Help! - need recommendation for small, super-zoom camera to take on vacation
Sep 18, 2017 10:08:06 #
67skylark27
Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI
I have the Sony DSC HX50 and still carry it with me even though I have
a D5300. It is excellent on macros and video. I was able to get
a used one for 200.00. My parents took it on their Hawaii vacation
instead of a DSLR. They loved it too and it got great pictures. Any
newer version of this camera would be great as well and be around
500 bucks.
a D5300. It is excellent on macros and video. I was able to get
a used one for 200.00. My parents took it on their Hawaii vacation
instead of a DSLR. They loved it too and it got great pictures. Any
newer version of this camera would be great as well and be around
500 bucks.
Sep 18, 2017 10:10:29 #
reddotchris wrote:
About 10 years ago I tried the super-zoom route an... (show quote)
At eBay and/or Amazon search for Bridgecamera.
Google for professional reviews of the ones your interested in.
Sep 18, 2017 10:14:46 #
barbie.lewis
Loc: Livingston, Texas
The Canon SX60HS is terrific! Well worth a look.
Over 1/2 pound lighter than the Nikon P900, it has more features and supports RAW as well as JPEG. And considerably less expensive!
Over 1/2 pound lighter than the Nikon P900, it has more features and supports RAW as well as JPEG. And considerably less expensive!
Sep 18, 2017 11:20:06 #
Sep 18, 2017 12:01:09 #
Sep 18, 2017 12:01:11 #
I have a Canon Powershot SX 40 and it does a nice job. Especially if it is on a monopod or tripod for those really long shots. It also has a macro setting. I carry mine in a leather fanny pack around my waist. The SX 50 or SX60 are newer models. I recommend any of those models.
Sep 18, 2017 12:17:07 #
Gene51 wrote:
Sony RX 10 III is a great super zoom, and it is about to be replaced by the IV. The Zeiss lens is outstanding!
Triple his budget!
Sep 18, 2017 12:22:46 #
Sep 18, 2017 12:43:06 #
Superzooms have commonly 1/2.3" sensors which are not the best for IQ. However, for many they have adequate IQ and superior zoom range. In that category I own an SX50 HS (now replaced by the SX60 HS) and find it quite versatile. In fact, I got an awesome total eclipse photo with it. In adequate light and for shots I won't print larger than 8 X 10, it is great. It has both an 3" screen and (important outside in bright daylight) a viewfinder. It is slightly larger than pocket size.
There are choices in larger sensors from 1/1.7", 1", and MFT. A rule of thumb, the larger the sensor, the less zoom range available. You need to determine which compromise best suits your needs before a choice of make and model can be made intelligently.
If you go to one of the larger sensor models (Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II as an example with a 1" sensor, 24-100mm zoom, $680), many are above your budget if purchased "new". However, if you go for a "reconditioned" one from either the manufacturer KEH, or B & H, you can get a discount.
There are choices in larger sensors from 1/1.7", 1", and MFT. A rule of thumb, the larger the sensor, the less zoom range available. You need to determine which compromise best suits your needs before a choice of make and model can be made intelligently.
If you go to one of the larger sensor models (Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II as an example with a 1" sensor, 24-100mm zoom, $680), many are above your budget if purchased "new". However, if you go for a "reconditioned" one from either the manufacturer KEH, or B & H, you can get a discount.
Sep 18, 2017 13:19:55 #
ballsafire
Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana
reddotchris wrote:
About 10 years ago I tried the super-zoom route an... (show quote)
I also recommend the Sony HDR CX 240 camcorder (Handycam) -- size of a pop can and HD along with 9.2 stills -- hide it in a pants pocket! Less than $100 used- came out 2014. It has a WIDE lens(1.9 - 2,1 -- 57mm) good for low light and landscapes -- all you need to buy is the microSDXC UHS-1 memory card ( 64 GB) and what comes with the box (Just research this little electronic then make your decision!) It zooms pretty good too -- 54 X (times).
Sep 18, 2017 14:37:40 #
The question is really what you mean by "small." I've taken trips to Africa and Alaska in which weight and space were severely limited. My "good" cameras are Nikons (D3300 and D610), but I also have a Canon SX710 and a Canon SX50 which were truly wonderful on both those trips, especially the SX50 (there's an SX60 and maybe a newer version, but I have not checked). Both have easy video. The main complaint is that with digital zoom you'll lose some clarity, so be sure to turn it off until you really need or want it. When I bought the SX710 I also tried a bunch of similar ones, including the Nikon equivalent, but picked the Canon because the controls seemed to be easier to use (video, zoom, menu, etc.) Auto focus will always be an issue with point-and-shoots, but I tend to leave my Canon SX's set on the athlete icon which helps. But with both those Canons, or their newer versions, the range is incredible, given that size and weight are the driving factors in choice of equipment (minimize both and sacrifice as little as possible.)
Sep 18, 2017 16:34:55 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
How small? While many Bridge cameras are smaller than DSLRs, I never considered them small. I own a DSLR, Bridge, and a Sony Pocket camera. I consider my Pocket camera as small. Not the others.
Sep 18, 2017 16:51:07 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
FalconChase wrote:
I have the Sony HX90V. Shirt pocket size, with a great Zeiss lens.
Great shots with the pocket sized Sony HX90V. Especially the one showing the seating and field in the stadium. I own a Sony Pocket camera, but not a Superzoom one. It has a Zeiss lens too. My Nikon Bridge camera, L840, 38X, does have a focal range to about 855mm. Medium sized to me, and now discontinued by Nikon.
Sep 18, 2017 17:43:36 #
RedDot,
The last point & shoot camera I had before taking the leap into a DSLR, (actually still have, my wife loves it!) was a Canon PowerShot SX30is. This 35X superzoom was, and still is, an amazing performer! It has 14.1 megapixels, and the optical zoom is equivalent to 24-840mm on a full frame DSLR. The Optical Image Stabilization is superb. While it's not quite pocket sized, it is much smaller and lighter than most DSLRs. This little jewel of a camera can be found used for under $150.00 The one thing I wish it had is the ability to capture in RAW, but for this type of camera it's hard to beat. I know Canon and Nikon both have newer versions out there, and some of them may well be as good or even better than the SX30is, that is beyond my experience because I've never used them. I can tell you from experience, however, that this little camera is fantastic!
The last point & shoot camera I had before taking the leap into a DSLR, (actually still have, my wife loves it!) was a Canon PowerShot SX30is. This 35X superzoom was, and still is, an amazing performer! It has 14.1 megapixels, and the optical zoom is equivalent to 24-840mm on a full frame DSLR. The Optical Image Stabilization is superb. While it's not quite pocket sized, it is much smaller and lighter than most DSLRs. This little jewel of a camera can be found used for under $150.00 The one thing I wish it had is the ability to capture in RAW, but for this type of camera it's hard to beat. I know Canon and Nikon both have newer versions out there, and some of them may well be as good or even better than the SX30is, that is beyond my experience because I've never used them. I can tell you from experience, however, that this little camera is fantastic!
Sep 18, 2017 19:30:10 #
Thanks everyone for the thoughtful input. I will digest all this and let you know what she settles on.
Cheers,
Chris
Cheers,
Chris
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