Researching the Canon Powershot SX50 HS

[Panama Hat & Camera]

Hi Richard,

The problem is not just shutter lag, there is "EVF lag" too.

By this I mean that there is a delay between the sensor capturing an event, writing it to memeory and displaying it on the LCD (be that a big one on the back or a non-optical viewfinder (the EVF).

EVF lag adds to your reaction time and shutter lag before the image is actually captured.

I have found this with any bridge camera and (I guess) it must also afflict the mirrorless models too.

Some modern bridge and P&S cameras have 'precapture' modes, but these usually come with limitations I personally cannot live with for what I shoot (long distance wildlife in continuous mode).

Therefore, if I can, I frame up, hold camera steady and watch 'real life' over the top of the camera (or with the other eye) and shoot when the action starts. This takes EVF lag out and just leaves human finger reaction time and shutter lag. The latter can be significantly reduced by having the shutter half presssed, so that metering, focusing and IS/VR stabilisation have already been done. That just leaves finger cramp to contend with

When a bird unexpectedly launches into the air from a perch, I find this makes a difference between getting several empty frames and getting the first frame with the bird's tail in
The knack then is to study your subject and recognise when they might launch to get them in the frame next time (and pan in the direction of flight by instinct alone).

My point is that EVF delay does exist, and is significant, but isn't too easily measured, nor is it given as a spec. - I suspect all cameras will be similar, set by the frame rate) - just one more tip to improve your odds at capturing the moment.

Cheers,

Dave,
Really there is a delay in presentation of the screen image and this delay is about 0.05 ~ 0.06 seconds for the Nikon P510. To obtain this result, I put the P510 in front of a clock and filmed simultaneously on high speed (120 frames per second) the clock and P510 with a Canon S100 camera.
Later, seeing the movie with Windows Live Movie Maker, I found that there is a delay and, from the data of the film, I calculated that it is about 0.05 ~ 0.06 seconds.
This is an easy experience for anyone who has two cameras (and at least one can make movie at high speed). If someone repeat the experience, please disclose the results.
Sincerely,
Antonio.

[Dave Humphries]

Dave,
Really there is a delay in presentation of the screen image and this delay is about 0.05 ~ 0.06 seconds for the Nikon P510. To obtain this result, I put the P510 in front of a clock and filmed simultaneously on high speed (120 frames per second) the clock and P510 with a Canon S100 camera.
Later, seeing the movie with Windows Live Movie Maker, I found that there is a delay and, from the data of the film, I calculated that it is about 0.05 ~ 0.06 seconds.
This is an easy experience for anyone who has two cameras (and at least one can make movie at high speed). If someone repeat the experience, please disclose the results.
Sincerely,
Antonio.

Hi Antonio,

Thanks for the PM, I had missed this.

That's an interesting result - so the high speed video shot by the S100 showed both the P510 LCD, shutter button and the clock itself to allow you to measure this?

I haven't tried this, so thanks for posting your results.

Cheers,

[aponi]

I'm getting to this discussion late but I've been looking at this camera to serve the dual purpose of being my carry everywhere camera and also be a decent second camera for the husband to take along mostly on hikes. He's got an eye but isn't all that interested in spending the countless hours it takes to venture beyond creative auto mode.

Would this be a good option here or is there something else I should look into?

There is a point when it would almost make more sense to get him a DSLR body and let him use one of my lenses but that kills the carry everywere component of this.

thanks

[evan47]

the sx50 is too slow in its work-flow and too large to fit into a pocket. it also requires good technique to get decent results. your best options are a good compact with a zoom, ( for his use), or a second dslr that you could also use as a backup.