Canon PowerShot: No more digital compact cameras with viewfinder?

Andreas Thaler · Jul 12, 2025

As a still happy user of a Canon PowerShot G5 X, I no longer see the successor Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III in the Canon Store, but also no follow-up product:

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/digital-cameras/point-and-shoot-cameras

Was the excellent Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III already the end of this concept?

Alan Edward Klein · Jul 12, 2025

The Sony RX100 series still has an eye level viewfinder as well as an articulating screen and flash in a pocket-sized zoom camera with 1" sensor.

Andreas Thaler · Jul 13, 2025

Alan Edward Klein said:
The Sony RX100 series still has an eye level viewfinder as well as an articulating screen and flash in a pocket-sized zoom camera with 1" sensor.

Thanks!

Do you know if this is an electronic viewfinder?

… before I look it up myself, but it is material for discussion here

Andreas Thaler · Jul 13, 2025

A replacement would be a mirrorless camera, but that would probably be more expensive, larger, and have interchangeable lenses. And I'd like to protect my bank account from that ...

Andreas Thaler · Jul 13, 2025

And I have to say that the camera on my new iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers flawless DNG images if you ignore the edges of the super wide-angle lens.

That would pretty much settle the issue, but I don't enjoy taking photos with my iPhone. I only use it for documenting my repair reports (it's also excellent for macro shots) and on the go when I don't have a camera with me.

I need a viewfinder to immerse myself in the subject and focus on adjusting settings. This is a familiar issue ...

reddesert · Jul 13, 2025

The Fuji X series cameras include both mirrorless interchangeable lens, and fixed-lens cameras, and tend to have viewfinders, with an EVF or some kind of optical-EVF combination. They are pretty neat looking with some degree of physical controls (dials). I would try one myself, but they tend to be fairly pricey on the used market and I'm cheap. But they might be close to what you are looking for.

Andreas Thaler · Jul 13, 2025

reddesert said:
The Fuji X series cameras include both mirrorless interchangeable lens, and fixed-lens cameras, and tend to have viewfinders, with an EVF or some kind of optical-EVF combination. They are pretty neat looking with some degree of physical controls (dials). I would try one myself, but they tend to be fairly pricey on the used market and I'm cheap. But they might be close to what you are looking for.

Thanks!

A variety of ways to spend your money

I think the only possible replacement is a mirrorless camera. What Canon offered with the two PowerShots remains irreplaceable.

Alan Edward Klein · Jul 13, 2025

Andreas Thaler said:
Thanks!

Do you know if this is an electronic viewfinder?

… before I look it up myself, but it is material for discussion here

Yes, everything shown on back display screen shows in the eye viewfinder. When you put your eye up the the viewfinder, the view automatically switches to it from the rear screen and switches back to the screen when you remove your eye. It has a diopter focus adjustment as well for those with eyesight problems. The viewfinder can be reinserted into the camera body to get out of the way or popped out when needed.

Alan Edward Klein · Jul 13, 2025

Andreas Thaler said:
A replacement would be a mirrorless camera, but that would probably be more expensive, larger, and have interchangeable lenses. And I'd like to protect my bank account from that ...

The Sony RX100 series pocket camera is expensive. But they're up to version 7 or 8 and the earlier ones are cheaper. The earlier ones have a zoom of 24-70mm while the later ones go to 200mm but the latter ones are "darker". Also, the ealier ones have a built-in neutral density filter useful during video modes in bright light while the later ones for some reason don't have this filter.

Alan Edward Klein · Jul 13, 2025

Andreas Thaler said:
And I have to say that the camera on my new iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers flawless DNG images if you ignore the edges of the super wide-angle lens.

That would pretty much settle the issue, but I don't enjoy taking photos with my iPhone. I only use it for documenting my repair reports (it's also excellent for macro shots) and on the go when I don't have a camera with me.

I need a viewfinder to immerse myself in the subject and focus on adjusting settings. This is a familiar issue ...

I agree. That's why I use the RX100-iv. There's nothing like having an eye-level viewfinder in bright sunlight when you can't see the screen as well as having a real shutter release button. The articulating back screen is very handy as well for low and waist-level shots and over the crowd. Cellphones just are not ergonomically handy to use, for me anyway, except on the fly when nothing else is available.

4season · Jul 13, 2025

https://www.canonrumors.com/a-new-g-series-powershot-is-coming/

But whether it will be an SLR-style camera with EVF is unknown.

Andreas Thaler · Jul 13, 2025

Thank you, gentlemen

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 7:59 AM

This camera generation is a thing of the past:

Almost all zoom models with larger sensors have been discontinued in favor of their interchangeable lens counterparts that offer more flexibility.

List of large sensor fixed-lens cameras - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 8:05 AM

The PowerShot G5 X I use, as well as the PowerShot G1 X Mark III, are only available new from China (eBay).

Used/refurbished cameras sell for hefty prices.

Maybe I should put mine in the closet, but it's too powerful for that. It will serve me until it no longer works. The mandatory ten years of service are up, so I have no illusions about its repairability.

4season · Tuesday at 10:58 AM

Andreas Thaler said:
The mandatory ten years of service are up, so I have no illusions about its repairability.

Since when are electronics an impediment to you? If anything, newer designs require less soldering: Lots of flexible PCB and ZIF connectors.

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 12:23 PM

4season said:
Since when are electronics an impediment to you? If anything, newer designs require less soldering: Lots of flexible PCB and ZIF connectors.

This impression is deceptive.

If I don't have at least three cameras of the same type in reserve, I don't dare attempt a repair

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 12:25 PM

4season said:
Since when are electronics an impediment to you? If anything, newer designs require less soldering: Lots of flexible PCB and ZIF connectors.

I just noticed that my G5 X forgets the date and time after changing the battery.

Here, someone successfully replaced the rechargeable clock lithium battery.

It took quite a bit of work, as you can see, and apparently without a repair manual:

https://www.facebook.com/
Perhaps the camera sat unused in the closet for too long.

I just removed the battery for a few minutes and then reinserted it, hoping that the internal battery would now charge.

A test after the battery had been in the camera for a short time was promising. The time/date setting survived one battery change, but not a second. This means that the internal battery is charging.

I'll know more in 2.5 hours. According to the manual, the charging time for a depleted internal battery is four hours.

However, I don't understand why the battery died, since it was previously charged and we were on a photography trip.

Always problems ...

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 12:30 PM

If I once need to replace my PowerShot G5 X, this combination would suit me:

FUJIFILM X-T4 | Cameras | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USA

Official product information for FUJIFILM X-T4 for FUJIFILM X Series.

www.fujifilm-x.com

FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR | Lenses | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USA

Product information for FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR for FUJIFILM X Series

www.fujifilm-x.com

However, that would put quite a strain on my budget ...

Andreas Thaler · Tuesday at 3:31 PM

I've since managed to find a Canon service manual for the G5 X, and here's an interesting disassembly.

It really doesn't look that bad:

Life Pixel – Canon PowerShot G5 X DIY Digital Infrared Conversion Tutorial

Disclaimer: This tutorial is intended for experienced professionals and made available to you for informational purposes only. Tampering with your camera will void your manufacturer’s warranty. If you decide to perform the conversion you could damage your camera or be hurt or get killed from the...

www.lifepixel.com

4season · Tuesday at 11:28 PM

Andreas Thaler said:
It really doesn't look that bad:

That's the spirit! It'll be a perfect opportunity to use those JIS screwdrivers and iFixit tools.

I recently replaced the memory backup battery inside a not-cheap radio, and was a little bit surprised to discover that it was actually the sort of rechargeable lithium battery used in Seiko solar wristwatches. Fortunately, these are inexpensive and easy to obtain.

Andreas Thaler · Wednesday at 12:54 AM

4season said:
That's the spirit! It'll be a perfect opportunity to use those JIS screwdrivers and iFixit tools.

I recently replaced the memory backup battery inside a not-cheap radio, and was a little bit surprised to discover that it was actually the sort of rechargeable lithium battery used in Seiko solar wristwatches. Fortunately, these are inexpensive and easy to obtain.

I'm considering it. But I'm not sure if the risk is worth it. The restriction is only annoying, not fatal. Therefore, I lack the motivation to try it.

Congratulations on your success!

Andreas Thaler · Wednesday at 1:02 AM

I'm impressed by the solid internal construction of the G5 X. The chassis is made of metal. I wasn't expecting that. That also explains its weight.

Sirius Glass · Wednesday at 4:50 PM

They all seem determined to make one use the screen and save them from the expense of supplying a viewfinder.

Andreas Thaler · Thursday at 12:13 AM

Sirius Glass said:
They all seem determined to make one use the screen and save them from the expense of supplying a viewfinder.

Then I can just use my iPhone to take photos. Without a viewfinder, it's not for me.

But these cameras are probably increasingly aimed at video users - “vloggers.” They actually don't need a viewfinder.

Sirius Glass · Thursday at 4:29 PM

Andreas Thaler said:
Then I can just use my iPhone to take photos. Without a viewfinder, it's not for me.

But these cameras are probably increasingly aimed at video users - “vloggers.” They actually don't need a viewfinder.

That is I bought a Nikon Z7ii and used the menu to cut off the screen.

Canon PowerShot: No more digital compact cameras with viewfinder?

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