Hi, I'm new to the forum and got into bridge cameras for the purpose of id'ing and studying birds. I was not, and am not now an accomplished photographer, but transitioning from the SX30 to the SX50 was a huge leap for me, actually allowing me to get some images that border on good.
My only real complaint with the SX50 is the horrible EVF. It's so bad I bought several other super-zooms, but ended up returning them when image quality or speed didn't compare to the Canon. Eventually, I resigned myself to missing lots of shots (incorrectly guessing where the subject is) and waiting for the SX60. I received one last week and am not happy to say I'll be returning it. The EVF is indeed better, but after taking hundreds of shots I have yet to take one I'm happy with. IS seems almost non-existent unless the frame-assist is engaged, and even then it's shaky. Auto-focus is poor as well (across the entire zoom range) even set on "pinpoint" with a stationary subject.
My first impression was that I must have received a defective camera, but after reading of others' experiences I'm not hopeful that's the case. I can't describe how disappointing this is....I'd have paid 500 dollars just to retrofit my SX50 with a better, brighter EVF. Now it seems I'll be guessing where the bird is forever...rats.