Point & Shoot Digital Camera Tip

Tip: Pick one with a view finder.

A camera without one can be difficult at times to view the image via the screen during the day when the sun is bright.

Cat's

are there any point and shoots with view finders? I have never seen one. I prefer the DSLR, but, it's one disadvantage is that it is bulky. Takes fantastic photos. If I thought there was a point and shoot that could do the same job I'd get one. I haven't got time to research these now anyway. Leaving in two weeks.

We just bought, I mean last weekend, a Panasonic TZ7. It has had excellent reviews, and after speaking to a number of camera shop employees, not just sales people, I settled for that. It doesn't have a view finder, not many new ones do. I plan to have a good play with it this weekend. It has full auto and you can have some control over shutter speed, ISO etc, not really manual controls (not that I know much about them)but they are there if time allows you to adjust the camera for that special shot. One sales person said many SLR manufacturers were impressed with what it had to offer. So I hope I can do justice to it.
happy travels.

Hi Mandy,
You will really enjoy that camera. I purchased an earlier model two years (TZ3) ago before our Italian Escapade and have been extremely happy since with the photos it produces. In fact for our next trip (not sure when yet) I wouldnt mind getting whatever the newer version is. It does get excellent reviews as a travel camera and has a very good lens. (so I'm told )
Does your have the 12x zoom? My has 10x which is one of the reasons I chose it as terrific for taking photos close up - details buildings etc.

When you read the instruction book you may find like mine that it has a power LCD mode which means that even though the day is really bright it makes the screen a bit brighter so you can see it. Another feature I liked was a High Sensitivity setting which was great for inside churches if you cant use a flash.

I just played around with mine and sometimes when I had time took pics on different settings to see what it will do.

Love the SLRs Gennevive but like carrying a smaller camera around.
I hope you both have a fabulous time.

I NEED a viewfinder, preferable in the top left corner so my nose doesn't get in the way when I'm looking through with my right eye. When my old Sony CyberShot broke down (on the last days of our tour last year, good thing we brought an extra) I came home and got a newer model W-170. It has all the features I wanted, including the sightly wider 28 mm lens better for taking pictures of buildings and scenery, and it's only barely bigger than other cameras of the same type.
Review: http://www.steves-digicams.com...c-w170-review-5.html

quote:

so my nose doesn't get in the way when I'm looking through with my right eye.

Your nose shouldn't be in the way. It should, along with your cheek and forehead, be helping you steady the camera. Which is another reason to use an viewfinder rather than a screen.

Screens do have their place, particularly if they fold out from the camera which allows you to use the camera at waist level or whilst holding it above your head.

I use my hands to steady the camera - not the nose and cheek!

Is it a balancing act? lol

I love my screen - its big - as going blind in old age!!!

I had a cybershot back in 2006, took some great photo's with it. When it died I bought the Cannon 400D and I love the photos it takes. I just wish it were not so big to cart around when going oversea. I will take it again though this time, I don't have time to organise buying another camera and then having to learn how to use it. I do remember the old cybershot being small enough to put in my pocket - maybe next trip I will look for a smaller option. I do like having a viewfinder though, rather than than a screen.

I'm looking forward to trying out a new camera that has rave reviews, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, apparently professionals use this camera when not wanting to carry a DSLR. It has excellent image quality, Leica lens and auto and manual features. It's been fairly hard to get as it has been very popular. Will post some photos on return from the Mediterranean Dreams and Romantic European in November.

quote:

I'm looking forward to trying out a new camera that has rave reviews, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3,

I bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F28 last winter and I just love it. I think mine is a bit bigger than the LX-3, but it is very light weight and has 18 optical zoom. (I carry a little Canon SD800 for my pocket.)I have always had Canons, but I was amazed at the Leica lens. The Lumix cameras have been getting great reviews.

Jill