No view finder on Fuji F30 (1 Viewer)

In the light of many posts recommending the F30 as a good option at the price and better suited than many for digiscoping on a budget I ordered one today. One thing I didn't check as I took it for granted was a viewfinder. I now see that this model doesn't have one and I am feeling disappointed.

While not to be missed when used through the scope, I am concerned at this limitation for more conventional shots. The tiny LCD on my now deceased A340 made the viewfinder essential for most shots. I also find that holding against the eyebrow was good at reducing the shakes. A further advantage was being able to turn of the screen altogether when wanting to save batteries.

Do other users find the absence of a viewfinder much of a problem? Waving a camera about with extended arms while trying to frame and compose a shot doesn’t seem a good idea to me. It must be a relatively cheap feature to incorporate, I can't think of any reason that they are being dropped. Is it just a trend or am I being old fashioned in wanting one.

You're not being old fashioned but unfortunately many of the small digicams today don't have them. I prefer to have one too but the large screen on the Fuji F30 will make it easier to frame and take the shot. I take a lot of my records shots with the camera rested on a table, pressed against a wall or tree to steady it so it is easier to frame on the screen than try to peer into the viewfinder. For people and street grabs you may find it more inconvenient.Neil.

I agree that a viewfinder is a very desirable feature. I wouldn't buy a point-and-shoot that didn't have one. It's a shame you didn't know about this before you bought the camera. A good substitute would be the Fuji E900 - high resolution, low noise, full manual control, and a viewfinder. Doesn't have the real high ISOs of the F30 however.

Thanks for confirming my fears (?)

I can return it unopened within 30 days so I think I will seek advice on the camera forum about any possible alternatives.

I think I might not find the digiscopeing friendly features at the price though.