What Are the Best Viewfinder Cameras?
One of the most common complaints I hear from readers about the current state of the digital camera market is the lack of viewfinders included with cameras.
Most cameras today make you frame photos using the LCD and don't contain viewfinders, so you may have to hunt quite a bit to find a camera with a viewfinder, especially a point and shoot type of camera.
Hopefully my new list of the best cameras that contain viewfinders with help you spend less time hunting. This list, shown alphabetically, contains both fixed-lens point and shoot cameras, as well as interchangeable lens cameras, all at varying price points.
Keep in mind that two different types of viewfinders exist. An optical viewfinder, which is typically found with a DSLR type of camera, uses a mirror and a prism to reflect the actual view of the scene that's traveling through the lens back up through the viewfinder. There's also an electronic viewfinder, often shortened to EVF, where the view of the scene that's shown on the LCD screen is also shown on the EVF, which is simply a smaller screen.
Canon's latest Rebel camera -- the T3i -- builds on the successes of past Rebel DSLR cameras, including adding a viewfinder, while incorporating the latest technologies and features.
The T3i uses an APS-C size image sensor and uses Canon EF lenses. With 18 megapixels of resolution, the T3i is near the top end of consumer DSLR cameras. The award-winning T3i allows for nine AF points and includes a 3-inch high-resolution LCD that can swivel away from the camera, if you don't want to use the viewfinder. More »
Although it's touted as an upgrade to last year's Canon Rebel T4i, the new Canon EOS Rebel T5i doesn't appear to offer a significant number of improvements over the T4i. So if you already own the T4i, an upgrade probably isn't worth the investment.
Still, if you didn't purchase the T4i, the now available T5i can provide some nice improvements over older Rebel cameras, making it well worth considering as an upgrade over those older DSLR models.
The Rebel T5i has an 18MP CMOS image sensor, an articulated 3.0-inch LCD, full 1080p HD video, and a burst mode with up to 5 frames per second.More »
The PowerShot G16 is a very powerful fixed-lens camera with some high-end features. You'll find a fast f/1.8 lens with this camera, something that's rarely found outside of a DSLR lens.
The G16 has a 1/1.7-inch CMOS image sensor carrying 12.1 megapixels of resolution. The fast lens is a 5X optical zoom lens, which is pretty good for this type of camera. You can pick between the G16's optical viewfinder and its high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen to frame photos.
There are quite a few features found here that will appeal to advanced photographers.More »
The Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless ILC provides a completely different look than other advanced cameras in the market. Those who have used film SLR cameras from a few decades ago will appreciate the various dials and buttons Fujifilm has included with the X-T1, giving it a retro design. Because these dials are stacked on top of each other, a few of them may be a little difficult to access and use comfortably, but the mirrorless X-T1's look is still great.
Because of the collection of dials you can make nearly all changes to the X-T1's settings by using the dials. You won't have a traditional mode dial, where you can select an automatic shooting mode for example. Fujifilm did give the X-T1 a very powerful electronic viewfinder, which is a nice addition.
With such a high price tag the mirrorless Fujifilm X-T1 will not appeal to every photographer, and the tricky set of dials will greatly limit the potential audience for this model as well. However the X-T1's excellent image quality and high performance levels make it worth considering for those who want a retro-looking model and have a large camera budget.More »
The recently released GE X550 provides the look of an advanced camera -- complete with large zoom lens and viewfinder -- coupled with the point-and-shoot simplicity of most GE cameras.
The X550 offers 16 megapixels of resolution, a 15X optical zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. It runs from four AA batteries, which can be handy when traveling.
The GE X550 is similar in look to past GE models, such as the GE X5 and the GE X500. Look for the X550 in black or white body colors.More »
The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is one of the top cameras on the market right now, so I have high hopes for the Nikon Coolpix P7800 too.
The P7800 includes a 1/1.7-inch 12.2MP CMOS image sensor, a 3.0-inch articulated LCD, an electronic viewfinder, full HD video recording, and a 7.1X optical zoom lens.
The P7700, which is available only in black, offers full manual controls, and it has an accessory port that allows you to connect a GPS unit, Wi-Fi unit, or an LED movie light.More »
If you're looking for top-of-the-line photography performance and image results in all types of shooting conditions in a variety of image formats, the Nikon D810 DSLR camera is going to fit your needs very well.
This powerful camera works quickly and quietly, especially in Viewfinder mode, while also offering a sharp and large display screen for use in Live View mode. Its performance speeds are excellent, including a 5 frames per second burst mode rate at full 36.3 megapixels of resolution.
Read ReviewMore »
The Nikon D5300 DSLR camera is a really solid entry-level DSLR camera, offering a great mix of basic photography and advanced extra features.
The large DX format image sensor that Nikon included with the D5300 includes 24.2 megapixels of resolution, which is among the largest resolution numbers you'll find in a DSLR camera. The large image sensor helps this model to perform extremely well in low light photography.
The D5300 unfortunately carries a price tag that matches its feature list. This camera performs well but isn't going to fit in everyone's budget. If you can shop around and find the Nikon D5300 at a bargain, you'll be very pleased with its performance!More »
Although it seems like entry-level DSLR cameras are being released at a rapid rate of late, Nikon hasn't forgotten that advanced DSLR cameras have a solid position in the market, too.
One of Nikon's latest advanced DSLR models, the D7100, is now available for purchase.
The D7100 has an impressive 24.1MP of resolution in a CMOSimage sensor. It also includes a large 3.2-inch LCD screen, and full 1080p HD video recording. The D7100 is compatible with DX or FX format Nikon lenses. You'll find a 51-point autofocus system and a 6 fps burst mode with the D7100, which made my list of 2013's best cameras.More »
One of the more interesting high-end fixed lens cameras announced recently, the Olympus Stylus 1, is now available for purchase.
The Stylus 1 includes several advanced features, including a 1/1.7-inch 12MP image sensor, a viewfinder, and an articulated high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD. Olympus included built-in Wi-Fi with this model, too.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Stylus 1 camera, though, is its 10.7X optical zoom lens. Many advanced fixed lens cameras have very small zoom lenses, which limits their appeal, but Olympus has conquered this problem.More »
For several years, Pentax has steadily been one of the primary manufacturers of DSLR cameras, providing a mixture of entry-level and intermediate DSLR models.
The company has added another entry-level DSLR to its family with the now available K-500. This camera ha a 16.2MP CMOS APS-C image sensor measuring 23.7 by 15.7 mm, which gives it a significant image quality advantage over most fixed-lens cameras.
The K-500 features a 3.0-inch LCD and a viewfinder, and it can shoot full HD video at three different frame rates up to 30 fps. There's also a good mixture of automatic and manual features with this camera.
The K-500 can run from AA-sized batteries. The K-500 can use any Pentax K-mount interchangeable lens, which is great.More »
Even though the Pentax entry-level K-x DSLR camera is a bit older, it's still a really nice advanced camera that includes a viewfinder and that now can be found for a bargain.
The K-x offers 12.4 megapixels of resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, and HD video capabilities. For a DSLR, the fact that the K-x runs from four AA batteries is unique, as is having the DSLR camera body available in several different colors, including a limited-edition rainbow model. The K-x is an award-winning camera as well.More »
Most cameras today make you frame photos using the LCD and don't contain viewfinders, so you may have to hunt quite a bit to find a camera with a viewfinder, especially a point and shoot type of camera.
Hopefully my new list of the best cameras that contain viewfinders with help you spend less time hunting. This list, shown alphabetically, contains both fixed-lens point and shoot cameras, as well as interchangeable lens cameras, all at varying price points.
Keep in mind that two different types of viewfinders exist. An optical viewfinder, which is typically found with a DSLR type of camera, uses a mirror and a prism to reflect the actual view of the scene that's traveling through the lens back up through the viewfinder. There's also an electronic viewfinder, often shortened to EVF, where the view of the scene that's shown on the LCD screen is also shown on the EVF, which is simply a smaller screen.
1. Canon EOS T3i DSLR
Canon's latest Rebel camera -- the T3i -- builds on the successes of past Rebel DSLR cameras, including adding a viewfinder, while incorporating the latest technologies and features.
The T3i uses an APS-C size image sensor and uses Canon EF lenses. With 18 megapixels of resolution, the T3i is near the top end of consumer DSLR cameras. The award-winning T3i allows for nine AF points and includes a 3-inch high-resolution LCD that can swivel away from the camera, if you don't want to use the viewfinder. More »
2. Canon EOS T5i DSLR
Although it's touted as an upgrade to last year's Canon Rebel T4i, the new Canon EOS Rebel T5i doesn't appear to offer a significant number of improvements over the T4i. So if you already own the T4i, an upgrade probably isn't worth the investment.
Still, if you didn't purchase the T4i, the now available T5i can provide some nice improvements over older Rebel cameras, making it well worth considering as an upgrade over those older DSLR models.
The Rebel T5i has an 18MP CMOS image sensor, an articulated 3.0-inch LCD, full 1080p HD video, and a burst mode with up to 5 frames per second.More »
3. Canon PowerShot G16
The PowerShot G16 is a very powerful fixed-lens camera with some high-end features. You'll find a fast f/1.8 lens with this camera, something that's rarely found outside of a DSLR lens.
The G16 has a 1/1.7-inch CMOS image sensor carrying 12.1 megapixels of resolution. The fast lens is a 5X optical zoom lens, which is pretty good for this type of camera. You can pick between the G16's optical viewfinder and its high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen to frame photos.
There are quite a few features found here that will appeal to advanced photographers.More »
4. Fujifilm X-T1
The Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless ILC provides a completely different look than other advanced cameras in the market. Those who have used film SLR cameras from a few decades ago will appreciate the various dials and buttons Fujifilm has included with the X-T1, giving it a retro design. Because these dials are stacked on top of each other, a few of them may be a little difficult to access and use comfortably, but the mirrorless X-T1's look is still great.
Because of the collection of dials you can make nearly all changes to the X-T1's settings by using the dials. You won't have a traditional mode dial, where you can select an automatic shooting mode for example. Fujifilm did give the X-T1 a very powerful electronic viewfinder, which is a nice addition.
With such a high price tag the mirrorless Fujifilm X-T1 will not appeal to every photographer, and the tricky set of dials will greatly limit the potential audience for this model as well. However the X-T1's excellent image quality and high performance levels make it worth considering for those who want a retro-looking model and have a large camera budget.More »
5. GE X550
The recently released GE X550 provides the look of an advanced camera -- complete with large zoom lens and viewfinder -- coupled with the point-and-shoot simplicity of most GE cameras.
The X550 offers 16 megapixels of resolution, a 15X optical zoom lens, and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. It runs from four AA batteries, which can be handy when traveling.
The GE X550 is similar in look to past GE models, such as the GE X5 and the GE X500. Look for the X550 in black or white body colors.More »
6. Nikon Coolpix P7800
The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is one of the top cameras on the market right now, so I have high hopes for the Nikon Coolpix P7800 too.
The P7800 includes a 1/1.7-inch 12.2MP CMOS image sensor, a 3.0-inch articulated LCD, an electronic viewfinder, full HD video recording, and a 7.1X optical zoom lens.
The P7700, which is available only in black, offers full manual controls, and it has an accessory port that allows you to connect a GPS unit, Wi-Fi unit, or an LED movie light.More »
7. Nikon D810 DSLR
If you're looking for top-of-the-line photography performance and image results in all types of shooting conditions in a variety of image formats, the Nikon D810 DSLR camera is going to fit your needs very well.
This powerful camera works quickly and quietly, especially in Viewfinder mode, while also offering a sharp and large display screen for use in Live View mode. Its performance speeds are excellent, including a 5 frames per second burst mode rate at full 36.3 megapixels of resolution.
Read ReviewMore »
8. Nikon D5300 DSLR
The Nikon D5300 DSLR camera is a really solid entry-level DSLR camera, offering a great mix of basic photography and advanced extra features.
The large DX format image sensor that Nikon included with the D5300 includes 24.2 megapixels of resolution, which is among the largest resolution numbers you'll find in a DSLR camera. The large image sensor helps this model to perform extremely well in low light photography.
The D5300 unfortunately carries a price tag that matches its feature list. This camera performs well but isn't going to fit in everyone's budget. If you can shop around and find the Nikon D5300 at a bargain, you'll be very pleased with its performance!More »
9. Nikon D7100 DSLR
Although it seems like entry-level DSLR cameras are being released at a rapid rate of late, Nikon hasn't forgotten that advanced DSLR cameras have a solid position in the market, too.
One of Nikon's latest advanced DSLR models, the D7100, is now available for purchase.
The D7100 has an impressive 24.1MP of resolution in a CMOSimage sensor. It also includes a large 3.2-inch LCD screen, and full 1080p HD video recording. The D7100 is compatible with DX or FX format Nikon lenses. You'll find a 51-point autofocus system and a 6 fps burst mode with the D7100, which made my list of 2013's best cameras.More »
10. Olympus Stylus 1
One of the more interesting high-end fixed lens cameras announced recently, the Olympus Stylus 1, is now available for purchase.
The Stylus 1 includes several advanced features, including a 1/1.7-inch 12MP image sensor, a viewfinder, and an articulated high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD. Olympus included built-in Wi-Fi with this model, too.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Stylus 1 camera, though, is its 10.7X optical zoom lens. Many advanced fixed lens cameras have very small zoom lenses, which limits their appeal, but Olympus has conquered this problem.More »
11. Pentax K-500 DSLR
For several years, Pentax has steadily been one of the primary manufacturers of DSLR cameras, providing a mixture of entry-level and intermediate DSLR models.
The company has added another entry-level DSLR to its family with the now available K-500. This camera ha a 16.2MP CMOS APS-C image sensor measuring 23.7 by 15.7 mm, which gives it a significant image quality advantage over most fixed-lens cameras.
The K-500 features a 3.0-inch LCD and a viewfinder, and it can shoot full HD video at three different frame rates up to 30 fps. There's also a good mixture of automatic and manual features with this camera.
The K-500 can run from AA-sized batteries. The K-500 can use any Pentax K-mount interchangeable lens, which is great.More »
12. Pentax K-x DSLR
Even though the Pentax entry-level K-x DSLR camera is a bit older, it's still a really nice advanced camera that includes a viewfinder and that now can be found for a bargain.
The K-x offers 12.4 megapixels of resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, and HD video capabilities. For a DSLR, the fact that the K-x runs from four AA batteries is unique, as is having the DSLR camera body available in several different colors, including a limited-edition rainbow model. The K-x is an award-winning camera as well.More »
