Courtney B
Hi! How are you? I noticed that you were looking at the Panasonic ZS40?
Did you have some questions about this camera today?
Yes.I have a Lumix point and shoot. Can't remember the model #. Wait a minute and will checkout out. Meantime I find the need for a good view finder. Can you recommend one?
Courtney B
Did you want a point and shoot with the viewfinder built into it? Is that what you were referring to?
Yes. And I currently have a DMC-ZS19. I LIKE THE SIZE AND SSEM TO GET PRETTY GOOD PHOTS. BUT, THE SCREEN IS A NIGHTMARE IN SUNLIGHT TO USE FOR FRAMING MY PHOTOS . Sorry for the caps. Hit a key by mistake. What can you recommend?
Courtney B
Ok! Good to know! Do you have a budget that you need to stick to? There aren't tons of camera options with viewfinders unfortunately
The Sony HX80 has a pop-up viewfinder and takes really nice quality photos
It's on backorder at the moment, but should be back in stock soon
Well, we all have budgets but $300 or so would not be a problem is it had a good lens and produces quality photos plus some of the more advanced features. I would wan a minimum of 20X zoom. The size of what I have is nice. I have other larger Nikons but like the size of this camera.
Courtney B
In terms of the size and zoom that you want, the Sony HX80 and Panasonic ZS40 are the only two cameras that fall around your budget
Well, what are those prices ? Are new models soon to be offered? And what price would a next step up run and what cameras?
Courtney B
$348 for the Sony and $274.95 for the Panasonic. The Panasonic has been replaced twice by the ZS50 and ZS60. We no longer carry the ZS50, but the ZS60 is $447.99
The Sony HX80 was replaced by the HX90V, which also has a pop up viewfinder for $428
What advantage would these higher prices give me? Which would you buy?
Courtney B
The newer technology gives you a little better image quality. The Panasonic ZS60 would also give you 4K video, if that's something that interests you
What kind of batteries do they use? Video can be nice to have. Have never owned a Sony. My previous cameras have been a Leica M2 which I still have but don't want to deal with interchangeable lenses. So I switched to various zoom Nikons over the years. What's really important these days when it comes to electronic features? How about a camera that automatically switches from screen to viewfinder when the eye gets close to it?
Courtney B
They all use rechargeable lithium ion batteries which are included with the camera. All of the cameras take video, but the others take standard HD video. 4K is currently the best quality video available.
All of them automatically switch from screen to viewfinder when you raise it up to your eye
WOW! I like that. Any special sales or promotions on now?
Courtney B
The Panasonic ZS40 is currently $274.95, which is a sale price
Could that indicate a new version is coming out?
Courtney B
Yes, there are two replacements that have already come out. The ZS50 and the ZS60
We carry the ZS60 for $447.99
Thank you. I am leaning towards the Lumix mainly because I 've never owned a Sony. Stupid reason? Does the better video in the Lumix make the big difference between the two? And would one viewfinder be better over the other? I am better much a viewfinder user.
Courtney B
Not a bad reason at all! It's never bad to stick with what you like :-)
The viewfinders are all high quality viewfinders
You have been big help. Now I will check out the details and print them out. Seeing print helps me do a better comparison.
Courtney B
How many x in the zoom does 24-720 equal?
Courtney B
And 24 is 24 mm wide angle?
Courtney B
Courtney B
Have a great day! Bye :-)
