Requirements:

1) EASY TO USE: Ans: Phone

2) Viewfinder and DSLR shape: Ans: Silly-I. The larger LCD display of the phone is far superior. Silly-II. The shape of a camera has nothing to do with the images it creates. Silly-III. What is the purpose of this 'camera', to impress other people in the gardens and parks or people on the cruise boat?

3) Single zoom lens, not interchangeable: Ans: Is the purpose to create better images or impress people on the cruise? If they desire an SLR shape, get the SLR benefit of a zoom like a DX 18-140mm.

4) Good picture quality: Ans: Is that before or after the images are processed by this photography novice?

5) Easy to download, post to social media, etc: Ans: Can't be easier than the internet-connected phone

6) No price limitations: Ans: Any new equipment will be more expense that just using the phone already onsite.

From my research, a camera like the Lumix DC-FZ80 would seem to meet the criteria, but I can not speak to the EASY TO USE qualities. I would appreciate hearing from Hoggers who have these same general criteria for their impressions and recommendations.

Ans:

Sony has similar models the Lumix, such as the Sony RX10 Mk IV (24-600mm equivalent). The pocket models are even more portable for the opportunistic photographer, such as the Sony RX100 MK VII, or the various G-series Canon PowerShot models.

You might be more of a 'friend' in trying to steer your friend away from this idea; and rather, help them be a better phone photographer. Or, help them 'see' a smaller pocket model is a significant step-up from the phone, in both capability and complexity to use. Anything beyond the phone will add complexity to usage, even the simple step of getting the image files off the camera (card).

I have been asked by a friend for a recommendation for a camera “better than a cell phone.” I have not bern involved in that segment of the market for quite some time, and some of the criteria are hard to quantify, so I am turning to the UHH brain trust for input.

My friend is an opportunistic photographer, who likes to take long walks in gardens and parks, and take landscape or nature photos when something catches his eye. He does not go out for the purpose of taking pictures.

Please read the following criteria. I would appreciate it if responders could refrain from suggestions that my friend “really should” have a camera that does not meet these criteria.

Requirements:

1) EASY TO USE. My friend feels that, when confronted with a picture opportunity, cell phones take too long too initialize. Wants something that can “point and shoot.”

2) Viewfinder and DSLR shape. NO POCKET CAMERAS, PLEASE, He doesn’t want a full-size camera, but likes the familiar format of the DSLR.

3) Single zoom lens, not interchangeable. Not crazy long.

4) Good picture quality (i.e., better than a cell phone).

5) Easy to download, post to social media, etc. He will NOT be processing RAW images.

6) No price limitations, but clearly advanced cameras with many features are not part of the criteria.

From my research, a camera like the Lumix DC-FZ80 would seem to meet the criteria, but I can not speak to the EASY TO USE qualities. I would appreciate hearing from Hoggers who have these same general criteria for their impressions and recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

I have been asked by a friend for a recommendation for a camera “better than a cell phone.” I have not bern involved in that segment of the market for quite some time, and some of the criteria are hard to quantify, so I am turning to the UHH brain trust for input.

My friend is an opportunistic photographer, who likes to take long walks in gardens and parks, and take landscape or nature photos when something catches his eye. He does not go out for the purpose of taking pictures.

Please read the following criteria. I would appreciate it if responders could refrain from suggestions that my friend “really should” have a camera that does not meet these criteria.

Requirements:

1) EASY TO USE. My friend feels that, when confronted with a picture opportunity, cell phones take too long too initialize. Wants something that can “point and shoot.”

2) Viewfinder and DSLR shape. NO POCKET CAMERAS, PLEASE, He doesn’t want a full-size camera, but likes the familiar format of the DSLR.

3) Single zoom lens, not interchangeable. Not crazy long.

4) Good picture quality (i.e., better than a cell phone).

5) Easy to download, post to social media, etc. He will NOT be processing RAW images.

6) No price limitations, but clearly advanced cameras with many features are not part of the criteria.

From my research, a camera like the Lumix DC-FZ80 would seem to meet the criteria, but I can not speak to the EASY TO USE qualities. I would appreciate hearing from Hoggers who have these same general criteria for their impressions and recommendations.

Thanks in advance.