The photos I posted in previous reply were all taken handheld on either sports mode or SCN mode so it took multiple shots. It does take a little longer to process the shots, so it creates a little lag time. These have not been post-processed or cropped in any way. We just returned on Saturday so I just chose a few good shots to give you an idea of what this camera can do. The battery life is good, but I went through three batteries each day shooting about 500 shots per day. I also shot short videos of wildlife and float planes which turned out very sharp. You can clip photos out of the video if needed to get the shot. I accidentally used the photo and video option one afternoon. It shoots a short video with each photo.

I just returned from an Alaskan Cruise with my Canon SX50. I used it in auto mode and it took amazing photos and video of animals and Mt. McKinley in Denali. All of my photos and videos were handheld through opened bus windows and some at or close to maximum zoom (Dall Sheep). The Mt. McKinley photo (both summits) was from about 30 miles away. Holding the camera still at max zoom takes some practice, but if you support the lens with your left hand and the camera with your right, you can manage it. Be sure to get an extra SD card and at least one additional battery - you will need it!

Caribou below bus in creek bed

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Dall Sheep high on mountain

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Mt. McKinley summits from 30 miles

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Moving Grizzly bear at max zoom

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Eagle on iceberg max zoom


Top of Glacier max zoom from 1 mile away


Ranger's boat approaching our ship to board


Taku Glacier from float plane


Max zoom of same glacier

Check out this head - it is working well for me

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221096-REG/Giottos_MH1004_320_MH_1004_Mini_Ball.html

I just did a quick web check and Abesofmaine.com has the Canon SX50 HS for $349 with free shipping. I bought this camera in March and am learning to use it for a trip to Alaska in July. It takes great photos and would be a great introductory camera for you without having to buy additional lenses.

Thanks for your comments. I remember helping my dad in the darkroom when I was a kid. He shot only black and white and did amazing portrait work. His cameras seemed way too complicated, too heavy and too many lenses, etc. for me. But I learned to appreciate good photography at an early age. Linda

Thanks for your comments. As for BramBoy, he seems a little frustrated with his own photos, although why he thinks he cannot post as I did in the forum is beyond me. Even as a beginner, I figured it out. You are correct, I am trying to learn the camera and was hoping for some constructive comments . . . like why the frog photo was blurry behind the leaf. Except for the first photo that I did think was pretty good as the light was fine, the lake was perfectly still and the reflection was almost a mirror image, the others were me trying out the long zoom. Linda

I agree about the timer button - I hit it a few times on my first outing.

Thanks so much for turning me onto Lillian Stokes. I did as you suggested and requested more information. Linda

Thanks so much for that link. I have not tried messing with any of the functions of the camera yet - just shot on automatic with a hood and no filters. I really want to learn what this camera can do before we go to Alaska in late July.
Linda

That particular home is not for sale, but if you are interested in a home on Amelia Island, I can help you find one! Linda

Thanks - the camera is quite amazing. I have only had basic point and shoot Canon Elphs prior to this camera. We are going to Alaska this summer so I needed a long zoom camera.

Comments, please, on the shots I took with my new camera. These are all handheld.

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