It’s been several years since I became a LUMIX user with both L-mount and MFT-mount systems.
Due to significant financial and physical limitations, I’ve never even considered the “Big3” zoom lenses or large-aperture prime lenses from the start, but by steadily managing my budget, I’ve gradually expanded my gear, and I’ve now mostly acquired everything I need—both camera bodies and lenses.
I have no further wishes beyond this, and I’d be content to quietly spend the rest of my photographic life following my heart, as befits my age… Unfortunately, it seems I’m still far from achieving enlightenment; even at this stage, a faint desire for new gear occasionally rears its head.
So, right now, I’m struggling with the urge to get a compact point-and-shoot camera with a viewfinder .
Currently, I’m using my LUMIX GF10 with the Leica DG 15mm or LUMIX G 12-32mm lenses as a point-and-shoot camera. If need be, I can attach a longer lens and use it as a versatile backup camera for the S1IIE or G9 Pro II. I have no major complaints, except for one thing.
The one “major complaint” I can’t overlook is that the rear LCD is hard to see outdoors. In bright outdoor settings, I can’t really control the composition, horizon, or focus on the spot. I just have to rely on my instincts to take a few shots—thinking, “It’s roughly like this”—and hope for the best, but unfortunately, my success rate isn’t very high.
Ah, if only this camera had a viewfinder.
Is there a better solution or alternative out there somewhere?
Since the OM PEN-EP7, which also uses the MFT system, lacks a viewfinder, it’s not a viable alternative. The LUMIX G100D does have a viewfinder, but compared to the GF10, it’s a size larger, and its design no longer has that “snapshot camera” look—which is a drawback.
What if I were to consider a compact digital camera instead?
If you’re looking for a camera with a viewfinder, a sensor size of Micro Four Thirds or larger, and RAW shooting capability, candidates include the Ricoh GR IV, the Fujifilm X100VI, and the recently released LUMIX L10. The Sony RX100M7 has a 1.0-inch sensor, so I’m not sure what to make of it… but actually, there’s no need to agonize over it—in any case, all of these are very expensive, and I don’t think I can afford any of them.
It’s not so much that the GF10 mirrorless camera has fallen from grace, but rather that the prices of these “premium compact cameras” have skyrocketed to unreasonable levels… The sheer scale of this “role reversal” is so extreme that my rational mind can’t quite keep up.
So, this has turned into a long story, but to conclude: this desire smolders within me, and for the time being, I can’t see any path to fulfilling it. I’m just waiting patiently for the GF10’s successor.
Finally, here’s a haiku.
The one never comes.On the still beach at sunset,the seaweed burns for salt—and I’m burning too,with longing that won’t end. (Gon-Chunagon Teika)
