I have been taught and try to use the rule of thirds when I compose my pictures. In this case you divide the frame into thirds, vertically and horizontally and place the subject (or interesting subject matter) at the intersections. It is one of the few basic technical rules of composition.

This is why I was excited when I found out that the D70 has gridlines displayed in the viewfinder. When I got my camera last week I was perplexed to find out that the gridlines break up the frame into fourths not thirds. Why is this? Is there a "rule of fourths" that applies to topside photography?

Does anyone use the gridlines? Of course I can always estimate as before, but this would have been a nice feature.

I use the gridlines to get horizons vertical - I find they help a lot. I haven't used them for rule-of-thirds composition, but I think it's an interesting idea.

Sincerely,
James

I use them on the F80 and have just bought a D70. I find their main use to me is when I cannot see all the full frame through the viewfinder - looking at what part of the grid I can see allows me to mentally "see" if the framing is right and take the shot without a lot of jiggling around.

James - that is a novel approach

He shoots lying down.

The rule of 3rds is a guideline. Just don't center the subject.

Har dee har - it's not so easy when you're trying to shoot an offshore platform off of a small pitching boat.

Cheers
James