Does anyone have any experience with the Canon SX40HS vs the Canon SX50HS?

I really don't think it's worth upgrading to the SX50 HS. Both cameras have the same small image sensor and the same amount of MP, so image quality will be the same.

The only real advantage the SX50 HS has over the SX40 HS is more optical zoom (50x v 35x)...however more zoom doesn't guarantee better image quality. Even with IS, it would be very difficult to handhold the camera steady enough at such a long focal length...you would probably want to use a tripod.

The other advantage the SX50 HS has is that it allows you to shoot in RAW. So, you would need to always shoot in RAW and then post process your raw files to get the best image quality possible. However, the sensor is very small so I doubt very much if the image quality would be great.

The disadvantage is that it's lens is a little slower than the SX40 HS (f/3.4-6.5 v f/2.7-5.8)

I think a much more worthy upgrade would be to move to an entry-level dSLR instead.

Their image sensors are much larger, therefore you'll have much better image quality/less noise.

Also, performance (start up times, shot to shot) is so much more faster.

If you can use the manual controls on your SX40 HS...then you would easily be able to use a dSLR.

The only thing you'd need to get used to is that you compose and shoot by looking through the viewfinder (this is far better than using the LCD monitor).

and zooming...instead of pressing the zoom button you manually turn the zoom ring.

good luck...