I have the SX30, the precursor to the SX50. They still have good deals on the SX30 and for the new bells and whistles on the SX40 and SX50 I didn't see any sense in switching. If you are looking for a lower price point to get in at, this model has performed well, has similar 'brain' in it and has been a fabulous camera. My son got a nice picture of the moon just by going out in the front yard and zooming at it, no tripod! Looked like it came from an astronomy magazine.
see this for source of low cost refurbished ones:
SX30 Cameras with high demand even after new models have come out often create a bidding war, such as on Amazon here. Amazon has a good list of useful reviews.
Amazon reviews Night pictures this past winter.
Before zoom:
After zoom:
Great camera for kids to take bird pictures, pond pictures etc.
