R2OK!

Minx · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 12:48 pm Post subject: Camera Buffs on here?

My favourite camera is getting quite old now - it's a Nikon Coolpix P5100 which has both a viewfinder and an LCD screen. Some time ago we bought a Fujifilm Finepix (with LCD only) to replace it, but I hadn't realised how difficult it would be to compose your picture in bright, or even average sunlight using only the LCD, and these days I find myself continually reverting to the Nikon.

Can anyone recommend a small camera (to fit into a pocket/handbag) that's still on the market that has both viewfinder and LCD?

Cheers
_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

It's getting to be a rarity these, unless you are prepared to spend a lot more and get a digital SLR camera. When I was reviewing cameras and camcorders for UK magazines and websites, I moaned like hell at the product managers and even developers about this. I agree with you in that it's really difficult to compose decent images with just a LCD screen - especially when the sunlight is strong and behind you!

I now use my iPhone 4S for most of the time - primarily because I have with me always and the images look pretty good in iPhoto or Photoshop. The images from my wife's iPhone 5 are actually really good. However, it's still no substitute for a proper stills and video camera.

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

Minx · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:23 pm Post subject:

Minx · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Camera Buffs on here?

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

I saw the Canon G1X at £320, with cashback, sounds a good buy.

Minx · Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:30 am Post subject:

We've just checked the dimensions on that, thanks. It's a bit bigger than we'd have liked (certainly not a pocket job) but we might have to live with that, given what's around on the market. Looks a possibility though the zoom is only 4x whereas the Fujifilm we're using at the moment has 10x. Thanks for mentioning it though - we'll check it out in detail when we're back in the UK.
_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

gazmando · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 560 Location: Huntingdon

Hello Minx, I'm not a camera buff but I like having a look around if somebody asks a question.
I came across the Panasonic Lumix LF1 which seems to get good reviews without being ultra expensive.
Has an electronic viewfinder as well as the LCD screen, zoom is only 7 compared to your 10x though.
The dimensions are 62x103x32 which seems small enough for a handbag.
There's reviews on trusted reviews and expert reviews if you want to check it out.
Cheers, Gaz

Minx · Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:52 am Post subject:

That's a distinct possibility Gazmando - just about the size I'd like. The zoom is still an improvement on our old favourite Nikon which was 5x. I never really got to feel the advantage of the Fujifilm's 10, since it was difficult to compose the picture most of the time.

Thanks for that, and for the site references. We found another interesting one on there, the Fuji 620, which is a bit retro looking and slightly larger, so including Nod's suggestion we've now got three to look at when we return.

Thanks for looking, appreciate your help.
_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

Don't forget another important factor when considering cameras of any type - the lens. Without a decent bit of glass on the front all the rest of it is of no use.

gazmando · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 560 Location: Huntingdon

You're welcome Minx, let us know which one you choose in the end and what you think of It.

Minx · Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 6:07 pm Post subject:

Will do!

_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

Minx · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2014 12:33 pm Post subject:

Bit late I know, but we went for the Canon G16 earlier in the summer. Well pleased with it, and whilst I was bleating about dismal LCD's (particularly on the Finepix) I now find with the G16 that I use nothing else. It was a bit pricier than we'd intended to pay but it's a cracker. Smile

_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

Minx · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 4:35 pm Post subject:

The funny thing is, now I've got used to using the LCD, I use it all the time on the Finepix too, even though it's got such abyssmal back-lighting. I guess it was just a question of getting used to it.
_________________
Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.