bunuweld wrote:
I recommend the SX50. Small enough not to become a burden, and excellent image quality. You already know about its great zoom range. One must add that, unlike large zoom lenses that require a tripod, the physical shortness of the SX50 lens, combined with an excellent image stabilizer, makes it possible to get good hand-held pictures at full zoom.
I have gotten a few good photos at full zoom on the sx50, the minute of angle requires a speed of 1/500 or faster. It is hard to even find a small subject and keep it in the frame.