I'm curious about your comments about the HX20V as it doesn't compare closely with the HX9V I have. I understand the HX20V has a bit more zoom and even more MP, but wasn't aware if they changed much else. The GPS in the HX9V is very slow at locking even with clear skies. I'm sure the hardware is capable of much more potential, but it is crippled by the interface.
The diffraction limiting effects are harder to quantify. Putting aside the theory, raw samples I've seen from the SX50 taken at maximum zoom look good to me. Check out the RAW samples posted by AlanF in this thread. I did think though, the 1200mm equiv. is a bit less if you consider the higher MP count within the field of view of a DSLR assuming you crop to an equal 12MP. Regardless, to me photography hardware is not always about "the best of the best" but about "good enough for the job". I think the SX50 is capable of providing that in my case.
And finally, not the 100-400L dust pump myth again... it is no worse than any other extending zoom. I use the lens a lot and rarely clean the sensor, perhaps 2 or 3 times a year if that. The biggest risk of dust entry is when you take the lens off. It doesn't matter how much sealing the lens has in that case.
(edited to correct link)
The diffraction limiting effects are harder to quantify. Putting aside the theory, raw samples I've seen from the SX50 taken at maximum zoom look good to me. Check out the RAW samples posted by AlanF in this thread. I did think though, the 1200mm equiv. is a bit less if you consider the higher MP count within the field of view of a DSLR assuming you crop to an equal 12MP. Regardless, to me photography hardware is not always about "the best of the best" but about "good enough for the job". I think the SX50 is capable of providing that in my case.
And finally, not the 100-400L dust pump myth again... it is no worse than any other extending zoom. I use the lens a lot and rarely clean the sensor, perhaps 2 or 3 times a year if that. The biggest risk of dust entry is when you take the lens off. It doesn't matter how much sealing the lens has in that case.
(edited to correct link)
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.