compact camera with electrionic viewfinder (or even optical)

I havent' figured out how to google this, even though I learned the
abbreviation EVF.

Are there any compact cameras (pocket size**) with an electronic
viewfinder, or even if necessary an optical viewfinder, in the 150
dollar or less range, made under a name brand. Are there better
search terms than compact camera EVF ?
Or another better way to find them.?

IMy previous compact camera, which is partly broken now (but the
problem predated this) only has a screen, when the sun is very bright,
I can't see the image on the screen, even though it's usually
beautiful and afaict a true color representation of what my eyes see.
I have to just point and shoot when the screen is not visible. With
landscapes that often works, but obiously, having only a screen is
going to cause problems.


**Able to fit in pants pockets, but it doesn't have to be the thinnest
camera out there. Is it true that the very thin cameras, that go
into a shit pocket with lots of room to spare, are more fragile, or
less durable because they sacrifice some structural strength to make
them so very very thin?

Thank you.

 

The answers are Yes, No, Yes, No, Yes, No .... or you better go with the
very general

1. All P&S do not have true view finder. It's just a *straight* HOLE from
Front to Back of the camera. So what you see in the HOLE may not match what
may come out of the photo (little OFF)

2. The SCREEN, if you photograph with the body bending style, butt moves
backward head moves forward, 2 hands reaching for the camera (away from the
eye) then you will run into problem with the bright sun. And you may be
able to get around the problem by using View Finder which may not be true
View Finder but still better than seeing nothing.

And other important part is the Displaying Speed as some P&S you can see
the object instantly while some may have some delaying.

3. You should be able to fit most P&S in just about any pocket (even pocket
of little kid). And some models you may be able to fit 1/2 dozen in pant
pocket

I haven't touched any P&S for over a decade to know what they may have in
the market these days. But I believe most if not all of them should be much
better than the earlier P&S cameras I paid around $1200-1600 each.

I would say just figure out exactly what you want to use the camera for,
then go to local store to test the feel. Then check online store for a
better deal etc.. Other than that you won't have many choice to chose.

 

There is a Canon model still available that features
an optical tunnel type viewfinder, and it is (was?)
at a good price. Try Amazon.com.

 

There are two with the above type viewfinder on
Amazon's website.

 

They are model Canon Powershot A1200 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical
Zoom (Black) $84 free shipping.
Here is the link
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powersh...S4/ref=sr_1_86?ie=UTF8&qid=1324573030&sr=8-86

 

I have not seen an electronic viewfinder in that price range ($150).
Canon A1200 has an optical but it not much good.
That is really your only choice.

 

Thanks, and thinks Irwell for the same reference.

Do you think if I went to $200 I could find a compact camera with EVF?

 

There are several small dslr sized ones used on ebay for around
$200 but they won't easily fit into a pocket.
Canon SX30 sized is about the smallest I have seen.

 

I think my Fujifilm Finepis S5700 would be in that size category too,
right?.

Maybe I should stop treating it so gently, skip the padded bag, and
stuff it in my pocket. I can see the lens cap coming off and my
smudging, or worse, the UV filter. But I guess the camera would be
safe.

I paid 250 abroad, but you reminded me about ebay which has one now
used for 105. So maybe I should buy this one too and have a
treasured one and an everyday one.

I guess I'll just have to get used to the idea that they don't make
what I want at my size. It's not the first time. And I'm still
trying to get used to the idea that 25 y.o. girls don't want me
anymore.

Thanks again.

 

I tried out a high end point and shoot with the new oled screen
a couple of months ago. It was slightly better in sunlight but
did not have all the other features I wanted. I forgot what
brand it was. I don't yet trust the longevity of oled.

 

Low end Canon Powershots seem to have a passable optical viewfinder but the
G series is as accurate as Clarence the lion for some reason.

Hoodman loupes that fit over the screen, or viewfinders that attach to the
hotshoe are other options.

Whatever works.