28mm P&S with the best viewfinder: Contax G1, Ricoh Gr1, Nikon 28ti

[puketronic]

I'm looking for a point and shoot. The Contax is a bit different from the compacts but the price is comparable, so I'm throwing that in the mix. Ideally the Hexar AF would have came in 28mm and 50mm but they only made it in 35mm .

My primary interest is in this comparison is the viewfinder. That experience is important to me. How do they compare?

The main limitation for the Contax is its poor viewfinder, being dim and small (from what I've read...). Not only is it dim and small but it lacks frame lines. Three negatives. I wouldn't expect any of the point and shoots to compare to an M but are they any better? in terms of brightness, size, and framelines?

 

[troyholden]

I've used the Ricoh GR1s and love it. It's very compact and easily fits into a jacket pocket. It's very discreet for shooting in the streets and pretty fast w/ a f/2.8 lens. It's pretty wide at 28mm. But now that we are moving into winter, I'm looking for a Richoh GR1v that will allow me to push/pull 3200 speed bw film with its manual ASA control. Will probably sell the GR1s if I can find a GR1v.

I should also mention the 2 Olympus camera models I use that are very small with good glass: the XA3 and mjuII (Stylus Epic). Both are 35mm. The XA3 is very quiet w/ a f/3.5 lens. The Stylus Epic (my every day carry camera) is fast at f/2.8 and is the most compact I own. I actually own 3 of this model I love it so much.

Hope that helps!

 

[jakeblues]

I've used a Contax G (never owned one) but didn't find its viewfinder cramped.

Don't forget the Olympus XA4 (the 28mm XA). I've never owned one, and they are a bit tough to get a hold of. I have the original XA, and can attest to its viewfinder being reasonably large and reasonably pleasurable to use.

Uhhh one camera to stay away from--Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer. I have owned this one, and if you care about your viewfinder experience, please don't buy this camera.