Don't like EVF, want optical one

[Camerajunkie]

So, I went out tonight and spent some time looking at different digital cameras to get a feel for them and see if I found something I like. I'd pretty much decided that a dSLR would be more than I really needed right now, though it's what I would love to have. I just don't have the flexibility of being able to go off and take pictures all that often...

ANYWAY, so I'm finding it very hard to find a digital camera with a VF at all. And the ones with zoom (I want at least an 8x zoom) seem to come with the EVFs. I really prefer an optical one.

So, I want 8X+ optical zoom, 6+MP and an optical viewfinder. Suggestions?

TIA

CJ

[Riley]

im sortof the other way
what with zooms on digicams, the best way for me to judge the frame is via the EVF. i also have an Olympus C7070 that has an LCD and an optical finder, but the optical finder is very inacurate due to parralax, and terribly small.

it is true that EVF's need a lot of improvement, but ive grown use to seeing all the camera settings on the EVF, and appreciate the accuracy of the frame, and the gain controls for low light. i do use the LCD for a cleaner view of the image too, its a juggle

i really think youve boxed yourself into a dSLR, as i do not know of any digicam that has a good optical finder, not to say there arnt any

Riley

[JPW2020]

So, I went out tonight and spent some time looking at different digital cameras to get a feel for them and see if I found something I like. I'd pretty much decided that a dSLR would be more than I really needed right now, though it's what I would love to have. I just don't have the flexibility of being able to go off and take pictures all that often...

ANYWAY, so I'm finding it very hard to find a digital camera with a VF at all. And the ones with zoom (I want at least an 8x zoom) seem to come with the EVFs. I really prefer an optical one.

So, I want 8X+ optical zoom, 6+MP and an optical viewfinder. Suggestions?

TIA

CJ
Other than DSLR not sure if you will get an optical viewfinder with an 8X+ optical Zoom.If you limit it to 6X Optical zoom Canon has 2 models that might fit the bill namely the new Powershot G7 or the Powershot S710is.However these are not thru the lens viewfinders give about 80% view and how useful they are when compared to the LCD remains to be seen.

My S2 IS has an electronic EVF which is OK but like you I agree that ideally I would prefer an optical viewfinder but I understand that above certain sizes of zoom it is technically difficult if not impossible to fit in.

[David Metsky]

Big zoom and optical viewfinder don't go together. You'd have to have a large zoom lens for the viewfinder built into the camera. That's too big for the smaller ultrazoom bodies. You don't need one for the SLR since you're looking through the lens.

I don't think you'll find what you are looking for in the current crop of cameras.

-dave-

[Camerajunkie]

I appreciate the feedback so far. The Canon A710 IS is one I looked at last night. Thought it looked like a great little camera. I'm worried though because I'm going from having my Nikon N65 as my main camera to a small digital if I go that way. Not sure how well that will work. I'm also looking heavily into the Nikon D50 now. Only had been looking at the D80 before and decided I didn't want to go that high yet.

Anymore feedback will be appreciated.

CJ

[toriaj]

FWIW, I was in your same boat. Didn't like the EVFs, wanted zoom, didn't want a "too-complicated" camera. Ended up with the D50, which I love. Bought the 70 - 300 mm lens very quickly though :)