Which camera, the Canon a1100is or the Fuji s1500?

I am a old film using, SLR user who's not taken an SLR picture in 30 years. I've been using an old point and shoot 35mm. Now, I want a digital with a viewfinder. (All LCD's go dark when you put the sun behind you, as it should be.) I've narrowed my choices to the Canon A1100is and the Fuji S1500. Digitalcamera.com rates the A1000is (same model but earlier to the A1100is) and the S1500 as A-. In my photo situations it is hot and dusty. Which camera is most portable and can stand up to these conditions best? Any suggestions for cameras in this price range and has a viewfinder would be appreciated. (I don't understand why camera makers are making the viewfinder extinct, but not improving LDC's. I guess they all want to go out of business. What's the point of a camera you can't use?)BW

Well the A1000 is going to be more portable as it has a smaller zoom. But will it operate in warm and dusty conditions over the long term? Have you looked at the Olympus SW line? It's very robust in that it can take a drop from 5 feet, extremes in temperature, and even as deep as 33' underwater in some models. For extreme weather conditions, I think it's a better bet.

But given the two, it comes down to zoom vs. compact portability. Since you've mentioned the most portable as a criteria, I think that leaves the A1100is.

As for why is the viewfinder going the by wayside ... camera companies seem to think larger LCDs are better. But in my mind, the only thing the larger LCD really does is drain your battery faster. I too prefer the viewfinder.