viewfinders/lcd screens: I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've...

kelown

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new, Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

It sounds like you've read some reviews, but here are some links.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

FX vs DX
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/full-frame-advantage.htm
http://www.google.com/search?q=fx+vs+dx

A friend got a smaller (hardly less expensive) Leica when he got tired of carrying his DSLR equipment around. He was thrilled with the pictures that camera took - great zoom range, and it fit into his pocket. I don't remember what model it was. It might have been the V-Lux 40.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

Hey Doc ..... they're not totally useless anyway but some have articulating LCD's like the the Canon G12 ..... by maneuvering the screen out of the suns rays helps tremendously .....

kelown

Thank you very much! The referenced web sites are very helpful.

Larry

MtnMan Loc: ID

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

If you want to use your LCD you might try http://www.clearviewer.com/Products.html

jesse1dog Loc: Afon Fathew

MtnMan has given you the ClearViewer link.

I've used one over the last year on a little Panasonic Lumix LX1 and it's transformed the use of the camera - greater stability because you hold the camera to your face instead of arms stretched out, and I don't have to use my reading glasses to see the screen. It isn't cheap but it works for me. Gary Robertson who manufactures the item is very helpful and will make one for virtually any camera. I strongly recommend the product.

jesse

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jesse1dog wrote:

MtnMan has given you the ClearViewer link.

I've used one over the last year on a little Panasonic Lumix LX1 and it's transformed the use of the camera - greater stability because you hold the camera to your face instead of arms stretched out,...

jesse

That's the big drawback with LCD screens. You're holding the camera out in front of you, so you lose lots of stability.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

How about G12 , G15 or G1X, all from Canon, less $, Bob.

kit_kit Loc: NYC

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

This might work for you.

http://www.amazon.com/ENHANCE-Screen-Protector-Digital-Models/dp/B005MLAHYG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Check out Hoodman's CineKit - just bought one primarilly intending for use with live view. Initial look and impression is that it will serve me well. Attacheds to the hot-shoe; has a cold -shoe also. Swings out of the way for use of the viewfinder. Paid $202.00 at the photo store I go to.

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Wabbit wrote:

quote=kelown I know zilch abut photography but ha... (show quote)

Bought a Canon S3 IS for that very purpose,swivel screen,we do press work and find it real handy for over head crowd shots,more faces recognable etc

Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

I just purchased my first P&S camera, the Canon underwater D20. Takes good pictures BUT it will never replace my Canon 60D with L lenses. I like looking through a viewfinder for quick shots such as wild life and basketball games.

I am currently in Aruba for a month and having fun with the d20 in the water.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Cappy wrote:

I just purchased my first P&S camera, the Canon underwater D20. Takes good pictures BUT it will never replace my Canon 60D with L lenses. I like looking through a viewfinder for quick shots such as wild life and basketball games.

I am currently in Aruba for a month and having fun with the d20 in the water.

The closest I ever came to that were the single-use underwater film cameras. I also had a Sea & Ski (or whatever) 35mm film camera that was good for underwater use.

RedIris Loc: MN, USA

kelown wrote:

I know zilch abut photography but have become interested in doing some nature photography. A point&shoot lcd screen is useless outside on a sunny day. I've been researching for a new camera and the new,Leica V-Lux 4 might fit the bill for catching the quick brown fox, even at twilight. Before paying almost $1000 for a point&shoot, can anyone offer some advice?

The Canon Powershot G series cameras have a eye viewer also. I don't think the new G15 has an articulating LCD screen, it's static, for some dumb reason.

rrforster12 Loc: Leesburg Florida

I found a good solution by selecting a camera that provides both a electronic View Finder and a 3" LCD. The camera I chose was a Panasonic FZ47 which is equipped with a Leica lens. Cost was less then $400. and the quality of the pix are great.