Thoughts on the Sony Powershot SX530 HS?

It's $100 it's usual price at Best Buy right now ($270 instead of $370). I've been looking up reviews, pictures, and video tests for it, and everything seems to be good by my standards. My budget is in the $200-$300 range, so this fits quite nicely. I realize that this is a super zoom camera, which would be cool, but I wouldn't use the zoom TOO much. What are your thoughts on the camera itself, and is there a camera that falls in my price range (NO MORE) that has superior video/photo quality due to not having a stupid amount of zoom?

It's $100 it's usual price at Best Buy right now ($270 instead of $370). I've been looking up reviews, pictures, and video tests for it, and everything seems to be good by my standards. My budget is in the $200-$300 range, so this fits quite nicely. I realize that this is a super zoom camera, which would be cool, but I wouldn't use the zoom TOO much. What are your thoughts on the camera itself, and is there a camera that falls in my price range (NO MORE) that has superior video/photo quality due to not having a stupid amount of zoom? Since Sony does not make a "Powershot" camera, I don't think I would buy it.

Canon does, though, and as bridge cameras go it is right up there with the rest of the bridge cameras from Fuji, Sony, Nikon and a few others.

A "bridge camera" is one that looks like a dSLR, does not have an interchangeable lens system, has no mic jack, usually has a pop-up built0in flash (so you don't need to add an external flash… And is basically a larger version of a pocket camera.

If you use any zoom, you have to use a steadying device - tripods are common, there are others. If your primary goal is video, you will be much better off with a camcorder (see the Canon HF R700).

The "stupid amount of zoom" will not reduce video and photo quality unless the zoom is not used properly. When used properly, even "stupid amount of zoom" can provide great video or still image quality. For the most part, that means NEVER using the camera handheld when capturing video… And for stills, the shutter speed needs to be really fast to freeze action. Thank you very much, and yes I meant the Canon Powershot. My bad, I've been looking at all different types of cameras lately and got a bit confused. It's a steal!

Thank you very much, and yes I meant the Canon Powershot. My bad, I've been looking at all different types of cameras lately and got a bit confused.

It's a steal!