Viewfinder Am I alone in wanting a viewfinder? I am in the market for a new compact camera, but I am finding my choices are limited because I like using a viewfinder for outside photos. I really have a hard time using the LCD display on bright sunny days. I understand there are space issues on compact cameras, but a camera without a viewfinder is almost useless to me. Viewfinder Am I alone in wanting a viewfinder? I am in the market for a new compact camera, but I am finding my choices are limited because I like using a viewfinder for outside photos. I really... » Read More Viewfinder Am I alone in wanting a viewfinder? I am in the market for a new compact camera, but I am finding my choices are limited because I like using a viewfinder for outside photos. I really have a hard time using the LCD display on bright sunny days. I understand there are space issues on compact cameras, but a camera without a viewfinder is almost useless to me. « Show Less
263008
I like having a viewfinder because you can turn off the LCD and greatly extend the battery life.
263009
I wondered if there were better LCDs out there for outside photos than on my last two cameras (Fujis). Anyway, I am gravitating toward a slightly larger camera with a nice optical zoom. On the high end, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35, and on the low end the Fuji S1500. These cameras tend to have viewfinders, but I need to do a lot more research before I make a final decision.
263010
You are definitely not alone in wanting a viewfinder. I am at the age where I need reading glasses and thus, if I am using the camera, I need to have glasses handy so I can see the LCD. This is very frustrating. And I am purchasing a camera with a high optical zoom feature primarily so I can use it outdoors, for nature shots. So having the LCD wash out in the bright light is also going to be frustrating.
263011
I would like a viewfinder too. I suspect it may be difficult to do one well on a 12x zoom. Viewfinders are a little inaccurate even on 4x zooms. So, it may be that the cost would be prohibitive.
263012
I agree that a viewfinder is a definite plus. But in my experience, the need for one varies with the camera's LCD properties. I have a 2006 version of a Sony 10X and the LCD is near worthless under bright sunny conditions. On the other hand, I've never missed one on my 5x Panasonic Lumix DMC FX500. Trials with my new 12x Panasonic ... ZS3 suggest that its LCD will be sufficient, too. By the way, the ZS3 has several options for setting the LCD that can help preserve battery life.
1134713
I was just at the store today looking at the TM90 and the Canon M41, hard to choose between the two! Johnny, do you miss having a viewfinder? And, the green tint scares me...I've read that in a lot of reviews.
23669
Yes the LCD gives a live view so it works very well as a viewfinder. In other cameras I really preferred the small viewfinder but on this camera the LCD works so well I almost never use the small viewfinder. The screen flips up and down (both for still images and video) but it does not flip out to the side and it does not rotate.
239944
Like you, I have to wear sunglasses with my prescription in them. I have always had a problem looking at the LCD screens with my sunglasses on. What I do, is take my sunglasses off, and rely on the EVF. I am lost without it, especially with my vision. I think I get better photos that way.
1498138
There is no viewfinder, but I think the screen is easy on the eyes. Also, you can adjust the brightness of the display. Speaking of vision issues, I have to wear reading glasses for things up close. I should wear bifocals, but I am chilling on replacing an expensive pair I just lost recently. I will probably going to graduated contacts. Enough of that. I sometimes do not have the readers handy when I shoot, and things look blurry - mainly in low light situations. I have learned that I can trust the camera's auto focus, and just have to make sure I have the zoom and framing I want. Very rarely do I come away with less than sharp lines, unless conditions are such that I expected them. However, I have been pleasantly surprised in most cases by the sharp lines this camera produces when there should be everything but.
1097534
Sorry no viewfinder. But the camera is great even without the viewfinder. Has a grid setting on the LCD screen and has stabilization. The 20x zoom is awesome. I now take this camera on vacation instead of my expensive Nikon.
962794
The camera does not have a viewfinder. You can adjust the LCD screen brightness, though.
1872120
I use mine outside in a variety of settings and conditions and viewing the images on the screen hasn't been a problem. The problem has been making the most of the on-screen icons and features (I'm looking at you depth gauge). My work around has been to become familiar in advance with what will be in place with the expected function. That makes things easier. I wouldn't suggest modifying the camera, but a good set of sunglasses and -in my case anyway- a swim mask with bifocal lenses could be worthwhile.
2185819
Hi Mike, I would really go for the viewfinder. I just bought a new camera with no view finder and I dropped it after 3 months (eeek!) and now it still takes pictures but I can't see what I am taking! Also, it is difficult in the sun with no view finder or in the dark. Hope this helps. I need buy a new camera and it will have a viewfinder!
1126997
Hello D. DiMichele,Thanks for your post. I agree that the viewfinder is very helpful even with a LCD screen. The extra money is worth it.
2030487
No. The view finder has a small LCD screen and shown the image that will be saver. This is a must for taking photos outside in the sun. I use it ALL the time, but it will not flip around. Not for this price
997363
There is no viewfinder, the super wide angle lens means you pretty much point it in the direction you want to shoot and you will cover it. The SONY app allows you to view what you are shooting on your phone or tablet.
571792
The viewfinder on the 780is is a joke. It's SO tiny. I feel like an absolute moron trying to use it. Otherwise, LOVE the camera.I'm getting a camera for my friend for her birthday, and the 940is is the easy choice for me.
2124493
why do u want a view finder? I have an old S110 and I can never recall ever using the view finder. I want the 40D but my wife says no. So I'm thinking about setteling for the 790IS. The rest look like cheap plastic.
258816
Hello Phileein,Thanks for the input, I ordered the 2 lines kit. I have trouble looking through viewfinders thus my need for live view.I am awaiting my new camera and will do a review after I get itThanks again
866774
My wife has the camera now but I believe it does NOT have a regular viewfinder, only an LCD through the lens.
1417032
Hi, well this is old-school camera, and the viewfinder is only a square little frame that you have to pull up from the top of the cameraI hope this helps. My daugther played with this for minutes, now I now I should have bought a digital one :) kids are just on other level these days