I agree that the Lumix DMC ZS series is an outstanding camera. I especially like the digital view finder. So many compact cameras do not have a view finder and l find it impossible to take pictures in bright sun without one. The camera has a very good Leica lens, telephoto and digital zoom, and many manual and software features. I recommend you check it out on CNET.com, Panasonic's web site, and go to a store and hold one in your hand. The price is higher than most, but l feel it is worth it.

I love the Panasonic Lumix cameras for the very purpose you described. Many are over twice your price point, but well worth it. The models with the digital view finder will allow you to take pictures in bright sun where back screens and cell phone screen make it near impossible to see. Also the Leica lens is very good. Check out the reviews on CNET.com for any camera you are considering.

Ever try taking a photograph with a cell phone or point and shoot without an eye piece on a sunny day? This weekend at the beach, my friend with a cellphone could not see much on her screen. I was having no problems.

I have a iPhone 6, a Panasonic DMC-ZS40 with a digital eyepiece (which allows me to see what I am shooting in bright sun) and a Nikon D90. I use both of the cameras, often at the same time. They have different features and the ZS40 comes in handy when I want a wide angle shot and have a 70-300 zoom on the D90.

I only use the iPhone when I don't have another camera with me. It may just be me, but when I look at my cellphone pics on a larger screen of an iPad or laptop, most do not look as good as on the cellphone.

I have seen many amazing photographs taken on cellphones. But most people do not know how to take quality photographs or how to edit their pics on their cellphone to improve them.

It really comes down to personal preference, including the look and quality you desire of your photographs.

I think the simple, inexpensive point and shoot cameras may be overshadowed by cellphone cameras, but I cannot imagine serious hobbiests and photographers relying solely on cellphones.

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That is true if you are using a desktop monitor. But if you are using a laptop the angle between the keyboard and monitor can also affect the display on some models, even if you are sitting straight on.

I have a Lenovo Yoga 900, which I think is awesome. I think your best bet would be looking at them in person. I had selected the Yoga as best meeting my requirements and then went to look at it and the runner-up Dell. I had to look no further.

I agree that on some laptops, where the colors change depending on the viewing angle, it is impossible to do anything with editing software and get good results. That is why I ditched my old laptop. One of the criteria for a new one was that the viewing angle NOT deliver any change in the monitor. There are several models you can now purchase with models that to my eyes are as good or better than desk top monitors, although you can obviously get larger desk top monitors.

I just bought a Lenovo Yoga 900 with SSD drive and touch screen. It is not the cheapest option but it has several very good features. I use it mostly for LR and PS, and I find the speed to be very good. It has a touch screen which makes using the apps much easier plus makes it easier to move from an iPad to Laptop (no tapping the screen and nothing happens). The screen itself is great: bright and good color rendition. The hinge is the full width of the laptop and can be folded 360 degrees. You can use it like a tablet or fold it tent style to play slideshows or videos. The laptop is quite thin and very light. I love it.

When l checked with Adobe about a discount offer I had received from a vendor after making a purchase, they told me l would have to close my account and open a new one. Not having any idea how that would affect me, I decided it was not worth the savings.