midiguy

Hi
I am new here and I am seeking advice/knowledge/opinions on camera selection. I solo backpack in remote wilderness and I am looking for a new camera to photograph scenery and wildlife. An SLR(with lenses) is just too heavy to carry. I have been reading many reviews on the Canon sx50...the Lumix fz270...and the new Nikon CP600. I really like the 20mm lens of the Lumix but the reviews are mixed on photo quality...mostly as you zoom. I also need the HD video feature. I would appreciate any insight into these cameras.

thank you
byron

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

you can't go wrong with either the canon or Nikon

amehta Loc: Boston

If you want small and light, and don't need the super-zoom of the bridge cameras, you might want to look at the Sony RX-100. It has a bigger, higher resolution sensor than the Canon or Panasonic for less than half the weight. The main downside is that it is 28mm at the widest, not 24mm or 25mm. And it costs a little more. :-)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have a Sony RX-100 as a bridge camera. I carry it in my shirt pocket. It is an outstanding camera. Good luck.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Quite a few here, myself included, LOVE the SX50!!
24mm equiv at the wide end, 1200mm at the other end of the optical zoom. Very light and easy to handle. Use the search above to find the many photos posted on UHH.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I hear a lot of good things about the Leica D-Lux 4 or 5. It may warrant a look.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Personally, I'd get a Nikon D5300 or D7100 with the 18-300mm vr lens. The combo will be somewhat heavier than a bridge camera but provides much more potential. This one lens covers a full range suitable for landscape and most wildlife. Then you have the option to add other lenses if desired.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

It's hard to beat Canon or Nikon for quality, both in the body and the lens. Comparing the SX50 and the CP600, the Nikon has a bit longer reach than the Canon, it also has 4MP better resolution than the Canon and can transfer pictures using Wi-Fi.

However, it also has a price tag of @ $170.00 more than the Canon, it does not have the ability to add an external flash and for whatever reason, cannot record RAW images.

These are the things that just jump out at me when I view the specs.

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

MPquote=DavidPine]I have a Sony RX-100EXCELLENTT
dge camera. I carry it in my shirt pocket. It is an outstanding camera. Good luck.[/quote]

I have the Canon SX50 HS & it's a great bridge camera. I also have three Sony CyberShots: RX-100, RX-100II & the RX 1. However, with all due respect to David, I consider all three to be P&Ss. To me, the P&S is typified by small size (carry in a small pocket or purse) with a fixed or small zoom range lens.

As befitting their hefty price tags, all three Sony's are built like tanks & produce photographs with OUTSTANDING IQ. Both the RX-100/RX-100II utilize a 1" 20MP Exmor sensor (on the RX-100II the sensor is backlit for better low light sensitivity & less noise at higher ISOs). They're also both fitted with the EXCELLENT Zeiss f1.8-4.9 T*-Sonar 3.6X zoom. In 35mm terms this equates to 28-100mm. That isn't much reach for hiking & biking.

Were it me, I'd take the SX50 as my main camera & carry the RX-100/RX-100II as a backup.

In any event, see if you can handle your choices first to see which feels the most comfortable & has readily accessible controls.

Happy hunting!!!

photon56 Loc: North America

I'm not knowledgable with those cameras, but I have looked at the Nikon 1 AW1 which Nikon claims to be waterproof and shockproof. It has interchangeable lens with 15 FPS shooting rate. Depending on what you will be doing outside, this might be worth investigating.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

I would totally agree that those Sony models are more like advanced, PREMIUM PRICED compact P&S cameras, NOT a true bridge camera with the longer zoom. SX50 would be an excellent choice.