I've been playing with the Canon Powershot SX50 quite a bit, and though it's been a frustrating experience, I think I've finally figured out through trial and error, and tutorials on the internet*, how to obtain fairly sharp images. However, it's been raining and/or cloudy since I got the camera, so I haven't had adequate light to know if I can get the same sharpness I am seeing from others who own this camera.
On my DSLR (Bertha) I shoot in aperture priority, sometimes at 1600 ISO to get a fast shutter. Since the sensor in Bertha is full frame, there is no noise at this ISO level. No-can-do on the SX50. The main trick with this camera is to have a shutter speed of 500 or more, an ISO below 400 (preferably), and let the camera choose the aperture. Also, I have better luck using the back screen for finding my subject, rather than looking through the viewfinder. The viewfinder pretty much sucks on this camera, imo. Put her on a tripod and use the back screen with the other settings, some bright light, and it's a great little camera.
No cropping on any of these, just resized, noise removed, and sharpened slightly for the blog. I think this is going to be a good option for kayaking and for times when I do not want to lug all the heavy gear.
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| The Autumn Carnation azaleas I planted are going crazy! There are hundreds of blooms on three small bushes. |
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| Downy woodpecker. Not sharp, but I was amazed at how much closer the zoom allows than my 400mm. |
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| Izzy. Double D has made her rotten. |
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| Sparky. My first rescue from the emergency pet clinic. He's 12 now and on three medications for congestive heart failure and thyroid disease. |
*I found this link very helpful on how to achieve sharp photos with the Canon SX50. I hope this helps someone else out there who owns this camera, or is thinking of buying it.
38 comments:
Judging by these photos it looks like you got the hang of it. I have a Canon Rebel and most of the time I shoot aperture priority. All lens have a sweet spot of a aperture setting at which it is the sharpest. I have settle on f8 being the best for me.
WOW Gail you seem to have gotten the it figured out these are beautiful. Hug B
in my youth I played with all the alphabet with my SLR. I've been shooting digital point and shoot so long, I'm wondering if I REALLY want to upgrade to the DSLR. *sigh*
What incredible photos!!! My girlfriend has a DSLR and loves it! I love those doggy eyes :)
Each is a beautiful shot. I think you've aced it.
Heerlijke foto,s het lijkt mij een mooie camera.
Heerlijke foto,s het lijkt mij een mooie camera.
I am somewhat jealous of your full frame. D600? The Canon's 50x optical would come in handy, but I know the quality isn't the same. Not even close. I am seriously considering getting a decent pocket camera, like the Canon G1x series to carry anywhere and everywhere. It will offer RAW capability which is important to me. The mirrorless cameras like the Sonys are appealing for their quality, but they still aren't pocket-sized.
lately my "big girl" has been so lonely as i found my iPhone is always with me and often preferred {as to not having to carry my heavy gear}
so i totally understand. i think these photos are great!!! but hate the frustration for you :(
You got incredible photos with you little point and shoot. All I use is a point and shoot but I don't get the awesome photos that you do.
Your little dogs are so sweet.
that azalea photo is AWESOME! wow! and i'm glad you've figured out how to get the best shots with the new cam.
this might be the same camera that a blogger friend returned because she could NOT handle the viewfinder, and when outdoors, she often couldn't see enough in the back screen to use that instead.
Hi Gail,
A great series.
Cute dog, what a sweetheart.
Greetings Irma
You sure figured it out Gail, these are wonderful!
You'd get awesome shots with a Brownie!
These all look great, I think you've figured it out! Love that you rescued your sweetie, My brown dog is 12 and on thyroid medication and was recently dx with Cushings... It's hard to see them age.
Nice shots! The zoom is rather impressive. The main target buyers for these cameras don't understand the sensor differences and they like the super zoom. You'll be able to get the most out of it since you know the differences between it and Bertha. It should be a good walking around camera. I never use the viewfinder on my Canon point and shoot. The LCD was always easier.
A camera like the SX50 has its limitations,but over all it is a great little tool. I don't like the view finder,but have used it a few times and I think I could learn to use it.Great shots.
What amazing clear shots.
i think these are great captures, gail.
for the every day situations, i want to always be equipped with a solid compact in my pocket or even in my hand.
wish you a great week ahead~
big hugs!
Hello Gail. Cute pups, they both look very relaxed! I love my sx40, decided against moving up to the sx50. I bought another sx 40 to have a spare. Now my hubby is using the extra. Thank you for linking up to the critter party!
Yeah I definitely think you got the hang of it....beautiful photos. I don't remember seeing the dogs before. They are both great, in entirely different ways.
Hi, Gail! Your photos are lovely, as always! I was glad to see your initial thoughts on the SX50 as mine arrives tomorrow. The link you provided was extremely helpful as well. Although I am hoping I can get away with the manual settings for most of my shots. I went with a point-and-shoot for the very reason that I did not want a high maintenance camera. Hopefully, like Tony, I can find a groove that works for me in most of my settings. Thanks so much for the info!
These look pretty darn good Gail. I'm impressed. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Hugs~
Looks like you are doing a great job with this new camera... It's sweet being able to see the little hairs on the azaleas....sure wish I knew more about cameras!! Beautiful azalea blooms! I'm always excited to see your new photos!!
hugs
izzy is too cute. i think it was an azalea bloom. gorgeous!! love the color. ( :
I don't know what you're so worried about!
You did great! Impressive shots Gail, love the ever adorable Izzy and Double D.
Wow. It is amazing what a fast iso can do. You have some amazing photographs to share. Thanks.
I know so little about cameras (blush....including my own) but I think these photos are WOW!!
Great photos, Gail, but as a chihuahua owner, I got to give Izzy my "fav". What a great photo!!
amazing focus on the azalea "fuzz"! And I think that's a pretty sharp image of the woodpecker! Funny...I started shooting on Program for some reason---I need to change, I know. I'm really struggling with sharp focus, no matter the lens, right now. Great use of that new little camera, Gail.
That's exactly how to use a bridge camera, Gail. These cameras are undervalued. The results are under light circumstances as good as those of a DSLR. I photograph since 3 years with another bridgecamera and I am very pleased with it. On my blog you can see a lot of pictures taken with the Panasonic Lumix fz48 and a review (click on the camera picture). Although I write in Dutch and English is this review only in Dutch but I have installed Translate on my blog. I hope you enjoy your camera. It's really worthwhile to discover all its possibilities. Greeting from the Netherlands, Joke
You are a master at this. Superb shots!
You're off to a great start. I think you'll be very happy with it. (And, a rotten pup is a happy pup. :) )
First Izzy!! What a cutie!! Sweet Sparky!!
Next - that azalea is awesome. Never realized that an azalea is so hairy!!! I'm afraid if I look at one this close with my eyes - I'll strain my eyes!! Striking how the pink stands out against the green hairy leaves and stems!!
You've gotten some amazing photos with the SX50 on this test run. The flower is spectacular, as is the blue jay. The downy shot isn't as sharp as the others, but it's still got amazing detail. The shot of Izzy is absolutely perfect!
Congratulations! Looks like you have advanced far beyond beginner status with your new Canon.
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