Canon SX40 v. SX500

I certainly will AH – in fact had a good play today, so I’l see how I get on over the next 3/4 weeks..:)

Good photo Alan, it has come out well. Good framing and clear detail and colours look good.

Have a play around with the camera Charlie. Try out the different features and see what works best for you and what the camera can do. It’s all part of the fun of having a new camera and you will get to know it well and it’s strengths. Looking forward to seeing you post some photos in the near future. 🙂

Thanks – that was what I thought.

Just a quick question – is there any point in using the digital zoom? In the past on cheaper kit I have only ever used optical zoom.

Not in my opinion. I don’t think you’ll achieve anything that “cropping” wont.

Thank you both for your messages of support. I am slowly building up knowledge and experience and will post once I feel I have some pictures worthy of the thread! Just a quick question – is there any point in using the digital zoom? In the past on cheaper kit I have only ever used optical zoom.

Having used mine a bit more now, I can say that it’s a very good camera.

Ok, it’s never going to compare to a DSLR with a couple of thousand pounds worth of lenses to attach,
but it’s a very capable alternative. As I mentioned, auto-focus is something you need to master.
There is a manual focus option, but that isn’t particularly easy to use.

I managed to get this reasonable good picture of a Jay, taken at around 40ft away.

Welcome to the Canon club Charlie, i shoot mostly with Canon cameras. I haven’t used the SX40 but i hear its a good camera and similar price to the 1100D but without the costs of the lenses etc. Have fun with it taking some practice shots of anything and everything. Always part of the fun of buying a new camera :).

I’m sure you’ll be very happy with it. The only issues seem to be the auto focus, but that can be worked around.
It’s a good camera for the money. Although I did get mine at a very good price.

I got a “bundle” – camera plus spare battery, memory card and case for just shy of £300 ( family are chucking in half for a Christmas prezzie ) and I am looking forward to a play this weekend!!

I’m sure you’ll be very happy with it. The only issues seem to be the auto focus, but that can be worked around.
It’s a good camera for the money. Although I did get mine at a very good price.

Alan – just to let you know that thanks to your helpful nudge I have taken the plunge during the last few days “hiatus” and bought an SX40!!:)

Dangerous to assume!! No, I hadn’t so many thanks indeed!:)

I assume you have seen this ?

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS-vs-Canon-SX40