I have been trying to find a way for my old eyes and short arms (getting shorter by the day!) to be able to focus on the LCD on the back of my digital camera while I take photos through a microscope. I have a nice rig and adapters for my old Nikon 4500, but sometimes that takes more time to set up than it's worth for 10 or 12 photos. I keep looking at my iPad thinking "Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to use THAT to help focus my shot" instead of holding the camera at arm's length at just the right angle to get a good snap for my students.

Is there anything (app &/or accessories) that will allow my ipad to act as an LCD monitor (not to display photos from the card) but as a live view just like the 2.7" LCD on the back of my camera?
I can mirror the display on my iMac using AirDisplay - wish I could somehow mirror the display on the camera. That would be something I'd love to figure out.

I have been trying to find a way for my old eyes and short arms (getting shorter by the day!) to be able to focus on the LCD on the back of my digital camera while I take photos through a microscope. I have a nice rig and adapters for my old Nikon 4500, but sometimes that takes more time to set up than it's worth for 10 or 12 photos. I keep looking at my iPad thinking "Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to use THAT to help focus my shot" instead of holding the camera at arm's length at just the right angle to get a good snap for my students.

Is there anything (app &/or accessories) that will allow my ipad to act as an LCD monitor (not to display photos from the card) but as a live view just like the 2.7" LCD on the back of my camera?
I can mirror the display on my iMac using AirDisplay - wish I could somehow mirror the display on the camera. That would be something I'd love to figure out.
Yes, but it requires attaching the camera to a Mac. The program is called DSLR Remote (http://www.ononesoftware.com/products/dslr-camera-remote/) and may not work on all cameras. It also requires that the Mac and the iPad be on the same wifi network.

It's got it's uses, but it is not practical for most applications. However for your specific requirement (using the microscope) it might work. I believe that there is a 'lite' version.

Thanks. I just have a little Sony point and shoot right now, but I have been toying with getting a Canon Rebel T3 now that the prices have come down. Might be just the incentive to make the switch! I was hoping there might be a way to do it with this one since I can pop it in my pocket during labs and grab a shot if something comes up of interest. But it would certainly make the 2 or 3 hour sessions on my microscope in my office more productive!