Q: When taking pictures in bright sunshine with the sun above or behind me, I can't see the screen on my cellphone to compose a picture. I am forced to just point in the general direction and hope for the best. Is there an adapter that will enable me to see the screen to compose a picture? I'm using a Samsung S5. It takes good pictures, but the screen in sunlight is a real problem.
A: I did some research on your behalf and did not find any solutions to solve the problem. Such products may exist, and if any readers know of one, please contact me so I can tell everyone about it.
Meanwhile, there are things you can do to minimize the glare. As a start, try angling the screen very slightly toward you when you compose the shot. Changing the viewing angle might reflect away enough of the sunlight that the screen isn't completely washed out. Once you have framed the photograph you want, tilt the phone back to the original position before you press the button.
Using a folding wallet case for your phone also might help. I use a SwitchEasy Wrap cellphone case with my iPhone 6 Plus. It has a leather sleeve that holds the phone with a folding cover that protects the screen, opening almost like a fliphone but hinged at the long end. When taking pictures in the sun, I hold the phone so that the cover part of the case opens upward, using my palms to support the cover above the screen. This shades it from the sun like an awning, and my index finger is free to activate the shutter. I find this grip keeps the phone very stable, as well.
The SwitchEasy Wrap is available only for the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. The only thing I do not like about the case is that after a few months of use, the sleeve does not hold the phone as tightly as it did when it was new. Because the phone is not secured on the open end of the case, it can slide out if you're not careful. When it starts moving around, I suggest placing a small piece of cloth behind the phone so that it stays snug. There are many wallet cases available for your Samsung S5. Find one that appeals to you and give it a try.
New product update
Regular readers are familiar with the Dayton Audio B652 bookshelf speakers. At only $35 a pair, they have made a lot of fans with their decent sound. Dayton has taken the concept to the next level with the T652 tower speakers, which use the drivers from the B652 in a tower configuration. The tweeter is identical but using two woofers in a much larger cabinet produces dramatically better bass and a fuller midrange. I've heard the T652, and although it shares the drivers with the B652, it is definitely a big jump in sonic impact and overall sound quality. They are not high-end in construction, but for $118 per pair, it's hard to go wrong — and combined with a pair of B652s gets you four-channel surround for about $150 (parts-express.com).
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
