My next camera has to have a viewfinder

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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Just been outside with my camera as I had to do a little chore to do. Nice blue sky but a little on the bright side. Only took about two photos and then gave up, just could not see anything on the screen, apart from my own reflection. I have made up my mind, the next camera I buy, will have to have a viewfinder with information displayed.
 
jonbeeza said:
Just been outside with my camera as I had to do a little chore to do. Nice blue sky but a little on the bright side. Only took about two photos and then gave up, just could not see anything on the screen, apart from my own reflection. I have made up my mind, the next camera I buy, will have to have a viewfinder with information displayed.
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I totally agree, John. I am considering selling my 7D and all of my EF/ EF-S lenses, but would find the EOS-M difficult on very bright days, but due to ill health, cannot consider getting another camera...:(
 
I prefer an EVF, which on very bright days when sidelit suffers the same problem if you wear specs. My solution is a legionnaire's cap, like a baseball cap but with a skirt down the back of the neck. Turn it round and the neck skirt can be draped over the top of the camera like a mini version of the old fashioned focusing hoods. If I'm using a tripod and live screen view in bright sunlight I have a wide black scarf I use as a hood. It's also useful for mocking up a black background to a sunlit flower.
 
chris malcolm said:
I prefer an EVF, which on very bright days when sidelit suffers the same problem if you wear specs. My solution is a legionnaire's cap, like a baseball cap but with a skirt down the back of the neck. Turn it round and the neck skirt can be draped over the top of the camera like a mini version of the old fashioned focusing hoods. If I'm using a tripod and live screen view in bright sunlight I have a wide black scarf I use as a hood. It's also useful for mocking up a black background to a sunlit flower.
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I did consider wearing a baseball cap for this reason, but having not worn a baseball type hat in over twenty years, I have a feeling I would look a t*t wearing one at my age now :).

Still a lovely blue sky outside and I have a free afternoon. But I still wont be able to see the screen :(
 
redlion said:
The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question is which one? :D
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Prefer a compact with a viewfinder really, but considering the prices being asked, I may just end getting an older DSLR. Got one or two in my watch list :)
 
I couldn't do without an eye level viewfinder ovf or evf they each have their points, but for me they are essential.
 
jonbeeza said:
I did consider wearing a baseball cap for this reason, but having not worn a baseball type hat in over twenty years, I have a feeling I would look a t*t wearing one at my age now :).

Still a lovely blue sky outside and I have a free afternoon. But I still wont be able to see the screen :(
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Tilley! Not cheap but they do come with a lifetime guarantee against wearing out (which they do actually honour!). Washable in the machine and they float. Not baseball caps either!

As for compact with a VF, I'm very happy with the Fuji X30 and I have a feeling that they're relatively cheap now - have a look at the X10/X20 etc. thread.
 
killwilly said:
I totally agree, John. I am considering selling my 7D and all of my EF/ EF-S lenses, but would find the EOS-M difficult on very bright days, but due to ill health, cannot consider getting another camera...:(
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The add-on EVF on the EOS-M3 is really very good and well implemented. On most other systems with add-on EVFs you have to press a button on the side of the EVF to get it to switch, but the Canon one auto-switches when you bring it up to your eye like most built-in systems which I like :) And the resolution is very high.
 
jonbeeza said:
Prefer a compact with a viewfinder really, but considering the prices being asked, I may just end getting an older DSLR. Got one or two in my watch list :)
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There are quite a few decent compacts with VF's these days. I have a Panasonic LF1 which cost under £200 (£164 today) and although if you pixel peep it isn't too pretty to be honest it's adequate for whole images and compacts with larger sensors will do a lot better. They'll cost more too though. Personally I'll not go back to a conventional DSLR.
 
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Nod said:
Tilley! Not cheap but they do come with a lifetime guarantee against wearing out (which they do actually honour!). Washable in the machine and they float. Not baseball caps either!

As for compact with a VF, I'm very happy with the Fuji X30 and I have a feeling that they're relatively cheap now - have a look at the X10/X20 etc. thread.
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To be honest I did have a look at the X30 and I do like it, but certain reasons stop me from buying it. Maybe silly considering how good it is, and it is priced very sensibly now. Still a little reluctant to add a fuji to my shopping basket at the moment...
 
woof woof said:
There are quite a few decent compacts with VF's these days. I have a Panasonic LF1 which cost under £200 (£164 today) and although if you pixel peep it isn't too pretty to be honest it's adequate for whole images and compacts with larger sensors will do a lot better. They'll cost more too though. Personally I'll not go back to a conventional DSLR.
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Options are open at the moment, but I definitely want a viewfinder and a decent sized sensor. Got a couple on my list, just a case of the right one coming along at the right price :)
 
What's on your shortlist? I wouldn't consider a camera without a proper viewfinder built in. I have an X30 too for a carry round camera. It performs very well, my Dad has just bought one after seeing mine. He's a retired pro, more used to medium format, and latterly Leica and Nikon, and he rates it very highly.
 
allanm said:
What's on your shortlist? I wouldn't consider a camera without a proper viewfinder built in. I have an X30 too for a carry round camera. It performs very well, my Dad has just bought one after seeing mine. He's a retired pro, more used to medium format, and latterly Leica and Nikon, and he rates it very highly.
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The X30 is a lovely camera and it is a very good price, and is the obvious choice. It is just that I bought an X10 and an XF1 and used them both side by side, it was a struggle with both in bright sunlight, but they were fun to use, and the IQ was pretty good. The XF1 died on me within a year, and fuji did not want to know. Even though the X30 is a good camera, at a really good price, I have no urge to dash out and buy one.

Maybe something like the Sony RX100, or go back to a DSLR should I spot one that I fancy. I do have a good few lenses, plus the 35mm and 50mm primes. Just a case what comes up first I suppose :)
 
I'm getting boring here but a huge shout out for the Panasonic LF1: very pocketable, largish sensor (same as the X30?) fast operation, EVF, wifi, good video, good range 28-200mm - just don't pixel peep on JPEGs!
And cheap!!!
 
davek said:
I'm getting boring here but a huge shout out for the Panasonic LF1: very pocketable, largish sensor (same as the X30?) fast operation, EVF, wifi, good video, good range 28-200mm - just don't pixel peep on JPEGs!
And cheap!!!
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And you can get one today for £164. Same sensor as LX7 and Leica what's-it-at-twice-the-price.
 
davek said:
I'm getting boring here but a huge shout out for the Panasonic LF1: very pocketable, largish sensor (same as the X30?) fast operation, EVF, wifi, good video, good range 28-200mm - just don't pixel peep on JPEGs!
And cheap!!!
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woof woof said:
And you can get one today for £164. Same sensor as LX7 and Leica what's-it-at-twice-the-price.
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Just reading up on the Panasonic now :)
 
jonbeeza said:
Just reading up on the Panasonic now :)
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And, unlike so many EVFs, this one works with polarised sunglasses (in landscape orientation)
Btw, Maui Jim polarised - best thing since seeing!!
 
davek said:
I'm getting boring here but a huge shout out for the Panasonic LF1: very pocketable, largish sensor (same as the X30?) fast operation, EVF, wifi, good video, good range 28-200mm - just don't pixel peep on JPEGs!
And cheap!!!
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Smaller sensor than the X30, it's only a 1/1.7.
 
jonbeeza said:
Yep only a small sensor, so IQ wont be too good..
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If you're interested in the LF1 I could drop box you a raw.

The Panasonic LX7 series does have its fans and the LF1 has the same sensor but as already mentioned images are best viewed whole and when pixel peeping at 100% things aren't good. Bigger sensors will be better though and if going for better quality you may be better going for a one inch sensor camera, Panasonic and Sony make a some which seem to be getting good reviews but you pay more for the better image quality.
 
jonbeeza said:
I did consider wearing a baseball cap for this reason, but having not worn a baseball type hat in over twenty years, I have a feeling I would look a t*t wearing one at my age now :).

Still a lovely blue sky outside and I have a free afternoon. But I still wont be able to see the screen :(
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If you are follically challenged (like I am ) you get used to wearing a variety of hats, including baseball caps :)

I agree about the VF though, I have a couple of pocket sized cameras without VF but I much prefer a VF so for serious stuff I use a Nikon D750 & for holiday snaps I use a Panasonic G7. My wife loves her Panasonic LX100 which has an EVF too.
 
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woof woof said:
If you're interested in the LF1 I could drop box you a raw.

The Panasonic LX7 series does have its fans and the LF1 has the same sensor but as already mentioned images are best viewed whole and when pixel peeping at 100% things aren't good. Bigger sensors will be better though and if going for better quality you may be better going for a one inch sensor camera, Panasonic and Sony make a some which seem to be getting good reviews but you pay more for the better image quality.
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Thanks for the offer, not too sure I am overly keen on the Panasonic. I already have a small Panasonic compact from the TZ range and the IQ is pretty poop, I tend not to use it for that reason and lack of not being able to see the screen. I use the X10 most of the time as I love the IQ from that, just no good in bright conditions, LCD not usable.
 
The X30 has got to be the way to go then, and they're down to £219 on the Fuji refurb store at the moment which is a bargain even before you add the paypal12 discount code...
 
I think one problem is that better image quality usually comes in a bigger camera so the first thing I'd decide is the size quality ratio I wanted.

To be honest I only use a compact camera because I hate using a smartphone to take pictures with. If you want something that will fit in a pocket but offer good quality than maybe a 1 inch sensor camera could fit the bill but if you are happy with carrying the camera in a small bag I think you'll see the image quality rise quite a bit.
 
magicolor1 said:
The X30 has got to be the way to go then, and they're down to £219 on the Fuji refurb store at the moment which is a bargain even before you add the paypal12 discount code...
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I know that is the obvious choice, and I do love the IQ and design. But I still feel sore over my baby XF1, I am probably doing myself out of the X30 experience. Just can't bring myself to purchase another Fujifilm..
 
woof woof said:
I think one problem is that better image quality usually comes in a bigger camera so the first thing I'd decide is the size quality ratio I wanted.

To be honest I only use a compact camera because I hate using a smartphone to take pictures with. If you want something that will fit in a pocket but offer good quality than maybe a 1 inch sensor camera could fit the bill but if you are happy with carrying the camera in a small bag I think you'll see the image quality rise quite a bit.
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I have got a little bit of cash put aside, and I want to make sure I am happy with my next purchase. Will probably pop into town at some point, and see what is going. A couple of places I know do traded in cameras, just a case of spotting the right one at the right price :)
 
jonbeeza said:
I know that is the obvious choice, and I do love the IQ and design. But I still feel sore over my baby XF1, I am probably doing myself out of the X30 experience. Just can't bring myself to purchase another Fujifilm..
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The other obvious choice would be the Sony RX100 but you'd have to spend a lot more money to get the viewfinder which is only on the Mk3 or Mk4.
 
Here you go, solution to your woes. Helps in the rain too :lol:

umbrella12_zpskhenzjva.jpg
 
magicolor1 said:
The other obvious choice would be the Sony RX100 but you'd have to spend a lot more money to get the viewfinder which is only on the Mk3 or Mk4.
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I had the mark 3 for a while, and whilst the EVF is useful I didn't find it as useful as I thought. Quite small and awkward to look through and on bright days I still found I had to shield the viewfinder/my eye. Still, slightly better than the LCD still.

I'm considering the G5x instead, although am keen on the Nikon DL24-85mm and using the optional EVF. Annoying that it's not out until June though :rolleyes:
 
I constructed a little box enclosure from sturdy cardboard, I attached a little tab to the box and this slotted into the hotshoe. It held in place OK, no good in the rain :) it did work. Did not post any photos of it, probably for fear of ridicule :D. If I get hold of some rigid plastic, I will construct it from that. The cardboard was just a test, to see if my idea worked.
 
jonbeeza said:
I know that is the obvious choice, and I do love the IQ and design. But I still feel sore over my baby XF1, I am probably doing myself out of the X30 experience. Just can't bring myself to purchase another Fujifilm..
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Don't let your experiences with the XF1 put you off Fuji, I think most of them packed up within a year ( mines still working after 2!) it just ain't a reliable camera for most people.
There are still plenty of old Fuji cameras working 100%. I bought my X30 when it first came out and it's still working fine, and gets used a lot.

What about a Panasonic LX100? M43 sensor and a decent viewfinder.
 
allanm said:
Don't let your experiences with the XF1 put you off Fuji, I think most of them packed up within a year ( mines still working after 2!) it just ain't a reliable camera for most people.
There are still plenty of old Fuji cameras working 100%. I bought my X30 when it first came out and it's still working fine, and gets used a lot.

What about a Panasonic LX100? M43 sensor and a decent viewfinder.
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Just feel bad seeing my XF1 lying dead in its box, I know I should turf it out, but I just can't bring myself to do it..Yes the Panasonic LX100 certainly is a lovely looking camera, good sized sensor too. Will read up on it, and weigh up my options so far. Obviously this will be governed by my available cash :)
 
I have 2 XFs and both still work fine. (That should kill them!)
 
Nod said:
I have 2 XFs and both still work fine. (That should kill them!)
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Hope they do not die on you ;)

I will be taking the dog to the park shortly, not too bright out so I am taking the X10 with me.

I will be constructing a little LCD screen shade at some point, got a little idea. Just a case of keeping it simple :)
 
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