This idea could be extended for a wireless remote so that the camera could be physically separated from the viewfinder. This probably would be too bulky for average use but might prove useful for special situations.

Great idea - Leveraging wireless option for remote viewer and remote control

In addition – detaching the view finder allows the view finder to be ANY other device.This could range from a watch size device through PDA up to PC with wireless support.

As you can see this loosen the screen size constraint – as the additional viewer is not a mandatory part of the camera, but an accessory.

Usage Scenario: you play with your kids and want to mount the camera to watch you and take pictures when the camera sees the right thing (note that many people find it hard to assume what the camera sees from it’s angle and zoom settings)

Dekel Israeli

A further extension of the idea is to have the viewfinder capable of contacting several remote cameras so that an action could be tracked over a precalculated area. Likewise the multiple camera system could be tracked by multiple viewfinders, each one capable of capturing an instant on any of the cameras in the network by several observers. Beyond that, some of the cameras in the network could be specialized to work in abnormal frequencies, some see-in-the-dark, some ultra violet sensitive, some infra red sensitive-

I've noticed some digital cameras offer A/V output, mostly intended for slideshows. I suppose this would be equivalent to those camcorders which permit the attachment of monitors, which provide the videographer with a superior means of camera usage. Also like cameras with separate control mechanisms (studio cameras). I believe there are monitors available in the $100 range; obviously, better quality is more expensive (calibrated CRT video, color, screen size & resolution).

I would be very interested in a camera/camcorder which offered separate control. At the very least, this would eliminate errors from normal operation (pushing buttons and noise).