This week, I acquired a Canon SX50 HS camera which can zoom from 24 mm to 1200 mm, or 50X. This camera is used by many bird photographers who cannot afford to buy those giant lenses, some costing as much as a second mortgage on a home.
I must say that the camera has lived up to its reputation. See for yourself in these three photos that I took over the past three days.
Here’s a junco, that came to partake of sunflower seeds I put out on our deck. I shot this through our glass patio door, but it is still very sharp.
Junco
Next is a robin, running on the grass near the Delaware Raritan Canal about 1.5 miles from home. We also have them in our backyard, but until now I haven’t been able to take as close a shot as this one.
Robin
Finally, here’s a nuthatch hanging upside down a tree trunk. I thought it was a female downy woodpecker, but Jet Elliot (see her comment below) pointed out my error. Thanks, Jet!
Downy Woodpecker
Pretty decent I’d say in color and detail. I think as you get used to the new camera it will get even better. My favorite is the last picture as the whole bird is quite clear with nice detail and no blown highlights. The top bird has a lot of clarity in the eye just a little bit blown on the highlight area. I’ll have to look up the camera for more of an idea of its features…but definitely you will have having fun maxing it out!! Look forward to seeing more birds, maybe some flower close up detail with it too. Birds are sometimes difficult as they move so quickly for getting good sharpness, especially the smaller ones I think. Good going!!
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I still have much learning to do before I can use this new camera to its full potential. I will surely keep your comments in mind, Judy. Thank you.
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Beautiful photos. The third photo looks like a nuthatch to me, but I’m not seeing the whole bird so could be wrong?
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You are right. I looked at other photos of nuthatches, and mine is a nuthatch. Will make the correction.
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Nice close up of this little Junco.
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Thanks for visiting, Pat.
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I’ve owned two of them and both got traded away for something, I’ve thought about a third purchase. The first trade got me me 12 days free stay in England, so I’m not complaining, They are a great way to do telephoto inexpensively, for sure.
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I’ve never heard of trading a camera away. But 12 days in England is not bad at all!
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I’ve been looking for a longer telephoto lens for my camera. Maybe I should rethink that and think instead about getting a different camera! Thanks for the tip. I could really see using a camera like this on our hiking trips.
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Johm, it’s worth trying, since it is so much cheaper compared to a long telephoto lens.
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Looks like the camera is going to be perfect for your bird photos. Lovely!
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Thank you Sue. I am still learning how to use the camera, but you are right, it will be a very good for bird photography.
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Such a charming photo series with lovable bird portraits !!! Perfect timing,amazing details !!!
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Thanks so much!
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HOORAY for your new lens, Hien! – we all get the benefit ! 😀
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Thank you!
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These pictures are beautiful. I bought the same camera last Christmas but I did not use it as often as I want. I did take some bird pictures however they are not as nice as yours. Your pictures has encouraged me to use my camera more. I enjoy all your photos. Thank you for sharing them with us. My best regards to you and your family.
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Thank you, and I am glad you like my photos.
May I suggest that you use a good tripod with this camera? Because of its long zoom, hand holding it at 1200 mm makes it appear very shaky and you will not get the sharp images that you want. Also try to shoot at fast speeds, like 1/400 or even faster.
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