MUST have a viewfinder! LCD "viewfinders" are useless in the sun
As many MP as possible.
Must shoot RAW.
Decent optical zoom
Under $100 (LOL - I can wish, can't it? ) $4-500 ok
Sandy. I bought the Canon 50SX and have found it to be a great little all around camera. Wide angle to 50X. Shoots IS, raw, macro, fish eye. b&w as well as a few other features. Runs around $500. Caught a sale at $420 at Best Buy. Intended it for shooting birds, but you would need a tripod and a cable release... too light to hold steady when zoomed all the way out, but does a great macro as well as scenics. Carry it in the car so I don't get caught without a camera. Would be a good alternative to the SLRs at venues where they are not allowed.
Posted by David Graham on April 22, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Sandy, i was about to start extoling the Canon SX50 when I saw that Patricia Brundage had beaten me to it. Ditto to all he said! Don't waste more time shopping! Get it. You'll be amazed at its versatility, image quality, its amazing zoom. You'll be very happy with it.
Dave Graham
Posted by John Tobias on April 22, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Sandy, the SX50 hands down! I use mine for just about everything including birds. My photo of the green tree python in the macro gallery was taken with it. Also got mine on sale for about $450.00. IMHO following action takes a bit of getting use to/practice.
Another vote for the 50SX. It's got some limits. It can't spot meter or spot focus – at least I can't find a way to do it – but the zoom is astonishing and the quality of the glass surprisingly good.
You may want to read a concise and lengthy review of the SX50 before you decide not to 'waste your time shopping'. The Conclusion page sums up pros and cons for a quick peek.
And do note that this camera uses an Electronic Viewfinder as opposed to an optical viewfinder.
Posted by Martin Dunn on April 24, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Whilst the Canon SX50 is probably a great camera. (I've never used one but so many of you have praised it) I can't stand electronic viewfinders. I'm surprised that anyone can use them for avian photography.
For me it has to be a proper optical viewfinder.
My pocket camera is a Fujifilm X10.
Neat little camera but the zoom is very limited so it's not much use for wildlife, unless you're photographing elephants.
Discussion
7 repliesAs many MP as possible.
Must shoot RAW.
Decent optical zoom
Under $100 (LOL - I can wish, can't it? ) $4-500 ok
Thanks!
Sandy
Dave Graham
John Tobias
On sale at Amazon for about $370
S
Another vote for the 50SX. It's got some limits. It can't spot meter or spot focus – at least I can't find a way to do it – but the zoom is astonishing and the quality of the glass surprisingly good.
Jim DeWitt
And do note that this camera uses an Electronic Viewfinder as opposed to an optical viewfinder.
For me it has to be a proper optical viewfinder.
My pocket camera is a Fujifilm X10.
Neat little camera but the zoom is very limited so it's not much use for wildlife, unless you're photographing elephants.