[driverace]

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Looking for a secondary cam in addition to my DSLR. Will be used mostly for travel pics. Good zoom range + RAW capability is what I need. Panny FZ200 is kinda out of budget, so looking at other alternatives in sub 20k range.

Any reviews of the Canon SX50?

I have been looking at similar options - refer post just above yours!

After lot of reading on the net (dpreview,photography blogs, etc),
I concluded in the following manner (about Canon SX50 Vs Fz200):

1. Both have the required level of zoom.
2. Fz200 gives the advantage of 2.8 A value (which impresses us fairly - since we do understand what that means).
BUT,
The hardware behind the lens does not seem to do as much justice to it!
On the other hand,

SX50HS works out really fine & is supported by good hardware & good ISO capability (read: usability).

3. Both have good number of followers & subscribers. We wouldn't go wrong with either of the cameras.

---- Above conclusion is from the reviews ONLY ----
I handled the CanonSX50HS a little at some camera shop - & I was fairly impressed by it.
Could not locate Fz200 to handle/check in person.

Youtube has good reviews for - literally - "shoot the moon" kinda zoom capability of the Canon SX50
AND
also decent reviews all over about the Fz200.

Please note:

Canon themselves have lowered the MRP to 25990 (from 29990).

Lowest prices online now- are 21,209 (Amazon.in), 21,644 (Snapdeal)!

Although, the chances of successor of SX50 are brighter now, this seems to be a good bottom price for it.

Hope that helps,

Ace.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by driverace

I have been looking at similar options - refer post just above yours!

Yes, I had read your post - pretty much the same requirements. Reviews do seem favorable and at 21k, its total vfm! Panny OTOH @ >30k will be bit of a stretch. Might just end up buying the Canon. Let's see!

Do update if you decide and buy any.

[driverace]

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Yes, I had read your post - pretty much the same requirements. Reviews do seem favorable and at 21k, its total vfm! Panny OTOH @ >30k will be bit of a stretch. Might just end up buying the Canon. Let's see!

Do update if you decide and buy any.

I will definitely update with my purchase (when that happens!)

Agree with you - it is indeed totally VFM proposition.
Also- with Canon - you get the support of chdk community too!

When you do your purchase, please share a quick review here.

Cheers,

Ace.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by driverace

I will definitely update with my purchase (when that happens!)

Agree with you - it is indeed totally VFM proposition.
Also- with Canon - you get the support of chdk community too!

When you do your purchase, please share a quick review here.

Cheers,

Ace.

There is a new rival for sx50 - Nikon P600. Better specs at a shade higher price. But, doesn't shoot RAW.

[procrj]

Was exploring cameras that can shoot underwater videos and realized that Nikon has a couple of cameras in the 5-6K range that can shoot pics/videos underwater. Model names Coolpix S31/S32 with low light CMOS sensors and max depth of 30 feet. Anyone here own/used one for underwater shots?

[gautamkhadse]

Originally Posted by procrj

Was exploring cameras that can shoot underwater videos and realized that Nikon has a couple of cameras in the 5-6K range that can shoot pics/videos underwater. Model names Coolpix S31/S32 with low light CMOS sensors and max depth of 30 feet. Anyone here own/used one for underwater shots?

I would suggest you order a Sj4000 from ali express . Search for sj4000 on youtube and you'd understand what am talking about .

[procrj]

Originally Posted by gautamkhadse

I would suggest you order a Sj4000 from ali express . Search for sj4000 on Youtube and you'd understand what am talking about .

Hi Gautam - I am aware of the sj1000 as well as the sj4000. But wanted feedback on these as they are easily available on amazon.in/flipkart

[gautamkhadse]

Originally Posted by procrj

Hi Gautam - I am aware of the sj1000 as well as the sj4000. But wanted feedback on these as they are easily available on amazon.in/flipkart

I used the sj4000 to take pictures of the drive from SFO to Vegas , one snap every three seconds , automated . Pretty neat pictures . All HD pictures .

Of course theres no guarantee but these are pretty reliable . The battery is only 900 Mah and lasts about 2-3 hours of continuous usage but with all the power banks available today , we don't need to worry about the batteries dying .

Few samples for you .

[procrj]

Originally Posted by gautamkhadse

I used the sj4000 to take pictures of the drive from SFO to Vegas , one snap every three seconds , automated . Pretty neat pictures . All HD pictures .

Nice pics! My primary use of the cam is going to be underwater when I am snorkeling or diving. Hence interested in knowing how it performs in low light and also quality of the video in low light conditions. Also can you take time lapse videos with the sj4000?

[fine69]

Does anyone have any idea when the next model of GoPro Hero would be launched?

My parents are travelling back from US so I wanted them to get the Hero3+ Black edition but if there would be a next model launch soon then I might wait.

[HillMan]

I am thinking of buying a CPL filter for my EOS 600D with kit lenses 18-55mm & 55-250mm.
Just started playing with the camera. I believe it will help capture some good pics at the beach and lakes during vacation trips.

Came across this product on eBay. It can be rotated to adjust the polarization. Any suggestions?

http://www.ebay.in/itm/58mm-OSAKA-CP...item4d20061e73

[JLS]

Originally Posted by driverace

I have been looking at similar options - refer post just above yours!

After lot of reading on the net (dpreview,photography blogs, etc),
I concluded in the following manner (about Canon SX50 Vs Fz200):

1. Both have the required level of zoom.
2. Fz200 gives the advantage of 2.8 A value (which impresses us fairly - since we do understand what that means).
BUT,
----- SNIP -----
Ace.

ACE,
I am not sure whether you have made purchase or still waiting, but thought of sharing my experience and thought process in similar situation.

I was in market for long zoom digicam three years back and cams from Canon/Nikon/Sony/Pana were in contention.
As I am using Canon DSLR gear as well, I had almost made my mind to buy Canon offering with long zoom, but still decided to get hands on experience before I swipe my card.

Hands on in stores was a different story and Canon/Nikon offerings disappointed me with their rather long shutter lag and also slow focussing/hunting - especially at longer end of zoom range (remember I am spoiled by quick focus/no shutter lag of DSLR).
Sony was much better, and almost decided to buy Sony for around 24K, as Pana Fz150 was not available in any store!

However, I persisted with my effort finding Pana Fz 150 and found it at Panasonic Brand Shop.

Eventually, I went with FZ150 mainly because its fast performance (almost non existant shutter lag and fast/accurate focussing).
FZ200 from Pana is same in all aspect except 2.8 lens (fz 150 has lens with lower apurture at longer end of zoom)

I recommend FZ200 over Canon if you value faster response from camera and do not want to get annoyed due to the time camera actually takes to snap the picture after you press the shutter

Try Panasonic Brand Shop, for hands on and look for deals on Amazon.in - I had seen some nice deals on FZ200 for around 24K.

I am happily using FZ150 since last 3 years and have not regretted once.

Hope this helps

JLS

[meetbadri]

My Camera is pretty old one however the image quality is still superb. Here is one of the picture taken near Madhugiri near Tumkur. My Camera is Sony DSC-H10 with 8 MP and 10X Optical zoom.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by driverace

I will definitely update with my purchase (when that happens!)

Agree with you - it is indeed totally VFM proposition.
Also- with Canon - you get the support of chdk community too!

When you do your purchase, please share a quick review here.

Cheers,

Ace.

Did you buy anyone of these yet?

Originally Posted by JLS

...
Eventually, I went with FZ150 mainly because its fast performance (almost non existant shutter lag and fast/accurate focussing).
FZ200 from Pana is same in all aspect except 2.8 lens (fz 150 has lens with lower apurture at longer end of zoom)

I recommend FZ200 over Canon if you value faster response from camera and do not want to get annoyed due to the time camera actually takes to snap the picture after you press the shutter

Try Panasonic Brand Shop, for hands on and look for deals on Amazon.in - I had seen some nice deals on FZ200 for around 24K.

I tried the Canon SX50HS at a nearby Reliance Digital. Agree with most of your observations and also found the IS rather useless! I mean, slightest of movement of my hand or the object resulted in hazy pics (I clicked in Auto mode).

Now I am trying to get my hands on a FZ200 - no luck so far yet. I am assuming and hoping the f/2.8 lens would do better.

[driverace]

Originally Posted by JLS

ACE,
I am not sure whether you have made purchase or still waiting, but thought of sharing my experience and thought process in similar situation.

..
Hands on in stores was a different story and Canon/Nikon offerings disappointed me with their rather long shutter lag and also slow focussing/hunting - especially at longer end of zoom range (remember I am spoiled by quick focus/no shutter lag of DSLR).
Sony was much better, and almost decided to buy Sony for around 24K, as Pana Fz150 was not available in any store!

..
Hope this helps

JLS

JLS, thanks a lot for your detailed inputs!

I agree with most of your points.
Although, with the S & A modes (that I shoot mostly in) - I did find the Canon just about OK.

I could not check out the Panasonic Fz200, due to unavailability.

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Did you buy anyone of these yet?

I tried the Canon SX50HS at a nearby Reliance Digital. Agree with most of your observations and also found the IS rather useless! I mean, slightest of movement of my hand or the object resulted in hazy pics (I clicked in Auto mode).

Now I am trying to get my hands on a FZ200 - no luck so far yet. I am assuming and hoping the f/2.8 lens would do better.

Dry Ice,

No. I did not buy from these, yet.
But, I will be buying either of these 2 - in a month.
Not for me, but for my brother to use.

Although the intent of use would be pretty similar - he wouldn't be "working" on the photos much.

So, I might select based on that & my brother's preference.

Again, I would like to state - the Canon was not really that sluggish.
Given that you "have" to expect it tough to shoot fully zoomed in on anything - with shaky hands,
Zoom like 20x or so & you shall find the IS sufficiently intelligent/capable.


Guys, what would be the best place to order in US/delivery in US?
(the cam will be used in US for at least 3+ years)

Thanks,

Ace.