No viewfinder? I am considering both the Canon Powershot SD630 and Canon Powershot SD700. The SD630 is almost $60 cheaper and has a larger LCD screen. However, it does not have a viewfinder like the SD700. Some reviews mention that this camera is very difficult to use in direct sunlight or low-light places because it only has a LCD screen. Is this true, or is the LCD screen good enough for those situations? No viewfinder? I am considering both the Canon Powershot SD630 and Canon Powershot SD700. The SD630 is almost $60 cheaper and has a larger LCD screen. However, it does not have a viewfinder like... » Read More No viewfinder? I am considering both the Canon Powershot SD630 and Canon Powershot SD700. The SD630 is almost $60 cheaper and has a larger LCD screen. However, it does not have a viewfinder like the SD700. Some reviews mention that this camera is very difficult to use in direct sunlight or low-light places because it only has a LCD screen. Is this true, or is the LCD screen good enough for those situations? « Show Less
1126995
Hi Mike,I would really go for the viewfinder. I just bought a new camera with no view finder and I dropped it after 3 months (eeek!) and now it still takes pictures but I can't see what I am taking! Also, it is difficult in the sun with no view finder or in the dark. Hope this helps. I need buy a new camera and it will have a viewfinder!
1126996
Always go with a viewfinder if you can. The giant screen on this camera is a treat, but if you break your screen, you're done.I had an awesome Panasonic Lumix that I shut in my car door... the good news is that this accident brought me my baby- the Canon Powershot S2 is, but still! At least a viewfinder gives you a backup.
1126997
Hello D. DiMichele,Thanks for your post. I agree that the viewfinder is very helpful even with a LCD screen. The extra money is worth it.
1126998
I had the SD630 for 1 year and never had a problem taking pictures outdoor. To the person with the first reply, well maybe you shouldn't be dropping the digital camera :)
1960444
The viewfinder is via a LCD screen (there is no optical view finder on this particular point & shoot) similar to any other point & shoot camera. The camera does not include any memory cards, however it supports the SD card format so you can buy your own and insert it into the camera. The Olympus series Tough camera's are probably the best out-of-the-box point & shoots for:1) Physical durability2) Survival from drops (~6 feet)3) Waterproof (submergable 15ft - 33ft depending on model)4) Freeze proof (depends on model: ~14 degrees)
552822
I have been tossing and turning over this very same dilema. After MUCH research, I have settled on the sd800 for the following reasons: #1- The .28 wide angle lens (great to have indoors and for group shots!!) #2- 7.1mp is PLENTY! Don't get up in the more mp is more trap! It just slows down picture taking, transferring and printing. Unless you are literally making posters, it is impossible to distinguish any difference between 7mp and 8mp. #3- The 2.5" screen looks huge in person, but the 3" (which I thought I wanted) leaves no room for your right thumb. This might sound stupid, but I've held both cameras, and it felt like I had to really work to keep my thumb off of that 3" screen (again, avoid the "more is more" draw). These, along with the price were enough to tip the scale for me. Hope this helps!
278673
I do not know. I will say I love the camera but would have spent the extra money to have viewfinder if I had it to do again.
890489
I got the b650 for 999 (in store only) at fry's, so it was much cheaper then the the b630 (don't go on sale as much). Actually I got it at 1199 and they dropped the price, so I got the discount a week later. I like the shiny screen, so yes, the color on the 650 is better if you have no reflection. If you have lots of windows then maybe the 630, but I don't think it is a big deal. The 630 looks amost like the cheaper sony v5100, so you might as well just get that. I spent a lot of time at the store looking at these. Your eyes will be your judgement and my eyes liked the 650 more. Spec different: 650 is 100,000 vs 630 80,000 dynamic contrast ratio.
1942235
There is no viewfinder. Only the LCD screen. As a SLR user that bothered me at first. Now I couldn't imagine any other way.
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To L. Jones : I have a new SX230HS, and this was an excellent post ! You are right on. I also have a feeling you are a Canon support rep., but thanks anyway ! You are right, some people believe there is a magic $200 camera out there, the size of a disposable, and the performance of a Canon DSLR. I think the SX230 is a very usable unit.A lot of $100 cameras can stop motion outdoors, but I'm not aware of any $200 camera that can in low light unless you use flash.
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I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall quality good enough for a publication. I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall... » Read More I agree...I'm searching for business use, and the PowerShots seem to fit my needs for everything other than not having a viewfinder! Most people at the office won't care, but I am the primary photographer here and get better pictures when I use a viewfinder. I personally own a Sony Cybershot with about the same megapixels and optical zoom, and it takes excellent pictures, but the memory card type and the cost of the camera don't fit my needs here at work. Have either of you found anything else comparable with a viewfinder? Part of what I need is good close-up shots, as well as overall quality good enough for a publication. « Show Less
274310
I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I think you should by the best camera you can. If dpreview thinks it's a better camera, I'd bet that it really is. I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I... » Read More I have an SD 800is and really like it. It takes great pictures. I have taken over 1000 during the last year. The wide angle lens is a must have. The LCD display really works good too. One of the reasons I bought it was for the optical view finder. Because the display is so good even on bright days, I have never used it. Older digital cameras with less brightness required the optical view finder. I really don't see much of a reason to for it on the cameras.If I were going to buy another new camera this year I'd get the SD 870is. It is a newer design and has some improvements. I think you should by the best camera you can. If dpreview thinks it's a better camera, I'd bet that it really is. « Show Less
617514
Thanks Technology Guy...I have one more question since you guys know what you are talking about. I was just reading a lot of great reviews about the Canon PowerShot S90, it sells for the same price of the new Sony so price wouldn't be an issue. I'm just wondering from the Sony HX5V or the Canon PowerShot which one will be a better buy.
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If you haven't already purchased, I recommend the Canon SD770IS, I bought one a couple months back and the best price was $189, Amazon has it for $159 and I can only agree with the rave reviews on Amazon. I did a lot of research as well. Found nothing negative about this one.
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I haven't tried it in bright sunlight, yet. Good question though, as I hadn't thought about the lack of a normal viewfinder. Might hold on to my old camera just in case, it took great daytime shots but was poor in low light situations.
1106746
yes, the Canon PowerShot A1300 has an optical viewfinder, as well as the LCD screen, so you can line-up your shots either way you prefer. And, the viewfinder "zooms" with the optical zoom lens on the camera.
1356326
You cannot get a quality point and shoot digital with a long wide angle zoom that has a viewfinder. In fact, you can hardly get any point and shoot with a viewfinder. I really miss having this feature for several reasons: (1) I wear reading glasses. With a viewfinder (especially one that allows an optic adjustment) I can see details of the shot I want to take (is my subject smiling?). With the largest LCD screen, I cannot always see the detail I want. I sometimes have to put my glasses on to take a picture. Not easy when you are wearing goggles on a ski slope. A pain anywhere. (2) In bright sun, forget it. Just "point and shoot" and hope for the best. (3) Holding the camera up toward your eye and slightly against your face provides a more stable base and results in much less shake than holding a camera out from your body. I don't know why manufacturers stopped making viewfinders--economy? weight? --but I sorely miss them. I'm afraid it's a lost cause.
263012
I agree that a viewfinder is a definite plus. But in my experience, the need for one varies with the camera's LCD properties. I have a 2006 version of a Sony 10X and the LCD is near worthless under bright sunny conditions. On the other hand, I've never missed one on my 5x Panasonic Lumix DMC FX500. Trials with my new 12x Panasonic ... ZS3 suggest that its LCD will be sufficient, too. By the way, the ZS3 has several options for setting the LCD that can help preserve battery life.
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Yes, the P7100 has a viewfinder, but when I say viewfinder, its basically a viewing area of our shot only, no display of settings etc. It does work for me when i want o look through it to set the composition of my shot.
96490
hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty... » Read More hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! « Show Less