CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks again to all the comments and suggestions from all of you in th last couple of days (Ref New Guy). I went and handled most of the cameras we have been talking about. I have decided to stay with Canon and will need to wait to get the body and lens so I do not waste my limited income.

That being said, I am contemplating getting a Canon SX60 and start the learning curve not only with this new camera but also with the software. Both will take time and I realize the software will take the longest. The SX60 has a lot of the features I will be getting in my DLSR and will also be a great backup or carry camera with good to great capabilities. It has IS, a mega zoom and decent size processor. Later I can get the body and start getting the lens assortment for more specialize photography. I may end up with a different PowerShot but it needs to mimic the controls I will have on the system camera.

These are my thoughts and you all can pipe in, PLEASE, with your comments both positive and any other point of view. Again thanks for getting me this far ans in such a short time.

Lead Foot

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

More folks on UHH have the SX50 than the 60, but there are a lot us very happy with these cameras!

I've heard the viewfinder is a bit clearer on the 60, which is the main drawback I find in my 50. Hugely versatile and fun cameras!

RicknJude Loc: Quebec, Canada

Once you learn the SX60 you may never go to a DSLR. The SX60 and some PP software and you'll be gone forever. :-D

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I really think it depends on your values and where you think you wish to go!

In a humorous context:

"If you don't know where you are going, you will get there!"

or

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it!"

The only thing that concerns me is your comment about limited budget. If you believe that you will want or need a decent bridge camera and a DSLR system then you are making a very good choice in my opinion and Linda's advice is amongst the best on the forum.

However, if you are on a limited budget and don't need two camera's and you want to get to a DSLR system, then the bridge camera is a lens you don't buy.

It is really a set of trade offs. When I want something small I use my old Canon Powershot 710 AS. It doesn't see much action these days. The iPhone is useable in a pinch.

I have some very similar equipment to Linda. T3i, some similar lenses, and then a bunch of other stuff.

I started about 3+ years ago with the T3i - my route back into the SLR world, the initial outlay was around $800, and I'm around 15x that now as I build out the system. Still no reall need to upgrade the body, although maybe to the 7DmkII in 6 to 12 months...

This can be an expensive game, so it is important to balance your end game with the route to get there, especially if funds are limited.

There are many ways to get there, if you know where you wish to be. What would you like that look like 3 or 5 years from now?

Good luck, you seem to be making good decisions so far.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Peterff, your words are full of wisdom. I am going to end up with a "System" body but at the same time I need to learn a whole lot of basics both camera function and the software. I am looking at getting started on that learning curve as soon as I can. Being retired I do limit my outlaw and budget myself. As Linda stated, there are a lot of people with the SX cameras and they ae more than happy with it. I see me using it when I take a stand in the woods. I love to hunt but the pleasure comes from being in nature to a degree nature does not know you are there. A very good camera like the SX50/60 would fill those needs better than a Rebel T6i, or any one of the other Canon bodies. When I start looking at even high level bodies I realize I may end up holding off for a little longer than I need to. I still plan on being around 10 years from now, but I want to start taking good to great pictures prior to 6/12 months from now. I do understand the cost involved in a total system (see my other post) and had to liquidate it all in the 70s. So, bottom line, I am jumping into the learning curve with my eyes open so I do not waste my resources.

Lead Foot

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I did see the other post earlier. I even contributed a little to it. Your situation has some similarities to my own, but for different reasons. Glad to see you have it all figured out. Especially about limiting the outlaw! :lol:

The sx50 / sx60 are excellent choices. Sounds like you are going to have a bundle of fun. Let us know how it all goes!

Above all, thanks for being gracious enough to follow through with the update.

Take care!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I saw your first post but didn't add to it.:) You got enough good advise there. And to get you started taking pictures right advise there. And to get you started taking pictures right away I think the SX60 is a very good choice!

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

CLF, in my opinion it all depends on your demands. I moved 'down' from DSLR to the Canon SX-50 almost two years ago and have never looked back. I'm not shooting commercially any longer but do enjoy the hobby tremendously and am totally satisfied with the results I get from the '50'. Let us know how you're doing when you dive-in with the '60' and post some of your work. Looking forward to seeing and hearing. Check-out some of Linda's work. She's done fantastic with her SX-50 and has served as a welcome inspiration to me and many others.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Papa Joe, love your signature and advise. I will be updating mine.

God Bless, Lead Foot

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

well I went out to get a SX50 or SX60 and came home with a Rebel T5 package with the 18-55 and 75 to 300 lens. Best Buy did not have the SX cameras and I saw this deal and just could not pass it up. Also had free membership in Shutterbug which a friend of mine uses so that is cool also. Now to read and read and read some more.

Again, I thank all of you for helping me get started. I know I have just hit the top of the Iceberg and that the majority is to come, but with the info on this site I am not worried.

Thanks again,

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Good luck and enjoy. The T5 is a decent DSLR to start with, quite capable, more expandable and flexible than the SX series, although not quite as much headroom as the T6i or T6s etc. A good compromise, I think you will have fun learning how to get the best out of it!