buying for my family

hi there
i was asked by a family member for a recommendation of a pocket camera WITH a view finder - preferably optical....
quality - medium and up. For snap shots primarily.

Many thanks for any directions.....

The only two valid 'compact' cameras with an optical viewfinder are the Canon G12 and the Nikon P7000.
Since the P7000 is 'nothing to write home about', and the G12 is one the greatest compact cameras ever made, your recommendation is easily narrowed down.

thanks for the ideas. i will pass them on.

If she would give up the idea of the viewfinder, which one would you suggest? From what i read (also on your super excellent site) the xz-1, LX5 and the s95 are the top contenders.....

Thanks for the compliments.
The LX5 and XZ-1 both have an optional external viewfinder. They are also both smaller than the G12 and are far better in low light situations.
The S95 is a gem of a compact camera, but has not viewfinder.

To sum up - If an external viewfinder is an option, then the XZ-1 comes in first place (although at a high price), then the LX5.
The LX5 has a wider lens, but a shorter zoom.
The G12, like I previously wrote, is a truly excellent camera - pure fun to work with.
It doesn't have the f/2.0 aperture all the rest of the cameras mentioned here do,
but still holds its own when lights are dim.

In terms of video - the LX5 has no stereo sound recording and the G12 (like the S95) has no optical zoom during video.
The XZ-1 has both. whether that's worth an extra $100, plus the cost of the external VF? That's up for you (your family member) to decide.

compliments are meant and deserved.

and thanks for the info. I haven't been in the market for a camera of this class for many years and your site and the info here has really helped. Now the decision is up to my family member....but I thank you very much.