SX50HS for South Africa?
Oct 24, 2012 09:08:22 #
I'm looking for some advice . . . I'll be going to South Africa and outlying islands in the spring. Although I use a Canon 7D for my photography, I am not sure I want to for this trip. Reason: bulk!
With my 7D, I will need to bring my 17-40L, 24-105L and 100-400L. Don't really want to bring all this for safaris and such.
I am seriously looking at purchasing the new SX50HS . . . wide angle, mid-range, telephoto . . . it's all there, albeit with some constraints (although minor).
I welcome any comments and suggestions from everyone. Thanks.
With my 7D, I will need to bring my 17-40L, 24-105L and 100-400L. Don't really want to bring all this for safaris and such.
I am seriously looking at purchasing the new SX50HS . . . wide angle, mid-range, telephoto . . . it's all there, albeit with some constraints (although minor).
I welcome any comments and suggestions from everyone. Thanks.
Oct 24, 2012 09:30:48 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
I have a Canon SX40 whose lens is 2.7 @ 24mm and 5.8 @ 840mm (full telephoto) and find it is an ideal camera package... Instead of neck strap, I made a shoulder sling strap that is great for a lot of walking around... By far the best all-around cam-lens combo I have ever had...
Now there is the new SX50 that goes over 1000mm, but not as fast of lens as the 40... To me, the difference between the two (40 & 50) is not worth the additional price... I find the 40's lens of 840mm is even far more than I really need (unless I want to show off)... Even at a hand-held position at full tele, the images are clear...
So - in short I would recommend the SX40 over the SX50...
But, check both out before you make up your mind...
Now there is the new SX50 that goes over 1000mm, but not as fast of lens as the 40... To me, the difference between the two (40 & 50) is not worth the additional price... I find the 40's lens of 840mm is even far more than I really need (unless I want to show off)... Even at a hand-held position at full tele, the images are clear...
So - in short I would recommend the SX40 over the SX50...
But, check both out before you make up your mind...
Oct 24, 2012 09:52:54 #
Thanks for your insight. My wife has the SX40 and she impresses me with the "snot in a deer's nose" pictures she takes. I have tried her's and I like it for its quality and portability. My local camera shop will allow me to purchase and camera, use it for 14 days and return it if I am not satisfied for whatever reason, no questions asked. I'll try the SX50 anyway.
Oct 24, 2012 09:55:45 #
PhotoRichard wrote:
I'm looking for some advice . . . I'll be going to... (show quote)
I have a Canon and a Pentax DSLR...but I use my SX40 a lot.
Here are a few photos to give you an idea of what it can do.
Oct 24, 2012 09:59:37 #
Amazing photo! As a matter of interest, what were the settings you used for this? Also, full auto, semi-manual or manual?
Oct 24, 2012 10:01:39 #
PhotoRichard wrote:
Amazing photo! As a matter of interest, what were the settings you used for this? Also, full auto, semi-manual or manual?
I use manual most of the time and they were both taken on full zoom with the setting 1.5x.
Oct 24, 2012 10:05:56 #
Oct 24, 2012 10:08:34 #
PhotoRichard wrote:
Thank-you. Just awesome!
Thank you...I hope I've helped...I personally think the SX40 is one of the best bridge cameras out there!
Oct 25, 2012 06:33:58 #
Oct 25, 2012 07:37:36 #
Beautiful butterfly photo. Got him just perfectly with wings open . Great colors. A keeper for sure .
Oct 25, 2012 10:14:17 #
deepdiverv
Loc: arizona
I have been to Africa several times. I have five digital cameras but I decided on my D7000, 80-400MM nikon and a 35mm lens. If I was going again tomorrow I would take the same set up. I used the 80-400 95 % of the time. I would also come up with something to use as a rest for your camera, tripods won't work from a vehicle very well.If you are taking photos of wildlife you will be in the vehicle the majority of the time.
Oct 25, 2012 10:29:48 #
Have you looked at the Panasonic FZ150 or newer FZ200? Plenty of zoom, very light weight. I used the FZ150 on safari in Kenya and it was it was very good. Has the advantage of being able to take RAW files and has very fast multiple shot capability. All the super zooms have really limited F stop range. Supposedly the FZ200 has improved on this.
Oct 25, 2012 10:42:49 #
I just purchased the SX50HS a week and a half ago. I truly love this camera. I did quite a bit of research and got lots of input here (which was invaluable by the way....) and made my decision after comparing all the features that others mentioned. While I am sure the SX40 is a great camera, the SX50 shoots RAW (which I know doesn't matter to some), it has a greater light sensitivity, and shoots a bit faster.....and then there is that zoom! It was helpful that I was able to download the user manual before I purchased the camera, and that helped me to make my decision.
Have fun on your trip!
Have fun on your trip!
Oct 25, 2012 10:58:23 #
PhotoRichard wrote:
I'm looking for some advice . . . I'll be going to... (show quote)
A good friend of ours just got back from a similar trip...we got him as a gift the SX40, and he absolutely loved it...although he's not really "into" photography, he now is showing symptoms of our disease, and claims that his photos came out better than the other folks on the trip even though they had all kinds of "gigantic" lenses, etc.....btw, I use a nikon and the choice for the gift was btwn the P510 and the Canon....we picked the Canon as it felt better in my hands.....
Oct 25, 2012 11:15:43 #
I would point out that the SX40 with the hack installed will save in raw, as all small Canons do. The sx 50 has several advantages, external flash, and remote shutter release among others.
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