BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I had to sell my Canon 50D and lenses today. I am finding it increasingly difficult to hold the heavy camera and lens combination, and I needed the cash for some other obligations. I have a little bit left over and am considering saving for a Canon SX50. With RAW, an articulated screen, hot shoe and 50X optical zoom, I could have most of the advantages of the big camera in a much smaller package. In the meantime, I will be using my SX1 IS.
Does anyone know when the SX50 will be available?

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

I think you will hate the image quality from a bridge camera since you have used a DSLR. Would you consider micro 4/3rds? They are amazing from what I have seen and are small and light

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

From Canon's USA Web site it would appear it is available now.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx50_hs

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

i have seen some great shots with the sx40 canon i think you will be happy with the sx50

jimbo70 Loc: Orange Park, FL.

The FUJIFILM X-S1 uses a larger sensor and I've seen some amazing photos from it, but it isn't small.

mdeman Loc: Damascus, Maryland

If you want to go really light, with quality equal to the Canon SX40, try out the Panasonic FZ150 (or newer FZ200). I find the image quality of my FZ150 perfectly adequate for my needs. It's light weight and super zoom replace a lot of heavy equipment. My only issue with the FZ150 is it's limited aperture range and limited ability in low light situations. All in all, it's a great trade off to reduce the load. I've heard that the FZ200 has an expanded aperture range over the full zoom but haven't got details yet. With all bridge cameras, image quality will be somewhat reduced at the extremes of zoom.

jdarter1932 Loc: Oklahoma

I would go with the fz 150. It is as good as the new 200, and will be the best choice for you . I ordered the 200 and sent back because to me the 150 did a better job in every way!

N Tom Loc: Tucson, AZ

Excellent suggestion re FZ150 and FZ200. I've been interested in this same bridge camera approach to life-- and I do a lot of video, not just stills. Do you know if the FZ200 will have an external mike jack?

rrforster12 Loc: Leesburg Florida

Consider the Panasonic FZ series. They utilize a Leica lens which I find to have stunning resolution.

jdarter1932 Loc: Oklahoma

Both 150and 200 have the jack.

MisterC Loc: Nashville, TN

The SX50 is supposed to be available next month. B&H Photo has it for preorder.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

How does the 21.0 oz weight compare with the 50D and lens?

A smaller camera doesn't necessarily mean a lesser image. They will be getting more support and accessories as time goes on.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

If zoom is part of the criteria, suggest taking a look also at the Nikon P510 which competed directly with the SX40 and the FZ150 as part of last years models.
The Canon and Nikon were very close in zoom power at 35X vs. 35X if memory serves correctly, with the Panny coming in at 24X
If weight is the primary consideration urge you to search them out at a local store to see how they feel to you.

G.Feduccia Loc: Paradise in Florida Panhandle

Gosh Folks,

I gave up my film Nikon N8008S and Canon AE and AE-1 cameras some years ago. I bought a Sony DSC-H9 with the astounding resolution of 8.1 megapixels and a zoom of 15X!

The Sony exceeded all of my expectations and I especially appreciated the one-lens zoom factor, light weight, and portability. One great first digital camera! I did not know at the time, that it was considered a, "Bridge Camera", something of a hybrid between a DSLR and a Point and Shoot camera.

I was seriously considering the Nikon 5100, but had to figure in the lenses that I would want; the flash, and etc. and decided that I did not want to carry around another heavy camera bag. So, with research and checking out consumer opinions (VERY IMPORTANT), I purchased a Nikon P-510, that so far, exceeds my expectations as to weight, zoom ability, and resolution.

Now, where I do not do any PP (I just select the best pics in the camera and delete the others), the P-510 is awesome!

My eyesight is not as good as before, but I think the P-510's images have a bit of better quality over my beloved Sony. Since I usually only enlarge photos to 8 X 10, there is not much difference between the old Sony at 8.1 mp and the Nikon at 16. Oh well, I guess the difference is in the eye of the beholder, but I sure do like the new Nikon.

Pictures to be posted one of these days . . .

Gary

P.S. The ole Sony is still working fine and still taking GREAT photos.

Fran Loc: Northeast, United States

Within the last week I purchased the FZ 200. So far I am loving this camera. I find the image quality very good, the super zoom capability amazing, the ability to shoot RAW a big plus, and the 2.8 constant apperture a major benefit. Plus it is so light which makes it a great travel companion.