Do we still need a viewfinder? We asked you what you think about screen-only cameras — here's what you told us | Tech Radar

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Do we still need a viewfinder? We asked you what you think about screen-only cameras — here's what you told us

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Ah, the viewfinder, a humble camera feature well-loved by photographers (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Gareth Bevan)

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Is it just me, or are there more viewfinder-less cameras these days? We’re certainly seeing more video-focused hybrid models, which arguably have less need for such a feature as cameras for keen photographers do.

These vlogging-style cameras include the Fujifilm X-M5, Sony ZV-E1, Sigma BF, Nikon ZR, Canon EOS R50V and Panasonic Lumix S9. And then there’s the curious case of Panasonic’s recent Lumix ZS300 / TZ300, a travel zoom compact camera that replaced the discontinued Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 from 2018.

The new model adds USB-C charging to the original’s mega 15x optical zoom and 1-inch sensor of the original but, you guessed it, the viewfinder has been removed. It was exactly the same story for a prior Panasonic compact camera launched in 2024 — the Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 (which updated the Lumix ZS80 / TZ95).

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Designing cameras without a viewfinder because they are video focused is one thing, but removing a viewfinder in a photo-centric travel camera really begs the question – are cameras and the way we use them evolving?

I pondered this question at the time of the Lumix release — whether removing the viewfinder was a cost-cutting exercise (despite the meaty price tag of each new camera), or a reflection on how people use cameras in 2026? Or perhaps both are true.

Are we becoming more reliant on screens? Is the humble viewfinder on its way out? I turned to you, our readers, for your thoughts.

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Would you buy a camera without a viewfinder? That’s the question I posed to Tech Radar readers on our Whats App channel, and you can see the responses in the image above after 24 hours of voting.

'No I need one' was the clear winner with 437 of the 951 votes, followed by it 'Depends on the camera', which in turn with 260 votes received more votes than 'Yes I'm fine without it' and 'Don't care either way' combined.

If I were to have just one vote, it would be that ‘it depends on the camera’, because I don’t necessarily need a viewfinder for every camera.

For example, my Ricoh GR IIIX point-and-shoot compact doesn’t have one, but because I often shoot from the hip with it I don’t necessarily see the need for one (a tilt screen rather than the fixed screen it has would be welcome, though.)

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A viewfinder would also be tiny in such a camera, and potentially of limited use – I liked the viewfinder in the original Lumix ZS200 / TZ200, but the display wasn’t exactly the brightest, biggest or most detailed.

The Nikon ZR, above, is one of a wave of new vlogging-style cameras that doesn't feature a viewfinder (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

But most people voted that every camera they use needs a viewfinder. I’d be inclined to agree if mirrorless cameras were the only kind I used, and I was solely a photographer, but I’m not sure that’s true of everyone who voted for that option.

So what's the big deal about viewfinders? Well, they really come into their own when you’re shooting photos in bright light and the LCD display is otherwise hard to see, whatever the type of camera.

There’s also something to be said for how a viewfinder affects your shooting technique. When you hold a camera at arm’s length to compose a photo using its screen, it’s less stable than when you bring it up to your eye, elbows tucked to your body. You're more likely to get stable shots bringing the camera to your eye, no matter how effective a camera's stabilization is.

The Lumix ZS300, above, and there's no viewfinder in the top left above the screen, unlike its predecessor, the Lumix ZS200 (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Stability is certainly important for a travel zoom compact like the Lumix ZS300, which has a 24-360mm zoom range – you’ll need the steadiest hand possible when maxing out the 15x zoom.

Am I disappointed that Panasonic has ‘downgraded’ its new Lumix compacts by removing the viewfinder? Yes! Especially since it hasn’t utilized the extra space for new features, there’s just more plastic.

It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, and I enjoyed my hands-on experience with the new model – see my Lumix ZS300 review – if only there were other upgrades to compensate, such as a tilt screen.

But that's just one example. Did you vote in the poll on Whats App? Do you have experience with both types of cameras — with and without a viewfinder? How important is a viewfinder to you? You can still have your say by participating in the poll and commenting below!

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Tim is the Cameras editor at Tech Radar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

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• Do we still need a viewfinder