clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

I have observed, in looking at the the postings, that a lot of photos are taken with the SX50 and very few taken with the SX60. I am curious whether the SX60 does not have the performance of the previous SX50 model and therefore is not as popular. I am thinking about getting a 50 or 60 so I am asking for opinions. Thanks in advance for the help.

JPL

I have seen some online reviews stating that you gain nothing over the SX50 in the SX60 in regards of image quality.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

This is my opinion concerning these two cameras after owning them.

The image quality is better on the SX50 than the SX60. They probably should have stayed with the 12MP sensor instead of jumping to the 16MP sensor.

The SX60 has a much better electronic viewfinder, more telephoto, wider wide angle, improved auto focus, and improved video features. I like the way the SX60 handles and feels in my hands but the SX50 wins on image quality. I keep hoping that there will be a firmware fix for the IQ on the SX60.

When images are viewed at 100%, the SX50 images look cleaner. The images from the SX60 (especially at the high end of the zoom) look like there is a lot of digital interpolation- could be image compression or perhaps digital zoom combined with the optical zoom. I say this because of the strange patterns that I see in the raw files. Over 95% of the time, I shoot in the raw format so I should not have any of the digital zoom artifacts present. The full optical zoom of the SX60 has image artifacts that look similar to the image artifacts on the SX50 using the 2x teleconverter.

I think the SX50 is a much better camera for the money that the SX60.

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Thanks Harold, that is the kind of information I am looking for. The SX50 as a refurb has a good looking price.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

In addition to great color depth and Image Quality, what has impressed me most about the SX50 is it's quick, accurate focus. Bought mine as a refurb direct from Canon for $179. It worked (after charging the battery) right out of the box. The menus are (mostly) intuitive and the control layout is uncomplicated. I would recommend it to anyone.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Having owned both, then reading an article on the Nikon P600 (where the photo quality won over both the others, hands down), I decided to buy my first Nikon, and got a second version on Amazon.com. I've never gone back. It doesn''t have the range of the Canon models, but IQ is superior in every respect. So much so that I'm waiting to take delivery on a Nikon P900 to see if it held its value while increasing its range.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

There are also a lot more SX50's out there than SX60's. That has been helped along by the greatly reduced price Canon has offered from time to time on refurbed units. I know because I bought one for $179.

bee7474 Loc: Selah, Wa

I have both and I am with Haroldross the SX50 gives a little better picture, but due to age and health problens I really need to work with a tripod to give a good opinion. The 60 is larger so might work better in larger hands, but for now I am sticking with the 50. Looking forward to quality opinions.

viscountdriver Loc: East Kent UK

I have the P610 which has a better range than the Canon and I find easier to use. No Raw though, not that it bothers me.

RicknJude Loc: Quebec, Canada

The SX50 was so good nobody needs to upgrade. :D

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Fine, concise review, Harold. Well done.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Clixpix, one possible answer may be that the '50' is much older and more folks have it compared to the '60'.... just a thought. I love my '50', (and it can be purchased for a much lower amount now if budget is a consideration.)

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Thanks to all who responded. You all have given good information and plenty to consider. I will check out the Canon refurb store and what is going on. I sometimes use my wife's SX40 and I like the size and weight a lot.

foodie65

I bought a refurbished SX 50 from Canon recently ($179); as one responder replied, after charging the battery, it was ready to go and I have not been disappointed.

JimEaco

you made me look...
I considered the Canon Powershot G16 a good lightweight carry around option.
SX 50 & SX60 in same price range; I had to go see the differences:
G16 has a larger sensor
SX50 & SX60 have same size sensor but 60 has more pixels.
The SX bodies optical zoom is WAY more than the G series.
Max Aperture on G bodies is much wider.

But to your question: the difference;
SX60 more pixels plus Wi-Fi
ON a quick look, that is the difference.

Sorry I cannot talk to IQ, from personal experience. But for all practical purposes, I would say that if you do not need the Wi-Fi, go with the 50 and an extra $100 retained in your pocket.

On the other hand; if your viewers will be examining your photography with a magnifying glass or zooming in to extremes on a monitor to determine if they like your subject matter, composition and technique... LOL tell them to get a life!