Bridge Camera Decision Angst (Page 7): We often worry so much about the pictures we "miss", that we can forget to appreciate the pictures we took. Between size, image quality, focal...

amehta Loc: Boston

joannemci wrote:

Well, after all this "angst", almost sounds as if my old Sony HX9V might do the job -- 16mp, 16x optical zoom. Still feel I need a back-up camera, however, so that will be it and I'll just bite the bullet on the Canon SX50 or the Sony HX400V, both of which I'm testing at home now. Whatever I buy I know I will learn to use and love!

We often worry so much about the pictures we "miss", that we can forget to appreciate the pictures we took. Between size, image quality, focal length, and cost, pick the camera which best fits your goals, and have a great time!

Old Grey Beard Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah

amehta wrote:

We often worry so much about the pictures we "miss", that we can forget to appreciate the pictures we took. Between size, image quality, focal length, and cost, pick the camera which best fits your goals, and have a great time!

Ditto :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :lol:

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

joannemci wrote:

Well, after all this "angst", almost sounds as if my old Sony HX9V might do the job -- 16mp, 16x optical zoom. Still feel I need a back-up camera, however, so that will be it and I'll just bite the bullet on the Canon SX50 or the Sony HX400V, both of which I'm testing at home now. Whatever I buy I know I will learn to use and love!

Good luck and ever you decide on.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

joannemci wrote:

Sounds like I really don't need a super zoom to capture the animals. I do a lot of cropping, so the big zoom pics won't allow that. Are you suggesting the FZ200 because the zoom should be sufficient? Would I have better luck with cropping on that camera? A previous comment that the SX50 "sucks" in low light really turned me off. Now what??

Sorry if the comment I made about it sucking in low light turned you off to the SX50. I figured you wanted honest info from an owner and that is what I gave you.
There really is NO perfect camera, or anything else for that matter. One needs to intelligently work through their own needs and make the best choice from whatever is available at the time. It is the best that anyone can do or expect to do. Yes, we will make mistakes. That is how we learn. I always told my son that a smart person learns from his own mistakes; but that a REALLY smart person learns from the mistakes of others and does not make those same mistakes. One of the things I really enjoy and value about this forum and its members is the honest and open exchange of information. Boy have I ever managed to avoid making some whopper mistakes by following the UHH. I am soooo grateful to my fellow members.
Mike

medavis43 Loc: Folkston, GA

I have the Sony HX400 and like it - it has same Zoom as Canon SX50. Since you have a Sony and the HX400 has a Zeiss lens, you might want to go with that. You can do all the manual stuff on or use on Automatic.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

rp2s wrote:

These are all very nice cameras, but I think the new Panasonic FZ1000 has them all beat at $899. Its official release date is July 27, 2014.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ1000-Digital-Camera/dp/B00KOUIBZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404244504&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+fz1000

Agree. The sensor is bigger which should mean better IQ

Lazy Old Coot Loc: Gainesville, Florida

Joan, I bet you will choose the Sony HX400V. That manual focus ring on the lens barrel is sooo useful. I wish I had one on my Canon SX40! ....... Coot

joannemci wrote:

Thanks for your good feedback! I now have both the Canon SX50 and the Sony HX400V to test out and although they both seem to be great cameras, both your and Pill's mention of the need for f2.8 aperture throughout the zoom for low light conditions on safari could be the ballgame. I now need to find and check out the FZ200 but quick!

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

Papa Joe wrote:

Hi Joann, I strongly suggest the SX-50, especially for a trip like you're planning. I've been completely satisfied with my '50' for nearly a year now, without a hitch. Nice thing about it, you can begin with it on 'Auto' if you prefer, then grow into the many manual options it offers. Great camera for the money. (I don't think I've used my DSLR system more than once or twice since getting the SX-50. It satisfies my needs just fine). Good luck on your vacation - Enjoy!

Thanks for your recommendation. I actually just bought the Canon SX50, along with a Sony DSC HX400V and am trying them both out now. Did a low light test tonight and the Sony performed better than the Canon SX50. But have lots more to test pics to take and print before I decide. After hearing that the '50 doesn't perform particularly well in low light, I felt it might not work well for the low light conditions on our safari (early a.m. and evenings). We'll see!

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

Lazy Old Coot wrote:

Joan, I bet you will choose the Sony HX400V. That manual focus ring on the lens barrel is sooo useful. I wish I had one on my Canon SX40! ....... Coot

See my recent comment about the low light test with the Canon SX50 and the Sony (the winner). Heading to scenic Eastern Oregon tomorrow so will give both cameras a run for the money and report back Monday!

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

medavis43 wrote:

I have the Sony HX400 and like it - it has same Zoom as Canon SX50. Since you have a Sony and the HX400 has a Zeiss lens, you might want to go with that. You can do all the manual stuff on or use on Automatic.

Exactly my thought! So many of the settings/dials/etc. are the same. This would be my 3rd Sony and the picture quality on the other two are terrific.

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

MadMikeOne wrote:

Sorry if the comment I made about it sucking in lo... (show quote)

No apology needed!!! I really appreciate your honesty, which is exactly what I'm looking for in this forum. I feel so lucky to have found it. I'm a researcher by nature, so the opinions from genuinely caring photo enthusiasts is "priceless" and hopefully will save me from making a mistake!

Because our safari game drives are very early morning and early evening, we'll be in low light conditions, so that's a huge consideration. I just bought the Canon SX50 and the Sony HX400V to test out for a week and did a low light experiment tonight (based on your comment); there really was a big difference in the two shots -- Sony was noticeably brighter. The two cameras are so close in other features. If I can find the time, I'll attach the two pics so you can see the difference.

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

RWCRNC wrote:

Agree. The sensor is bigger which should mean better IQ

If I were not spending so much $$ on the trip to Africa, I could probably justify buying this camera. (Others would say the opposite: because this IS a once-in-a-lifetime trip , that's exactly why I should splurging on a camera!) Again, the angst...

amehta Loc: Boston

joannemci wrote:

If I were not spending so much $$ on the trip to Africa, I could probably justify buying this camera. (Others would say the opposite: because this IS a once-in-a-lifetime trip , that's exactly why I should splurging on a camera!) Again, the angst...

How important is the photography component of the trip? That might help decide how much you might be willing to spend on it...

joannemci Loc: Portland, Oregon

amehta wrote:

We often worry so much about the pictures we "miss", that we can forget to appreciate the pictures we took. Between size, image quality, focal length, and cost, pick the camera which best fits your goals, and have a great time!

You're absolutely right! But research was needed, and this forum really helped. I think I have my final answer -- will have fun testing the Sony HX400V and Canon SX50 this weekend. Having had Sonys the last 20 years, I think I know the answer.

amehta Loc: Boston

joannemci wrote:

You're absolutely right! But research was needed, and this forum really helped. I think I have my final answer -- will have fun testing the Sony HX400V and Canon SX50 this weekend. Having had Sonys the last 20 years, I think I know the answer.

I agree that research was necessary, to figure out which best fits your goals. And to force you to figure out what your goals are. :-)