Electronic viewfinder

[3] In certain higher end models such as the Alexa Series by ARRI, an external viewfinder is the default way of monitoring what is being shot.

[5] An EVF enables the user to view previously taken photographs and use the camera's menu system while looking through the viewfinder, which is not possible with an OVF.

[5] It also allows the use of features such as focus peaking (colourful lines displayed on screen to indicate which parts of the scene are in focus which helps with focussing and composing a shot) and zebras (which help with setting exposure by indicating on screen when a part of the image will be overexposed with the current camera settings).

[6] The digital preview shown in an EVF incorporates the camera's settings (including exposure, white balance, etc.)

[7] OVFs may be better suited to use in low light or situations with very big differences in brightness due to the dynamic range limitations of an electronic screen.