Canon powershot SX 50

[Mrs.Skellington]

Does anyone have any experience with this type of super long zoom point and shoot? I really don't think I am ready for multiple lenses just something that takes nice pictures, shoots in RAW, and easy to carry and use. With 5 kids, I already carry enough in the parks. I just want something other than an old point and shoot or my iPhone to take pictures with.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Does anyone have any experience with this type of super long zoom point and shoot? I really don't think I am ready for multiple lenses just something that takes nice pictures, shoots in RAW, and easy to carry and use. With 5 kids, I already carry enough in the parks. I just want something other than an old point and shoot or my iPhone to take pictures with.

I personally don't... but here are my 2 cents. That camera leaves the "portable" class, as in you aren't sticking that in a pants pocket.

So depending on your budget you have plenty of options. Personally, the zoom on these cameras are pretty bad. Have you considered a mirrorless system like a Sony NEX 6?

Sony NEX 6

It's double the cost of the Canon but it's double the performance IMHO.

PS, they are pretty damn light and are barely noticeable on a strap.

 

[gsrjedi]

Before I got my NEX, I used a Canon S2 which was similar to the SX50. ddbowdoin in right in that it isn't that portable, if a local electronics store has one definitely check it out and see how it feels to you. The image quality should be fine especially if the pictures are mainly going to be viewed on your monitor or printed to 4x6/5x7 sizes. A mirrorless camera with the kit lens will actually be about the same size, but won't have anywhere near the level of zoom and the weight and size (& cost) increase a lot if you go with one of their "superzoom" lenses.

Maybe give the SX280 (or older but with the same lens SX260) or the new SX600 from Canon a look. They won't shoot RAW, and will only zoom about half as much as the SX50, but are much smaller.


Flickr has a camera explore tool that lets you see photos taken with a specific camera. Can be useful to give you an idea as to how a camera can perform.

 

[Mrs.Skellington]

I've jumped on the NEX bandwagon. Ordered mine yesterday after taking you guys advice and going to a camera store and holding both. The NEX is a lot lighter even with the additional lens. I'm really happy with the quality of pictures of that over the canon. Thanks so much for the advise. I'm sure I will be very happy for years to come with this one.

 

[ddbowdoin]

I've jumped on the NEX bandwagon. Ordered mine yesterday after taking you guys advice and going to a camera store and holding both. The NEX is a lot lighter even with the additional lens. I'm really happy with the quality of pictures of that over the canon. Thanks so much for the advise. I'm sure I will be very happy for years to come with this one.

In digital, bigger sensor paired with better glass always wins. Good choice