Conundrum: I've been searching for a small camera to take to the Galapagos where it will be very sunny. I have a lumix zs30 with no viewfinder and therefore hard to see in bright sun.

Dsrapa Loc: Outside of nyc

I've been searching for a small camera to take to the Galapagos where it will be very sunny. I have a lumix zs30 with no viewfinder and therefore hard to see in bright sun. The good small point and shots with long zooms, for use outdoors, have no view finder. The good shorter zoom point and shoots (like Sony rx100iii) which you would use indoors, have view finders where it's less necessary.
I want good IQ but want to travel light and plan to take 2 cameras and a waterproof.
I will end up with a bigger bridge camera to solve this problem, but the basic problem remains.
Am I missing something?

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Dsrapa wrote:

... I have a lumix zs30 with no viewfinder and therefore hard to see in bright sun. ... Am I missing something?

Yes, you are missing a simple modification to your ZS30 or other such camera that does not have a eye-viewfinder. The ratings on the ZS-20 are not great:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426882,00.asp
but if you are happy with it then I suggest the following I made for my Sony HX50v to deal with sun-glare on screen.

For this project minimum tools are needed low level skills and some epoxy. Please note that the mod evolves during the pages of the post based on suggestions of those who joined in.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-323862-1.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Dsrapa wrote:

I've been searching for a small camera to take to ... (show quote)

You might like the Sony RX100 III. I do. Whatever you get, spend a lot of time using it so you don't have to stop and think before shooting. Thinking can be a drag on a vacation.

MtnMan Loc: ID

There are many mirrorless cameras with EVFs (Electronic View Finders). They are flexible and light. The Sony a6000 is one of the better ones.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Dsrapa wrote:

I've been searching for a small camera to take to ... (show quote)

Have you considered the Canon G series, add a hat for a lens shade if you need it, Bob.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/lumix-point-and-shoot-cameras/DMC-FZ300K.html#start=1&cgid=cameras

and it's weather resistant

MarkD Loc: NYC

I have a Nikon P7800 that I love. It has a very sharp 18-200 f/2-4 lens, a 1/1.7 inch sensor, an EVF (electronic viewfinder), and a hot shoe. It's a little big for a compact. It fits in a jacket pocket or the leg pockets of cargo pants, but it will not fit comfortably in most pants pockets. I have a belt case for it and a small shoulder bag, but I usually keep it my jacket or cargo pants (Dockers).

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

bobmcculloch wrote:

Have you considered the Canon G series, add a hat for a lens shade if you need it, Bob.

Hay Bob.. add black fabric around the brim and back to the ears and there you have it. A few tabs of the tooth part of Velcro and the fabric is felt .... there you have it... on that felt you can have McCulloch.com Photos ... advertise while you work. May sound like I am kidding... but really I am not...

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Dsrapa wrote:

I've been searching for a small camera to take to ... (show quote)

Just noticed you have have GM1...why not pick up an GM5 or an EM10 and use your lenses?

Dsrapa Loc: Outside of nyc

Cdouthitt wrote:

Just noticed you have have GM1...why not pick up an GM5 or an EM10 and use your lenses?

I've been thinking about a different body. And I have the 40-140 which might be perfect. Also considering the GX7 now that GX8 is out. Don't know the gm 5. Will look this week.
I will figure out how to solve my problem, but it does seem a conundrum from the camera makers. Is it that much space to add a view finder, even a pop up to a small camera with a big zoom?
Thanks to all.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Dsrapa wrote:

I've been thinking about a different body. And I have the 40-140 which might be perfect. Also considering the GX7 now that GX8 is out. Don't know the gm 5. Will look this week.
I will figure out how to solve my problem, but it does seem a conundrum from the camera makers. Is it that much space to add a view finder, even a pop up to a small camera with a big zoom?
Thanks to all.

The GM5 is the just about the same size as your GM1, but with a viewfinder.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Dsrapa wrote:

Also considering the GX7 now that GX8 is out.

The Gx7 can be found rather inexpensively.

Capn_Dave

They come in various colors some are ribbed and some are made from natural substances. Oh! you said conundrum.....
Never Mind

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

Something like this may help where there is no viewfinder.

Delkin Pop Up Shade Universal 3.0" LCD Black

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Digital+Camera+Pop-Up+LCD+Screen+

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

dpullum wrote:

Hay Bob.. add black fabric around the brim and back to the ears and there you have it. A few tabs of the tooth part of Velcro and the fabric is felt .... there you have it... on that felt you can have McCulloch.com Photos ... advertise while you work. May sound like I am kidding... but really I am not...

Actually I just hold the hat to cast a shadow on the camera, easy