SX40 HS shutter lag, etc.

Greetings,

I am finally upgrading from my PowerShot A650 IS. It is a marvelous compact camera, but the LCD is dying and I can't find a replacement. Anyway, it's time for something with a bigger zoom.

Even though it's not the latest and greatest, I've come to the conclusion that the PowerShot SX40 HS is a good camera for me. I live in Israel where the prices are significantly higher than in the US, and the best price I've found here is a bit over $400. fortunately I've managed to find a used one in good condition (from someone who did upgrade to the latest and greatest) for something in the neighborhood of $170, which is much more in my price range.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1. Shutter lag: to try to get the shot I want, I often press the shutter release half way to establish focus and exposure lock, and then wait for the right moment to depress the shutter release all the way to take a picture. On the A650 IS, the delay is quite noticeable and I frequently miss the shot I want. On the SX40 HS, I see that continuous shooting mode gives about 10 fpm, so I'm hoping the delay in my case will be similar, at about 1/10 of a second. Can anyone comment on that?

2. How good is the electronic viewfinder?

3. Has anyone tried aftermarket batteries from eBay? At around $5 I figure it's worth having at least one if they're any good?

4. Do you folks recommend a filter (sky 1a or UV-haze) to protect the lens? I understand that the lens does not have threads for filters and that an adapter is required, making it a more complicated undertaking (I wonder why Canon left off the filter threads).

Any other comments, pro or con, regarding the SX40 HS are most welcome.

Thanks

yossid wrote:

Greetings,

I am finally upgrading from my PowerShot A650 IS. It is a marvelous compact camera, but the LCD is dying and I can't find a replacement. Anyway, it's time for something with a bigger zoom.

Even though it's not the latest and greatest, I've come to the conclusion that the PowerShot SX40 HS is a good camera for me. I live in Israel where the prices are significantly higher than in the US, and the best price I've found here is a bit over $400. fortunately I've managed to find a used one in good condition (from someone who did upgrade to the latest and greatest) for something in the neighborhood of $170, which is much more in my price range.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1. Shutter lag: to try to get the shot I want, I often press the shutter release half way to establish focus and exposure lock, and then wait for the right moment to depress the shutter release all the way to take a picture. On the A650 IS, the delay is quite noticeable and I frequently miss the shot I want. On the SX40 HS, I see that continuous shooting mode gives about 10 fpm, so I'm hoping the delay in my case will be similar, at about 1/10 of a second. Can anyone comment on that?

2. How good is the electronic viewfinder?

3. Has anyone tried aftermarket batteries from eBay? At around $5 I figure it's worth having at least one if they're any good?

4. Do you folks recommend a filter (sky 1a or UV-haze) to protect the lens? I understand that the lens does not have threads for filters and that an adapter is required, making it a more complicated undertaking (I wonder why Canon left off the filter threads).

Any other comments, pro or con, regarding the SX40 HS are most welcome.

Thanks

Yossid, I have used the SX40hs for a few years and have never noticed a 'shutter lag' in normal mode shooting. I don't do 'continuous (sports) mode' as never found it useful. It seems to take about 1 second between shots.

The EV is quite adequate and I use it 99.5%. Some find it terrible and the SX50 did not improve on this item. The SX60 apparently has a far superior EV and LCD. I will eventually move up to this one when the price comes down.

I have, even on extensive travel, never required a back up battery. Charging up every night does it for my type of shooting. Video would be another matter but I don't do video. Nor do I excessively review my shots as taken. No harm in getting a cheap backup if you really feel the need.

Never use a filter for lens protection. A Canon 'bayonet type' lens hood and lens cap (on a short tether) is all that is needed. I do carry a polarizer which can be loosely "screwed" on the lens barrel. Rarely use it.

Only other thing is --put it in "P" mode, Use -1/3 EC (normal lighting) and -2/3 in bright sun. Anything else is edited in post.  Try to keep ISO under 400.

It's a good camera and you should find it to your liking.

DonA2 wrote:

yossid wrote:

Greetings,

I am finally upgrading from my PowerShot A650 IS. It is a marvelous compact camera, but the LCD is dying and I can't find a replacement. Anyway, it's time for something with a bigger zoom.

Even though it's not the latest and greatest, I've come to the conclusion that the PowerShot SX40 HS is a good camera for me. I live in Israel where the prices are significantly higher than in the US, and the best price I've found here is a bit over $400. fortunately I've managed to find a used one in good condition (from someone who did upgrade to the latest and greatest) for something in the neighborhood of $170, which is much more in my price range.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1. Shutter lag: to try to get the shot I want, I often press the shutter release half way to establish focus and exposure lock, and then wait for the right moment to depress the shutter release all the way to take a picture. On the A650 IS, the delay is quite noticeable and I frequently miss the shot I want. On the SX40 HS, I see that continuous shooting mode gives about 10 fpm, so I'm hoping the delay in my case will be similar, at about 1/10 of a second. Can anyone comment on that?

2. How good is the electronic viewfinder?

3. Has anyone tried aftermarket batteries from eBay? At around $5 I figure it's worth having at least one if they're any good?

4. Do you folks recommend a filter (sky 1a or UV-haze) to protect the lens? I understand that the lens does not have threads for filters and that an adapter is required, making it a more complicated undertaking (I wonder why Canon left off the filter threads).

Any other comments, pro or con, regarding the SX40 HS are most welcome.

Thanks

Yossid, I have used the SX40hs for a few years and have never noticed a 'shutter lag' in normal mode shooting. I don't do 'continuous (sports) mode' as never found it useful. It seems to take about 1 second between shots.

The EV is quite adequate and I use it 99.5%. Some find it terrible and the SX50 did not improve on this item. The SX60 apparently has a far superior EV and LCD. I will eventually move up to this one when the price comes down.

I have, even on extensive travel, never required a back up battery. Charging up every night does it for my type of shooting. Video would be another matter but I don't do video. Nor do I excessively review my shots as taken. No harm in getting a cheap backup if you really feel the need.

Never use a filter for lens protection. A Canon 'bayonet type' lens hood and lens cap (on a short tether) is all that is needed. I do carry a polarizer which can be loosely "screwed" on the lens barrel. Rarely use it.

Only other thing is --put it in "P" mode, Use -1/3 EC (normal lighting) and -2/3 in bright sun. Anything else is edited in post. Try to keep ISO under 400.

It's a good camera and you should find it to your liking.

I agree with Don, for me too its been a fine camera. Ive had some really pleasing often complimented results from mine.

I don't take any "sports " photo's but haven't noticed any shutter lag on mine. People have complained about the EVF. Ok its not the best, but I use mine 100% of the time and not had any problems with it.

I don't have a spare battery as Ive always found there's always plenty of life and enough for my needs in the one.

Its a good camera in my humble opinion and I think you will be happy with your purchase.