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No viewfinder is a major drag.

Started Feb 23, 2015 | User reviews
Dave Stroud New Member • Posts: 1
No viewfinder is a major drag.

I got this camera in Dec. '13. It was a discontinued item, and said to be the very last of its kind still on the shelf anywhere in the country. Therefore it was on sale for $200.00 + I got an additional 40% off that sale price. Luckily, I was able to put it on 'hold' and drove sixty miles to pick it up for a steal!For all of this, I was fortunate  And, considering the 30x zoom, the PowerShot SX500 is a sure upgrade from my old A630, but it has it's drawbacks. Most significantly, the total absence of a viewfinder. The LCD is fine and dandy indoors, but it is virtually impossible to read outdoors in snow or bright sunlight; worthless, really.

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"Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."

 Dave Stroud's gear list:Dave Stroud's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS
16 megapixels • 3 screen • 24 – 720 mm (30×)
Announced: Aug 21, 2012
Dave Stroud's score
3.0
Average community score
3.9
bad for good for
Kids / pets
good
Action / sports
mediocre
Landscapes / scenery
good
Portraits
excellent
Low light (without flash)
mediocre
Flash photography (social)
acceptable
Studio / still life
good
= community average
Canon PowerShot A630 Canon PowerShot SX500 IS
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DUTCH van Atlanta Senior Member • Posts: 1,714
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.
1

Yup.  Same is true for my SX230HS and my SX700HS.  However, the zoom and the ability to carry it in my shirt pocket pretty much outweigh the lack of a viewfinder.

 DUTCH van Atlanta's gear list:DUTCH van Atlanta's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Sony RX100 VI Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra +1 more
John Szeto Senior Member • Posts: 1,921
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.

Yep, with the sun at your back on a bright day, the LCD is worthless. But it's amazing what people are willing to put up with since manufacturers want to keep the cost of the cameras down.

I guess you have to pay more for a better model if you want at least an EVF.

Globemstr3 Contributing Member • Posts: 879
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.

Thats a nice cam and I get the no viewfinder drag. Curious why didnt you get a refurb SX40 or even a 50 for that matter? Anyways just a thought they do have those snap on LCD shades you can attach to that camera. They are maybe 60 bucks and might be a good investment?

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Mark

 Globemstr3's gear list:Globemstr3's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS +2 more
Monicakm
Monicakm Senior Member • Posts: 2,352
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.

I could never have a camera without a viewfinder.  Hope they don't do away with them completely!

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Monica/SX50

Globemstr3 Contributing Member • Posts: 879
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.

Monicakm wrote:

I could never have a camera without a viewfinder. Hope they don't do away with them completely!

Me either! I guess us Older Shutterbugs are a dying breed..SIGH

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Mark

 Globemstr3's gear list:Globemstr3's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS +2 more
PORTRAIT
PORTRAIT Veteran Member • Posts: 3,197
Re: No viewfinder is a major drag.

Hi Dave,

I just came across your cam review, and having the same cam. i have to say for the most part, I agree with your assessment. Regarding the lacking of the VF, and don't find much of the problem for me,as I wear eye-glasses,and if I want to do more serious photography, I own more capable cams equipped with VF anyways. I got this cam like new and still under warranty! so for me like you, for the price I paid for,it was no brainer. Any cam. has PRO& CONS. but If anything I will discourage anyone to use this cam for HIGH ISO photography or fast sport actions, as the cam has a very slow FPS rate(CCD sensor here;). although it acquired AF fairly fast in decent light. I would add for last but not for least, the lens is Ok for WA and MACRO casual shots. but suffers,in certain condition, of CA at the long end particularly in bright Sun.As I said, all in all, a casual decent cam with 30x zoom, with fairly good shooting options compared other cam in the same category.For me first of all it was the convenience, but if the VF is a deal breaker for you as for some, than you have to choose a different route and more likely $$$..(SX 50 as others said for instance..).Below couple of samples teken on my recent trip to jamaica..;)

Marco.

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Photography= Art & Tech.
Marco Photography© All Rights Reserved.
Please do not use them without prior permission.
http://marcoimages.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96703470@N07/with/11531575705/

 PORTRAIT's gear list:PORTRAIT's gear list
Canon SX220 HS Panasonic FZ1000 Nikon 1 V1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Fujifilm X-A1 +8 more
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