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Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

Started Jan 16, 2012 | Discussions
Pit Bull New Member • Posts: 11
Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

The subject line pretty much sums up my question.

I've been seriously considering an SX40 IS as an upgrade to my SX30 that I bought a year ago. Although there are other reasons, the thing that is kind of disappointing about the SX30 is the less than satisfying results when running it in "Auto" mode for still images.

I leave a camera on auto when I'm walking around so I can take a quick pic of whatever. Before the SX30 I had (still have it) an S3 that actually took better pics in auto mode even though it's only 6MP.

I can tweak he SX30 to do a lot better in manual mode, especially with a tripod, but the idea is to have something that can operate better in auto mode. I can carry my Nikon DSLR around but it doesn't have the versatility of a good bridge camera and is bulkier.

If the SX40 cannot out perform the SX30 in the manual mode by a CONSIDERABLE margin then I can't justify buying one.

Thanks.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
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Sunflower6 Regular Member • Posts: 359
I think so.

I sold the SX30 to buy the SX40. I use the program mode more than full auto, but I think the SX40 does much better, especially in low light situations.

AdAstra09 Regular Member • Posts: 191
Re: Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

The output in general from the sx40 is about as high IQ as you will get in an ultrazoom. However, auto tends to pick much higher ISOs in general-choosing 800 when the pic will be perfectly exposed as 200 for examples- and also blows highlights. I just set my custom mode for a walk around auto icontrast on, iso 100, -1/3 exposure, custom color, etc. 90percent of my photos are outdoor wildlife in bright light so this works. You could set one custom mode for outdoor shots and one for indoors to preserve highlights and greatest IQ
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OP Pit Bull New Member • Posts: 11
Re: I think so.

Correction: In my last sentence I meant to say that if the SX40 cannot outperform the SX30 in the AUTO mode by a considerable margin then I can't justify buying one.

The SX30 actually does well with the right manual settings.

I'd probably sell my SX30 if I got the SX40, too.

OP Pit Bull New Member • Posts: 11
Re: Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

Good idea. I've never really gotten into the program mode but maybe I ought to.
Thanks.

OP Pit Bull New Member • Posts: 11
Re: Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

For what it's worth I went ahead and got an SX40..............

BosPhotoMan Regular Member • Posts: 320
Re: Does the SX40 take better pictures in "auto" mode than the SX30?

The SX40 will produce better pictures in auto mode compared to the sx30 (I upgraded)

I think the main reason for the improvement (as mentioned in a previous response) is due to the better image quality at higher ISOs. I also agree it makes sense to use Program mode and take note of the ISO settings.

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