Canon SX50 superzoom for $309 at Costco

[Howieh]

I was at the Costco on Elgin Mills Sunday afternoon and they have reduced their price for the Canon SX50 from $344 to $309. I can't speak for the recently announced SX60 but most reviewers seem to prefer the SX50 IQ over that of the SX60.

[Brian Bailey]

It was a good deal back when it cost $500, so that's a great deal. It's no DSLR, but it doesn't weigh or cost like one either.  The optics are very good throughout the focal lengths.  It looks like they've pushed the zoom range even further with the new model, so time will tell if it's as sharp.  There will always be compromises with a compact super zoom camera, but from my experience, this one makes fewer compromises than most.

BB

[Rotarran]

If anyone has seen me out in the field, they know that I carry my SX50 around everywhere.  Like Brian said, it is light and affordable..even at $500.  I bought mine for $399 at Best Buy about 1.5 years ago.  

Motion shots are admittedly terrible and if photography is your priority when out birding, I suggest getting an SLR.  The SX50 can take nice pictures but even the best shots surely must be better with an SLR (one would assume).  

But I'm happy, to me the SX50, with its amazing 50x zoom, is also partially a scope.  Since I can't afford a scope, I depend on the SX50 to reel in distant birds.  Or at least try.  No it still can't compete with those amazing scopes, but the scopes are similar to the SLR's...clunky and pricey.

The SX50 fits me perfectly...it does most things reasonably well.

[Dinusaur]

..........The SX50 fits me perfectly...it does most things reasonably well.

If you have taken that Rusty Blackbird picture with this camera then I would say that this could be as good as any SLR

[Brian Bailey]

It can do a very good job, but it's not as good as an SLR. The focusing isn't as good, and the small sensor is no match for even a cropped sensor DSLR.  If you're careful though, and mindful of its limitations, you can get some great images.  (And you won't get a sore back carrying it!)

BB

Sent from my birdroid, using Tapatalk

[Rotarran]

Well once I heard of the new SX60 and read a bit about it, I just had to get it.  I haven't used it yet but apparently it's better in every conceivable way...including a 15x more zoom for a total of 65.  

As a result my SX50 is now for sale.  If anyone is interested, let me know.  Here's my post in the buy/sell forum: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=14890

[Reuven_M]

I've heard bad things about the sx60 from birders - e.g. that the high end of the zoom is useless.

[Rotarran]

I've heard bad things about the sx60 from birders - e.g. that the high end of the zoom is useless.

Thanks Reuven.  I'll try it out today...I'll take comparison shots with both cameras and post my findings.

[Rotarran]

Alright...so I tested the two cameras side by side a bit today.  Bottom line for me so far is that the SX60 is overall the better camera.  Not by much and definitely not $600 better.  

The zoom is marginally better but it doesn't blow the SX50 out of the water.  It is a bit shaky on the top end of the zoom range but that's to be expected...any movement from the hand will be amplified at the other end.  Less so on lesser zoom.

The images are slightly better as well.  Improved quality and increased detail...although that might have something to do with the increased megapixel.  What I do like though is the insanely fast burst mode that the camera now features in Auto mode.  The old one only had that in sport mode, and it was nowhere near as quick.  And it slowed down with less light.  The SX60 doesn't seem to kick down to a lower megapixel either when it does burst mode (I think - don't quote me on that)...so this will definitely improve the in-flight shots ...but still won't get anywhere near the SLR quality for in-flight birds.

The new camera also features improved tech which was desperately needed.  Bluetooth and wifi connectivity which will add to the convenience.  

But what I do miss about the old one is how I was able to scroll through the pics using the rotating wheel.  But I suppose I'll adjust.  And really at the end of the day with any new devices, there's a period of adjustment.  Before my SX50 I had a 36-zoom Olympus which was ten times worse, but I somehow made do with that and even took some killer pictures with it including what is to date my favourite picture I've ever taken.

Anyway I am getting off topic.  I think I will keep it...it is a pricey decision no doubt but it is also early and I have not yet uncovered the SX60's full potential and abilities yet.

[Rotarran]

Ive read some of the reviews and negative impressions of the SX60, and I admit some of them are a bit disappointing.  But my own short comparison yielded that the SX60 is better in IQ.  The thing is in the field, hand steadiness plays as big a part as any in capturing pics of birds.  The IS of course helps, but sometimes camera shake is so bad due to wind, nerves, tiredness, what have you that it`s kinda  wash most of the time anyway.  In other words, it sometimes comes down to luck when taking that perfect picture...well with these kinds of cameras anyway.

But one thing that is (almost) worth the price of admission alone is the crazy fast burst speed with the camera still being live while processing a finished batch.  There`s no other superzoom digital point and shoot that can match that.  That`ll be great for warblers in the spring.