Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I remember several others commenting they owned the Canon SX-50, but can't remember just who it was. I have one (on trial), and I like most features about it, especially the 50x zoom. Focal lengths starting at 24mm and up. My complaint: I seem to get quite noticeable distortion with that much wide angle setting. Do you (owners of same) find this to be true? Even using an 18mm lens, (naturally on a different camera), I haven't noticed such extreme distortion. Wondering if that's the price we pay for such an extreme zoom? Comments welcome. How do you like your SX-50 otherwise? Any pros and cons you wish to share? Thanks for any replies.
Papa Joe

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Haven't noticed distortion (yet) but have been mostly using the zoom. Here is a recent thread from the MANY happy users of this amazing camera! You can click on the user names of individuals who posted to see their photos.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-117792-1.html

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Thanks Linda, great comments by others, and a bit more encouraging. I'm (practically) sold on keeping it. I guess I'll have to learn to steer away from extreme wide angle shots unless absolutely necessary. I found the distortion to be quite evident, but all the other features of this camera are amazing! I have much more to learn about it, but in time I may be adept enough to deliver a good shot or two:o)

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

That is not a particularly unusual effect to get from such a large zoom range, but it can vary greatly from camera to camera. Is this a store loaner or a private party? If it's a store, return it, explain the problem and ask to try another. All in all, it's a remarkable camera.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Haven't noticed that problem IF I make sure to keep horizon level, etc. It doesn't take much "tipping" to really make the distortion show up, but it really isn't much different than any wide angle lens that isn't held perfectly straight. Are you sure you don't have the "fisheye" effect selected??

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Thanks Warhawk and Mogul, for your input. I purchased the camera from a local retail store brand new. I realize wide-angle lenses will 'distort' somewhat, but I thought, for a 24mm it was in excess. Possibly I'm wrong. I guess I should compare against someone elese's comperable lens, eh? (Also, would a 24mm wide angle lens that built into such a tremendous zoom lens, automatically have more paralax distortion, than a dedicated 24mm lens?.. Just curious.)
Aside from this fact, I've found no real 'con's' about the camera. One thing that took some getting used to is, especially when picking the camera up, was to avoid accidentally hitting any one of the several buttons on the right side of the camera. Might be my clumsy fingers, but I soon 'trained' myself to avoid doing this. There are so many great features built into this machine that I'm willing to overlook this one, not so great feature.. so far, I love it!

ggttc Loc: TN

I got the sx 50 for several reasons.

*The zoom is amazing
*RAW
*Remote shutter release
*Articulating LCD
*Lightweight

Like many others here I bought it for birding and wildlife and I have not had much experience with the 24mm side of the lens.

icram2

Quote:-----"One thing that took some getting used to is, especially when picking the camera up, was to avoid accidentally hitting any one of the several buttons on the right side of the camera."


Yes, that movie button immediately adjacent to the thumb rest still gets me. Great location if you're into movies, but for still shots, where I suppose most of the use is, it's poorly laid out. I'm thinking of taping some stiff plastic over it.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I'm not sure what you mean by parallax distortion. Parallax distortion is the difference between what you see and what the lens sees. It is most common on rangefinder and twin lens reflex cameras. With an electronic viewfinder and live view mode on the LCD, there should be no parallax problem. Are you saying that (assuming at 24mm), you are not seeing the same image your sensor is capturing? Do you see less or more? In either case, the sensor and/or lens are not optically synchronized and that is a serious fault. Could you please post a picture, taken at 24mm, that illustrates your problem. I agree that the SX-50 is a great camera; let's just make sure your sample does not have a flaw.

Below are two sites that will define parallax better than I explained it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallax

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parallax

fred meyers Loc: San Diego, Cal.

to be practical, use a wide angle only on a tripod, stopping down, make real sure everything is leveled off.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Hi Mogul,
Thanks for the correction. Of course, you are correct in your definition. I should have used the term 'keystone distortion'. (Where straight, vertical lines appear slanted, usually outward at the top).
I've learned, with the SX-50 to increase the zoom just a 'tad' away from the maximum wide angle setting, and it seems to do a better job. Actually most of the distortion can be corrected in Elements, but I was just curious if others who own this camera have also noticed this. Thanks for your comment....
I didn't save one of the photos I spoke of, as they were just tests.