What is the purpose of the viewfinder in a camera?

The viewfinder in a camera serves the essential function of enabling the photographer to compose and focus the picture accurately. By looking through the viewfinder, users can see the frame as it will appear in the final photograph, allowing them to adjust their composition, horizon lines, and focal points before taking the shot. This tool is critical for visualizing the scene and ensuring that the important elements are included in the final image.

The viewfinder does not regulate exposure time, store images, or control the aperture—functions that are managed by other camera settings and components. Understanding the role of the viewfinder is crucial for photographers looking to enhance their composition skills and capture more visually appealing photographs.