I have/had a DC50, and the LCD/viewfinder was unusually dark using the digital camera function. When I switched to video, the LCD/viewfinder would brighten, and the image would be close to what I saw with my own eyes. When I would switch back to the camera function, the LCD would darken a LOT. In some instances in low lighting, I could hardly tell what I was taking a picture of even though I could see fine with my own eyes. I even used our 4 year old Kodak digital camera's LCD to see what it saw. The image was MUCH brighter and what I would expect to on the Canon as well. I called Canon and described the problem. They had me adjust some settings and even do a reset, which did not do anything. Brightening up the LCD did not enhance the image either. Canon deemed the camera defective, so I sent it back. The new one I got a few days ago exhibits the same function, a darker LCD/viewfinder when using the digital camera. After taking a picture, the image would show nice a bright on the LCD. This image is what I expected to see before I took the shot.

I am not a video/camera fanatic by any means, but the digital camera part seems almost useless if you are having a hard time seeing what you are photographing.

Any ideas?

Well, I went to Circuit City and tried their display model. The LCD display for the digital camera part worked great, nothing like the two I already tried. The view was bright and clear, just like when the video function is selected. I can't believe I got two duds... Glad I sent them back. Oh well.