Mega-zoom cameras Can anyone help me decide between a Canon SX40 and the Nikon P500. Both get similar reviews by both customers and professional reviewers. I most frequently use the Auto mode but definitely want to learn to use the other settings. Any suggestions?Thanks! Mega-zoom cameras Can anyone help me decide between a Canon SX40 and the Nikon P500. Both get similar reviews by both customers and professional reviewers. I most frequently use the Auto mode but... » Read More Mega-zoom cameras Can anyone help me decide between a Canon SX40 and the Nikon P500. Both get similar reviews by both customers and professional reviewers. I most frequently use the Auto mode but definitely want to learn to use the other settings. Any suggestions?Thanks! « Show Less
474709
All I can tell you is TURN OFF THE DIGITAL ZOOM! Optical zoom is true zoom and on this camera will get you about 830mm! (I know Nikon just brought out 1000mm, but I have doubts about other aspects of something rushed into production.) Anyway, on my web site, click on the "I" as you scroll over any photo on the right, and it will tell you the actual EXIF including zoom. Since I'm taking pictures mostly of birds, you'll see that I'm using 830mm most of the time. Tack-sharp. Never have used a tripod, well not since 1985, and the IS with this camera is great!
474710
I have been looking into buying one of the two as well. One of my interests is birds. The have the highest zoom Nikon 36 zoom and canon 35 zoom and all in one piece. Does anyone use either for birding?Thank you!
474711
Go search google for dpreview> forum> canon talk and you will see many bird pictures taken with the sx40 hs.
474712
I can tell you from experience that the Nikon P500 is not a good camera for stabilization. The new P510 might be but I haven't tested that one. I did test the P500 several times and was disapointed with it. I haven't tested the canon sx40 but you may want to test both cameras before making a decision. I bought a sony HX100 after testing it and finding out it had great stabilization and low light performance when I tested it. You may want to try testing it along with the other cameras before you make a decision to buy one.
1884402
I replaced my Canon 60d and smaller Sony A55 with an Olympus E-P3. I've owned several intro/mid-level dSLRs, and I would say the E-P3 was my favorite camera of all time. My pictures were amazing, it was fast, and best of all was that it was truly portable - perfect for my hiking trips. Were you mainly using the camera in auto mode? I always used it in manual, so can't really tell you how good or bad the camera did in 'A' mode - but in manual mode it was nearly perfect. The lenses you use may also play a role. My favorite lens of all time had been (maybe still is) the Canon 24-70mm lens, and I thought I would never find something that worked just as well, but I came across the Panasonic 14-140mm lens, which is super amazing, and became my favorite and main lens for the E-P3. The lack of viewfinder was never an issue for me, since I used the VF-2 view finder by Olympus. Sure, I was never happy using the E-P3 without the viewfinder, so I kept it on most of the time. I did sell the E-P3 on Ebay soon after the OM-D was announced. I figured that if the E-P3 had become my favorite camera of all time, getting the OM-D would be a no brainer since the specs are better than the E-P3 and it included a built in viewfinder. I have used an NEX-5 (first gen) in the past, and I must say I hated that camera due to how hard it made to shoot in 'M' mode; however, Sony released the NEX-7, a nearly perfect camera targeted towards potential dSLR owners. Deciding between the NEX-7 and the OM-D is a challenge, and they each have their pluses and negatives; however, those looking to replace a dSLR for some trips, shouldn't consider anything other than the OM-D(m4/3) or NEX-7(e-mount) for the time being; although, I bet Panasonic has something in the works to compete with Sony and Olympus.
423143
I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird... » Read More I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! « Show Less
588408
I don't know why they dropped the MP . I really like the bigger zoom , but the lack of MP is a big disadvantage . I also take my older version with me on photo shoots because of the better MP. My idea was to get a better camera for distant wildlife shots , but now I have to carry 2 cameras . It's a good camera , but would be much better with greater MP .
650801
I didn't like the image quality of either of them. I think the sensor is too small. The s120 is better than the s110 with faster focusing and a better sensor. I may consider spending a little more for the Sony rx100 with a bigger sensor (price dropped).
548592
I love the Canon SX700. The picture quality, zoom, ease of use in a solid little camera sold me. Recently went to MT. Shasta in CA & was amazed at the photos of the mountain I could clearly get because of the zoom, and I also captured hummingbirds and other birds.....Here in FL, I'm using the photo burst to photograph dolphins. Do as much homework as you can & see what is right for you.
2073936
I just read your posting and it has been a month since you put it up so I don't know if your still interested in a comparison, so I will keep it brief. I got the X100 in July and the S95 a year ago but by coincidence I just took some test shots in the back yard this morning to compare the two as I will be using both at a BBQ on Sunday. The S95 looks good until you see it next to the x100. The X100 is the first digital camera I have owned where the photos look a bit more real than the other digital cameras I have used. I also have a Nikon D7000 and did some test shots while on vacation using it and the Nikon 12-24mm lens ( set at 23mm) and the X100 looks better, sharper than the $1000 Nikon12-24 lens. There are some down sides as is mentioned on many websites, but you can get used to them, or at least I did. On the video, I like the S95 by far as it is easier to get usable footage. The X100 is sharper and cleaner by a little bit, but the focus is not as good as the S95. The X100 is a great camera for what it is, and I really like mine.
2128960
Did any of you read this review? http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D5000-D90-Compared-to-Canon-Rebel-T1i-500D.shtmlD5000 seems to be an easy pick. I am now tossing my coin between D90 and D5000.
298159
I think s4 is better, after using zoom for a while, I feel lazy when taking my zoom with me. Because it is heavy as a camera. With s4 and a camera, it will be perfect.
1077896
I can only reply that the 500 is wonderful and gets great definition with zoom. Can't compare it to 510 as I do not have that one.
1168520
Alice, I won't defend some of the SX40's faults - like taking shots in low light - but in over 20,000 photos with this camera, I've had no problem with it being slow EXCEPT in "Auto." Canon changed the processor from the 20 and 30 and came down from 14 to 12.1 MP to speed up the Powershot, and they succeeded. I would suggest you give the camera a workout in Av, Tv, P, or manual modes.Otherwise, I've used a Sony and an Olympus and have see the "Busy" signal more often than an old telephone.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
844348
I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go... » Read More I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. « Show Less
1657028
Canon sx40 has 32x zoom and video and burst shooting. About $400. It has auto mode, too, so you don't have to be an expert. At the longest zoom, you need bright light, but this is standard for zooms. Not that small compared to the compacts but not too bulky. I like the specs of this camera, the s9100, but it sounds like there are a lot of lemons coming out, which is too bad. The s8100 only has 10x zoom, so that wouldn't be for you.
548594
I haven't used the Nikon camera, but this is my third Canon in the SX series. It takes beautiful pictures and is perfect for traveling. Two problems with this particular model. It's very difficult to get clear pictures at 30X zoom. Even with image stabilization, pictures often come out blurry. You need a really steady hand or to use a tripod. If you're on a boat or anything that is moving, you may have a problem. Also, the earlier model I had was a 20X optical zoom, and worked better in low light. The new model seems to need more light to get clear shots that aren't grainy. I was very, very happy to have the SX280 HS camera with me in Europe--it took great shots of scenes that were off in the distance, and my travel companions couldn't get nearly as close as I could with this camera and still get crystal-clear images. If the SX280 HS camera is still available, I would recommend that one because of light and motion issues. That was best for an all-around, all-kinds-of-shooting situations, but I'm also happy with the SX700 HS; I just have to use the flash in low-light situations.
1340372
I purchased this week and was dissapointed by a Panasonic ZS10 and was also searching for a replacement. You might like this website as a comparison of features. For the more common photos (birthday, parade, sports) it looks like the Elph 500 is the winner. Choose the SX230 if you travel on a regular basis and take mostly outdoor and daytime photos. The GPS feature and high zoom capability will help with those far away pics taken in nature (mountains, pyramids, etc). http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-ELPH-500HS-vs-Canon-SX230-HS
947782
i cant remember all the reasons i chose the 4500. maybe the zoom. or one you can change lenses. I can promice you i did a lot of research before i decided on the 4500. Its a great "outside" camera. Not so good indoors under poor lighting. ( must use flash) I have taken some very nice pics and i am very happy with it. I plan on getting into it some more very soon. I think its a great 1st digital camera. hope this helped