Seeking compact camera with viewfinder

[UKmitch86]

My mum's looking for a camera for a trip away in the next couple of months, but it's a small one she's after. To give you an idea, a Canon 100D is too chunky! This probably means I need to find her a compact, but I'm not particualrly au-fait with what's available.

To complicate matters, I'm personally blaming poor battery life of some models (think 300 shots before changing battery) like the real compacts, i.e. Canon 175, with the fact they have to have the rear screen 'on' to compose. An EVF or OVF would be hugely preferred.

Budget is £200-250. I'm not fussed about buying used, but would prefer somewhere known to be reliable. I've bought from MPB with no hiccups in the past.

Can anyone suggest anything?

 

[snerkler]

There are a few compacts out there such as the Sony RX100-III with EVF, but as these are screens similar to the LCD on the rear you will not find that battery life is noticeably better from my experience. Plus I'm not sure of any that would fall within budget I'm afraid.

 

[UKmitch86]

There are a few compacts out there such as the Sony RX100-III with EVF, but as these are screens similar to the LCD on the rear you will not find that battery life is noticeably better from my experience. Plus I'm not sure of any that would fall within budget I'm afraid.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling. I've come across the models that I believe are the entry level Fujis with hybrid EVF/OVF, also some of the Olympus Pen series are available used. The Canon G series all seem a little expensive and have smaller sensors than the 'upstarts' Sony, Fuji, Oly, Panasonic.

 

[Nod]

Fuji X?0? The X10 is purely OVF, the X20 is OVF with some shooting info available through the VF and the X30 is an EVF with more info available. The X30 is also rechargeable via USB so no need to mess around with separate charger and removing the battery. FWIW, I have (or had) all 3 and think the X30 is the pick of the bunch. IQ is hard to separate between the 3 it's just that the X30's the best handling, mainly due to the EVF.

 

[woof woof]

My mum's looking for a camera for a trip away in the next couple of months, but it's a small one she's after. To give you an idea, a Canon 100D is too chunky! This probably means I need to find her a compact, but I'm not particualrly au-fait with what's available.

To complicate matters, I'm personally blaming poor battery life of some models (think 300 shots before changing battery) like the real compacts, i.e. Canon 175, with the fact they have to have the rear screen 'on' to compose. An EVF or OVF would be hugely preferred.

Budget is £200-250. I'm not fussed about buying used, but would prefer somewhere known to be reliable. I've bought from MPB with no hiccups in the past.

Can anyone suggest anything?

If you're looking at a compact system camera rather than a true compact of the fit in your pocket credit card footprint variety older models are available from £50 or so and up.

For example see here...

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Dig...cending&PageIndex=1&SortExpression=SalesPrice

and here...

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Dig...cending&PageIndex=1&SortExpression=SalesPrice

From that little lot I'd go for the G6 at £150 and that would leave enough room in the budget for a 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens of some sort (there are a lot of slightly different kit lenses) or if you/she prefer maybe a 14 or 25mm prime and as Canon arguably aren't exactly at the cutting edge these days one of these cameras may well give Canon rivaling image quality in a compact package.

Unless you mean a true shirt pocket type compact. I have a Panasonic LF1 which has an EVF, it's ok, probably better than a phone.

PS.
Actually I've just check the lenses for sale section at Ffordes and there are some nice bodies and lenses that'd fit within the £200-250 budget, or very nearly fit

 

[snerkler]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling. I've come across the models that I believe are the entry level Fujis with hybrid EVF/OVF, also some of the Olympus Pen series are available used. The Canon G series all seem a little expensive and have smaller sensors than the 'upstarts' Sony, Fuji, Oly, Panasonic.

No worries, I didn't mention the Fuji's as I wasn't sure they'd be compact enough Do they do an Olympus Pen with an integrated viewfinder other than the F?

 

[viewfromthenorth]

I recently bought a used Panasonic Tz60 (or maybe tz70 - not got it on me) from the classifieds and that's got a half decent EVF. Not as good as that on my Fuji XT10 but it's not bad at all. It's a so called travel compact so slightly bigger than the norm, but way smaller than an X10/20/30 and cost me £150 second hand.

 

[Luxxyman2016]

I would also recommend a Panasonic TZ70,can be had off Panasonic outlet on eBay for £179.99,when in stock with a 12 Month Warranty,great camera for that money!

 

[Blue Moon 7]

We have an Fuji X30 and it is pretty good, not too big and easy to use.

Chris

 

[The23rdman]

Fuji X?0? The X10 is purely OVF, the X20 is OVF with some shooting info available through the VF and the X30 is an EVF with more info available. The X30 is also rechargeable via USB so no need to mess around with separate charger and removing the battery. FWIW, I have (or had) all 3 and think the X30 is the pick of the bunch. IQ is hard to separate between the 3 it's just that the X30's the best handling, mainly due to the EVF.

Avoid the X10. The OVF is essentially useless - more like looking through the bottom of a glass.

 

[jonbeeza]

Avoid the X10. The OVF is essentially useless - more like looking through the bottom of a glass.

Have to agree, the X10 view finder provides no useful information. I never use the view finder on my X10.

 

[Nod]

The OVF does allow the battery to get you more shots per charge as long as you turn the rear screen off but I'll agree that it's not perfect. When the X20 was released, I hoped that there would be a lot more in VF info than there is - specifically the level line. Luckily, the chap who had bought my X10 wanted to upgrade a bit and was aware of why I wanted to make the next step up so swapped the X10 and some cash for the X20 so I could justify the X30 to Mrs Nod!

 

[davek]

Second hand X100? Not much bigger than a X30.

 

[jonbeeza]

The OVF does allow the battery to get you more shots per charge as long as you turn the rear screen off but I'll agree that it's not perfect. When the X20 was released, I hoped that there would be a lot more in VF info than there is - specifically the level line. Luckily, the chap who had bought my X10 wanted to upgrade a bit and was aware of why I wanted to make the next step up so swapped the X10 and some cash for the X20 so I could justify the X30 to Mrs Nod!

I did try using the OVF on my X10, but I soon gave up. I was never sure were the focus point was. It was a little more accurate at 112mm, if I could gauge the focus point on the LCD screen first.

 

[wave01]

Has she got a smart phone that may be the best option

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

I found the Fuji X10 OVF does what it says on the tin: you see what the camera is pointing at ... and often that's enough.

 

[UKmitch86]

Lots of replies! Sorry for the delay, had to run off and do some research on all the suggestions!

Fuji X?0? The X10 is purely OVF, the X20 is OVF with some shooting info available through the VF and the X30 is an EVF with more info available. The X30 is also rechargeable via USB so no need to mess around with separate charger and removing the battery. FWIW, I have (or had) all 3 and think the X30 is the pick of the bunch. IQ is hard to separate between the 3 it's just that the X30's the best handling, mainly due to the EVF.

I originally wanted to push the Fuji, but it was too big for her. I think she'd already chosen the bag she wanted it in.

If you're looking at a compact system camera rather than a true compact of the fit in your pocket credit card footprint variety older models are available from £50 or so and up.
For example see here...
http://www.ffordes.com/category/Dig...cending&PageIndex=1&SortExpression=SalesPrice
and here...
http://www.ffordes.com/category/Dig...cending&PageIndex=1&SortExpression=SalesPrice
From that little lot I'd go for the G6 at £150 and that would leave enough room in the budget for a 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens of some sort (there are a lot of slightly different kit lenses) or if you/she prefer maybe a 14 or 25mm prime and as Canon arguably aren't exactly at the cutting edge these days one of these cameras may well give Canon rivaling image quality in a compact package.
Unless you mean a true shirt pocket type compact. I have a Panasonic LF1 which has an EVF, it's ok, probably better than a phone.
PS.Actually I've just check the lenses for sale section at Ffordes and there are some nice bodies and lenses that'd fit within the £200-250 budget, or very nearly fit

Reading myself and from personal experience with a 'good' EVF (X-T1) when it gets dark, that EVF gets laggy and you can't see what you're doing properly anyway. Regardless, she's decided she wasn't too fussed about the OVF or EVF!

No worries, I didn't mention the Fuji's as I wasn't sure they'd be compact enough Do they do an Olympus Pen with an integrated viewfinder other than the F?

I saw that actually, but I've just learnt the difference between 'compact system camera' and 'digital compact'! I was thinking an ILC would be a better quality option, but the bulkiness of external lenses put paid to that. Also trashed my 'big sensor' suggestion of an EOS M!

I recently bought a used Panasonic Tz60 (or maybe tz70 - not got it on me) from the classifieds and that's got a half decent EVF. Not as good as that on my Fuji XT10 but it's not bad at all. It's a so called travel compact so slightly bigger than the norm, but way smaller than an X10/20/30 and cost me £150 second hand.

I would also recommend a Panasonic TZ70,can be had off Panasonic outlet on eBay for £179.99,when in stock with a 12 Month Warranty,great camera for that money!

This was a good suggestion and it entered the running with the one I've chosen! A couple of reviews floating about plastic-y finish though...

Avoid the X10. The OVF is essentially useless - more like looking through the bottom of a glass.

Noted.

Second hand X100? Not much bigger than a X30.

Too big I'm afraid. She's looking for a zoom lens too now.

Has she got a smart phone that may be the best option

It's actually the smartphone she's trying to keep charged and in the bag, instead of using its camera!

I'm looking at the Canon G series now actually. The G15 is the smallest I've found, just a shame I can't convince her to get something fractionally bigger, perhaps with a bigger sensor or a prime lens.

 

[wave01]

What about one of these power packs that recharge on the go

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Smaller than a Fuji X10, and with a viewfinder?

 

[jonbeeza]

Might be better getting an old Canon ixus, one with an OVF. Very small neat, and reasonable image quality. Plenty about, going for not much money.

 

[viewfromthenorth]

This was a good suggestion and it entered the running with the one I've chosen! A couple of reviews floating about plastic-y finish though...

It is plasticky compared to say an X10 (I have one of those as well that's now in semi-retirement), but for the money I wouldn't let it put you off. Would your mum be bothered? It's got a great feature set, an excellent zoom and more bells and whistles than most people are ever likely to use.

 

[Hogboy]

For your budget the Fuji X30 is by far the best option, there is one in the classifieds now, a fab little camera.

 

[jonbeeza]

It's actually the smartphone she's trying to keep charged and in the bag, instead of using its camera!

I'm looking at the Canon G series now actually. The G15 is the smallest I've found, just a shame I can't convince her to get something fractionally bigger, perhaps with a bigger sensor or a prime lens.

The G15 is not very pocketable, unless your mum would not mind carrying it around in a hand bag. Too clunky, especially seeing it has a small sensor.
Oh well, hope you find something suitable...

 

[snerkler]

I still think an RX100 or G7x (used obviously) and a couple of spare ex pro batteries to negate the need for a viewfinder would be a good option

 

[UKmitch86]

Might be better getting an old Canon ixus, one with an OVF. Very small neat, and reasonable image quality. Plenty about, going for not much money.

We considered a new Ixus, they're only about £80, but you can get better more robust bits of kit when the budget is bigger.

It is plasticky compared to say an X10 (I have one of those as well that's now in semi-retirement), but for the money I wouldn't let it put you off. Would your mum be bothered? It's got a great feature set, an excellent zoom and more bells and whistles than most people are ever likely to use.

She wouldn't be, but I would! Like most casual 'green-box' users, she didn't think she'd end up spending even £100, but I wanted her to have something well-made (or at least feels like it).

For your budget the Fuji X30 is by far the best option, there is one in the classifieds now, a fab little camera.

Too bulky I'm afraid, she's been sat out with the tape measure shooting down the suggestions!

The G15 is not very pocketable, unless your mum would not mind carrying it around in a hand bag. Too clunky, especially seeing it has a small sensor.
Oh well, hope you find something suitable...

I think it's living in a handbag, yes. I was aware it had a smaller sensor than the 1.5" ones in the G1x etc, but it's still the smallest option beyond an £80 bottom rung compact.

I still think an RX100 or G7x (used obviously) and a couple of spare ex pro batteries to negate the need for a viewfinder would be a good option

The G7x used is 2-2.5x budget!
Sony might've been a good candidate, I'll give you that. Little late though!, won an auction yesterday for a G15. The plus for me is that my dad and I are both Canon users, so menus and behaviour on the G15 should be more readily recognisable should she need any help.

 

[UKmitch86]

I still think an RX100 or G7x (used obviously) and a couple of spare ex pro batteries to negate the need for a viewfinder would be a good option

Agreed on the ExPro batteries, I've bought them for about 6 different bodies so far, never had a problem, as good as OEM.

 

[snerkler]

The G7x used is 2-2.5x budget!
Sony might've been a good candidate, I'll give you that. Little late though!, won an auction yesterday for a G15. The plus for me is that my dad and I are both Canon users, so menus and behaviour on the G15 should be more readily recognisable should she need any help.

I picked up a mint used G7x for £275, only £25 over budget. Plus every G7x I watched on ebay (over a dozen) went for under £300. But anyway, glad you've got something and hope she's happy with it

 

[UKmitch86]

I picked up a mint used G7x for £275, only £25 over budget. Plus every G7x I watched on ebay (over a dozen) went for under £300. But anyway, glad you've got something and hope she's happy with it

Well I hope she likes it, it's not here yet!

I ran the sold-listings filter on eBay UK - 350 is very much the average, so you did well!; http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&clk_rvr_id=1074688645006&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true&_nkw=canon g7x&LH_PrefLoc=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

 

[snerkler]

Well I hope she likes it, it's not here yet!

I ran the sold-listings filter on eBay UK - 350 is very much the average, so you did well!; http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&clk_rvr_id=1074688645006&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true&_nkw=canon g7x&LH_PrefLoc=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

Wow they've certainly gone up recently It was back in March I bought mine to be fair, although I'd have expected prices to have come down since the mark II was released. I wonder if Brexit is driving the 2nd hand market up too

 

[odd jim]

If the Eos 100d is too chunky for her, any CSC system will likely be too big too!

I'd recommend something like a Sony RX100, the mk3 and above have an EVF if thats what she needs.

Edit - I see the purchase has been made already!

 

[UKmitch86]

If the Eos 100d is too chunky for her, any CSC system will likely be too big too!

I'd recommend something like a Sony RX100, the mk3 and above have an EVF if thats what she needs.

Edit - I see the purchase has been made already!

Thanks Jim, those points have been covered in a fashion - basically, the RX100 is overbudget and I'm generally not enamoured with any EVFs.

 

[UKmitch86]

Wow they've certainly gone up recently It was back in March I bought mine to be fair, although I'd have expected prices to have come down since the mark II was released. I wonder if Brexit is driving the 2nd hand market up too

Irritating, yes, although there appears to be plenty of people getting rid of excellent Canon kit over on the classifieds!

 

[odd jim]

Thanks Jim, those points have been covered in a fashion - basically, the RX100 is overbudget and I'm generally not enamoured with any EVFs.

The mk1 is £240 new? Still an excellent camera (though by the by now [emoji3])

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

...won an auction yesterday for a G15. .

Canon G15 is bigger than Fuji X10, yet the Fuji was TOO BIG for the customer.

 

[UKmitch86]

Canon G15 is bigger than Fuji X10, yet the Fuji was TOO BIG for the customer.

According to owners of both, the viewfinder and lens of the X10 stick out further than the dimensions of the G15, therefore needs a bigger bag.
The 2 threads below give plenty of reasons for choosing the G15, not least the superior rear screen (which I've previously said would become the primary method of composing).
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3346733#forum-post-50406171
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3386997#forum-post-50889086