which super zoom?

sigchaser · Jan 9, 2013

So I have had a DSLR for a few years now and really as nice as it is it doesn't do what I want. I enjoy taking wildlife pics and for that I need magnification but a lens to get there is cost prohibitive so I have made the decision to move to a super zoom. I was all set to go buy the Canon SX50 HS this weekend but just saw the announcement for the Fugifilm SL1000 it comes out in March and at least on paper seems to be a marked improvment. So the question is should I wait and get the Fuji or go for the canon now? Is there really going to be a noticeable difference in image quality? I would appreciate some input and advise. Thanks

thetrue · Jan 9, 2013

What kind of DSLR do you have and what is your longest lens? I have a feeling that its closer to your budget than you think...

Theres a possibility that by going to the Canon P&S, you might lose a lot of quality and control of your photography.

sigchaser · Jan 9, 2013

I have a Nikon D40 and it just the lens that came with the camera I think its an 18-55. I have tried a friends camera with a lens the was out to 200 but even that was lacking the areas I hike in have some rather large open areas and aside from price I just can't see having to bring more then 1 lens and swap them out. I like taking pictures but its not a huge passion of mine just a casual hobby.

thetrue · Jan 9, 2013

Ah, ok. I was going to suggest a 75-300 but I'm not sure nikon sells them for as cheap as Canon does (around $150)

A super zoom is a decent option, however you need to be careful as they are not as stable at higher focal lengths as a DSLR and they do have a smaller sensor, so by default - something that would be ~300mm on the P&S would actually be of lower quality than your D40 because of the crop factor.

sigchaser · Jan 9, 2013

I was planning to pick up a small tripod that I could take with me on occasion. Here is my thought and please feel free to tell me if its flawed. I just don't get the most out of my D40 its a good camera and it has served me well I just don't know much about running it I had intended to take a class but life being what it is that never happened. Now when I do use it I use it on Auto because I just can't seem to pick up what I am doing by reading about it online (I have always been the hands on type of learner). Also it doesn't reach where I need it too and I find myself leaving it at home a lot because of that. I thought about getting a different lens but realized pretty quck that would just lead to me carrying multiples since I tend to be either shooting very far away (or at least wishing I was ) or getting in very tight for macro shots of flowers, insects ect. I figured that getting a super zoom would probably work well for me simply because of its versatility in allowing me to do both those things. I know it can't take as high a quality image as my d40 though I wonder how much different they can be when you consider I shoot only in auto and the newer camera has twice the mega pixels. If I am thinking wrng feel free to tell me but those were my thoughts.

tirediron · Jan 9, 2013

The camera that you take with you provides infinitely better quality images than the one you leave at home, regardless of how poor the technical quality may be. I can't comment on the bridge cameras, but DPReview.com is a great 'site for thorough, unbiased reviews, so I'd have a look there and see if they've looked at any of your choices and what they have to say.

JanBaillie · Jan 9, 2013

Hi
I just joined the forum today. I too, am looking for a super zoom to supplement my DSLR. I want something that will zoom out to catch birds, animals etc while hiking and travelling when I don't want to bring my heavier camera and lenses. I bought the Canon Powershot SX 240HS, but am debating whether to keep it or to move up to something a little better.

Derrel · Jan 9, 2013

The Canon SX50 has a 1200mm equivalent zoom lens, and just received a VERy favorable write-up on The Luminous Landsacape web site this week.... yeah...a 1200mm equivalent zoom range!! And...Micahel said the output is good up to 13x19 inches...it's the first superzoom he has ever endorsed so wholeheartedly. And it is priced at around $369.