Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

[Cookie]

http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_sx40hs

I'm going on a trip in a few months (including a safari) and I need a new camera because the one I own now (also a Canon, which I like) is about 7 years old and it keeps wanting to take videos instead of photos, even when in photo mode. The guy at the store I went to recommended this one ($345), but I'm so far from being a camera expert, I have no idea if there are better options.

- Price is not a huge concern, I don't mind paying a little more or less.
- Weight is an issue since I'm doing a 6 day hike up Kilimanjaro before the safari and I don't want to carry any more than I have to in my day pack. Also, I want to be able to use it after this trip, and if it's too heavy, I'll just leave it at home all the time.
- Ease of use is relatively important, but I have 3 months to get used to the camera and figure everything out before my trip.
- 35x zoom seems insane to me, compared to what I have now (which is crap). Is that good?

 

[sixone]

I have the SX40, and I love love love it. Very easy to use with a few tweaks, or you can add the CHDK program if you want RAW images to tweak even further.

Focusing is a problem sometimes, if you're trying to catch a moving target, it can be annoyingly slow. Shot-to-shot isn't terrible, and there's a high-speed burst mode you can use, if you know you'll need it.

The zoom is awesome, and you'll really be glad to have it when you're on safari.

The size may be an issue, though. It's not a pocket camera, but if you're already carrying a bag, it might not matter so much.

I would recommend you go to Best Buy, Target, or Walmart, and handle their display model. Canon's new SX240 (no GPS) or SX260 (has GPS) might be more what you're looking for. They have 20x zoom, and that's pretty good. Just not as good as 35x.

 

[aylafan]

It's top-notch camera for its class; however, it still uses a consumer point-and-shoot sensor 1/2.3". If money is an issue then this will be a great camera for your trip. However, this looks as bulky as a DSLR camera; you'll definitely need a camera bag for this.

However, if you can spend around $600-700 then you'll be able to purchase a full-size DSLR camera or mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Which I believe is a better investment.

Read this review:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/engadget-primed-why-your-cameras-sensor-size-matters/

 

[tdawg]

It's top-notch camera for its class; however, it still uses a consumer point-and-shoot sensor 1/2.3". If money is an issue then this will be a great camera for your trip. However, this looks as bulky as a DSLR camera; you'll definitely need a camera bag for this.

However, if you can spend around $600-700 then you'll be able to purchase a full-size DSLR camera or mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Which I believe is a better investment.

Read this review:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/engadget-primed-why-your-cameras-sensor-size-matters/

DSLR sensor is better, but it'd take much more money to get that same or even half the zoom range on offer with the Canon and will require multiple lenses (unless he wants to lug around a sigma 50-500). A tripod will be required to get sharp shots from that telephoto setting of course.

 

[Throckmorton]

Why a tripod? I'm guessing if Canon gave the lens that much zoom they also gave it enough stabilization to be handheld at 840mm equivalent

 

[aylafan]

DSLR sensor is better, but it'd take much more money to get that same or even half the zoom range on offer with the Canon and will require multiple lenses (unless he wants to lug around a sigma 50-500). A tripod will be required to get sharp shots from that telephoto setting of course.

I do agree with you on this; the zoom is extremely good on the SX40. 35x zoom is rare for a camera that costs $345.

 

[sixone]

Why a tripod? I'm guessing if Canon gave the lens that much zoom they also gave it enough stabilization to be handheld at 840mm equivalent

Better with a tripod. But unless you're particularly shaky for some reason, it's doable without.

 

[Cookie]

Thanks for the help everyone!

I appreciate it.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Sixone already nailed it

I have this camera, and I absolutely love its versatility!

Oh, and by the way - you can use ISO up to 1600 in some cases and get usable shots, which is something you couldn't even dream about in older generation cameras.

 

[de8212]

Here's a couple I took last week. Not professional by any means.

 

[corkyg]

I too have the SX40 IS for trekking. (A lot more compact and portable than my 5D MKII + lenses.) And it will fit in a jacket pocket or under the zipped jacket. The 35X zoom is very useful, but it does need more than the IS. Stretching the neck strap is a quick and dirty, and resting on something also works, but my choice is a monopod which also serves as a hiking stick.