Cameras with waist level finders

[Andrew Bichard]

Late this year, I hope to buy a digital replacement for my Canon T90 SLR.

My problem is that I have a disability that makes it increasingly difficult to lift an SLR up to eye level to frame a shot.

I have been following recent camera reviews, and it seems that the Olympus Evolt 330 is currently the only SLR that can be used like a twin lens reflex with the camera resting on my lap, looking down to a viewfinder.

The only alternative seems to be the Sony DSC-R1 which is almost an SLR.

Any comments on these two cameras, or any alternatives I havn't thought of.

I would say that 85% of all photos I take would be in the 28mm to 70mm (35mm equvalent) range, so extremes of zoom range are not vital.

My hope is that I can continue to use my T90 for the rare shots I need to take outside this range by buying a Zigview digital viewfinder. (I have an excellent 17mm rectilinear lens for the T90 that I use ocassionally). Has anyone used a Zigview?

Andrew

 

[Ratpack]

Actually I saw the other day that a company is making a small LCD that fits onto the viewfinder of DSLRs allowing you to use that to frame your shot. Just wish I could remember where I saw it. I will look through my magazines and see if I see it again and if so I will post the info here for you.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Actually I saw the other day that a company is making a small LCD that fits onto the viewfinder of DSLRs allowing you to use that to frame your shot. Just wish I could remember where I saw it. I will look through my magazines and see if I see it again and if so I will post the info here for you.

I think you mean the Zigview http://www.zigview.co.uk/ Provided no-one tells me it is rubbish, I intend to buy one so that I can get a few more years out of my T90 and its lenses. I have a 17mm rectilinear lens which I use ocasionally for interior shots on the T90. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to get an equivalent lens for a digital SLR, so I expect to be using the T90 for a while yet.

Andrew

 

[Ratpack]

That would be the one. I just found it on Ebay.

Zigview