I've had a Lumix DMC-TZ1 compact since 2006. Easy to use, good image, relatively substantial size (I've got large hands), easy to see HD screen, etc. etc.
I want a compact camera upgrade to give me a better image, a wider angle, more depth of field, features to make it a little more interesting and demanding, and to allow me a bit more artistic freedom. I'm seeing that it is often difficult to step up a notch in that regard, without having to also accept a lot of bells and whistles like WiFi and GPS. I guess if it's part of an otherwise perfect package, I don't have to use it, but it does add a lot of switches and icons. A video, I just need very basic video, to occasionally prove I was really there.
I tried a Lumix ZS30 and it was to small. I tried a Sony HX50, it was about the right size, but I couldn't see the screen in bright light. A Nikon P7800, also the right size, but I didn't like the image quality, at all. And, they all had too much stuff getting in my way.
I'm getting tired of researching, purchasing, being dissappointed, and returning cameras. Sometimes I think that I should just stay with the one that I've got, but it obviously has it's limitations.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. This old guy just wants a manageable camera that has the potential to produce perfect pictures for around 5 or 6 hundred bucks. That's not asking too much, is it?
Thanks everybody..............Dave

That seems to make sense. The viewfinder would cost more than my camera.
How's the visibility on your HX50's LCD screen. I had the camera out today and it was overcast, but relatively bright, and I could barely see the image on the screen. I found it virtually impossible to compose an acceptable photo. I think this camera is going back to the store and I'll investigate other possibilities.
Camera Labs review said that the LCD image (920k) was a problem on this otherwise well featured attractive camera, but if you can't see with it, what good is it? Or, maybe it's just me and my old eyes.

Thankyou very much for that interesting information. Pricey little devils aren't they?
Thanks again.............Dave

Does anybody know the exact accessory part number for a hot-shoe electronic viewfinder on a Sony Powershot DSC-HX50VB compact. I'm having trouble locating that number.
Any information, comments, prices etc. would be welcome.
I just bought the camera, and I'm presently studying it's possibilities. I don't imagine that I'll purchase a viewfinder, but I'm always interested in details, if you no what I mean.
Thankyou..............Dave

Excellent! Thankyou! Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the forum, one newcomer to another.
Thankyou to everyone for your valued information, and especially for all the kind comments regarding my photo contribution.
It's a beautiful world, I'm sure you'd all agree, and photographing it allows you to explore that beauty on a far more personal level.

Thanks again everyone........Dave

Well.....Apparently I haven't been looking in the right places.
Thanks for your help.
Freedom is a wonderful thing!

Thankyou for that. Honestly, I've noticed that my own aftermarket batteries, come to think of it, don't last as long either. DUH!
But still, I could purchase two Digipower batteries for the price of one Panasonic battery.
Your comment regarding the relaying of info., from the battery to the camera, is a new one for me, and I'll follow up on you suggestion to search for aftermarket battery info. I probably should have tried that first, but of course that wouldn't occurr to me.

Thanks again........Dave

Hey everybody,

I just joined this fine group, and I'm looking for input regarding camera batteries. I've had a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 compact since 2006. And, what a very fine camera it has been! The photo attached, of the Mabry Mill, on The Blue Ridge Parkway, was taken with my TZ1 camera. But, now I believe that I'll step up to a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 because, frankly I have no real use for the WiFi that comes with the DMC-ZS30, or, for that matter, the GPS that comes with either one. Does anyone ever use it? The 920k LCD screen on the ZS30 might be nice. I'm not sure. Blah! Blah! Anyway, that's another story, for another time.
For now, can anyone explain to me why a Panasonic DMWBCG10 battery, for DMC cameras, sells at Future Shop for $79.95, and aftermarket Digipower and Optex batteries sell, also at Future Shop, for $39.99 and $48.98 respectively. And also, one can purchase an Expro battery, which has a claim to meet or exceed original manufacturers specs., and carries a 2 year warranty, on Ebay for $21.41 delivered to my mailbox.
Please, go beyond the common, "You're paying for the name" response if that's possible, and try to explain, to me, why I shouldn't feel more comfortable, paying less.

Thanks everybody.............Dave

MAYBRY MILL on THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY (2013)