SX50 to DSLR?

Long time sx50. Understand.

The manual focus on the superzooms is difficult and not adequate or precise. It is certainly not speedy. (Only works in certain modes: select manual focus; the rear wheel "adjusts" focus, up or down is large movements, spin wheel to adjust slower.) It truly is difficult and only helpful in limited situations. Nearly impossible to pre-focus correctly.

Auto focus. Image quality. Usability. These are areas where you will see large improvements. Cost, not so much.

I have been using the SX series for a long time. I feel like I owe the camera industry money. The sx cams were bargains. Bought on sale or refurbed. Picked up several when new cams were coming out. Great for a lot of things. Gifted many.

But I completely understand.

Also have some nikon superzoom. Super super. Slightly easier manual focus, precision... uh still not great

New cameras.

So better image quality (iq) easy to get.

Auto focus better. Sx is no comparison.

But this is an area that people have to do a little diligence. Modern cams are making this easier. Easier for those who are not photographers, and better for those who do take time to perfect.

Usability and user interface will see improvements. But you will need the advice of the experts here.

Cost. Well I am not in a position to need much, not a pro, so the sx met the challenge. But not really.

I understand.

So what would be my next step. Or ...

I am afraid that going from a vw bug that cannot travel up western mountains, and storming into a dealership to get a belching v8 is a bit of a pickle.

But I understand.

Would any of the modern cams help, sure.

Would DSLR or Mirrorless be an improvement, yes. Would I enjoy a DSLR, sure. Mirrorless, absolutely.

Leaving the discussion about analog viewfinder and digital for a side discussion. Sx is digital. Mirrorless will be digital. Unless you use a finder.

Would a panny 3 or so work maybe.

1 inch, aps-c, full would all see improvements. Could any of them be made as an all on one?

If I were gifted any of several types, would I/you see gains, yes. Would it be fun, yes. Would there be limitations, sure. Cost, well yes. But quite reasonable. Should you limit yourself due to cost? Try not to. There are ways to get what you need carefully limiting costs. How important is photography to you? Or at least how frustrating is missing a shot.

There are choices limiting costs with some compromise. There are some choices at great expense, still compromises. But we do not want to do both for your situation. My focus is more birding and wildlife, so lenses/reach is issue. And can be expensive... where is your main hobby/wish.

An aps-c with the 6 going to 900 or 960 might be one answer to one area.

Ff with choices could work.

Exciting times right now. So many cameras and tech along with lens choices.

How much is the long reach end important to you and your "sales" or emphasis.

Will keeping the sx50 for long reach scratch that need? Then a great camera for everything else. That be easy.

We need to get you a selection of cams and lenses to try...

We have not even discussed how you hike about or your use, etcetera.

Hard to use less than 1200 for small birds or wildlife. Or even 3000mm...