I have a Canon SX50 HS, and LOVE it! I paid a lot, even on a Black Friday sale, but it has been worth it. My Dad bought the exact same one from Canon, for $199, just a few months later.
It was an open box, but he said he was sure it had never been used. His came with the full Canon warranty too, so it was totally worth it. Whatever brand you decide on, see if you can get an open box deal from the maker.