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In search of new camera with viewfinder

Started Apr 1, 2016 | Discussions
UGutberlet Junior Member • Posts: 49
In search of new camera with viewfinder
3

Hello all,

My trusted Canon G12 is kaputt and I need to replace it. Before the G12 I had an A630 and an S2. Never had a non-Canon camera. One of my priorities is a viewfinder. Optical or electronic, don't care. And that's the problem - there aren't many non-DSLR cameras left with viewfinders.

So, what do you all think is my best bet? A quick review of the current Canon lineup points me in the direction of the G16. Other suggestions? Any other manufacturers I should consider?

Thanks for your input.

Kate

Canon PowerShot A630 Canon PowerShot G12 Canon PowerShot G16 Nikon 1 S2
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requa
requa Contributing Member • Posts: 860
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder

For built-in rather than external, consider the G5 X. If external is OK, the EVF-DC1 fits G1 X-II and G3 X (I think).

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Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Canon G5 X II
requa
requa Contributing Member • Posts: 860
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder
1

Also, the original G1 X has an optical tunnel VF.

 requa's gear list:requa's gear list
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Canon G5 X II
Clayton1985 Veteran Member • Posts: 8,802
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder

Other than the current Canon options if you can stand a little bit less zoom range I would consider the Fuji X30.   I believe the sensor is slightly larger than the G12 but the lens is quite a bit faster at f2-f2.8 so you should see noticeable improvements over your G12.    The viewfinder on the X30 is simply outstanding as is the overall build quality.    In my opinion the original price was too high but you can now find the X30 at a more reasonable price of $399 - possibly less if you look around.    I'm sure there would be a learning curve since you've been using Canon for so long but the Fuji's ergonomics are good and the menus are fairly straightforward especially the Q menu where most of your day to day settings can be changed.

I'm sure a newer Canon would be a good and maybe a little bit safer choice but I'd be surprised if you didn't like the Fuji unless there is a specific feature that you need that isn't available on the Fuji.

21st Hermit Veteran Member • Posts: 5,470
ZS40 for me

Same here, had many Canons, A710 was the last and ending up going to the darkside and getting a Panasonic ZS40. (30X zoom, EVF, & GPS).

Many choices for EVF zooms by Panasonic and Sony. If you're fond of Canon's more saturated hues, look for a model with adjustable saturation or process RAWs.

Happy hunting.

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Lost in the Colorado Mountains!!!

Barry Margolius Senior Member • Posts: 1,859
Re: G5X is my choice

I love this camera.  It's the best Canon camera I've ever had.

-barry

Ron_43 Senior Member • Posts: 1,533
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder

UGutberlet wrote:

Hello all,

My trusted Canon G12 is kaputt and I need to replace it. Before the G12 I had an A630 and an S2. Never had a non-Canon camera. One of my priorities is a viewfinder. Optical or electronic, don't care. And that's the problem - there aren't many non-DSLR cameras left with viewfinders.

So, what do you all think is my best bet? A quick review of the current Canon lineup points me in the direction of the G16. Other suggestions? Any other manufacturers I should consider?

Thanks for your input.

Kate

I have the Panasonic ZS50. and for me it's great.

rpm40
rpm40 Senior Member • Posts: 2,411
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder
3

While the G16 seems like the most straightforward upgrade for you, personally I would suggest the g5x, its a very nice camera all around. Bigger sensor, nice electronic viewfinder, fast and flexible lens. It could have better battery life, but otherwise its not missing much.

Another interesting option, depending on your shooting style, would be to get a refurbished G1X from Canon at http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g1-x-refurbished. Its a pretty slow camera, but if you do things like landscapes, still life, etc. it might not matter. Its got a sharp lens and huge sensor, so at $269 its the best bang for your buck in terms of image quality.

Ron_43 Senior Member • Posts: 1,533
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder

rpm40 wrote:

While the G16 seems like the most straightforward upgrade for you, personally I would suggest the g5x, its a very nice camera all around. Bigger sensor, nice electronic viewfinder, fast and flexible lens. It could have better battery life, but otherwise its not missing much.

Another interesting option, depending on your shooting style, would be to get a refurbished G1X from Canon at http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g1-x-refurbished. Its a pretty slow camera, but if you do things like landscapes, still life, etc. it might not matter. Its got a sharp lens and huge sensor, so at $269 its the best bang for your buck in terms of image quality.

I also have the G15.

OzarkAggie Senior Member • Posts: 2,153
G1 x for $269

Canon Refurbished

Actually I just use the articulated lcd. Once you get used to it you don't care about the viewfinder.

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It's not the camera...

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GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder
2

I'd recommend the G15 or G16.  The lens is excellent and also very fast at f/1.8-2.8.  I have a bunch of other cameras; but nothing has supplanted the G15 for "local events".  That includes my grandkid's performances in the school auditorium in low light.  At ISO 800, the results are sharp and clear and noise free.

You can still find new G15's at close out prices.  The G16 is the same body, lens and viewfinder; but a new sensor and processor.  The advantage of the G16 is faster AF and more responsiveness.  The G15's advantage is a little sharper images with less smearing from noise reduction up to ISO 800, and about equal at 1600.  With the fast lens, neither camera should need much use of ISO 1600.

For either camera, I recommend use of a neck cord (lanyard) with a single point of attachment to the body.  That wraps tightly around the body and allows pocketability in looser fitting trousers.  The supplied neck strap is too bulky.  I fitted mine with a Lensmate filter adapter and hot shoe cover.  So I can use 52 mm filters.  The hotshoe cover makes the camera look better; but mainly it lets it slip in and out of pockets easier.  I use a Canon 270EX flash with the G15.

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Jerry

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OP UGutberlet Junior Member • Posts: 49
Re: In search of new camera with viewfinder

Thank you all very much for your input. I haven't kept up with new developments in the digital camera world for a few years, so it was a bit daunting to start the search for a new camera. You provided me with some solid options. I have ruled out some (G5X is a bit more than what I want to spend) and am considering others (X30 looks interesting). I will try to get my hands on some of these cameras and take it from there. Fortunately, I am under no time pressure.

Again, thank you!

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