7
\$\begingroup\$

These days it seems that all point-and-shoot cameras do not have optical viewfinders. Do any exist in the lower end of the price range? With so many cameras on the market, how can I identify the ones with this feature?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Can you explain what your price range is? \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Aug 15, 2011 at 15:40
  • 3
    \$\begingroup\$ This question will get dated fast. I highly recommend the link in Itai's answer, which gives you an up-to-date search in his Neocamera database. Or the equivalent search on dpreview. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Aug 15, 2011 at 16:09

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
5
\$\begingroup\$

There are still a few but they are a dying breed. The cheapest one would be the already mentioned Canon A1200 but there are also ultra-compact and larger models too.

There are a number of forces that conspire to the optical viewfinder's demise:

  • More compactness: The viewfinder takes space, so removing it lets cameras be smaller.
  • Larger LCDs: On small cameras, they now often cover the entire vertical height.
  • Wider and longer zooms: This makes it more difficult to make an optical viewfinder.
Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
3
\$\begingroup\$

I own two P&S models with optical viewfinders: Canon SD800IS and a newer Canon SD1200IS. My wife and daughters mainly use them, but everyone uses them from time to time.

Never once, have I, or my family, ever used the optical viewfinder on these. The 800IS was purchased because it had optical viewfinder, but I have never seen anyone look thru it. One problem is there is no indicators at all in the viewfinder. The only thing available is the focus confirmation light, which is located outside the viewfinder, but within your eye's periphery, so that you can see it when focus is achieved. It is nice to have in very bright light, when the LCD is not that visible, but in practice, the LCD is nearly always visible enough to compose.

A suggestion: go by your local bigbox store, and try out a few models that have and optical viewfinder before you purchase. I think you will find that squinting thru that tiny hole, with no focus or other info is not as useful as you may think.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ While I agree, I still like my viewfinder even on P&S models. In bright outdoor light they are handy. It also is nice for people that require reading glasses(ie elderly). \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Aug 15, 2011 at 15:40
2
\$\begingroup\$

Some options that come to mind are the Canon PowerShot A1200(very inexpensive at $100) or the Canon PowerShot SD780. Any of the older Canon G-series cameras will have one as well, and they are excellent cameras especially if you can find a used model for a few hundred dollars.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.