jmss1950

Hello all. I have recently discovered your very helpful site and am hoping that you can offer me some advice.
For years I have used SLR and DSLR cameras [mainly Pentax as they fit my hand well - ME, ist, Dist, K, and have a good selection of Pentax lenses], but as I get older having to travel with and carry a large, heavy and cumbersome camera bag is more than I can manage. I also have a Pentax Optia VS20 which works fine for point and shoot except for it not having a viewfinder - a major issue for me outside.
Finally the time has come to look at alternatives: e.g. mirror less with smaller lenses or possibly a bridge camera which will give me a decent photograph plus good zoom capability - which I use a lot.
My main issue is that I really need a good viewfinder as I find using the LCD screen problematic in certain light conditions. Cost is also a factor as some of the latest models are getting very pricey, although I would be happy with an older model if it provided what I need.
Because there does not seem to be anything currently in the Pentax family that meets my needs, I have been looking at Panasonic Lumix and Sony Cyber Shot [various models]. I have been reading reviews and for every positive review of one model there tends to be a negative one and I am becoming more confused.
Ideally I would like: about 16+mp, min. 20+ optical zoom, easily usable and good EVF or optical viewfinder, reasonably priced ($500approx), good quality lens, not fussed about video. I know it is a big wish list but I live in hope. All suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks

Jimbo1947

Go to a local camera store or even a box store like Costco or Best Buy and play with the numerous cameras they have. Much easier to make a decision with hands on experience. There are many bridge and mirror-less cameras that would meet your needs. Local camera store personnel are invaluable resources when buying a new camera.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

From one of the forums I buy my used m4/3 gear from:

https://www.mu-43.com/threads/for-sale-panasonic-gx-85-with-12-32mm-and-35-100mm-lenses-location-usa-ships-usa.102374/

That’s a nice little camera setup, that is quite capable.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Great suggestion...Welcome to the forum.

jmss1950

Thank you for your reply. I wish we did have a camera store nearby but the closest would probably be somewhere in Dallas about 150 miles away or in Houston about 180 miles away. We have been to the two closest Best Buys [each about 50 miles away] but neither of them had a bridge camera with a view finder to try and only one mirror less camera in stock. What can I say, we live in a very rural part of East Texas! There are a few times when we do miss living near Orlando, Fl and this is one of those times.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The Canon SX60 fits your specs

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

One option that you might consider is to add a battery / vertical grip to your camera. I've done that with the benefit that I can continue shooting with what I've always had, and it feels like it weighs half as much. Might not work the same for you, but if it does, it's a lot cheaper than a new system.

kathiandkim

DCZS70 LUMIX is my second camera. It is everything you asked for and it takes amazingly sharp photos even at 720 mm. I love it. How about a Pentax K70? I think it is the lightest Pentax DSLR. I got it to review, and it takes sharp photos, is weather resistant and has some cool in camera features for creativity, plus it is also fully manual.

Brokenland

jmss1950

welcome to the community. I was searching myself and located the refurbished site via Canon. This offers a great camera and lenses for a fraction of the cost of new. One thing that helped me selected the fist lens, is to view all my images taken with other cameras. Some point&shoot while others a bit more to it. I found that more of my images fit into a focal range of 50mm - 100mm. Based on this I selected the 50mm f/1.8 STM and I've been very pleased with the results. In your case, with a bit more advanced setup than a point&Shoot I've have to say the Canon M50 or M5 with the 50mm lens.
GL with your search.

le boecere

Jimbo1947

Google "Super zoom cameras review". There are a bunch of them. Then pick one camera that matches your needs and budget. There are so many choices, and most all are excellent photo takers.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I reached the same conclusion as you have about 1.5 years ago. I settled on a Sony RX10 Model IV. The major issue with Sony was and is the cost. The retail cost for a new RX10 IV is $1,695. I am 73 and on Social Security so money is an issue. The way I was able to afford the camera was to sell all my Canon gear, two bodies and a bunch of lenses. It took about 6 months to sell everything, either on this site or on Craigs List. I have never regretted the decision. The RX10 is everything I wanted. I shoot a lot of stage plays and ice hockey games. Good luck.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Maybe take a vacation to NYC and visit B&H and Adarama. They will let you test many cameras and you will have a great vacation.

jmss1950

Thank you all for your help and advice, it is much appreciated. Currently I am working on narrowing down the field to a shortlist and looking at options of where we might visit in order to get hands on some to get the "feel". Thanks again.

Ed Commons

SincHouston and Dallas are far away..... where are you located?