Pocketable camera with zoom lens and viewfinder? I am looking for advice on whether there exists a pocketable camera with a lens starting at 24mm and going on to 200 or 300mm, with a...

khalidikram

I am looking for advice on whether there exists a pocketable camera with a lens starting at 24mm and going on to 200 or 300mm, with a viewfinder (an optional accessory is acceptable) with an aperture of say 2.8-4.0? If such an animal does not exist, advice on a similarly or better specified bridge camera would be welcome.

Many thanks for the advice I have received in the past from the many knowledgeable persons this site hosts, and thanks in advance for any counsel on the present topic.

Khalid

amehta Loc: Boston

khalidikram wrote:

I am looking for advice on whether there exists a ... (show quote)

How big is your pocket? And your wallet? :-)

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Panasonic ZS-40K 24-720mm about $400 US video, GPS and WiFi
Has a view finder in addition to the LED screen.

amehta Loc: Boston

Your main requirements, plus a large sensor for a bridge camera, are well met by two options:
1. Sony DSC-RX10
2. Panasonic DMC-FZ1000

except that neither is anywhere near pocketable. For a fast 200mm lens, I don't know if you're going to get pocketable. The pocketable cameras with fast lenses (Sony RX100 series, Canon G1X Mark II, Panasonic LX7) tend to go to about 100mm, not 200mm.

khalidikram

Pocket, average jacket pocket; wallet around $1000.
Thanks.

khalidikram

Many thanks. Will check out the recommendations. Khalid

khalidikram

amehta wrote:

How big is your pocket? And your wallet? :-)

Pocket average jacket pocket; wallet around $1000. Thanks. Khalid

khalidikram

robertjerl wrote:

Panasonic ZS-40K 24-720mm about $400 US video, GPS and WiFi
Has a view finder in addition to the LED screen.

Many thanks; will check out the recommendation. Khalid

amehta Loc: Boston

khalidikram wrote:

Pocket average jacket pocket; wallet around $1000. Thanks. Khalid

Definitely ask follow up questions if you have any after looking into some of the options. Also, as some compromises may be necessary, think about which you are most willing to make: effective focal length, maximum aperture, size, etc.

khalidikram

amehta wrote:

Your main requirements, plus a large sensor for a ... (show quote)

Many thanks again, amehta. I guess I'll have to acquire a larger jacket! However, the recommendations are most helpful, and I'll see if I can find a decent camera shop in the Washington DC area (the one I used most often, Penn Camera, was bought up by Willoughby's a year or so ago and then declared bankruptcy a couple of months ago) to handle the equipment.

amehta Loc: Boston

khalidikram wrote:

Many thanks again, amehta. I guess I'll have to acquire a larger jacket! However, the recommendations are most helpful, and I'll see if I can find a decent camera shop in the Washington DC area (the one I used most often, Penn Camera, was bought up by Willoughby's a year or so ago and then declared bankruptcy a couple of months ago) to handle the equipment.

And Calumet went out of business this spring. :thumbdown:

khalidikram

amehta wrote:

Definitely ask follow up questions if you have any after looking into some of the options. Also, as some compromises may be necessary, think about which you are most willing to make: effective focal length, maximum aperture, size, etc.

The deal breakers are focal length at least 24mm at the wide end, and a view finder. I can be flexible about the aperture and the long end of the zoom. However, you're right that I should try the "feel" of the camera also.

khalidikram

amehta wrote:

And Calumet went out of business this spring. :thumbdown:

Right. I hope things are better in Boston. I lived in that area a century or two ago when I was at Harvard. I did not own a camera at that time, so knew nothing of the photography scene.

amehta Loc: Boston

khalidikram wrote:

Right. I hope things are better in Boston. I lived in that area a century or two ago when I was at Harvard. I did not own a camera at that time, so knew nothing of the photography scene.

Calumet closing was frustrating here too, since they had a Cambridge store. But we still have Hunts, and they are good. They bought SBI a while ago, so they have a Harvard Sq store.

khalidikram

amehta wrote:

Calumet closing was frustrating here too, since they had a Cambridge store. But we still have Hunts, and they are good. They bought SBI a while ago, so they have a Harvard Sq store.

You are lucky.