Canon Powershot SX50 HS

This is the nearest thing to a professional, highly expensive camera, but cheap enough for anyone to afford, anyone I mean someone who's willing to pay 300 quid for a camera, and probably not many people would, but if you are into photography and you want to take snapshots like a pro, then you this is it without having to spend thousands. This camera those everything, films, repetitive shots, has a great lens and so much more that I can't even describe. Great gadget to have.

I recently bought this camera for the wife for an anniversary present. After we played around with the functions for a while I can honestly say that the quality is excellent for the price.

The main reason for buying this particular camera was for the HD video mode. My wife wants something to record the children for future posterity. The quality of filming is amazing. After viewing the videos on both TV and our PC I can`t see any difference between this below £500 camera and the programs we watch on television. Of course the built in microphone has limitations but in close proximity the sound quality captures a good range of frequencies and sounds as close to the real sound as we could hope for.

One of the downsides I found is the thread on the front of the lens.

Unfortunately is isn't the same as my canon EOS 350D lens so I have to buy a new T ring before I can add on my wide range of filters.

The built in screen is good and can be twisted around so it can be seen from the front and back. The LCD through the viewfinder is not so good. It can be used but you will find that it is pointless when you can hold the camera in a comfortable position while looking at the rear screen.

For £450 (£50 canon cashback already claimed) I had to think before I bought as I wasn't quite sure about buying it but I'm pleased that I did. The wife is happy so I'm happy.