Digital Camera With ViewFinder - Top Picks For Any Budget

When you read reviews on digital cameras you often see a question from users: Where is the viewfinder? In most cases, there isn`t one. It is hard to find a digital camera with viewfinder, and even harder a compact digital camera with viewfinder. They are slowly becoming a dying breed.

Apparently as the manufacturers developed image stabilization, the viewfinders were starting to disappear. The new technology was supposed to ensure fuzzy-free images. In addition, without a viewfinder it is a murder to shoot pictures on sunny days, you can not see what you are framing. Canon is actually almost the only manufacturer which still produces a digital camera with viewfinder. And even that is becoming questionable.

Cheap cameras do not come with a viewfinder. To get one, you are going to have to expand your budget a little. It is rather challenging to find a good digital camera with viewfinder, not to mention if you are on a tight budget. But it can be done.

Down below are listed digital cameras with viewfinder according to price range. The category of digital camera with viewfinder under $200 has two best picks. The category of digital camera with viewfinder under $300 has only one best pick (the only one worth mentioning). And lastly, the category of digital camera with viewfinder under $400 has also two best picks. All of the listed cameras have good viewfinders.

• Canon PowerShot A630

So maybe this is not the sexiest design on the market, but it makes it all up with other features. It is so easy to use A630 and that is mostly due to two features; glass viewfinder and articulating LCD which are almost impossible to find in other compact cameras out there. The glass viewfinder is there to help you provide an idea what you are taking picture of. The articulating LCD can be pulled out of the camera, like the one you see in camcorders (excellent for self-portaits). Both features are extremely valuable during sunny days. Among all listed cameras here, this digital camera with viewfinder has the best viewfinder.

There is a lot of things to like here like macro modes, smooth 4x optical zoom lens, well-placed and a lot of manual controls, terrific video capture and sound, white balance, the picture quality is truly outstanding with little or no blur. It is packed with 4 AA batteries but they really do last a long time so you can shoot a lot of pictures before they run out. Even though it is not the cheapest compact camera around, it is well worth the investment.

• Canon PowerShot SD780IS

Even though you can tell from the picture that is small and slim, you are not even close. It has the height and width of a credit card, and is just a little thicker than the iPhone.

The SD780IS combines 12 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lens which enables excellent photo quality. What really makes this camera stand out in the crowd is mind-blowing HD video quality (though no optical zoom), it can match any pocket HD camcorders.

The 2.5 inch LCD screen is bright, simple to use and include nice features/settings. Pretty decent rechargeable lithium ion batteries (up to 240 shots). Start-up time really fast, time between shots is ok, but could be better, and the shutter lag is good.

The SD780IS is comfortable to use, even if you have bigger hands. Both professionals and average users are pleased with this model. Overall this is an really excellent pocket camera so if you want a highly portable compact camera that gets the job done, there is no doubt here.

***Note: This model comes in several colors which are listed down below. However, the prices may vary depending on the color.

• Canon PowerShot SD1200IS

The SD1200IS is equipped with 3x optical zoom, 10 megapixels which can handle perfectly everyday shots. More demanding users will want more zoom power, but for an average user this will be plenty. A really practical feature for beginners is called Auto Smart which picks out for you adequate settings from incorporated set of 18 different shooting possibilities.

This way the amateur photograph does not have to bother with adjusting settings to capture a good picture. It is small, matches the size of flip cell phones, packed with intuitive controls. The SD1200IS is stylish, well-built and well-rounded, and a fairly fast digital camera. The picture quality (colors especially) is terrific which is probably the reason why this model costs more than its competitors.

The 2.5 inch LCD screen is pretty fantastic as it has 16:9 wide-screen viewing angle,but it is not smudge resistant, although is does clean easily. To conclude, it has its advantages and disadvantages, but this model obtains the portability of pocket cameras and the diversity of bigger cameras, and overall is a great camera most suitable for casual users and photography beginners.

***Note: This model comes in several colors which are listed down below. However, the prices may vary depending on the color.

• Nikon Coolpix P7000

This camera is best suitable for those who already have a DSLR camera, but now want a back up one they can carry around. This is really a compact camera designed to give the feel of a high quality DLSR. The price is in fact in the range of an entry-level DSLR. It is too big to fit into your pants pocket, but small and light enough to be hanged around your neck.

The entire layout and construction is in a DSLR manner. Comes with 10 megapixels, 3 inch bright and sharp LCD screen. The pictures are clear and sharp with a lot of detail. The HDMI output is included if you want to hook it up to monitor or HD TV.

It is fast and responsive as it can be, no shutter lag, but it is a little slower when shooting in RAW. The beginners will have to play with it a little to get the hang of it. Despite of its little drawbacks, the P7000 is an excellent camera and reccommended for almost any level user.

• Sony Cybershot DSCW80

This Sony model has several strengths. First one is video quality, users swear it is better than a camcorder. The sound is perfect, and you can even adjust it. The second strength is photo quality. it produces sharp and blurry-free pictures with loads of detail and vivid colors. The combination of 7.2 megapixels and 3x zoom is obviously a winner. And the optical image stabilization is definitely credited for that as well.

You can do a lot of editing right on the camera, and another interesting feature is the ability to play slide shows with music in the background. The only „complaint“ would be that it takes fairly long for the battery to recharge (around 4 hours) but when it is fully recharged it is extremely durable.

Although it may seem a little chunky in the photo, it is actually small. Fast power-up time and quick between shots. That being said, with all of its features and advantages it is definitely on the top of budget snapshot heat.

***Note: This model comes in several colors which are listed down below. However, the prices may vary depending on the color.