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compact with a decent viewfinder

thoramay
Posted 13/03/2012 - 09:34 Link
I need to replace my beloved's compact camera but it must have a decent viewfinder, herself's insistance I might add.
Suggested that we go for a Pentax...Is there one!! I cannot find a Pentax model as such.
Any suggestions, please
bforbes
Posted 13/03/2012 - 09:49 Link
Your budget will determine what is available. I ended up with the Canon G12, and you'r correct Pentax don't do one. You can fit an external viewfinder to the Q.
smudge
Posted 13/03/2012 - 10:28 Link
Does such a thing exist from any manufacturer? I too went for the G12 but the viewfinder is not great - I almost always use the screen. The Fuji X100 is reckoned to be good but it is not that compact. The Fuji X10 looks maybe the best possibilty, certainly worth a look.
Regards, Philip
chrissinkpen
Posted 13/03/2012 - 10:45 Link
A compromise could well be a compact with an articulated screen, this enables the camera to be used at waist height.The NEX is one choice. I am not aware of any others with the same size sensor though.
Regards
Chris
JAK
Posted 13/03/2012 - 12:38 Link
bforbes wrote:
You can fit an external viewfinder to the Q.

One can, but it is a dedicated optical finder that matches the field of view of just the 8.5mm prime lens and costs over £200 at present.

I wanted something similar before Christmas to upgrade an ageing Casio. I went for this one: link

It's OK in that it is light and does have a (tiny) viewfinder but image quality doesn't come close to any Pentax DSLR. Rethinking now just to take the K-m with the 35mm f2.4 (and maybe the 21mm and 70mm) which makes it about the lightest and cheapest Pentax DSLR option for my cycle trips. Should the camera fail at least it isn't my K-5 !

See this Which magazine page: link

John
John K
Edited by JAK: 13/03/2012 - 12:52
thoramay
Posted 13/03/2012 - 13:30 Link
There is nothing much wrong with herself's Fuji finepix f455 camera. The problem now is that does not use SD cards.
Having invested in the IPad there are issues in getting pics onto this, So! looking for a similar size compact with a viewfinder that does take SD cards.
When did compacts stop having viewfinders? Is there a later model of some make that would fill the need? Herself is a snapper, so no big deal in terms of performance.
Maybe one of you guys giving feedback can dredge their memory and come up with a model that I can search for second hand.
Herself has an expectation that I can satisfy her wants. Helpis sorely needed.
smudge
Posted 13/03/2012 - 13:59 Link
Well the best image quality of any compact I have owned (including the G12) was the Olympus C5050
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ctg/Olympus-CAMEDIA-C-5050-5-0-MP-Digital-Camera-Black-/10...

Similar size to the G12, bright viewfinder and a superb lens. Didn't take SD cards though I'm afraid.
Regards, Philip
Pentaxophile
Posted 13/03/2012 - 14:02 Link
You could look at some of the slightly older Canon compacts, especially the Powershot A series - A590, A720 etc.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a720-is/4505-6501_7-3247...
[link=https://500px.com/will_brealey/[/link]
Edited by Pentaxophile: 13/03/2012 - 14:03
K10D
Posted 13/03/2012 - 14:07 Link
smudge wrote:
Well the best image quality of any compact I have owned (including the G12) was the Olympus C5050

Similar size to the G12, bright viewfinder and a superb lens. Didn't take SD cards though I'm afraid.

Still have mine and the C3040. I just took delivery of a X100 Ltd yesterday and it rocks. The viewfinder is superb and the AF is as quick as my K7.

I'm very very pleased with it.

Best regards
pixels don't make pictures
johnriley
Posted 13/03/2012 - 14:12 Link
Viewfinders on truly compact cameras appear to be a thing of the past.
Best regards, John
ChrisR
Posted 13/03/2012 - 15:50 Link
I have a compact without a viewfinder (not Pentax), but it does have a hot shoe, the correct optical viewfinder accessory for this camera is over £200.00. So I purchased a (Helios) optical viewfinder from Mr Cad, I think it was just over £20.00, it does not give exactly the correct field of view, but very close, and at that price, you can’t complain, and it gets over the problem of not being able to see the rear screen in bright sunshine.

Even if you had a compact without a hot shoe, I am sure the (Helios) veiwfinder could be held in place, even if it was just a blob of blue-tac, and a couple of rubber bands.


Take care.
Chris R.

I. El. (Eng). (Rtd).
thoramay
Posted 13/03/2012 - 15:58 Link
John. It takes very little research to establish your conclusion. More importantly is the question...Why?
Commercial reasons!! I wonder.
I understand that, such has been the negative response and outcry from members of Which that there is now a petition being raised to send to all compact camera manufacturers pointing out that viwefinderless compacts are being shunned by the more mature public.
It is not simply a matter of sunshine on the back of cameras but that, holding caamera at arms length is not for those whose hands are no longer steady.
Putting the camera to your eye provides a steady platform to minimise shake effect.
I do not full comprehend the technology, but Fuji's X100 has a twin method of using a viewfinder and has received very good reviews.
It becomes obvious that whichever manufacturer follows this example on a compact will do very well as a result.
Would I that it be Pentax
thoramay
Posted 14/03/2012 - 10:04 Link
Pentaxophile. Following your link to Canon powershot 720 I discovered a further link to 5 Canon models all with viewfinders. SD990 SD780 SD 1200 and A1100 A1000.
The A models use AA bateries which makes them bulky. The 780 looks the most interesting, very slim and a shirt pocket model.
Need to find a dedicated Canon stockist to evaluate these models.
So! a hearty thanks for that link.
Seems viewfinder models are not a thing of the past after all.
Kenty
Posted 14/03/2012 - 10:56 Link
I have a "Canon Ixus 970 IS" which has a viewfinder. It's a nice little compact, easy to put in a pocket and I'm pleased with the results. But like thoramay I would love a Pentax Compact with a viewfinder.

Cheers...John
On a dark desert highway, cool Pentax K5 in my hand.
My Kit
K5 & 18-55 Kit lens, K7, Pentax 18-250mm lens, Sigma 10-20mm lens, Sigma 105mm Macro lens, Pentax 50mm 1.7 lens, Cokin P Series Filters
thoramay
Posted 14/03/2012 - 14:17 Link
Thanks for that info, John.
How effective is that viewfinder. Some are minute and give a small view area. Herself is very fussy.
It does look as if we shall have to bite the bullet and go Canon, as much as this hurts me, being a true blue Pentax man.

regards Thoramay.

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