Decent compact, with a viewfinder ?

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Anyone know of a decent compact with a viewfinder as well as a screen ??

Waterproof would be even better.

Searched t'interweb but got a bit lost and bogged down.

[juanvaldez650]

Canon G16 and earlier variants, very nice camera but not waterproof.

[Warin]

Some have 'electronic view finders' others have optical.

A good site for camera selection .. may not have them all .. is Digital Photography Review: Digital Photography Review - allows selection by type of camera and have very detailed reviews.

[normw]

I searched for a smaller, lighter alternative to my DSLR and my two main criteria were that it have an optical viewfinder and a large sensor. There was hardly anything around that satisfied both those requirements and I settled on a Canon G1 X. Aside from the optical viewfinder (plus a flip-able screen) it has a 1.5 inch sensor (near APS size) as well as a fixed zoom.


I'm not sure what the definition of compact is these days. The G1 X, although considerably smaller and lighter than a DSLR is fairly chunky and certainly not easily pocket-able.


Two other things to note. The placement of the optical viewfinder is such that you can actually see part of the lens when you look through it. Odd but not really a problem. And a second edition of this camera has recently been issued (known as the G1 X Mark II) from which the optical viewfinder has been eliminated. I still see the original version for sale, however. You can buy an attachable electronic eye level viewfinder for the Mark II.


Optical viewfinders seem to be disappearing from non DSLR cameras which is a pity. I find them really useful in very bright sunlight when it can be difficult to see a screen. As well, it is possible to get some additional stability by bracing the camera at eye level. And finally, not using the screen as much saves battery power.

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Originally Posted by normw

Optical viewfinders seem to be disappearing from non DSLR cameras which is a pity. I find them really useful in very bright sunlight when it can be difficult to see a screen. As well, it is possible to get some additional stability by bracing the camera at eye level.

Exactly my reasoning.

Keep the suggestions coming people (although I suspect I seek the Holy Grail)

[Sirakor]

The Panasonic LX100 is getting rave reviews, maybe worth having a look.

I used to have the LX3 and was very happy with it, then went micro 4/3 due to telephoto needs for wildlife (I have an OMD EM5). If not for the longer reach, the LX100 would be my pick.

[kpredator]

we like our panasonic fz 200, 12 mp 24x optical zoom
great all around camera

good luck
kp

[Silvio Maridati]

Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor

Exactly my reasoning.

Keep the suggestions coming people (although I suspect I seek the Holy Grail)

Hi there
Check for the Sony Alph R 7r camera 36MP fullframe. A wunderfully handy an beatyfully handcrafted pice of equipment
Best money-value-ratio by far. You can safe up more than just two or three additional lenses due to the extreme resolution - you just blow up the RAW picture an do a cut-out of what is important for you.
While travelling I do this regularely on my iPad Air 2 which I also use as backup storage for my pictures.
Enjoy!

Greetings from rainy Switzerland
Silvio

[Redboots]

Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor

Keep the suggestions coming people (although I suspect I seek the Holy Grail)

I have been looking for the same thing for several months.
I narrowed it down to the Sony RX100 lll or the Panasonic Lumix LX100.

An articulated screen of the Sony is not something I need and the pop-up viewfinder seems like it might be a bit fragile and awkward to operate with gloves on. The same reasoning applies to its small size.

The LX100 is a bit bigger... jacket pocket, rather than trouser-able.
I found a chap in Holland selling them at a good price so I'm eagerly waiting for it to arrive

A good site for size comparisons is Compare camera dimensions side by side

[zimcruza]

Been using a Canon Few for some time now - to waterproof it I'd add the Canon housing which is pretty good.

[Warin]

Originally Posted by kpredator

we like our panasonic fz 200, 12 mp 24x optical zoom

I like my fz200 too.

The Sony Alph R 7r camera is good too..

But they are not something for putting in a pocket.

------------------------------
I like a pivoting screen - good for overhead and down low shots. We all have different requirements - why I like that pdreview site.

[Jmackrell]

I use a Sony RX100 II as my pocket camera and have been very happy with it. I have two Canon 5d III body's and a full complement of l glass and I have shot every point and shoot from APS C and smaller and for the money, the RX 100 is the right balance of size and image quality. It's Zeiss glass lens is a 24 to 70 35mm comparable and at 1..8 it's fast and sharp. I thought not having a view finder would be limiting in certain light, but I have never missed it. I've also printed 16 x 20 archival prints that look every bit as good as my commercial images from my 5d mark III. Have fun looking and what ever you decide,, enjoy it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Thanks for the suggestions chaps and the link to camera sizes; all very useful.

[Hemuli]

Important thing too is what you will wear under your riding suit.
I have been wearing Icebreaker (merino wool) underwear from well below freezing to really hot weather in desert. Works really well.
If it gets really hot, just pour some water on top of the underwear and you will feel really cool for around 45 mins.

[crashbadger]

Nikon aw120 waterproof and robust. Has an optical viewfinder and screen. Also records hd video.