GlennInEncinitas Loc: Encinitas CA

I am looking to buy a "super-zoom" Bridge Camera and have essentially narrowed the field to the Canon sx50 (12 mp; 50x zoom) or the Nikon P510 (16 mp; 42x zoom). Does anyone have experience with both and have a recommendation? Is there a difference between shutter response speed? Image quality? I do not need RAW.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I hope this helps

CANON PowerShot SX50 HS vs NIKON COOLPIX P510
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS-vs-Nikon-P510
Winner NIKON COOLPIX P510 (100)
Runner-up CANON PowerShot SX50 HS (96)
- The why may be important to you

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

SX50 has a fully articulating LCD which eliminates glare in any situation.
SX50 has a Hot Shoe
SX50 has very good digital zoom

Have not used the P510, but I did investigate it and checked it out in stores before purchasing my SX40, and am now waiting to get the funds to buy the SX50. LOVE my SX40!

I don't put much value in 'SnapSort' reviews as they do not actually represent the quality of the results that you get.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

I had both the P510 and the SX40.

I stayed with the P510 because the controls on the back of the SX40 got in trouble with my thumb on grip and was annoying.

Sarge69

photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida

I've used both extensively and find that focus on the sx50 is faster and more accurate. The P510 tends to seek back and forth before final focus and has less zoom (42X vs 50X).
I think the noise level on the Canon is lower too, but I haven't tried to test it scientificly. Check them out at a photo store before you buy.

patcam Loc: chelmsford essex uk

Oh dear, another Canikon person, there are other BETTER cameras out there, look at Fuji xs-1, far superior build quality, and takes better pics, don't dismiss Fuji they are excellent

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I asked the same question a month ago. I was told to check out Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 it has a constant 2.8 ,but the zoom is less.

dragoncello

As others have said and as you can infer from the way owners of both seem to love them, you can't go wrong with either camera. Try them both out (or at least fondle them) in a store and see which one is more satisfying physically. Unlike Sarge, I'm a fan of the buttons on the back since I hate to resort to menus at the moment of truth. Plus I liked the feel of the SX50 in my hand better. No right answer here--you may well like the Nikon better. One good feature of the Canon (don't know if the Nikon has this, but maybe) is something they call Zoom Framing Assist. If you're zoomed out to 1200 mm or anywhere near that length, it's easy to lose your target with the slightest movement of your hand (say in pressing the zoom lever). Press what they call the Zoom Framing Assist button on the side of the lens and the lens zooms back to a selectable level, say half of that distance, so you can re-aim, and then when you let go of the button the camera zooms back out to 1200 or whatever. It's a great aid in taking the long telescopic shots. And by the way, I was surprised by how well the Image Stabilization worked at full tele. I was surprised to find that I can usually hand hold at that distance. Just to be safe, when possible--stationary object, for example, rather than wildlife--I use the standard tricks of either setting the 2-second delay so camera shake from pressing the shutter is neutralized, or setting the shutter for continuous shooting and holding the shutter so I get 2 or 3 shots off. The second is often the best, again because pressing the shutter may have caused some camera shake which gets magnified at this length. Those are common tricks, of course, that will work just as well on the Nikon.

Hunter Lou 1947 Loc: Minnesota

Sarge they have moved the control so your big thumb is not in the way anymore. I like the camera so far as they moved that button. It was in my way too. I had the SX40 and sold it to my brother-in-law and haven't had much time yet with the SX50.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

The are both good cameras buy the one that is on sale

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

I've been doing some research on both of these cameras also, and I'm leaning towards the SX50 mainly because of the RAW capability and the hotshoe.

Whichever you choose, I hope you let us know, and share your pics!!

Grandpa Loc: Sacramento, CA

How would you compare the Panasonic FZ200 to the SX50 and the P510? I am looking at the FZ200. Not as much zoom but I feel better low light capability and I like shooting in RAW.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Patcam, glad you mentioned the Fuji XS-1. That camera came out about 1 years ago. Compared to other bridge cameras, it offered better build quality, and due to a 2/3 size sensor, better IQ in most situations. However, it was no "free lunch" This better IQ came at a cost of much more weight, less reach, (0nly 600mm at the long end), and at around $850.00 on introduction, cost close to twice that of Canikon models. It was marketed towards bridge camera users willing to pay more and put up with the extra weight and reduced reach in return for more IQ, as well as would be entry DSLR buyers willing to give up a little IQ in return for the cost savings and convenience of not having a bag full of lenses. So far it seems to be selling poorly, kind of like a mid-calf skirt in a ladies' boutique that stays on the rack because it is neither short and sexy or floor length and elegant. Right now, it can be had for less than $600.00, and at that price might be worth it. If you are interested in night photography, don't bother. The pictures I have seen have been plagued by orbs.

jcgc50 Loc: AZ

I went through this same search and ended up choosing the FZ200. I have been delighted with the pictures. Shots even at full digital zoom seem excellent. Image stabilization seems great. Love the viewfinder. Find that I don't have to do much editing of the jpeg image.

I also have a Nikon Coolpix S9100 with an 18x zoom. Focusing was a constant problem. Additionally, it has had issues with the lens freezing while zoomed out putting it in for warranty repairs with Nikon 3 times. We just got it back from the last time. Following the prior returns it worked for a few weeks then developed the same problem. Nikon warranty work and delays did not make me a fan of Nikon.

I tried the P510 in the store and felt that focusing wasn't that great.

I like Canon products but have only picked up the SX50 in the store. I prefer the 1.3 megapixel viewfinder of the FZ200 over the 202K of the Canon. Have no experience with its image stabilization.

Grandpa Loc: Sacramento, CA

Thank you jcg.