philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland

Hi There.
Why not consider the Canon Powershot 'G' series of digital compacts - anything from G9 upwards. These have LCD screen AND an optical viewfinder. I currently have a G9 version and can't fault it. Hope this helps. Philphotog, Perth, Scotland

philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland

Hi There.
Why not consider the Canon Powershot 'G' series of digital compacts - anything from G9 upwards. These have LCD screen AND an optical viewfinder. I currently have a G9 version and can't fault it. Hope this helps. Philphotog, Perth, Scotland

philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland

Hi There.
Why not consider the Canon Powershot 'G' series of digital compacts - anything from G9 upwards. These have LCD screen AND an optical viewfinder. I currently have a G9 version and can't fault it. Hope this helps. Philphotog, Perth, Scotland

philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland

Hi There.
Why not consider the Canon Powershot 'G' series of digital compacts - anything from G9 upwards. These have LCD screen AND an optical viewfinder. I currently have a G9 version and can't fault it. Hope this helps. Philphotog, Perth, Scotland

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I really think you should consider the Powershot "G Series"...


;-)

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

PowerShot G16
High-End, Advanced Digital Cameras

PowerShot G16
Item Code: 8406B001
Estimated Retail Price: $499.99†

Overview
Incredible Imaging, Ready to Share
With performance and creative expression approaching that of an SLR camera, the new PowerShot G16 camera makes unlimited imaging not just portable, but now wireless, too! Built-in Wi-Fi® offers easy set-up and powerful capabilities: upload stills and video to Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube™ and Flickr®; send to email; share to tablets and smartphones; print wirelessly; and transfer to PCs. You’ll be eager to share the spectacular images you create with the 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor. Together they create the Canon HS SYSTEM for significantly improved resolution in an expanded ISO range of 80-12800. Stunning 1080p/60p Full HD video is possible thanks to the DIGIC 6 Image Processor: vividly realistic and incredibly smooth. A 5x Optical Zoom offers excellent shooting versatility, and the bright f/1.8 lens performs brilliantly in low light. Continuous shooting with full resolution has been boosted up to EOS-caliber speeds, and High Speed AF puts images in focus almost the moment the camera is aimed, so you can freeze that perfect shot. Intelligent IS counteracts camera shake for clear shots in any situation. Shoot HDR photos without a tripod, and add dynamic new finishing effects. You can also capture breathtaking images of the nighttime sky with new star shooting modes. Enjoy pro-like advantages such as Multi aspect RAW, which lets you take control over the editing process, and compatibility with Canon Speedlite flashes and a variety of EOS System accessories.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

The Panasonic LX-100 has more 5/5 star ratings than I have previously seen for a compact camera. It does not use all of it's 4/3 sensor, but image quality remains superb when superb is better than excellent. You owe it to yourself to check it out.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I've just bought a G16. Much better image quality than earlier G's (which were good - I previously had a G7) and that was £289 in the U.K. so $399 doesn't seem to bad a deal. I wanted something that had minimal protrusions and would slide in a pocket easily. Sounds like it could be what you are looking for.

http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_camera/powershot/powershot_g16/

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I tried this out at a recent PANASONIC Open day. Very good, but more expensive and I believe no optical viewfinder just an EVF. I was allowed to wander around a National Trust site and shoot a few frames but for me the sleeker profile of the G16 was what I wanted.

http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-digital-cameras---point-and-shoot/compact-cameras/dmc-lx100.html

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi John - I had a G12 which I loved - and I do prefer a viewfinder to a monitor - but I also prefer the info etc in an EVF. So I became an MFT fan. However - it is difficult to ignore the rave reviews afforded the LX-100 when looking at horses for courses. Not for me though.
BTW - I used to live in West Wycombe 40 odd years ago - opposite The Friend at Hand. Great pert of the world. :-)

bvargas Loc: Palm Harbor, Florida

I just ordered this Sony. I tried it and fell in love with it. Fits right in my pocket, and has an excellent Zeis lens, 24-720mm plus fast focus and excellent video. For $428 you can't go wrong for a all around vacation camera with a pop up viewfinder. Reviews rate it highly.

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

The OP did ask for "BEST" and would accept "USED" for $500.
Well Amazon has the RX100M3 USED starting at just over that. One question though, why limit to just optical view finder? EVF has advantages over optical in many respects

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00K7O2DJU/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

+1 re G1
5/16

elwynn Loc: Near Atlanta, GA

I have an older model Nikon P7000 that will go in a pocket.
Shoots RAW etc.

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Pardon my lack of clarity--either optical or EVF would be fine.

Thanks to all for the excellent information!