Need a new Canon advanced point and shoot

I currently have a 4-year-old Canon SX110is.  The camera is 9mp with a 10x optical zoom.  The camera has been great, and I must have taken somewhere at least 10,000, if not 20,000, pictures with it.  However, its low light performance is becoming really sub-par.  I noticed even more this week that even with the flash, I was coming up with blurry-discolored images.  Then this happened even when I was in my house.  Another problem I've always had with the camera is that the flash is laggy, due to it taking AA batteries.  The positive of the AAs is that I have a ton of high-powered rechargeable ones, and I can carry 10 extra batteries if I want to do so.

So now I'm shopping for a new camera, and I need help.  I don't necessarily need something tiny to fit in my pocket, but I certainly have appreciated the size of the SX110, as it does almost always fit in my purse with my phone and wallet as well.  I really like Canon, am familiar with the interface, and love that the cameras are NOT made in China.

Must-haves are all the features of the SX110 -- aperture of 2.8 - 8.0, long zoom, P, Av, Tv, M modes, etc.  I would also like better low light performance, which I understand the HS cameras provide, faster refresh after flash, something practical, something that won't feel either "too big" or "too small."

I really want to spend $300 or less, but I can probably spend about $350 for the right camera (even the SX 40HS is selling for $316, which is fine).  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

Also, I am shooting with Class 10 SDHC cards and Eneloop batteries, so I know my slow writing/refresh is not due to those.

The camera still generally performs well outdoors with no flash and on non-super-complicated shots, if that makes sense.  But for using it indoors, even sometimes in "auto" or "easy," it has become an issue.  I have never owned anything like a simple ELPH, but it seems that people with cameras like that can easily take pictures of people in places like restaurants, which is something I have come to envy...(but I have no desire for a simple camera without a long zoom and without manual features)

Two things I like more about the SX40 are the 15 second exposure time versus 4 for the Nikon, as well as the 1/3200 shutter speed over the fastest 1/2000 for the Nikon.  Not to mention that the Nikon is nearly $100 more, which for me, does not justify it having the longer zoom (35x is more than enough for me) and the HDR.  Also, after shooting with a Canon for 4 years, I really like the functionality and interface.

Also, the Nikon is made in China.  I try to avoid Chinese products, and if I have an option to not buy Chinese, I'd prefer to do that too.  

Thanks for the suggestions of the SX40 and SX160 though!

The SX40 already has the DIGIC 5 processor: (first googled link)

http://cheesycam.com/first-digic-5-canon-sx40-camera-in-stock/

Ashleigh919 wrote:

I really want to spend $300 or less, but I can probably spend about $350 for the right camera (even the SX 40HS is selling for $316, which is fine).  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?

IdahoMemories wrote:

I Don't think you can go wrong with the SX40. The functionality should be appropriate in just about any circumstance you are likely to come across.

What sort of photos do you expect to be taking? Most of the photos I shoot with SX40 are outdoors...Below are some galleries of SX40 Photos I've taken.

http://pointandshootphotos.smugmug.com/CanonSX40Photos

http://www.pointandshootphotography.net/canon-sx40-photographs.html

Thank you so much!  Your photos are amazing!  I really take all kinds of photos -- out with friends at restaurants, at get togethers at houses, friends' weddings (casual, not as the photographer), outdoors shots when traveling, museums, my friend's band, things of that nature.  The low-light shots are annoying in restaurants, weddings, and for the band, especially when the camera is not processing quickly enough, despite adjusting aperture, exposure, ISO, and white balance.

The SX40 seems to be the way to go and just carry my SX110 for when I need a smaller camera or when I need an exposure longer than 1 second at a higher ISO (I've been reading how the camera limits the ISO for exposures longer than 1 second).

James Cafferty wrote:

Canon SX40 would suit you. I own one and it suits my needs. The 35x zoom lens is fantastic and so is the IQ of the pictures it produces. It has Digic 5 Processor, not Digic 4.

But, I also have a compact camera with a f/1.8-2.4 lens, 1/1.7" sensor and 3x zoom. And this is the one I use for indoor, low light pictures.

Note that the SX40 does not use AA batteries.

A Target Store by me has SX40 on Clearance for $220. I'm guessing it is for the display model with that price sticker on it. Maybe worth your time to check out.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx40_hs

That was my mistake; I meant that the SX50 apparently only has a DIGIC 4, and as such, it may not perform as well in low-light.

What kind of compact camera do you have?  If I could find one for $75, that just might be my solution in addition to the SX40 (it is a little big to put in a purse when out with friends!).

I don't mind that the SX40 doesn't take AAs.  I could just buy extra batteries.  I was planning on going to Target.  I think I saw one there a month ago, before I was seriously looking (I had a hard time shooting at a wedding this weekend, and even flowers in my apartment appeared blue, not purple, yesterday).

bizi clop wrote:

The SX40 already has the DIGIC 5 processor: (first googled link)

http://cheesycam.com/first-digic-5-canon-sx40-camera-in-stock/

Ashleigh919 wrote:

I really want to spend $300 or less, but I can probably spend about $350 for the right camera (even the SX 40HS is selling for $316, which is fine).  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?

Yes, that was my mistake.  I believe the SX50 (a brand-new model) only has a DIGIC 4.

James Cafferty wrote:

Ashleigh919 wrote:

James Cafferty wrote:

Canon SX40 would suit you. I own one and it suits my needs. The 35x zoom lens is fantastic and so is the IQ of the pictures it produces. It has Digic 5 Processor, not Digic 4.

But, I also have a compact camera with a f/1.8-2.4 lens, 1/1.7" sensor and 3x zoom. And this is the one I use for indoor, low light pictures.

Note that the SX40 does not use AA batteries.

A Target Store by me has SX40 on Clearance for $220. I'm guessing it is for the display model with that price sticker on it. Maybe worth your time to check out.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx40_hs

That was my mistake; I meant that the SX50 apparently only has a DIGIC 4, and as such, it may not perform as well in low-light.

What kind of compact camera do you have?  If I could find one for $75, that just might be my solution in addition to the SX40 (it is a little big to put in a purse when out with friends!).

I don't mind that the SX40 doesn't take AAs.  I could just buy extra batteries.  I was planning on going to Target.  I think I saw one there a month ago, before I was seriously looking (I had a hard time shooting at a wedding this weekend, and even flowers in my apartment appeared blue, not purple, yesterday).

- The SX50 is the newest Superzoom (50x) from Canon, and it has the Digic 5 processor - same as SX40.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx50_hs#Features

- I have a Samsung TL500 (EX1 outside the US). It has a fast f/1.8 lens, articulating LDC, etc.) It is now 2 years old, but I am still 100% satisfied with it. However, it is relatively heavy (13.6 oz) and less than ideal for slipping in a purse. (Prices range from used at $200 to new at $400)

http://www.dpreview.com/products/samsung/compacts/samsung_tl500

- Meanwhile, Samsung recently introduced the EX2F. It has an ever faster lens (now f/1.4) than the  original. And it is lighter (10.3 oz) and slightly smaller. Amazon's price ~$450

http://www.dpreview.com/products/samsung/compacts/samsung_ex2f

Someone else might be able to tell you about a camera for $75 that will provide quality pictures. You may want to look at this review of compact cameras from July 2011.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311travelzoomgrouptest/17

It really would help if I double-checked what model number I'm typing...again.  I left off a 0 - the SX500 is only a DIGIC 4:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx500_is

Unfortunately, I can't afford a "better" simple point and shoot right now, as I'll be out of work as of the end of the month.  It stinks that I need a new camera period right now, but I'm in need of a working camera in the next few weeks for fall foliage, family wedding, etc., so I don't have much of a choice.

The review of compact cameras rated the SX230 as one of the best cameras.  That is available for $230, and the newer version, the SX260 is available for $280.  Since it was manual features, that was actually one of my original choices.  If I'm going to buy a smaller camera, I think I would just have a point and shoot that shoots in auto all the time.  If I'm going to spend nearly $300, that may as well be my main camera, but I feel like those are so small, they'd feel weird as a main camera.

James Cafferty wrote:

Ashleigh919 wrote:

Snip...

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 SX260 now looks like a good choice.

Yes, my only two concerns are as follows:

1. Is the SX260 going to feel "too small" to me?  I also don't want to have shake because of the small size and no indented finger grip area, only a small rubber strip.  I always loved how I can really grip onto my SX110.

2. Does the SX260 really take photos as well as the SX40?

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

James Cafferty wrote:

Ashleigh919 wrote:

Snip...

Yes, my only two concerns are as follows:

1. Is the SX260 going to feel "too small" to me?  I also don't want to have shake because of the small size and no indented finger grip area, only a small rubber strip.  I always loved how I can really grip onto my SX110.

2. Does the SX260 really take photos as well as the SX40?

1. Find a store in your area that has the SX260 because only you can decide if the camera is "too small" for you.

2. Bring an SD card with you and ask the store to demo both cameras. If they can't, buy the SX40 at clearance price at Target (with return priviledges). If you can, buy an SX260 (with return priviledges) and compare the two.

Ultimately, you are the one who has to be happy with the camera you  choose.

I went to the Target closest to me last night, and they were out of SX40s.  I knew I should have bought it weeks ago when I saw it, but I wasn't in the market for a camera then!  I was then sent to another Target, near where I was going for dinner, as the computer showed they had 5 of them.  The workers there could not find a single SX40, and I pitched a fit about going to that one, rather than another one nearby.  They tried to tell me to drive 20 miles south to another one, and I said that was unacceptable.  The manager in the photo area then offered me a comparable camera for the same price.  I didn't opt for the SX500 because it has the DIGIC 4 processor, and no one recommended it, despite my putting it in my original choices.  Therefore, I ended up with an SX260 for $215!

I had a memory card with me, so I took some shots on that with the minimal pre-charged battery life, and my friends and I were impressed so far.  It is a little small, and getting used to a camera without an indented finger grip is weird.  I also accidentally put my finger on the flash while powering up a few times.  That is an awkward placement, but otherwise, so far, so good.

My mother still wants me to look for an SX40.  I have a feeling she might want it, as she's always been a film camera person but now not even Costco is processing film anymore, so I think she wants to learn SLR-like features on digital before investing in another SLR.

Thank you so much for all the help!

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!