shelleyk

I definately agree that a viewfinder is ideal, but it seems as if I have to make a choiice between having a viewfinder or wearing the camera on my belt. I am still researching, but I think ultimately I will have to make a choice between one or the other. At this point, I am leaning toward keeping the camera on my belt. At least I've found several cameras to consider without a pop up flash.

mjs

I would get a Canon Powershot 100. I too like to travel light and leave my DSLR at home.

shelleyk

I noticed that the Canon Powershot 100 has a viewfinder at a much lower price point than the other cameras I was considering and many of the higher priced Canon cameras I am considering do not have a viewfinder. Go figure. In reading reviews of the Canon Powershot 100, people seemed to complain about the quality of the photos. What do you think of the photo quality? Good photo quality is a priority for me.

rhkkmk

who cares about the photo quality if it has a viewfinder

cestgaston

Just want to add my 2 cents in there.
Take a look at the Nikon P7000 or Canon Powershot G12(and their reviews). They have all of what you are looking for,I think + features found on DSLR.
I used the Nikon last year in Burma and it never let me down (amazing low light shots in Bagan's temples)

shelleyk

cestgaston-Does the Nikon Coolpix 7000 have a pop up flash? One review I read said it does, and one said it did not. From the reviews, it appears that the Canon G12 and the Nikon 7000 are fairly similar. Do you know of any significant differences other than the flip and pivot LCD screen which the G12 has, but the Nikon 7000 does not. I am wondering how useful that tilt screen is?

mjs

The Canon S100 is a replacement for the S95 and is out sometime between now and November.
No reviews as of yet but if it is a improvement on the S95 it will be an excellent travel camera with a 24mm equiv wide angle lens and better videos as well as improved low light results.

rhkkmk

shelly---have you gone to a good camera store and discussed your needs with them??

shelleyk

I have not as yet as I wanted to do some research to narrow things down a bit by myself. I have presently narrowed my choices to the following Canon cameras: Powershot ELPH 310 HS or 510 HS, Powershot SX40 HS , Powershot SX230 HS, and the Powershot G12. None of these are exactly what I want, so I know I will have to make some compromises. When I get back from my trip to Seattle in a few weeks, I will go to a camera store and take a look at them. I want to buy and use the camera for at least a month before taking it to Myanmar. If the photos don't come out, I might have to make a return trip , and I don't think DH would be happy sitting through another 32 hour flight. lol

rhkkmk

jim will do as he is told as always...

shelleyk

I've finally had time to go to a camera store and I've taken a look at all the cameras I was considering. I've decided to go with the Canon G12. It has a viewfinder no pop up flash, and can be worn on my belt. so meets all of my criteria. It lists for $499, so I will see if it goes on sale anywhere between now and my return from SeAttle in Nov.

I want to thank everyone who responded to my request for advice, and I'm especially grateful to those that mentioned the G12. I'll let you know how it works out for me after my trip to Burma in Jan.

rhkkmk

the last camera i bought i think i got on line from a group in portland, OR... big savings

rkkwan

G12 is of the size that it's best used with a traditional strap around your neck, as it is much larger than your SD850IS.

The 850's dimension is 90 x 57 x 26mm.
The G12 is 112 x 76 x 48mm.

rkkwan

The G12 is also more than twice the weight of your 850IS. Without battery, 351g vs 165g. With battery, it's about 400g vs 190g.

shelleyk

Although it is bigger and heavier than my SD850IS, I was able to find a camera case that fits on a belt that the G12 will fit into. I tried it in the store for a few minutes and it was comfortable. If in fact I would have to use an over the shoulder strap for the camera, I might choose the Canon PowershotSX40 HS, as I liked it as much as the G12, and it is less expensive by $100. However, it's worth the extra $100 to me to be able to wear the G12 on my belt.
rkkwan-If the G12 fits the camera case that can be used with a belt, is there any reason you see not to carry it that way?

rkkwan

You can carry it whatever way you want, but to me, it's too big and heavy to be hanging on my belt. But everybody's different.

irecommend

qwovadis Your wife is very talented! Thanks for posting that.

mjs

The Canon G12 is almost identical to the S95 with identical sensor etc but has a slightly longer lens for telephoto, faster shutter, focuses closer and has a viewfinder, hotshoe, slightly slower lens and smaller tilt LCD. Will basically take the same photographs. The G12 is however almost twice as big and weighs twice as much as the S95. Since the S95 is being replaced it is highly likely that the G12 will be replaced soon so you should be able to get a good deal on it soon.

shelleyk

The deal breaker on the S95 is that it has no viewfinder which I would like to have. I wish Canon would design some smaller cameras with a view finder, which my small SD850IS has.

rkkwan

The viewfinder adds costs and takes up valuable real estate on small cameras. They are not coming back, and once you get used to using the LCD, it's no big deal. I am mainly a dSLR shooter, but I have no issue with my S95 lacking a viewfinder.