Lightweight Camera: I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there...

rgorman57 Loc: New York

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

...would something like this work...? then you would not have to worry about which camera you purchase...

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

A bridge or "super zoom" like the Canon SX70 HS or the Nikon P1000. Those two are a bit over a pound with a fixed zoom lens. There are other brands and models with smaller lenses that weight less.

Below a pound there are some of the better pocket sized P&S:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/295695/the-best-point-and-shoot-cameras
Like this Canon model:
https://www.pcmag.com/review/333007/canon-powershot-sx530-hs

Some get very pricey but this Canon sx560 is currently available discounted to $250 to $300 from Walmart or Amazon, sometimes in bundles with extras.
Look over the specs of the ones they reviewed than look up the models of interest on the makers site and see if they have models close to it either less money or even lighter that will do what you want.

You can always use a monopod with quick release plate. When the camera isn't on it adjust to your eye height it can double as a walking stick.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

I don't know if there are any digital half frame cameras.
The Fujifilm X100F may fit your camera need. It is a mirrorless APS-C fixed lens camera with a 23mm lens (equivalent 35mm). I recommend the Match Technical EP-2F thumbs up grip to go with it to make it easier to hold.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I recently acquired a Sony a6400. It is a very light weight camera. It is an APS-C sensor and the image quality is excellent. It is an interchangeable lens camera but the lenses I chose are all lightweight.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

For a lightweight fixed lens bridge camera, the Panasonic Lumix FX80 is a good one. It's light and zooms out to 1200mm (35mm zeq.) The only drawback is that is has the small, 1/2/3" sensor, unless that's not an issue for you. If you don't need a long zoom ability, the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is a good one. Zoom out from 24-250mm and has an EVF, and a 1" type sensor. To really stay in your weight range, the Sony RX100VI is a wonderful camera. Pricey, but very good, with a 1" type sensor. It's very small, shirt pocket size and very light, currently going for $1199.00. May be worth it.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

Think about a Sony RX100M4. Weighs 8½ os, 20 Mp and has a pop-up viewfinder and flash. It takes incredible images.

Fly_Boy Loc: South East Michigan

It was mentioned before, is the Fujifilm X100F. It weighs 16.5 ounces, so just over your weight requirement. It is a fixed 23mm lens. There is a wide angle and tele adapter available to expand the focal length range. Excellent image quality and color reproduction. Full ASP-C sensor, will produce both JPEG and raw files.

Leitz Loc: Solms

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

If you have a friend who can read and knows how to use a computer, have them go to the various manufacturer's web sites and tell you what each model weighs.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Remember when looking you need the weight with the battery.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Given your restrictions, I would seriously consider a good cell phone.

dparenton Loc: Land O Lakes, FL

Canon SX70

ronaldwrightdallas

sony 6500 plus 16-50 kit lens is just over a pound.. maybe the 6000 is less??

bob.mueller Loc: Sarasota FL

I broke my shoulder and have the same problem so I bought a Sony RX100
very light has a viewfinder and fits in your pocket

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

rgorman57 wrote:

I have injured my shoulders permanently. I can only lift less than a pound to my eye level. What is a good lightweight camera for getting good pictures? Are there any half-frame format cameras that are lightweight? I think I need a non-interchangeable lens camera because lenses are heavy when interchangeable. Is a mirror-less camera lighter? I would like a camera with a viewfinder.

Another option would be a M/43 camera with a swivelling monitor, which you could view at chest height rather than raising to eye level. If you fancy the idea, I would suggest a good used Panasonic G3 (the smallest of the G series) weighing just under 12 ozs with battery, 16 mpx and excellent pictures. My Panasonic 35-100 (70-200 equiv) weighs 5 ozs, and my Panasonic 12-32 (24-70 equiv) weighs less than 3 ozs. I use a Panasonic GX7 these days, but it is a little heavier (magnesium body) - also 16 mpx.
Best wishes Del.