adds a good bit of stability and less chance of movement.

I shot film for 20 years before going digital, it wouldn't feel natural to take a photo without the camera squished against my face! Plus, by holding the camera away from your body you are increasing camera shake and therefore more blurry photos.

I'm a Nikon guy, however, I very much like the idea of LiveView if the screen can rotate providing the ability to compose from waist high. This allows for low perspective shots which is very useful in automobile photography. The LiveView would also have to have a screen easily seen in sunlight.

I have Liveview on my newest camera and NEVER use it. I thought that it would be something I might learn to use but I don't have the interest.

I believe that the SLR viewfinder is a superior mechanism for composing a picture over an LCD screen.

I owned a Canon Powershot G3, the movable/rotatable screen was great for low angle/difficult angle shots. I now have a Canon 40D with live view. Tried it once and never have used it again.

I use LiveView with a tripod and MF with my MIII.

I photograph artwork and LiveView cuts my studio time in half.

LiveView is fine for tyros, but if you want to actually see what your camera is seeing, you must use the viewfinder. LiveView is not useful in bright light, it slows down the camera, and uses up battery charge. I would not even buy a compact digital without a viewfinder.

I use it for mirror up macro work.

I can't/won't do without mine which is of the swivel kind, it allows for easier shooting in ackward situations, on the ground therefor no need to lie down flat on my tummy. I don't think a FIXED live view screen will be the same though. Therefore unless it can swivel I wouldn't go for it!

Through The Lens works much better for me. If you have less than perfect vision, LiveView is useless. View screens are just too small to see, especially in full sun.

Interesting discussion... If I had a dark cloth over the LiveView, it would be a little more personal... I tend to keep the scope of my "vision" between myself and the viewfinder.

Not good for quick shots.

The thing I like the least about my otherwise great point & shoot digital is having to use the LCD screen. I never missed LiveView with film and don't miss it with digital either.

I own a Nikon D300 and a D200. LiveView was not a factor in the D300 purchase. Have not used it yet. I will use it when it makes a photo better or even possible.

I, for one, would not use LiveView on my DSLR. I feel there is a particular POV one achieves by putting camera to eye. Furthermore, using a view finder connects us with our cameras, if even in a subtle way.

Being a bit old school, I like looking through a viewfinder - I see more of what is really in the frame and am not so tempted to check every single frame, thus losing something possibly better than my initial view.