We asked for your recommendation of a good, pocket-sized, point-and-shoot digital camera that has a viewfinder. But we also asked you to name the digital camera — of any type — that you prefer to use while on a trip. In the March and April issues we printed subscribers’ comments on “ultracompact” and “compact” cameras. This month, the reviews are about cameras that most likely will not fit into a pants pocket and which weigh more than 10 ounces. Some of them are point-and-shoot cameras and some are digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
(Unlike with models of point-and-shoot cameras that have optical viewfinders, DSLR cameras have a mirror-and-pentaprism system that directs the light from the lens to the optical viewfinder, thus eliminating problems of parallax. They show the viewer precisely how the final image will be framed.)
For each camera reviewed here, we’ve given the brand and model number. If it’s a DSLR, we have so indicated. We also have given the year the camera was introduced, followed by the megapixels (mp) that it is capable of producing (more megapixels means pictures higher in resolution, so bigger enlargements can be made) and the degree of optical zoom and digital zoom it’s capable of (for example, the optical zoom/digital zoom could be “5x/4x”).
(Note: optical zoom uses the optics, or lenses, to virtually “bring a subject closer,” as does a telescope. With digital zoom, the camera electronically enlarges the area you “zoom” in on and crops the rest of the image [this enlarging can, instead, be done later with image-editing software]. The image quality derived from optical zoom will be better than that from digital zoom. Also, with some of the DSLR cameras mentioned here, the camera body and its interchangeable lenses are sold separately; in those cases, no zoom capability is indicated, as it will be a function of the lenses chosen.)
In addition, we have listed each camera’s dimensions and weight, the size of the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that it has and the type of viewfinder it has, if any. If the subscriber mentioned the price, we’ve included it. If no price was quoted, we show the top price at which it was listed at Amazon.com. (While older-model cameras may be difficult to find in “brick-and-mortar” stores, they are widely available online at sites such as Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com and eBay.) Note: unless otherwise noted, each of these cameras can also shoot video.
In an upcoming issue of ITN, we’ll print subscribers’ tips and comments on cameras and their usage.
Larger-Than- ‘Compact’ Cameras
Canon EOS 60D DSLR — 2010, 18 mp, 5.7"x3.1"x4.2", 1.5 lbs., LCD 3", optical VF; $899 (body only; lenses sold separately)
• I always travel with two cameras. One is a good DSLR, currently an 18 mp Canon EOS 60D. The other is a small point-and-shoot.
If you have a Canon or Nikon DSLR, I highly recommend the Tamron image-stabilized 18mm-270mm lens. The street price is $630. It is the perfect travel lens because it covers such a wide range that you don’t need to pack multiple lenses, thus not only saving weight and packing space but eliminating the problem of dust specks getting on the sensor while changing lenses. — MARCIA BRANDES, Atlanta, GA
Canon PowerShot G12 DSLR — 2010, 10 mp, 4x/5x, 4.41"x3"x1.9", 12.4 oz. (body only), LCD 2.8", optical VF, $420
• For several years now I have used Canon PowerShots, first the G10 and then the G12. I need a viewfinder, and this camera was recommended by friends who are professional photographers, one preferring it to his larger, bulky Canon. Although it is comparatively small and light, it takes excellent photographs and is easy to use. There are underwater housing units for both the G10 and G12 that work well. — DOROTHY STURGES, Sonoita, AZ
• In 2010 I bought a Canon G12 for $469 from B&H in New York. I purchased it mainly for diving and house it in a Fisheye FIX housing ($800). I also own a Leica V-LUX 1, nice for bird photos but a much bigger camera. Having tried both on land, I find that the Canon takes pictures that come out as well as the Leica’s. I see no disadvantages whatsoever in the Canon. It really is fabulous. — ANNE WARBURTON, Yorba Linda, CA
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS — 2009, 12.1 mp, 20x/4x, 4.88"x3.48"x3.42", 19.8 oz. (body only), $549.
• My first real camera was a 1939 SLR Exacta, which my father had purchased new to take pictures of potential hangouts for Nazi supply ships in Central America. When I had it, there was only one person in the US who could keep it fixed.
In 1950 I replaced it with a pocket-sized camera from a brand-new Japanese company, Canon. Great camera, but the light meter was about the same size as the camera!
Over the years, the bags needed to carry my camera and lenses got larger and larger. In 1998, as I started pleasure travel, I gave all the big stuff to the children and got a 35mm Fujinon point-and-shoot with zoom. It took great pictures.
In about 2008, technology won and I purchased my first digital camera. It did have a viewfinder‚ which turned out to be essential, as I could hold the camera with both hands against my face and have some stability. One small memory card could hold more pictures than 50 to 100 rolls of film.
After a trip to Europe, we patched the camera into our friends’ 40-inch digital TV. BAM! It blew my mind. The pictures came through fantastically. The images of the inside of a church looked better than the real thing we had seen while standing in the church.
In 2010 I checked Canon’s factory store and found the camera I have now, the PowerShot SX20 IS. It uses four AA batteries, has a viewfinder as well as a small screen and has an optical zoom of 20x, which I find completely adequate. It will fit in a big jacket pocket.
When I went on safari to Tanzania, I carried along a monopod I had plus a small tripod because I couldn’t conceive that I could hold the camera steady enough to get clear pictures at the maximum zoom. The first day, I wasn’t organized and didn’t use the tripod or monopod, but no problem! The pictures were clear.
The image stabilization is fantastic. Pictures taken from a moving bus were clearer. Taking pictures in low light without flash, the camera can adjust down to maybe a 1/10-second exposure and the stabilization takes out the shake.
I love the camera. It has a full set of settings for special conditions (for example, sunsets).
One aggravation — after you punch the button, there is a bit of a lag before the shutter fires. A larger aggravation — Canon now does not include a printed manual but puts in a disk so you can print one, yourself, from your computer. — FRANK LAMSON-SCRIBNER, Smyrna Beach, FL
• While this camera is not heavy, it is bulky. It takes four AA batteries and has a 20x optical zoom and image stabilization. My husband, Ray, has taken some amazing wildlife photos using this camera. — WANDA BAHDE, Summerfield, FL
Canon PowerShot G11 DSLR — 2009, 10 mp, 5x/4x, 4.4"x3"x1.8", 12.5 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 2.8", optical VF, $600
• I don’t want to lug around a lot of equipment, but I do want to be able to use custom picture settings or fully automatic settings. There are a few digital cameras that can do this well and still are small enough for travel.
My current digital camera is a Canon G11. In addition to having a viewfinder and manual setting options, this camera allows you to use lens filters, such as a polarizing filter to reduce unwanted reflections like those off water.
It includes a built-in flash but can also use a more powerful external flash attachment to extend picture range. Reasonably small, the Canon G11 will fit in a case that can attach to a belt or shoulder strap. Underwater housings are available. — R. ONO, Davis, CA
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS — 2008, 10 mp, 5x/4x, 4.9"x3.4"x3.5", 1.2 lbs. (w/o battery), LCD 2.5", electronic viewfinder, $520.
• I’ve been a photographer all my life. It was probably the most influential thing my father taught me.
I was dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age; I cannot abide these credit-card-sized cameras that one sees being waved overhead at any juncture. After a doubtful relationship with a Konica-Minolta which more or less blew up after a couple of years, I got my present camera, a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. It cost $340 when I bought it about four years ago.
What do I like? This camera has a viewfinder. More importantly, its LCD screen folds out and can be rotated 180 degrees in either direction, which means I can look down onto the screen while the camera is actually pointing up.
The ISO setting is very easy to change. Also, the economy is unmatched; on our last trip, one set of lithium AAA batteries finally expired after 644 shots.
The main selling point, for me, was its 20x combined zoom capability. An axiom from early days from many famous artists was ‘Fill the frame,’ and this zoom level makes that very possible.
For all this technology, this is not a bulky instrument.
The only tip for using it better would be to take full advantage of the wonderful zoom system and not to worry about low light. The Canon seems to be able to get good pictures at any time of day and anywhere.
The only thing I would change would be to remove the video capability, which I never use. For video, get a video camera! — CHRISTOPHER HARTLEY, Ormond Beach FL
• Whenever we travel (53 countries so far), in addition to a pocket-sized camera I take a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, which I use during the day unless it’s raining. It hangs on a strap around my neck. I chose it for several reasons.
It has a moveable LCD (an adjustable screen is great for those shots where you have to hold the camera above your head). It also has a viewfinder, which is much better to use in sunlight, plus a diopter (allowing the photographer to adjust the viewfinder to compensate for his having less-than-perfect vision). (Yes, I wear glasses.) It has a long zoom lens, 28mm-560mm. And it uses four AA rechargeable batteries. — IRV ZWIRN, Pittsford, NY
Canon EOS Rebel XT — 2005, 8 mp, 3x optical, 4.98"x3.7"x2.5", 17.1 oz. (body only), 1.8" LCD, optical viewfinder, no video capability, $769 new
• I still use an “antique” Canon EOS Rebel, which has a viewfinder and superb optics. Its limitations are its weight, its limited telephoto capabilities and the fact it takes unique NB-2LH batteries. This faithful camera has captured remarkable photos throughout the world since 2005. — WANDA BAHDE, Summerfield, FL
Fujifilm Finepix S5200 — 2005, 5.1 mp, 10x/5.7x, 4.4"x3.3"x4.4", 13.1 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 1.8", electronic viewfinder; $120 (used, on Amazon.com; no new models listed)
• In addition to a subcompact digital, for my main camera when I travel I prefer one that takes AA batteries and has a substantial telephoto plus through-the-lens viewing.
Why TTL viewing? First of all, simply placing the camera on your forehead minimizes the main problem with travel photos: shake. (By the way, don’t even consider a camera that doesn’t offer anti-shake technology.)
My reliable old friend is a 7-year-old, 5mp Fujifilm S5200, which I bought for about $250. It continues to please me with excellent service.
One drawback is the proprietary Fujifilm card, which you can buy only from Fujiflm at a premium price. — STEVE LOPES, Lawrence, KS
Olympus E-P2 — 2010, 12.3 mp, 4.7"x2.7"x1.4", 11.8 oz. (body only), LCD 3", $680 (kit includes external electronic viewfinder and two lenses)
• The E-P2 is a Micro Four Thirds camera and is perfect for travel! (All digital cameras convert optical images into an electronic signal. Some cameras do this using a Four Thirds system. The E-P2 has a Micro Four Thirds system, meaning it uses the same type of Four Thirds image sensor as a DSLR, but because it has no pentaprism or mirror system the camera is smaller than a DSLR.)
The E-P2 weighs only 11 ounces versus the 29 ounces of my Canon EOS 7D. I bought an attachable electronic viewfinder for $225, but the newer models have both the eyepiece and the flash that my older model lacks.
I spent a month traveling with only my tiny E-P2 and an Olympus micro 14mm-150mm lens (which is equivalent to 70mm-300mm lens on a DSLR) and got excellent-quality images. With this wonderfully light camera, I don’t debate whether or not to bring my camera; I just automatically grab it and go. — DONNA JUDD, Fullerton, CA
Olympus EVOLT E-500 DSLR — 2005, 8 mp, 5.1"x3.7"x2.6", 1 lb. (w/o battery), LCD 2.5", optical viewfinder, no video capability, $400 (two lenses sold with kit, including a zoom lens)
Olympus SP-590UZ — 2009, 12 mp, 26x/5x, 4.3"x3.6"x3.5", 15.3 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 2.7", electronic viewfinder, $450
Olympus Stylus 7040 — ultracompact, 2010, 14 mp, 7x/5x, 3.7"x2.2"x1", 5.1 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 3", no viewfinder, $150
• On trips, I carry three Olympus cameras: an EVOLT E-500 DSLR and four lenses (14mm-45mm, 40mm-150mm, 18mm-180mm and 70mm-300mm); an SP-590UZ (slightly larger than compact, with a fixed lens), and a Stylus 7400 point-and-shoot. (I leave my underwater camera at home unless I know I’ll need it. The Stylus is a better camera and roughly the same size.)
We carry these cameras on trips to more rugged and scenic places — Africa, Antarctica, the Amazon and such — where buffer speed is necessary for fast, consecutive shooting.
When we travel to more “civilized” locations, like Europe, we frequently take only the little Stylus, as taking pictures of churches, buildings and general scenery doesn’t require much more than that. It delivers more-than-acceptable results.
I take the bulkier equipment if I’m going to be in places where it’s necessary to constantly bracket, vary the exposure value or white balance or use extensive program settings.
We generally don’t shoot video with any of these cameras, because video eats up memory card space like a gluttonous pig at a trough. — ALAN LICHTENSTEIN, Commack, NY
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 — 2009, 12.1 mp, 18x/4x, 4.6"x3.0"x3.5", 12.9 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 2.7", electronic viewfinder
I can recommend the Panasonic Lumix series of smaller cameras; each normally costs between $250 and $350. We own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (the newest model is the DMC-FZ47), which offers great telephoto capabilities (18x zoom or more) without the need to carry multiple heavy and expensive lenses.
It can be used as a point-and-shoot in the fully automatic mode and, for more serious photographers, also offers multiple manual modes (presets such as “portrait,” “macro,” “sport,” etc.). It features an anti-shake mode, which is necessary for long telephoto shots.
This camera was very practical on a trip to Guatemala where we needed quick shots of marketplaces and did not want to be carrying an expensive DSLR. — CHARLES BURKE, West Dennis, MA
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 — 2004, 5.3 mp, 12x/4x, 5"x3.4"x4.2", 1.2 lbs. (w/o battery), LCD 2.0", electronic viewfinder; $240 (used, on Amazon.com; no new models listed)
• My husband, Ted, uses this camera. It takes very good pictures and is very easy to use. The lens goes from 35mm to 400mm and, with vibration reduction, it’s great for telephoto shots. No lens changing is required to get great shots. Highly recommended! — LaVAUGHN CRAIG, San Francisco, CA
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V — 2011, 16.2 mp, 30x/4x, 4.8"x3.7"x3.4", 18.5 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 3", electronic viewfinder, $449
• In 2010 I was on a tour of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. I had my Canon Rebel XTi DSLR camera with an enhanced zoom lens but found it could not bring the animals as close as the point-and-shoot someone else had. When I came home, I looked for a new camera.
I bought this Sony Cyber-shot right before a 2-week June ’11 tour of Kenya and Tanzania and immediately fell in love with it. The 30x zoom allowed me to take photos that no one else could get; any similar lens on a DSLR would require a tripod.
For a point-and-shoot camera, the shutter speed is good, and it has a setting for adjusting burst speed. The photos make you feel like you’re right there. Most of the 1,800 photos I took didn’t even need to be enhanced when I got home.
A small downside is that the replay button is right next to the movie button and sometimes I hit the wrong one.
I think so highly of this camera, I bought a pocket-sized point-and-shoot Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 to also take along. It takes great photos and is easy to use, but I prefer the HX100V (for the zoom quality). — DEBBIE PRICKITT, Cherry Hill, NJ
Sony A350 DSLR — 2011, 14.2 mp, 3.9x/5.6x, 5.2"x3"x3.9", 1.3 lbs. (w/o battery), no video capability, $1,500 (kit comes with an 18mm-70mm lens)
• I go with a Sony (which bought Minolta) A350 for my DSLR needs. It has a good selection of wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses. Image stabilization is built into the camera rather than into each lens, which reviewers tend to cite as a key benefit when they compare Sony to Nikon and other leaders.
The weakness I’ve experienced with Sony DSLRs is that in very low-light situations, if you crank up the ISO above 800 you tend to get a lot of “noise.” — JAMES K. DOWNS, Louisville, CO
Canon PowerShot G12 DSLR — 2010, 10 mp, 4x/5x, 4.41"x3"x1.9", 12.4 oz. (body only), LCD 2.8", optical VF, $420
Nikon Coolpix P7000 — 2010, 10.1 mp, 7x/4x, 4.5"x3.0"x1.8", 12.6 oz., LCD 3", optical viewfinder, $280
• Finding point-and-shoot cameras with viewfinders is hard to do, especially at the low end. Two that are very good are the Canon G12 and the Nikon P-7000. Both react fast when focusing and shooting, so shutter lag is less than that of cheaper point-and-shoot cameras. — ED FITZGERALD, Torrance, CA
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS — 2010, 14.1 mp, 35x/4x, 4.85"x3.6"x4.25", 21.2 oz. (w/o battery), LCD 2.7", electronic viewfinder, $399
Nikon COOLPIX P500 — 2011, 12.1 mp, 36x/4x, 4.5"x3.3"x4", 17.5 oz., LCD 3", electronic viewfinder, $479
Fujifilm HS20 — 2011, 16 mp, 30x optical zoom, 5.1"x3.5"x4.9", 1.4 lbs. (w/o battery), LCD 3", electronic viewfinder, $313
Kodak Z990 — 2011, 12 mp, 30x/5x, 4,9"x3.4"x3.7", 1.3 lbs., LCD 3", electronic viewfinder, $285.
• These models, all super-zoom cameras, have both LCD screens and optical viewfinders. Each has an attached zoom lens ranging from, depending on the model, 22mm to over 860mm.
All these models take SD (Secure Digital, a type of memory card) cards and have video recording at 1080p (high definition) or lower. Each has a built-in flash, and some of the models have a hot shoe for an external flashgun. All have built-in stabilization control, which helps a lot when shooting with the lens extended to the highest limits. Most all of these cameras can be fitted with underwater housings, if needed.
I chose cameras like these because I didn’t want to travel with a big bag of lenses and didn’t like to change lenses in bad weather conditions. I have purchased or used the Fuji HS20, the Nikon P500 and the Canon SX30 IS, but, after looking at the specs of the four cameras listed, I think that, for its price and features, the best buy would be the Kodak Z990. — JOE SKYMBA, Kerrville, TX