amehta Loc: Boston

I can't out-fangirl Sharpshooter. :lol:

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Canon 50D refurbed (Adorama have a used 40D for $194 right now - for a first DSLR these are a good camera)
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM
Canon 50mm F/1.8

cntry Loc: Colorado

Or you could be a rebel and check out the Sony A77... it tied with the Canon 7D, and $200 less.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-70D-vs-Sony-A77

The A77 came in close behind the Nikon D7100 and is $300 less.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Sony-A77

The 16-50mm f2.8 kit lens with the Sony A77 is absolutely to die for! Amazon has the kit for $1400, but you can probably do better as the A77II is due in a month or so. Check your local camera store, mine had a $300 instant rebate on the A77 body only or kit when I was in there last week.
You can also get the kit with a 18-135mm lens for $1100. Sony bought out Minolta and all Sony A-Mount cameras (like the A77) will also accept Minolta A-Mount lenses.

I have the A65, one step lower, and it rated a 71 to the Canon 7D's 76 and it's $800 less than the Canon. And the A65 is 24.3mp compared to the Canon at 17.9. Read the specs, you might be surprised... Buy the A65 body only and get the 16-50mm F2.8 to go with it.

Keep in mind, it doesn't matter how many lenses a system offers as long as they have the ones you need/want.

Go to a camera store that carries ALL the brands, not just Canon and Nikon, and pick up and play with each. See which feels best to you. How does it fit your hands? How's the weight feel? Is it something you would be comfortable carrying for a long period of time? Check out the menu system, does it make sense? I have never used a Canon but I have used a Nikon and can tell you from experience that the Sony menu system is much more newbie friendly. While you're at the store, give the micro 4/3's a look as well. I've seen several on here that have the Olympus and love it. Here's a comparison of one of the names I remember...
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_7D-vs-Olympus-OM-D-E-M1

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

[quote=cntry]Or you could be a rebel and check out the Sony A77... it tied with the Canon 7D, and $200 less.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-70D-vs-Sony-A77

The A77 came in close behind the Nikon D7100 and is $300 less.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Sony-A77

Downside of the A77 is that it has a digital viewfinder, not everyone likes them. My experience is that a true DSLR with an optical system is a lot nicer to shoot under most conditions. The D7100 is a very good camera and would be my choice over the 70D based on it's superior image quality.

cntry Loc: Colorado

[quote=Gobuster]


Personally, I love the EVF on my A65. It has proven to be one of the best learning tools, I can see what each setting change does to the picture. I can read about something all day but until I actually see it, it doesn't sink in. The EVF may not show what the camera sees, but it shows me what my picture will look like, and for me that's more important. A quick check of the specs of the OP's current SX50 shows an electronic viewfinder so the OP is familiar with the EVF used on the Sony's.

I strongly encourage the OP to go to a camera store and compare cameras to find what it best for them.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

The way forward is a Sony, ignore Sharp shooter Canon are behind Sony in inovations as for having 50% of the market,just a sharp shooter joke, as cntry said go to a camera shop and try them all

Jackdoor Loc: Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

If you've not decided yet, don't forget to have a look at the 16 megapixel micro 4/3 system. Small, good lenses, 90% of the image quality of Nikon/Canon but with huge advantages in convenience. I now only use FF if that extra 10% is needed, or in low light.
If you're set on Canon/Nikon, look at factory refurbished bodies and lenses.
Good luck!

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

I use the Canon 70D with EF-s 18-135 lens. This lens rarely leaves the camera and is great for most situations, unless you want to photograph birds. Be aware that this camera is heavier than your SX-50 and you should check it out at local camera store and see how it feels in your hand.

pikeman34 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa

I had a decision just like this a couple weeks ago. It kept me up many nights. The more I read the more confused I got. I settled on what I believe was the best decision I could make.. I bought a Nikon d5300 and ordered it with a 15-140 lens and also purchased a 55-300 lens. The whole purchase was around 1350.00. All I can tell you is that I love it and am very happy I did this. I am now retired and am taking an online course I found on Groupon and will also take a night course at my local Community College, so I can learn to be able to take it off the auto setting. Good luck in your decision....

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

Buffylou,

First of all, welcome to the Hog!!!

Secondly, I'm going to do my broken record impersonation & suggest that you look at the Sony mirrorless CSCs (Compact System Cameras). I just pre-ordered the A6000 from B&HPhotoVideo for $650.00 (body only). I already have an NEX-7 & quite a few lenses for it. Sony has partnered with Zeiss to produce some truly outstanding glass. The A6000 is also sold with a Sony 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 optically stabilized zoom for about $800.00 which leaves you with another $800.00 for lenses, etc.

The A6000 is basically an NEX-6 with super fast AF & an 11fps burst fire rate. It accomplishes this with 179 phase detection points that cover about 92% of the view along with 25 contrast detection points. When tracking a moving subject, focus lock takes about 0.06"!!! The Bionz X chip & new 24 MP APS-C sensor produce DSLR IQ in a much smaller, lighter package.

http://m.dpreview.com/previews/sony-alpha-a6000/2

http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Sony-A6000-sensor-review-Little-wonder

http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Sony-A6000-sensor-review-Little-wonder

Good Luck!

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

Canon 70D... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1012806-REG/canon_eos_70d_digital_camera_18_135mm.html

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

You may also check out the 7D, as it has a better AF system (you like to shoot your hard to catch cat).

seymour

Save money- buy the 50D or 60D used with low
shutter clicks- Canon lens are excellent-
The 50mm- f1.8 is about $100.00 on e-bay Good value
VERY sharp lens-
If you like the camera and system- you can always sell
what you have and update-

I am conservative- i bought Canons 20d, 30D. 40d
and am now using 50D

Ive had a lot f fun for little $$$- Good luck with whatever you
choose- Its a great hobby

Seymour

seymour

Save money- buy the 50D or 60D used with low
shutter clicks- Canon lens are excellent-
The 50mm- f1.8 is about $100.00 on e-bay Good value
VERY sharp lens-
If you like the camera and system- you can always sell
what you have and update-

I am conservative- i bought Canons 20d, 30D. 40d
and am now using 50D

Ive had a lot f fun for little $$$- Good luck with whatever you
choose- Its a great hobby

Seymour

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

The 7d would be an excellent choice, BUT, at this stage in its life I would NOT buy it either new or refurbed. It's just too old. Very nice used ones abound for less than $650!! At that, it's a great camera. ;-)
SS