Dsrapa Loc: Outside of nyc

I want to take a second camera to the galapagos (where a volcano is currently erupting) and to have for the future.
I have a GM1 with a variety of lenses, but want to be sure to have a good back up. (also plan to take a small waterproof point and shoot). I've been driving myself crazy trying to decide.
Main concern is image quality, then size of camera, ease of use.
Anyone have experience with both? THANK YOU !

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada

I haven't used either, but if it were me I would be particularly attracted by the fast (2.8) Leica lens on the Lumix as well as the 60-second maximum shutter (only 15 seconds on the Canon). The Lumix is reputed to have good low-light performance too. The Canon on the other hand has a much bigger zoom - especially if you get the later SX60. You can find lots of reviews for both. Linda from Maine on this site gets very good results from her SX50 - you might like to check them out.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

For that trip, if it were me (wish it was) I would definitely take the SX50. I happen to own the SX50 so I may be biased, but that zoom will come in handy getting pictures of critters that may not be real close. Unless you need low light capability over getting good shots of possibly distant critters, I'd vote for the SX50.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Both are good cameras and each has its advantages. The FZ200 has the fast f/2.8 max aperture at all focal lengths. This lets you use lower iso's where bridge cameras do their best. On the other hand the SX50 has a longer tele zoom which can help in photographing wildlife at a distance. You have to decide which is more important.

If it were me, I'd get the FZ200 for the better low light performance.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I'd agree if OP is expecting poor lighting, but I'd suspect the lighting most of the time out doors on the Galapagos Islands would be such that a super bright lens would not be as advantageous as a super long lens with a very good IS.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

With my Canon 5D Mark II I use the SX50 as a backup and supplemental ultra long zoom. While your experience may be different I found no need for the ultra long in the Galapagos, as the wildlife is so close and accessible in most places. I shot fully 90% with my 24/105 and, while I carried my f/2.8 70/200 I rarely found a need for it. Low light was never an issue on that trip, as we were always back to the ship or hotel by dusk. Have a great trip!

Dsrapa Loc: Outside of nyc

Thank you. Helpful info. Looks like the lumix is the winner! And makes sense for the future. indoor grandchildren and all.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Enjoy the trip! Look forward to seeing your pictures!

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Just saw on the news there has been a volcano eruption on the Galapagos!

MontanaTrace

A factory refurbished Canon SX50 is $179. Buy direct from Canon. Like new. One year warranty. Needs a card and reader. Save more money, buy memory card from another online source.

The in-camera HDR feature is nice. The screen is the best on the market except for the newer SX60.

50X zoom. I have the SX60. Love it. Reviews on the SX50 are excellent.

aginzu

I took my SX50 to Galapagos earlier this year and it worked out very well. Most of the photography there is done in bright daylight making it possible to take advantage of the SX50's super zoom. When photographing wildlife, the zoom is invaluable. As long as you have another camera for low light situations (of which there aren't many) I would opt for the SX50.

My wife and I also had a Nikon D5100 with a Sigma 18-250mm zoom lens with us. When we both went on an excursion we took both cameras, but when I went by myself I always opted for the SX50.

Here are a couple of examples taken with the SX50.

elwynn Loc: Near Atlanta, GA

I have a FZ200 but no SX50 so I can't compare but the FZ200 is a great camera. I also have D7100 and grab the little FZ 200 more often than the big one. Much easier to lug around. Have a great trip.

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

I have both. I got interested in bridge cameras last year, I was tired of carrying around my Canon 60D with 18-200 lens. When I was looking at bridge cameras last summer, I was looking at these two, the Fuji HS50EXR and Nikon P600. The P600 didn't shoot RAW, which I considered a deal breaker. Not sure if that is important for me now. The Fuji has manual focusing, one of the few bridge cameras that does.

I bought the FZ200 last summer based on reviews and have enjoyed using it. I find the maximum zoom is sufficient for all my needs except photographing the moon. I ended up buying the extension/zoom for this camera and use it only when photographing the moon. There are many Youtube and online resources on this camera from Graham Houghton (http://www.grahamhoughton.com/). His free ebook is much better than the Panasonic manual. I find the automatic panorama mode handy but the detail isn't the same as stitching shots together.


I bought the SX50 in March, the low refurbished price at Canon sucked me in. I haven't had much time to play around with it, I find the menu a little easier since my previous cameras were Canons G6, G9 S95, XSI, and 60D. I have been meaning to sit down and do a shoot-out comparison between the two, maybe this weekend I'll get around to it. There are many photos on this site by Linda From Maine, check out her photos, she gets the best out of the SX50.

I don't think you will go wrong buying either one. I plan to shoot both cameras this summer and give one away to my brother. Also, to be honest, I still look at getting the Fuji, the manual focus using a ring comes in handy. Both the FZ200 and SX50 have manual focusing, but you need to set up before hand and fiddle/toggle with buttons. People used to these types of focusing can do it fast, I'm still used to the turning of the ring.

Hope this helps.

gunner5

Just received my refurbished SX50 from Canon for $179. Looks brand new. Still playing around with it learning how to use it. Seems like the perfect camera.

MontanaTrace

I just bought the SX60 at $499. I'm starting to believe the SX50 at $179 is a great, great deal. Have recommended it to a brother and a secretary. However, I do love my SX60.

Good luck. I bet you get superb results, will be extremely pleased with the camera and especially the price.