Optical Viewfinders? Why is it that every time I think I've found a camera that perfectly suits my needs, it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Like the Canon SX-110 IS. I realize that most amateur photographers just point and shoot and therefore don't need anything more than the LCD display. But I can't believe that there aren't a lot of consumers like myself that prefer being able to steady the camera against my face as I compose a shot. Especially useful in bright daylight. This is very disappointing. This the fifth camera that I've seriously considered purchasing this year, but backed out when I discovered that it didn't have an optical viewfinder. Come on, Canon. How much more would it have really cost you to include one for folks like me? Optical Viewfinders? Why is it that every time I think I've found a camera that perfectly suits my needs, it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Like the Canon SX-110 IS. I realize that... » Read More Optical Viewfinders? Why is it that every time I think I've found a camera that perfectly suits my needs, it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Like the Canon SX-110 IS. I realize that most amateur photographers just point and shoot and therefore don't need anything more than the LCD display. But I can't believe that there aren't a lot of consumers like myself that prefer being able to steady the camera against my face as I compose a shot. Especially useful in bright daylight. This is very disappointing. This the fifth camera that I've seriously considered purchasing this year, but backed out when I discovered that it didn't have an optical viewfinder. Come on, Canon. How much more would it have really cost you to include one for folks like me? « Show Less
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I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall quality good enough for a publication. I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall... » Read More I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall quality good enough for a publication. « Show Less
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I haven't found one that perfectly suits my needs yet, though I am considering the Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1Here's a link to it on Amazon:http://tinyurl.com/q56h7qBut I'm holding out for something better until the end of this year. In which case I'll probably go with the Canon.
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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!
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Michael, I own a Panasonic DMC-FZ30. If I had the money I would switch to this S100 for one main reason, that being low light capability. The 30 is limited to ISO 400, I see the 50 can go all the way up to 1600 so that may do the trick. Other than that I'm quite happy with the 30. I've had it three years, taken 1000's of photos of which I'm pretty happy. However the low light limits me quite often. The 30/50 have sensors much smaller than the s100. I think Fuji would have been better off with the large sensor they used but with 8 megapixels which would have improved photo quality, especially at the higher ISOs. The megapixel race is one of the biggest problems in the digital camera arena today. There again the 50 and S100 aren't that far apart in the megapixel race but look at the size of the Fjui sensor - wow! I would enjoy the 2 1/2 inch LCD over the 30/50's 2". I wouldn't miss the rotating feature on the Panasonic as I mostly use it in vertical modes and the Fuji provides that. Another thing I'd want is better video. Even though the three cameras have the same specs I'm disappointed with the Panasonic results. The video from my 30 aren't as good as my wife's Sony W50 point-and-shoot. I guess I'd have to hold them in my hand to compare the Fuji 100 vs the Panasonic 50. My conclusion for you? If I had the 50 in hand already I wouldn't be looking to upgrade. The Panasonic is bound to have more noise due to the smaller sensor. The Fuji looks like it has less noise but there are rampant complaints about purple fringing although most say it only shows up on hard contrast shots. The Panasonic is better at purple fringing but worse on noise - choose your weakness. Battery life is awesome on my 30 and it is indicated to be lower on the S100. Are these differences worth the difference in price (50=$579 S100=$655 9/19/08 on Amazon). If it was me purchasing today I'd go for the S100. What did you decide?
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I have a camera without a viewfinder, and it is a problem to see anything outdoors in the sun. On my next camera purchase, I will go back to having a viewfinder.
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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
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If you are trying to save money, you are in the wrong department of this hobby!Please start looking at good point-and-shoot cameras.(And that is said as good advice, not as scorn or sarcasm.)Read reviews of Canon S5 IS and find comparisons with its competitors.If you want a DSLR for the ability to choose the best lens for the job, then why not get the best lens for the job?Forget the tele and conversion lenses; you will probably never get the kinds of images that you expect from a DSLR.If the Evolt 510 kit lenses are too expensive for your budget, I believe you will be very pleased with what an advanced point-and-shoot can do.Best,Bert If you are trying to save money, you are in the wrong department of this hobby!Please start looking at good point-and-shoot cameras.(And that is said as good advice, not as scorn or sarcasm.)Read reviews of Canon S5 IS and find comparisons with its competitors.If you want a DSLR for the ability to choose the best lens for the job, then why not get the best lens for the job?Forget the tele and conversion lenses; you will probably never get the kinds of images that you expect from a DSLR.If the Evolt 510 kit lenses are too expensive for your... » Read More If you are trying to save money, you are in the wrong department of this hobby!Please start looking at good point-and-shoot cameras.(And that is said as good advice, not as scorn or sarcasm.)Read reviews of Canon S5 IS and find comparisons with its competitors.If you want a DSLR for the ability to choose the best lens for the job, then why not get the best lens for the job?Forget the tele and conversion lenses; you will probably never get the kinds of images that you expect from a DSLR.If the Evolt 510 kit lenses are too expensive for your budget, I believe you will be very pleased with what an advanced point-and-shoot can do.Best,Bert « Show Less
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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.
201432
Yes. Personally I would not buy a camera that did not have one. Fuji calls it EVF, Electronic ViewFinder. A digital camera does not have optical viewfinder; instead the digital image can be displayed on the LCD screen or electronic viewfinder. (A switch on the back of the camera is used to choose where the image is displayed.) I always use the EVF to take the picture and the LCD to view the pictures I have taken. Having the camera up to the eye is more stable than holding the camera out at arms length to see the LCD. I highly recommend this camera.
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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.
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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.
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I would love to replace my Coolpix 3200 with the S10, but I've decided I can't live without a viewfinder. I tried shooting LCD only with my Minolta, and it is hard to see in the sunlight ALSO I don't like seeing my reflection taking a photo. Too bad because I'm very interested in the stabilized zoom!
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One more thing where I see Nikon's superiority - the lens barrel have built-in treads for mounting photo filters and/or tulip shade to prevent direct sun glare into the lens - crucial feature for taking sunset shots. Oh, I'll be remiss not to mention range finder type viewer (in addition to the standard lcd display on the back of a camera), a very useful feature in shooting against the light source (sunset), because viewing of your lcd display in certain light conditions (such as your sunset takes) could be problematic at times! Cheers :-)
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Yes, your words are elegant. All I did was point to a fine review where you can compare the inferior images from the Rebel to SX1. If you want the real benefits of an SLR with video then go to a fine machine like Nikon D90. http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/
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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.
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I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a... » Read More I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. « Show Less
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Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
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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.