Comparison between Nikon L810 and Canon Powershot SX500?

Mom_to_3

Earlier this year, I decided to upgrade my Kodak Point-and-Shoot to a bridge camera. I wanted the SuperZoom, plus the ability to take action shots, shots in low light, and have more options as to the quality of the photos. I am a hobbiest, not a pro by any means. I primarily take action photos (sports), photos of my children, photos of my pets, and outdoor scenery.

I bought a Nikon Coolpix L810 (June 2012) and HATE IT. My shots are always blurry, whether I use a tripod or just hold the camera. Outdoors, the colors are rich and lush. Inside, the photos are grainy and too warm in tone. The zoom never wants to focus at full zoom; sometimes the shutter won't engage. I frequently miss shots because of those two reasons. The flash is either Auto or Off -- many times the flash doesn't even go off, even though I know I'm in a low light situation. I've tried different settings (all preset, no manual controls) and nothing seems to help.

I was looking at a Canon Powershot SX500 as a replacement. I hate to spend the money (my budget was around $200 when I bought the Nikon; this camera runs about $250) but I'm so unhappy with the Nikon (I have only owned Kodaks before this).

Can anyone help with what I should do here? Would the Canon be a better camera or would it be about the same and I'd be in the same boat that I am now? Thanks.


Coolpix L810 :http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon---Coolpix-L810-16.1-Megapixel-Digital-Camera---Black/4861063.p?skuId=4861063&id=1218555766785

Powershot SX500: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon---PowerShot-SX500-16.0-Megapixel-Digital-Camera---Black/6364218.p?skuId=6364218&id=1218731589757
It's possible I misunderstood what the definition of what a "bridge camera" really was -- I don't remember the exact reason why I thought it was. I knew the price was too good to be true. I would like to know why lower megapixels result in better photos. Thanks for the information.

Answer
The trouble with buying a cheap camera is that you usually do have to expect some compromises in regards to image quality and performance. The Nikon L810 is...NOT a bridge camera. What made you think it was one? Most likely, because it looks like one. In reality it's just a very basic point and shoot camera with a telephoto zoom lens. It has NO manual controls (no aperture and/or shutter priority modes) so it's only point and shoot. Also, from all the image samples and reviews I've seen of it, image quality is far from impressive.

The SX500 IS is a compact camera with a 30X optical zoom lens, but it's not a bridge camera. It will definitely produce better quality images than the L810 (but not overly better). In it's favour...it does have full manual controls (aperture and shutter priority modes). This allows you to set your aperture and/or shutter speeds if you wish (all bridge cameras also have this). However, it has a very POOR battery life of only about 195 shots per full charge, so you'd need to charge frequently (before the start of each shooting day).

I recommend (if it's at all possible) that you stretch you budget a bit further if you want a better camera. For example, the Powershot SX50 HS or SX40 HS (both of these are bridge cameras).
They each have 12MP and the latest Digic 5 processor.
The SX500 IS has 16MP and the older, Digic 4 processor.
For better image quality, it's better to have less MP, not more...and that's why the SX50 HS and SX40 HS produce better image quality (the newer processor also adds to improved IQ).
Also to their advantage...BETTER battery life (315 shots, SX50 HS and 380 shots for the SX40 HS). They also have a fully articulated LCD screen that flips out and around and they also record movies in Full HD (1920 x 1080). The SX500 IS records movies in HD (1280 x 720).

The obvious downside to you...they cost more than your budget allows and they weigh a bit more.
Best Buy currently has the newer model SX50 HS on sale for $400 and the older model, SX40 HS for $430.

Walmart...is selling the SX50 HS for $400...BUT the SX40 HS is only $329. The SX500 IS is around $250. I think it's definitely worth paying an extra $80 to get a much better camera...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS-Black-12.1MP-Digital-Camera-w-35X-Optical-Zoom-with-8GB-SD-Card/20710453

But, if your budget won't stretch this far, then the SX500 IS should be just fine as long as you accept it's shortcomings and also take it's poor battery life into account. You would also need an SDHC memory card. You could use the one from your Nikon, as long as it's fast enough (Class 10 SDHC is best). You would also need to FORMAT it in your new camera (via the Menu).

Good luck...

Best Digital Camera.......?

Tibby

So a couple months ago I went spelunking and was told I could bring my camera along but in a ziplock bag. I guess I didn't think about it because meanwhile we were climbing up 40 feet and well let's just say I sat on my camera and the lens part got pushed in. I've had the camera for awhile so I don't think I can send it in and get it repaired. I get the "lens error" and well... I just need another camera soon.

I am now pregnant and want to have a nice camera (other than my phone) to take pictures not only of myself but of places too, because I travel.
I am looking for nothing too fancy.. just a nice digital camera that is best for taking shots of things in the open (like scenery) and also that would be great for having a pregnancy shoot or just any pix in general.
Something not too expensive either. Under $500 ( that doesn't mean I'm wanting a bunch of cameras priced at $450 lol .. I just need options and descriptions..
A camera (digital) that you have used before or have a friend that has used one and you were pleased with the photos and settings.

As you can probably tell .. I do not know much about cameras and I'll most likely go to a store and just ask them about it.. but wanted to see what others would suggest for me.

Thanks

Answer
Canon PowerShot A2300 - $79.00

16 effective megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor
2.7-inch TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
DIGIC 4 image processor
720p HD video with dedicated movie button
28mm wide-angle lens (5x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 20x combined zoom) with digtal image stabilizer
16.0 MP Image Sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 5x Optical Zoom, 28mm Wide-Angle lens
720p HD video recording with a dedicated movie button
Smart AUTO with 32 predefined shooting situations
Digital IS reduces effect of camera shake and subject movement
Help Button provides simple explanations and easy controls of your settings

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075SUHQC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0075SUHQC&linkCode=as2&tag=gepcpr-20

Nikon COOLPIX P510 - $349.00

16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
42x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens
3-inch Ultra-high-resolution (921,000 Dot) LCD
Full HD (1080p) Movies with Stereo Sound
GPS record location information of your pictures and movies
16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
42x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens
3-inch Ultra-high-resolution (921,000 Dot) LCD,Self Timer: 10 Sec, 2 Sec
Full HD (1080p) Movies with Stereo Sound
GPS record location information of your pictures and movies

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073HSH8U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073HSH8U&linkCode=as2&tag=gepcpr-20

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 - $249.95

18.2 megapixels "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superior low-light performance
10X optical zoom
3.0-inch LCD
High speed AF improves focus speed
Background Defocus highlights your subject like a DSLR

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006K553LU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006K553LU&linkCode=as2&tag=gepcpr-20

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V - $398.00

18.2 megapixels "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superior low-light performance
20X optical zoom
3.0-inch LCD
GPS and Compass record shot location & direction
Wi-Fi sharing

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072DKWQ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0072DKWQ0&linkCode=as2&tag=gepcpr-20

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 - $189.00

Water-proof, Shock-proof, Freeze-proof: ruggedly built for reliable and comfortable outdoor operation. Water-proof to a depth of 33 feet;3 inch LCD display
16 effective megapixel CMOS sensor ideal for low light shooting and fast operation,Zoom: Optical: 5x, Digital: 4x
Full HD (1080p) movie with stereo sound and movie-record button that enables one-touch recording (HDMI mini connector equipped)
Aperture: f/3.9 to f/4.8,Lens Focal Length : 5.0-25.0mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 28-140mm lens in 35mm (135) format)
Points of Interest (locations, landmarks, etc.) and location information (latitude and longitude) can be added to your photos

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IGVY92/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005IGVY92&linkCode=as2&tag=gepcpr-20

These are the prices currently

Hope these camera suggestions help!

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Title Post: Comparison between Nikon L810 and Canon Powershot SX500?
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