Panasonic Lummox FZ200 or Canon Powershot SX50 HS: Unless I am missing something in my research on Bridge Cameras I have narrowed the choice down to Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or Canon...

caknutsen Loc: Seattle, WA

Unless I am missing something in my research on Bridge Cameras I have narrowed the choice down to Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or Canon Powershot SX50 HS. I would have included the Nikon Coolpix P510 but it does not shoot in Raw.

So before I head out and buy one of these I thought I would get your thoughts.

Let me know

Thanks

caknutsen Loc: Seattle, WA

caknutsen wrote:

Unless I am missing something in my research on Bridge Cameras I have narrowed the choice down to Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or Canon Powershot SX50 HS. I would have included the Nikon Coolpix P510 but it does not shoot in Raw.

So before I head out and buy one of these I thought I would get your thoughts.

Let me know

Thanks

And if someone could tell me how to correct Lummox in the title that would be great!

sbesaw Loc: Boston

caknutsen wrote:

Unless I am missing something in my research on Bridge Cameras I have narrowed the choice down to Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or Canon Powershot SX50 HS. I would have included the Nikon Coolpix P510 but it does not shoot in Raw.

So before I head out and buy one of these I thought I would get your thoughts.

Let me know

Thanks

And if someone could tell me how to correct Lummox in the title that would be great!

I have played with and shot both extensively. I would go with the Lumix. Much better low light, exceptional video,

Edit title box is on left side of screen below and left of Title

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Depends on which is more important to you, the faster lens for low-light situations or the extra reach of the SX50 which would make me take the SX50 any day since it is also quite a bit less expensive.

caknutsen Loc: Seattle, WA

sbesaw wrote:

I have played with and shot both extensively. I would go with the Lumix. Much better low light, exceptional video,

Edit title box is on left side of screen below and left of Title

Thanks, I have been leaning that direction, I guess I have a hard time leaving the reach of the SX50.

Edit option must not show on iPad.

caknutsen Loc: Seattle, WA

Wahawk wrote:

Depends on which is more important to you, the faster lens for low-light situations or the extra reach of the SX50 which would make me take the SX50 any day since it is also quite a bit less expensive.

See that's my problem is leaving that reach, as strange as it may sound the $100 or so delta between the two I don't care about. And if Nikon would have used their head and had Raw it would be a no brainier.

Thanks

sbesaw Loc: Boston

[quote=Wahawk]Depends on which is more important to you, the faster lens for low-light situations or the extra reach of the SX50 which would make me take the SX50 any day since it is also quite a bit less expensive.[/quote

Agreed. For myself I see far less need to shoot over 600mm (usually need a tripod for sharp shots over that) than I do for low light capabilities (inside gyms, concert halls, night ball games, etc). That is where the 2.8 fixed Leica Lens shines. I have read many times on hear from very smart people that it's about the lens and I believe it.

If budget is and issue than clearly the Canon is a less costly solution. The Lumix , while while more costly $399 vs $599, is a fixed 2.8. Kinda like why Canon 70-200mm f4 is $1,149 while Canon 70-200 2.8 is $2,099.

Ask youself, What do I find myself needing more often, more reach beyond 600mm or more light?

caknutsen Loc: Seattle, WA

Okay, got the push I needed. Now to find the best deal on the FZ200, I only wish it had GPS, there is most likely an aftermarket one available.

Thanks for your input.

stryvya Loc: Camborne, Cornwall

Just my observation

I had a Panasonic FZ45, which I struggled with (if you know what I mean) Got a Canon SX40 and love it, it all makes sense now.

So if you are new to a better Bridge Camera it may be worth going to the Canon

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

I just bought the Lumix!!! Love it. :) I am waiting in the lens's to attach as we speak. So far it is awesome. I used it for Christmas pic. You won't be sorry.

Cheryl

patcam Loc: chelmsford essex uk

yes you are missing something! look at Fuji hs30 or better still Fuji xs1. both better build quality, i have owned Canon sx40 good but Fuji is better, i have been taking photos for 50+ years and have owned several Canon dslr's, but my best photos are from Fujihs30, it is also cheaper!

allan catt Loc: gillingham,kent,uk

Go for the Lumix,look at www.depreview.com maybe .co.uk

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Panasonic's strong suit has never been it's higher ISOs. Not sure if the FZ200 follows that trend or not. But I do know 2 things about the Canon SX50. It has an exceptional range AND is reputed to be excellent at both focal length extremes, tele and wide. Also it does an equally exceptional job at higher ISOs. So this may make up for the faster glass of the Panny.

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

Bob, my Avatar is with my Lumix. It was all the way out.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

caknutsen wrote:

Unless I am missing something in my research on Bridge Cameras I have narrowed the choice down to Panasonic Lumix FZ200 or Canon Powershot SX50 HS. I would have included the Nikon Coolpix P510 but it does not shoot in Raw.

So before I head out and buy one of these I thought I would get your thoughts.

Let me know

Thanks

This may start a war but here is my opinion.

Go and try out the three cameras. See which one feels the best in your hand. Check out the controls, the zoom, and things like how responsive it is.

RAW on the small sensors is highly over rated. I would not rule out the Nikon just because it does not shoot in RAW.

Each of the three cameras have their advantages and disadvantages and you would probably be pleased with any of these cameras as long as you understand their limitations. Bridge cameras are not going to give you DSLR image quality, fast auto focus, and such. They are a nice compromise in that they are lighter, smaller and you don't have to carry and switch out lens for different shots. For most people, the bridge cameras are just what they need. The are not a mini-DSLR by a long shot.