I've had an SX50 for about 2 month now and I am very pleased with it for what it is and does. I like both bird and aircraft photography with long reach being one of the major requirements. I have a Canon 7D with a 100-400L lens, but it weighs a ton and is no fun to lug around with other gear all day. The family have been so impressed with the SX50, my wife and son both have their own.