Old-school viewfinder compact

<p> After hauling my SLR on a recent backpacking trip, I'm ready to add a compact mirrorless rangefinder travel camera. But I don't want to change 45-year-old shooting habits by composing without an actual viewfinder, even if it's electronic. I want the ability to quickly and accurately change focus; have a moderate fixed-lens zoom range (wider better than longer); reasonable compactness; and a price under $400, new or used. I'd prefer to upgrade my SLR rather than spend a ton on a travel camera.<br>

Huge megapixel counts are actually a drawback for me since I never print really large files and don't want to upgrade my computer to better handle them.<br>

So I'm looking, as always for the best compromise between image quality, handling, size & weight, and cost.<br>

My thoughts so far: Canon G16 seems cost-effective and reasonably compact, good enough quality for me, but I hear nothing about what capabilities the viewfinder offers.<br>

The Fujifilm X30 has the electronic viewfinder and seems to offer the old-school feel that would be comfortable for me, but rather exceeds my budget. Without a collapsing lens, it also seems bulkier to pack and carry.<br>

The Sony X100 M3 really exceeds my budget, but has the electronic VF and offers extreme portability.<br>

Exactly none of these cameras are available to me to evaluate in the local camera store, so I'm flying a bit blind here.<br>

Very few reviews or user reports include detail about the viewfinder experience, which is an important point for me.<br>

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br /></p>

<p>Sony A6000/NEX 6, used.</p>

<p>With the Nex 6/7 (which I have) and the A6000 (which I don't ) and I guess any other Mirrorless camera with an EVF ....you get the best of both worlds---- a screen on the back and a TTL type view if the sun's at the wrong angle, or you just want to use a viewfinder. I don't remember how the Zoom lens was on them as I never figured out what focal length I wanted to take my pictures at ! and so I only use primes now as it's easier for my old brain. Using old manual lenses is a doddle, the focal length is stretched a bit, but made up for with the focus peaking and the visualizing of the exposure through the viewfinder as you adjust the aperture etc.<br>

I still use some 35mm film, but the two Sony cameras will stay until the electronics melt as I think they are so good and could teach me so much if I wasn't so lazy.....</p>

Looking at the offerings from Panasonic it seems they have a model for every taste and budget. Their eye level finder and menu system are trend setters. And you will feel right at home with the styling on some models. Not under four bills you won't be able to get a prize. But maybe a little more out of pocket, and do not be surprised if you use it more than the old school SLR. I mean it has happened to some of us....Happy hunting, Kemosabee. :-).and check out models that are just about to be replaced and drop in price and still carry warranty. (I am super happy with the Lumix GX 7 with interchangeable lenses., just nice machine and small..see customer reviews at the usual places so many choices you will go bonkers, but not likely to fall short on any choice....Full of all the latest goodies like your focus peaking and way more... and bright electronic finders to die for.. This one I linked looks like a hot model, if you don't expect a real wide wide angle zoom at wide open speed in a compact with a Leica zooming vario- something lens..But bright good optics it looks like, and that counts a lot..

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082158-REG/panasonic_lumix_dmc_lx100_digital_camera.html

<p>Used µ43 body with 14-42 lens and add a refurb electronic viewfinder would be close to that.<br /><br />But if you're printing small or viewing on-screen, the Canon P&S is impossible to beat.</p>

Unfortunately, all the large sensor, compact, rangefinder like cameras , with a built in EVF (Sony RX100m3, Panasonic LX100, ect) are currently priced well beyond your stated budget and it will probably be 1+ years before used prices for these cameras approach $400. The G16's OVF apparently covers about 80% of the frame and has no shooting info, both issues would result in my use of its OVF only when sun glare renders the back screen unusable. If you move somewhat larger in size, to an interchangeable lens mirrorless with a built in EVF, as outlined above, a used NEX 6 or a new GX7 would reasonably close to your budget. With newer models recently introduced, the Olympus EM-10 and EM-5 are both available new with kit lens for $500. While these mirrorless options are not as compact as a Sony RX100, they are far smaller and lighter than a DSLR, and are extremely capable and responsive cameras.

<p>Thanks for all the good ideas and suggestions. It does appear that the models that come closest to my wish list are too new to show up as used or discontinued models that approach my budget. On the other hand, you guys have pointed out cameras that I hadn't considered before. And it sounds as though the G16 doesn't have the viewfinder I want. In particular, the LX100 sounds very appealing, if pricey. I'll keep my eyes open and maybe run across a deal. If I buy right, I might be able to take my European trip and resell the camera without a big loss, then wait for prices to come down on the models I favor. Almost like renting!<br>

Again, thank for the great tips. </p>

 

<p>You can buy a "newsed" a6000 on Amazon Warehouse for $480 or so. No lens though, but, what SLR do you have? If your lenses are manual then you can get any manner of adapter to use on a NEX body. There is an adapter to use Minolta AF and Canon AF on NEX/a series cameras. The key is the electronic aperture control. No mechanical linkage at all with a NEX/a body. So, it would have to be a later Minolta AF lens as I think the original versions required the in-body motor for AF and maybe had mechanical aperture control.</p>

<p>There is also a current deal, under 500, on the GX7 WITH lens from Panasonic. <br /><br />EVF, ridiculously quiet shutter. Amazing camera for that price imho.</p>

Get a used Fuji X20 from Keh for under $400. They put a 6 month warranty on used gear, and the camera is great (as

small sensor cameras go - don't expect amazing results in low light).

<p>Peter, I agree that would be a terrific deal. However, I checked with Panasonic just now and they have no such direct offer at this moment. Where did you see it?</p>

<p> - the ability to quickly and accurately change focus;<br>

- have a moderate fixed-lens zoom range (wider better than longer);<br>

- reasonable compactness;<br>

- a price under $400, even used.<br>

With those requirements, the simple and quick answer is "no way". Many people would not believe it. Then, try hard and you will see. The price condition is not so important, since you can wait, and the longer you wait, the cheaper the price, to almost zero. But the 1st and 3rd conditions are really against each other. If someone is "crazy" enough to build such a camera, the price would be very high.</p>

 

<p>The truly awesome deal that B&H had is totally gone, but for just a little more some other guys have it if you google.</p>

<p>Here's Amazon.</p>

<p>http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Camera-14-42mm-Tilt-Live-Viewfinder/dp/B00E87OITK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434019679&sr=8-2&keywords=panasonic+GX7</p>

<p>It's a discontinued, but still great, camera.</p>

<p>The NEX-6 has a 2.36MP viewfinder. The a6000 and RX100M3 have the 1.44MP viewfinders. The NEX-6 being an older body can be had for under $300 via Amazon which gives you a return policy.</p>

<p>But, if you want to go smaller, maybe a used Canon G1X or G1XM2? They have an optical viewfinder, fairly decent size sensor (1.85x crop factor), and has all the technical controls one could want. Plus, off-camera flash support. Really, you could do everything with a G1 as you could with a DSLR other than swap lenses.</p>

<p>Just to round out the discussion, indeed I could not meet my requirements at the stated budget of $400. So I bent it upward, considerably. Was able to buy a late-model LX100, like new, for $650. It's early days yet, but the size suits me and the viewfinder is very workable. Didn't need 4K video (I don't have a monitor or TV to view it on), but overall, I'm happy with the purchase thus far. If I'm as pleased after my travels this fall, I'll keep it. If not, I'll resell it and hope not to take too much of a loss. Thanks to all who took the time to reply.</p>