Surf and Sand

[olivia]

I have a 20D and a nice lens for my regular photography. I am not willing to take it to the beach because of sand and moisture. I've had an old G2 that I used for the beach, but now it has gone to the camera graveyard.

So...I need to get something new. I prefer a viewfinder because I just can't hold one of those small things steady enough to get a clear shot...need to hold it against my face for support it....senior citizen lack of steadiness.

Is there anything you would recommend that would fill the purpose of minimal worry about sand and moisure (I don't intend to take it underwater) that is less significant than the G10? I'm pretty careful and don't want to go overboard (no pun intended) to get casual photos of the grandkids at the beach.

Thanks for your advice.

[gjl711]

Well there is the Canon Pawershot. It's waterproof and sand proof. :)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021805canond10.asp

[olivia]

That's a cutie and I might look like a teenager, that is, if I can get it away from the grandkids. :-) I've read reviews that's it's a fine camera, but no viewfinder.

Are there any cameras left with viewfinders that don't fall in the "almost professional" category? I really don't want to carry something heavy around that cost over $500 just to get good shots at the beach. Conflicting objectives?

[tkbslc]

The SD1200 is a pretty nice little camera or the SD1100 is last years model. The viewfinders are pretty tiny, but they work. I think you can find an SD1100 for close to $125 if anyone has some in stock.

[Jon]

The A1000 offers a viewfinder; it's only really got "full auto", so if you like controlling shutter or aperture directly it's not for you. If you can find one, the A590's well thought of, and has M, Tv and Av capabilities. The more expensive SD990 also offers manual mode. I'd be inclined to avoid the SD models around the beach just because they're so small; it may be paranoia, but I figure that the smaller the device, the more vulnerable it will be to a little sand as the parts will also tend to be smaller.

[olivia]

Thanks everyone. I'll check those out.