Advise Inquiry About Camera Purchase SLR Zoom: With a teen daughter interested in Photography, I was looking at Canon and Nikon; however, on the Nikon P520 and Canon x50 zoom, I keep...

mariaroche

With a teen daughter interested in Photography, I was looking at
Canon and Nikon; however, on the Nikon P520 and Canon x50 zoom, I keep getting info. about their limitations.

We can spend perhaps up to $400 max.; I see the P520 for $244, for example, but I'm worried about good value for the beginning photographer and probably a forgiving camera so she's not discouraged with results.

Dennis Hassler
Gold Canyon, AZ
dhassler@logichouse.com

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

mariaroche wrote:

With a teen daughter interested in Photography, I was looking at
Canon and Nikon; however, on the Nikon P520 and Canon x50 zoom, I keep getting info. about their limitations.

We can spend perhaps up to $400 max.; I see the P520 for $244, for example, but I'm worried about good value for the beginning photographer and probably a forgiving camera so she's not discouraged with results.

Dennis Hassler
Gold Canyon, AZ
dhassler@logichouse.com

Either camera will let her get a good start and feel for photography. The SX50 will allow her to add a HotShoe flash for better results, plus can save in 'raw' format when she gets to that point, and can connect a remote release.

Use the Search function at the top of the page and enter "SX50" and look at the results.

Regis Loc: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

I would recommend a Tamron 28-300mm zoom w/ stabilizer. I have this one and I use this great lens all the time. However, the price is above $400. I did see one at a
price (new) just over $400. Generally they sell over $500 so this may be out of your price range. Great lens.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Maria, the Nikon P520 is a lot of camera for the money. I can't imagine a teenager wanting to get involved with photography that wouldn't love it. ;)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Howdy. Your title says SLR so you're going to get some confusing answers :)

The Canon SX50 and Nikon P520 are bridge cameras, not SLR's: their lenses can not be removed. As mentioned already, there are many super-happy owners of the SX50 on UHH!

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Linda From Maine wrote:

Howdy. Your title says SLR so you're going to get some confusing answers :)

IMO. The Canon SX50 and Nikon P520 are bridge cameras, not SLR's: their lenses can not be removed. As mentioned already, there are many super-happy owners of the SX50 on UHH!

The Canon SX50 is a terrific choice. Search Canon SX50 here on the Hog and you WILL be impressed. Check Linda's posts and you will see what I mean. The many features are impressive, a 1200mm optical zoom up to 2400mm digital zoom fixed lens (which eliminates the need for a pelethera of optional lenses), shooting in Raw format, etc. All for around $369 or less. All you would need is a memory card and you are ready to go. Your daughter can shoot on auto for a while and then experiment with the manual capabilities. Many here are leaving their more expensive heavy cumbersome DSLR's at home and favoring the SX50. :thumbup:

ggttc Loc: TN

what he said...

You'll find many very experienced and not so experienced photographers that are more than happy with the SX50 here on UHH.

Most importantly its a camera that she can grow into...and follow the curve from full auto to full manual...in other words she wont outrun the capablilities next month.

And the zoom is just plain amazing.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

ggttc wrote:

what he said...

You'll find many very experienced and not so experienced photographers that are more than happy with the SX50 here on UHH.

Most importantly its a camera that she can grow into...and follow the curve from full auto to full manual...in other words she wont outrun the capablilities next month.

And the zoom is just plain amazing.

Amen, brother! Amen! I'm in no hurry. I still have to learn how to turn on my T5i but the SX60 is on my list...whenever. :thumbup:

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

While it is a nice camera, the Canon SX-50 does have limitations , just like any other camera. Knowing those limitations & being able to work with those limitations is key to good images...DP Review always has good reviews. I have linked to the Canon review below. You might use the "side by side" review of different cameras you are considering to see the differences & help with your selection...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx50-hs

schuchmn

Another choice would be one of the mirrorless systems. When I don't want to haul the DSLRs around, I use a Panasonic G3. The system has flashes and can use all of the m4/3 lenses. The current version is the G6, which is pricey, but the G5 with the kit zoom is about $400.

BTW, at PhotoPlus Expo, I was talking to a Panasonic rep. I pointed out that the G3, G5, G6 and GX7 all seemed to use the same 16MP sensor and I asked how different they really were in terms of IQ. His answer was basically, "Not very".

GaryI Loc: NY & Fla

I've had the Nikon P500, and now use the Canon SX50 (because it shoots in raw and had better bracketing). Both are excellent, especially for a beginner. Both have their plusses. If she's a beginner, the Nikon had better continuous shooting modes for sports and birds.

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

Spend 45bux on a Canon AE-1 and 50mm FD and force her to actually learn. :P

Canon SX50 or whatever.

gessman Loc: Colorado

mariaroche wrote:

With a teen daughter interested in Photography, I was looking at
Canon and Nikon; however, on the Nikon P520 and Canon x50 zoom, I keep getting info. about their limitations.

We can spend perhaps up to $400 max.; I see the P520 for $244, for example, but I'm worried about good value for the beginning photographer and probably a forgiving camera so she's not discouraged with results.

Dennis Hassler
Gold Canyon, AZ

dhassler@logichouse.com

I would seriously doubt that a beginner would advance so rapidly that they would discover the limitations in the 520 or the SX50 for quite some time, maybe never. Without a basis for comparison, limitations are never recognized. When the user advances to the point that they can intelligently discuss the features, they'll be able to recognize when they need more equipment. Until then, they will be challenged way beyond their belief. There is no end to photography and the learning never stops.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

gessman wrote:

I would seriously doubt that a beginner would adva... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Screamin Scott wrote:

While it is a nice camera, the Canon SX-50 does have limitations , just like any other camera. Knowing those limitations & being able to work with those limitations is key to good images...DP Review always has good reviews. I have linked to the Canon review below. You might use the "side by side" review of different cameras you are considering to see the differences & help with your selection...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx50-hs

Scott, I agree. There are limitations such as sensor and physical lens size. It sure is a lot of bang for the buck though. In the future with the speed of technological advancements we will see a bridge camera with a large sensor and a fixed lens similar to the interchangeables with super zoom capabilities. Of course the mfgs want to sell lenses and not make decisions that would be detrimental to their total sales volume.