No optical view finder? No one has mentioned the lack of the optical view finder. My current Canon S410 is now only useable with the optical view finder due to a problem with the LCD screen. Plus sunny or dark conditions make the optical VF a must.You new users are in love with LCD? No optical view finder? No one has mentioned the lack of the optical view finder. My current Canon S410 is now only useable with the optical view finder due to a problem with the LCD screen. Plus... » Read More No optical view finder? No one has mentioned the lack of the optical view finder. My current Canon S410 is now only useable with the optical view finder due to a problem with the LCD screen. Plus sunny or dark conditions make the optical VF a must.You new users are in love with LCD? « Show Less
1106217
Yes, I completely agree - a curious omission that does diminish the user value for me too.
1106218
The lack of viewfinder is not a "curious omission" but instead allows the existence of the very large 3 inch LCD.Cameras with a viewfinder have smaller 2.5 inch LCDs.
1106219
Who uses optical viewfinders anymore? They are inherently inferior to the LCD viewfinder:* LCD gives you WYSIWYG whereas the optical doesn't take zoom or other effects into account; it's guesswork with optical.* Optical only allows one eye to see the shot; LCD allows both your eyes, so you don't have to squint one of them.* LCD can display histograms and other on-the-fly info about the shot so you can be a much better photographer.You may want to move on from your 1950's camera mindset to adapt to modern technological innovations. You'll be happier.
221187
It doesn't come with a viewfinder, no - but there are two available optical viewfinder from Ricoh for it, as well a few other aftermarket viewfinders that will work well to varying degrees.Model GV-1 is the most popular.
1960443
it doesn't have a physical view finder, only digital screen. It has limited storage on board and supports SD cards.
1746411
That is what I needed to hear! I have the Canon EOS 7D and love it, But...as you said by the time you carry around all the gear for "sight seeing", I'm exhausted. I too am looking for that mid level (super zoom) companion to go along with my Canon when called of. I was a little hesitant to go with a Panasonic but everything I have read about this camera has been positive.I have yet to actually find a store who has one on display, looks like I will have to order it blindly and pray!
567649
You need to search for the model which list out your camera. The issue with these kind of viewfinder are: 1. You cannot adjust it to fit other DSLR. 2. Cannot use it with battery grip. 3. Cannot have it with quick release base (hard to hold firm on DSLR). The GGS Swivi HD DSLR LCD Universal Foldable Viewfinder is more expensive however; It can be adjust to any LCD screen. So you are better look for a Universal viewfinder. It still has issue with battery grip though
438671
THe only high contrast shots have been on bright snowy days and I have not noticed that. What sort of shots have you had that problem with? If I can duplicate them as a test that would be interesting.And about the swivel LCD - it is handy!What are the price ranges of those cameras you mentioned? One of the factors in my decision to purchase the SX10 was the price.
1841783
Had same problem with this model, yet had never had this before with serveral other Canons. I was told by knowledgeable friends it was a bad CCD. I sent mine back and Amazon gladly gave me full credit. Did not purchase another one. Still have older models. Thanks...
484559
The LX7 has an excellent rear screen, the only one I've seen that I actually like to use. There is a Panasonic VF2 accessory eye-level finder available for the LX7, and I eventually bought a used one to try out. Even though it had the same specs as the excellent one built into the Panasonic G5, which I like using very much, the LF2 wasn't as sharp as that one, it added considerable bulk to the tiny LX7, and it made it harder to handle - and I soon took the LF2 off and packed it away, happy to use the LX7 again without it (it's rear screen is THAT good...!;-). --DR
274310
I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I think you should by the best camera you can. If dpreview thinks it's a better camera, I'd bet that it really is. I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I... » Read More I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I think you should by the best camera you can. If dpreview thinks it's a better camera, I'd bet that it really is. « Show Less
394690
Who uses optical viewfinders anymore? They are inherently inferior to the LCD viewfinder: * LCD gives you WYSIWYG whereas the optical doesn't take zoom or other effects into account; it's guesswork with optical. * Optical only allows one eye to see the shot; LCD allows both your eyes, so you don't have to squint one of them. * LCD can display histograms and other on-the-fly info about the shot so you can be a much better photographer. You may want to move on from your 1950's camera mindset to adapt to modern technological innovations. You'll be happier.
58021
How do I use the viewfinder on the FZ4o? It is black and I can't see any images through it. Is there a setting that I must put the camera in to use this function in addition to the LCD monitor?
1849828
There is no view finder. The lens is a wide angle type and I've not had any issues with it not picking up a good field of view.
285274
The view finder is built into the optical system of the camera. You can't see it.
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.
792518
I have been wondering the same thing & still can't decide. I was wondering if you have decided yet & if so which way you went? I have a Pentax Optio A10 right now & I love everything about it except the shutter speed so I have been looking for a new one & can't decide between the Sony DSCW80 & the Canon SD1000.
393926
I have had the S4500 for just a few weeks. I wear tri-focals and lve. them on while shooting. I just did some testing and here's what I found: With my glasses on, I focused on an object (auto) The Image looked sharp in the viewer, and in "reviewing". I then lined-up another shot - without my glasses, moved the shutter button half-way down - object was blurred but I took the shot anyway. Reviewed it (on the camera back) and it was fine. Conclusion (after two more tests) the camera was focusing correctly regardless of what I was seeing ! Highly recommend you do same testing to confirm. Having checked other review, I agree this model does NOT have a Diopter (previous Fuji model I owned did) but I am already used to this system - but then I'm not a pro! Oh, don't forget when shooting picture of two people, always point the focus-beam at ONE of the faces then "re-frame" while holding shutter btn. half way down. (sorry if I,m stating the obvious!). Good luck. Harry Hilton
305171
The new G11 is an improvement over the G10. But I don't think it's on the same level as the LX3, mainly because of the lens. I think the upcoming Canon S90 is a direct competitor to the LX3. It has a small and compact form factor like the LX3. And it has a fast f/2 lens like the LX3. However, it doesn't have a hot shoe. And it doesn't shoot HD video. And no viewfinder either. I've had the LX3 since the beginning of the year. And I plan on selling it after the S90 comes out. The LX3 shoots fantastic low light pictures. But daylight pictures are average. I think Canon has the better image processor overall. Also, the auto focus on the LX3 seems slow to me. My other gripe is that menu system isn't intuitive on the LX3. Canon cameras are extremely easy to use and changing the settings is a breeze. I love the exposure and ISO dials on the G10 and G11. It's a much better/easier camera to operate. But the size is a little too big for me, as a daily carry-around camera. And it still has a somewhat slower lens. I just think it's odd that Canon gave the S90 a fast lens, but not the G11. Maybe they'll get it right on the G12?