jliane Loc: Washington state

Have been enjoying reading posts even though I'll never have a DSLR and now need to ask:
What are your thoughts on following cameras because it's time for me to upgrade from Lumix FZ35 and learn a new camera before trip to Africa in November or January. I'm considering these:
Lumix FZ70
Lumix FZ200
Canon SX50
Nikon P510 or 520
(Also plan to take a Lumix ZS25 or 30)
Would an armpod vs. tripod be suitable for my trip?
Many thanks in advance

8-)

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Unfortunately, no input on your choices for camera. But, that is one awesome reflection shot. Worthy of any of the outdoor magazines or websites!!!

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

The initial look at the picture, I thought it was upside down. If you did crop it, I would strongly suggest the you show more of the top of the picture to avoid confusion.

I will not get into which camera you should take. As for a tripod or armpod, it all depends on what and where your going to believe you will be taken pictures.

If you plan to take action shots, you will need a camera that has a fast lens and the camera should be able to instantly be ready to take another picture.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

All of your selections would be good choices depending on what you are looking for. The FZ70 makes a big deal of the 60x zoom, which adds the extra at the wide end, 20mm vs 24mm, with the same 1200mm equiv that the SX50 has. The FZ70 has a fixed LCD.
The FZ200 has an articulating screen like the SX50, but only goes to 600mm vs 1200mm
The Nikon models have fixed LCD screens and NO HOT SHOE.

All in all, my first elimination would be the Nikon models because of no hot shoe. Next elimination is the FZ70 because of the fixed LCD.
Final determining factor between the FZ200 and the SX50 is the zoom length -- 600mm vs 1200mm (I have even used the SX50 with full digital zoom to the equiv of 4800mm with acceptable results, hand-held).

Ultimate choice is yours, so try to get some hands on and see how they feel in YOUR hands.

I often carry a 'monopod' that is sold in Walmart Sporting Goods as a "Gun Pod" which has a "V" on top to rest the gun/lens and which can be removed to reveal a standard tripod screw.. I just added a small ball-head to mine. The gunpod was $10 and the ball-head was about $10.
Now Walmart has a beefier model also for about $50

(Download)

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I have the p510 and the more i use the more i like it. I have a tripod, an inexpensive one. The 510 has an articulating screen which i use most of the time, i dont use the view finder much. I find it easy to navigate and adjust on the fly. Alot of UHH users like the sx50 also.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

The P510 has a tilting LCD screen, not articulating like the P520 and the SX40/SX50 and some of the others.

amehta Loc: Boston

I would second the monopod recommendation. One option is the Calumet 7104, for $36. I had one which worked great, and it will easily handle any of those cameras. I have found that, between a monopod, image stabilization, and good technique, I can get some very sharp slow shutter speed shots: 1/20th with a 300mm lens, which is 4 stops better than the 1/focal length rule. With the superzooms on these cameras, some support will make the shots better.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Just this Grandpa's opinion. I have an FZ70 for one of my cameras and am very pleased with it. Considering the price you can get one for right now, and for the effective zoom length and the bit of extra at the wide end, both of which may come in very handy in Africa, I would think it would be a good choice.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

If you plan on more outdoor shots, suggest the SX50. Indoors or a mixture thereof, would stick with the FZ200.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Based on a lot of reading, I think you nailed it for photos. If there is any interest in video clips, the FZ200 has some appropriate features.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Agreed. Based on research, the 200 has a slight edge on low-lght stills and arguably video quality.

cygone Loc: Boston

If you are buying another Lumix, the ZS40 is coming out mid-March. I just pre-ordered it. 30x optical I believe. I like the SX50 in ur lineup, which I use. But my favorite fixed lens camera is the Sony RX10 (with video in mind) right now which I have but it's gonna cost you. It costs but the utility of a great video camera and stills with its 1" sensor and large maximum aperture at all lengths makes it well worth it.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I presume that "going to Africa" means wanting to shoot wildlife. I have used my son's ZS30 briefly and a similar Sony HX9V a lot. Aiming at wildlife with long zoom and no viewfinder does not work real well. The SX50 and FZ200 will work much better.

I agree, the RX10 is one of the best on the market now. I nearly bought it to supplement my all time favorite camera, the RX100. But, the RX10 does not have the zoom I wanted for wildlife.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

I always have my SX50 HS with me when I travel. It's light and easy to use. I get very good results with it.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: