The Optio S5i is an almost match size wise to the current Fuji that my wife is now using and has a SD card slot. This is certainly worth following up..
It surfaced in 2004. Unless a model was purchased late it might be a bit chancy used.
How many models after this did Pentax continue the viewfinder I am wondering? Is there any way of finding this information?
I have tried to search for details of an electronic add on viewfinder but guess this would make any compact bulkier than the wife would expect, but it all adds up to expectations.
The wife would not expect me to offer her a naff viewfinder. Having now handled a new Pentax optio without a viewfinder, she was almost overcome with the beauty of the beast. You can never win!!

Having stood and listened to advice given to prospective customers in our local Jessops store I would never take or send anyone there.
My wife is as gullible as the next one which is why I am resting upon the advice of this forum regarding how much improved are the rear screens. I, personally am sceptical.
Having just spent a week cruising in the Caribbian in very bright sunlight I saw very few of the cruise passengers using digital compacts. There were many DSLR's. Those using compacts and mobile phones were constantly shielding both cameras and mobile phones!!
OK. So we don't suffer from this intense sunlight here but it did give me sufficient reason to support the wife in wanting a viewfinder as a backup when using the camera in bright conditions, which is what she did when in the Caribbian. The search began simply to find a similar camera that uses SD cards
I appreciate the comments given. If the solution had been simple I have sufficient experience to have sorted it.
The lack of Pentax compacts with viewfinders have found us straying a little from the point here and I support John in that we should not actively promote other makes.
I can now take the search away from Pentax. I am sure those other Forums will welcome my interest in their make of camera.

The camera has to be a shirt pocket model. The term compact covers a multitude of sins. I do not think the Q fits the bill.
I would like someone to confirm or deny the statement from the Jessop's assistant.
My expectation is that herself will still reject a compact that does not have a viewfinder, but who knows the mind of the fair sex.
The saga plays on

Hi. I have checked out both of these cameras. Great reviews but they are not compacts.
This camera is for my beloved. Herself has become impatient with my failure to meet her expectations and have visited Jessops. The assistant has informed her that the latest compacts do not suffer from the problem of viewing in bright sunshine.
Herself is now exploring Pentax compacts.
Who am I to challenge a Jessops assistant.
So! Which Pentax compact do |I steer her towards

I do!! I Do!! But I am only human, Well!! Most of the time.

The point of issue here, for me, is that unsteady hands make a rear screen useless, and no changing of spectacles can overcome this problem, hence my need for a viewfinder.
John. If the discussion had in any way been detrimental to Pentax, I could understand your interest. There are rules and there are interpretations. We are all Pentax nut cases on here but we also are here to help fellow users.
Thanks for the PP. Kenty.

Bracken. How right you were!!!

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.

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.

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