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Need a new Canon advanced point and shoot

Started Oct 8, 2012 | Discussions thread
OP Ashleigh919 Forum Member • Posts: 57
Re: Need a new Canon advanced point and shoot

james2k50 wrote:

Ashleigh919 wrote:

One of my concerns with the SX40, however, is that it has a DIGIC 4 processor.  If the 5 is out, why would I buy the older one?  Also, does the DIGIC 5 really offer vastly improved performance over the 4?

Sorry for all the questions!

The cameras I am considering are below, and I would appreciate any insight into any of them.

Thanks!

SX260 HS

SX40 HS

SX50

SX500

SX160 IS

The SX40 HS has the DIGIC 5 processor and I know because I use this camera. It is an excellent choice and I am really surprised by the image quality from such a small sensor. I haven't read all of the responses in this thread, but I can tell you this camera is a joy to use.
Some complain of an autofocus issue, but it hasn't happened to me. It took me 10 min. to learn how to use that incredibly long lens and understand how to focus with it. Also does a fantastic job with macro or full telephoto. Image stabilization is very good, capable of keeping your shots steady up to 840mm or 35X optical. Also it works really well as a video camera which is something that I don't really need, but it's handy just in case.
I have read that the SX260 HS and the SX40 HS both use the same sensor and all is virtually identical except for the optical zoom. So it's up to you if you want something that is pocketable "SX260 HS", or something much like DSLR with all of the controls "SX40 HS".
Also I can't speak for the SX260 HS but as for the SX40, the only issue I have is with the EVF. It is very hard to use since it is such low resolution. However it is usable, when you get used to how to focus with it. As for the LCD, it is also low resolution but it fares pretty well so you can tell if you have achieved focus or not. Also, no problems for me in direct sunlight. Nothing much else to say, but I'm really happy with it

Thanks so much!  I agree that they are identical except for the zoom length and the size.  I replied to the thread on the comment above yours that Target was out of SX40s, despite the computer saying they had 5 when I was sent to a second store.  I'm going to try a third one today, but I'm not trying any harder than that!  I was offered an SX260 for the price of the SX40, though, so I picked up an SX260 for $215!  So far, it's pretty good.  It has all the manual features I wanted, the low-light features I wanted, and while it's not a 35x zoom, the 20x zoom is still significantly more than the 10x on my SX110.  The biggest thing to get used to is the size and not having a dedicated groove for grip on the right, just a rubber strip.  I'm hoping to get the SX40 and then decide.  I do have to admit that having a pocketable camera is kind of nice, but my SX110 still works decently well outdoors, and that is basically pocketable...

Thanks for the help!

 Ashleigh919's gear list:Ashleigh919's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Canon PowerShot G7 X Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Canon EF-S 10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM +7 more
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