Which Camera Should I Get?

Hi folks,

I went out yesterday with my Canon 60D taking some photos, and by the time I was done, my back was pretty sore from carrying the camera around (have back problems). So, I am thinking of downsizing to a bridge camera. I've been looking at the Canon SX50HS as well as others (e.g. Fuji S1, etc.). I like Canon brand cameras due to CHDK, but don't necessarily have to have one.

That being said, what would you recommend as a good bridge camera with very good image quality, shoot in RAW, full auto as well as full manual control, good low light performance and have a decent zoom on it. I don't really do video, so those features aren't really important to me.

Money is a bit of a concern for me so my budget would be around $400-$500 CAD. If money wasn't a concern, I would get one of the bridge cameras with a 1 inch sensor in it. But that is out of the question.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance...
Al

I love my EOS M, you can get Magic Lantern on it which is awesome not sure if its like CHDK. But it gives you fancy stuff like dual iso, raw video a intervalometer.

Your budget will allow you to get the body the 22mm 2.0, flash, the 18-55 STM and 55-200 STM zooms if you look for a bundle deal.

Image quality is DSLR level. Actually at times even better.

You can also afford a Sony A6000 with the base kit lens for that price, if you need speed this is the camera for you.

My sister got one for $400USD brand new at Best Buy during one of their sales.

The AF in this thing is insane.

Thank you for the quick replies. Will look into the cameras mentioned. I was kind of hoping to go without interchangeable lenses as I get the desire to continually upgrade lenses and want more. This is the reason I was looking for a bridge camera.

Well, I decided to get the Canon SX50 HS camera. Found one in great condition at a great price from Henry's Cameras. Hope to get it later this week or early next week.

Hey Al,

Sorry I missed this thread, but you made a good choice IMO. I really like my SX50. Does just what I need it to do and is small and light enough for long hikes. I shoot almost exclusively outdoors, so not that often in low light so I cannot comment on the performance in that range (well, I do like sunrise and sunset and I get good images at those times of day, buy in door and low light, I have very little experience).

Good luck with the new camera!

I received my SX50 yesterday and started playing with it. I think that if I hadn't had the 60D first, I would have been fairly happy with it. The SX50 seems so small in my hands compared to the 60D and image quality and light sensitivity doesn't even come close. I knew the SX50 wouldn't be up to the same standards as the 60D, but didn't realize how different they would be. So, I think I would rather be a little sore then not really satisfied with my photos. Too bad because the SX50 is a fun camera that can do a lot of neat things.

As an SX50 owner who really likes the camera, I suggest that some practice will greatly improve your opinion of it.

Take at look at this thread which shows the quality one can achieve by learning how to use the camera. He has some detailed tips on one of the posts:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1380716

I'm a Canon pro but love my Sony RX100 for a lightweight.

Chopper Al wrote in post #17659884
I received my SX50 yesterday and started playing with it. I think that if I hadn't had the 60D first, I would have been fairly happy with it. The SX50 seems so small in my hands compared to the 60D and image quality and light sensitivity doesn't even come close. I knew the SX50 wouldn't be up to the same standards as the 60D, but didn't realize how different they would be. So, I think I would rather be a little sore then not really satisfied with my photos. Too bad because the SX50 is a fun camera that can do a lot of neat things.

Ah yes... I had a S3IS and then an SX20 and was thrilled with them. Then I got a T2i... Different story for sure. Now it's a 7DII and I'm very happy. Those bridge cameras certainly are great for their purpose, but once you go to a DSLR, it's hard to go back...