Canon 500D - Sensor On The Back Of The Camera Query?

[rjmartin]

Hey Everyone

A stupid question no doubt - have recently bought a Canon 500D and on the back of the camera above the screen (highlighted in below picture) there appears to be a sensor. My query is, it is a sensor? Basically when I put my hand by it the screen goes off - I never had this on my old camera and just wondered what it was for/what's the point?



Cheers, Rob

 

[Euan]

It turns the lcd off when you put your eye to viewfinder, saves battery life etc.

 

[AndyB1976]

As above...and if you are ever taking photos in darkness, that screen can be quite blinding!!!

 

[rjmartin]

Cheers for the answers guys

 

[John Mc]

I Set mines to Black background as i hate the blinding light off it when its dark. i'd also suggest doing that