Best small camera with good viewfinder?: Micro Four Thirds Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Best small camera with good viewfinder?

Started 8 months ago | Discussions

Disdain • Forum Member • Posts: 83

Best small camera with good viewfinder?

8 months ago

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

Olympus E-M1 Olympus E-PL9 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Olympus OM-D E-M10 II Panasonic FZ1000 Panasonic G85 Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Sony a6000

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GutiWong • Regular Member • Posts: 207

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

E-M5 III EVF is quite good

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Jakob Malm • Regular Member • Posts: 392

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I really liked the view finder on the GX8. You may find it a bit on the heavy side.

The G80 is definitely not what I would call a big and heavy camera. It feels really light in my hands. I think the view finder is ok. Don't have any experience with the FZ1000 so can't compare.

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pannumon • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,130

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000?

I have not used FZ1000 mk II, but G85 and FZ1000 II seem to use the same 2.36megadot OLED viewfinder with effective magnification of 0.74x.

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joeletx • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,126

Sony RX100 VII

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I played with a Sony RX100 version at Best Buy and was amazed by the shear size and usability. I didn't buy it because I didn't need one, but this is what I probably buy when I decide to downsize. I have not owned a GM-1 but I can't imagine it would do better despite sensor size advantages. The RX100 have usable EVF too.

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mring1 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,666

Re: Sony RX100 VII

In reply to joeletx • 8 months ago

GM1 didn't have a VF. GM5 does but it's rudimentary and pretty small.

Sounds like the OP is looking for a small bridge camera with one fixed lens as opposed to an ILC.

Have to agree about looking at the later RX100s.

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Sonyshine • Veteran Member • Posts: 9,098

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I have an original OMD EM1. It has a beautiful viewfinder. It is still a superb stills camera, video not so great. Built like a brick and excellent for hammering in tent pegs.... Still nice and compact though.

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ChrisPCrunch • Regular Member • Posts: 145

Maybe the Panasonic G100

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

Well, the E-M5 III has a smaller viewfinder than your FZ1000II. If you look at the camera reviews on dpreview, under specs, they list the viewfinder magnifications so you can see the sizes. Your FZ1000II has a viewfinder mag of 0.74× while the E-M5 III is 0.68×

You mention that you want a small camera with a good viewfinder. You might want to look at the Panasonic G100. It is quite small and it definitely has a nice viewfinder. It has a viewfinder mag of 0.73× (so very similar in size to the FZ1000II ). However, it also has a higher resolution 3,680,000 pixels - most of the other cameras you have mentioned including your FZ1000II are only around 2,360,000 pixels. The reviews generally mention the high quality viewfinder on this camera. However, there are some downsides to this camera as well - mainly that it doesn't have IBIS so you will want to use it with Panasonic IS lenses.

Chris

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Skeeterbytes • Forum Pro • Posts: 23,182

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

From your list I'd put the E-M5iii at the top. It's also a very nicely featured model, with PDAF focusing shared only by the E-M1 series and OM1.

Good luck,

Rick

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Bassam Guy • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,885

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to GutiWong • 8 months ago

GutiWong wrote:

E-M5 III EVF is quite good

...especially if you wear glasses:

"The long 27 mm eyepoint offers a vignette-free view even when wearing glasses for a perfect view across the entire viewfinder." -- https://asia.olympus-imaging.com/product/dslr/em5mk3/feature4.html

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yardcoyote • Forum Pro • Posts: 15,754

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I am happy enough with the viewfinder on my E-M10ii. I wouldn't say it is outstanding, but it works fine.

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windmillgolfer • Forum Pro • Posts: 17,782

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

See link below, comparing several of the models mentioned in this thread. I use the G80, G9 and, more recently, the GX85. As a spectacles wearer, I can use all of the easily with spectacles on. The G9 is way ahead but it’s a larger camera, great partnered with big lends e.g. 100-400mm but not what you’re looking for.

As you can see in the comparison, the EVF resolutions are the same at about 2.36MP , except the GX80 at 2.76MP. The GX80 is quite compact and light; the tilt screen may or may not suit your preferences; the EVF is small and hard compared to the other models. If SLR style suits you, the the G80 or the EM-5 might suit you best.

Do take the likely lens to be used into account, only pancake or collapsing lenses will give you something pocketable/small.

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

Comparison table https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=panasonic_dcfz1000m2&products=panasonic_dmcgx85&products=panasonic_dmcg85&products=oly_em5iii&products=omsystem_om1&sortDir=ascending

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OP Disdain • Forum Member • Posts: 83

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I did love using primes as well as zoom lenses. I definitely want a stabilised body for the primes for low light etc which rules out the G100. I do wear glasses so maybe the EM5 III is worth a look then from what you've said. The G85 also sounds like I will get on with the EVF on that too. It is a fair bit heavier than the EM5 III though from the stats.

I've owned an RX100 VI and a Canon G5X II. Didn't really get on with either of those. Definitely want m43 again.

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MOD Tom Caldwell • Forum Pro • Posts: 46,352

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

Perhaps looking for something that does not exist. Large viewfinder and small camera body something of an oxymoron I think.

Best go for the G9 and get the best evf and not worry too much about the body size.

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Tom Caldwell

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robgendreau • Forum Pro • Posts: 10,931

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I'd suggest you go back to one of those smaller Oly bodies, like an E-PL8, or maybe an E-P5, although that's bigger.

Then throw a VF-4 viewfinder on it. Has 1.48x mag, and the same number of pixels as he P1000 I think. Has the advantage of being able to be used in vertical orientation, and you can take it off when not needed. It's quite nice; sad Oly dropped support for it.

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OP Disdain • Forum Member • Posts: 83

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

I guess that's true, smaller bodies don't have what is needed for some people who don't want a larger body. I do worry if I get a G9 or something, it'll stay at home as much as the FZ1000 as even with a small prime it'll be quite large.

I hadn't thought about an external VF option.

It's a shame there's so few camera shops around these days where you can actually try these out.

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Aberaeron • Forum Pro • Posts: 10,184

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

I honestly don’t see anything wrong with the E-M10 MkII viewfinder. It is much better than that fitted to the Sony A7III for instance.

Not as good as that of the Leica Q2, but that camera has its limitations of course, not the least of which are a fixed 28mm lens and its price

They all need adjusting of the diopter now and again in order to suit the shooter’s eye for best focus.

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Hatstand • Senior Member • Posts: 1,623

G85 vs FZ1000

In reply to Disdain • 8 months ago

Disdain wrote:

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera.

I have both G80 (G85) and FZ1000*...

The G80 body alone is not so big and heavy compared to the FZ1000?

It's your choice of lens that will determine whether it's bigger/heavier or smaller/lighter overall...

As for the viewfinders, I personally find them very similar. Which I guess is not surprising given their technical specs are pretty much the same? (G80 maybe slightly higher magnification? I dunno, different sites seems to list different values for each)

BTW, G85 is 16MP sensor. If the resolution is important to you, that would be a step back vs the FZ1000's 20MP. Note that the G90 (G95) has 20MP sensor.

*I'm using a G90 instead of the G80 now though, and only using the FZ1000 for its high-speed video these days. (G90 has high speed video but no autofocus for it whatsoever - manual focus only, or use the mode dial to switch to a mode that autofocuses, then switch to movie mode to start recording. That's almost useless for my purposes, where the FZ1000 at least autofocuses until you start recording, then fixed-focus)

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OP Disdain • Forum Member • Posts: 83

Re: Best small camera with good viewfinder?

In reply to Aberaeron • 8 months ago

Aberaeron wrote:

Disdain wrote:

I've just sold my FZ1000 II. The view finder was excellent, but found I wasn't taking it enough to places as it's too big. I don't mind big if I'm going to an airshow or a zoo, but I don't always want it that big and heavy.

I want to return to M43 after trying a Sony A6000, but not really getting on with the handling or EVF. I've previously owned lots of M43 cameras - GX800, GX85, GX7, GX9, OM-D EM10 II, PEN E-PL9. I haven't been convinced by the view finder on any of those, to the point that I never used to use it.

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera. Has the viewfinder improved on the EM10 III or IV over the II?

Are the EM5 II, III, or even GX8 or original EM1 I worth looking at?

I honestly don’t see anything wrong with the E-M10 MkII viewfinder. It is much better than that fitted to the Sony A7III for instance.

Not as good as that of the Leica Q2, but that camera has its limitations of course, not the least of which are a fixed 28mm lens and its price

They all need adjusting of the diopter now and again in order to suit the shooter’s eye for best focus.

I found it too small to enjoy. Might be worse if wearing glasses as you are then further away. It certainly didn't compare to my old FZ1000 mark 1 viewfinder.

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OP Disdain • Forum Member • Posts: 83

Re: G85 vs FZ1000

In reply to Hatstand • 8 months ago

Hatstand wrote:

Disdain wrote:

Is the G85 as good a viewfinder as the FZ1000? I know it's still a big heavy camera.

I have both G80 (G85) and FZ1000*...

The G80 body alone is not so big and heavy compared to the FZ1000?

It's your choice of lens that will determine whether it's bigger/heavier or smaller/lighter overall...

As for the viewfinders, I personally find them very similar. Which I guess is not surprising given their technical specs are pretty much the same? (G80 maybe slightly higher magnification? I dunno, different sites seems to list different values for each)

BTW, G85 is 16MP sensor. If the resolution is important to you, that would be a step back vs the FZ1000's 20MP. Note that the G90 (G95) has 20MP sensor.

*I'm using a G90 instead of the G80 now though, and only using the FZ1000 for its high-speed video these days. (G90 has high speed video but no autofocus for it whatsoever - manual focus only, or use the mode dial to switch to a mode that autofocuses, then switch to movie mode to start recording. That's almost useless for my purposes, where the FZ1000 at least autofocuses until you start recording, then fixed-focus)

Yeah if I use small primes it will keep the G80 down in size, although it might look silly with small lenses attached. Do you find the G90 a big improvement over the G80? I know it's bigger again in size and weight.

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Best small camera with good viewfinder?

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