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Canon SX50 HS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SX50 HS

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 6400
    • 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 2.8" Fully Articulated Screen
    • 202k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 2 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 240 fps High-Speed Video
    • 595g. 123 x 87 x 106 mm
    • Replaced Canon SX40 HS
    • Replaced by Canon SX60 HS
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon SX50 HS Overview

    First introduced in January 2013 , Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization , Fully articulated screen and 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5 lens. Canon replaced the older Canon SX40 HS with this model and later SX50 HS was replaced with Canon SX60 HS. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX50 HS vs Canon SX40 HS
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX50 HS vs Canon SX60 HS

    Canon SX50 HS Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon SX50 HS has an Overall Score of 55/100 and ranked #28 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #388 out of 1221 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon SX50 HS Physical Specs
    Canon SX50 HS weighs 595 g (1.31 lb / 20.99 oz) and has external dimensions of 123 x 87 x 106 mm (4.84 x 3.43 x 4.17″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 106mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX50 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX50 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon SX50 HS with the dimensions:

    Canon SX50 HS Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon SX50 HS Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SX50 HS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SX50 HS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon SX50 HS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Canon SX50 HS with its main competitors:

    Canon SX50 HS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SX50 HS Thickness vs SX50 HS
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    650g 55g heavier 114mm 8mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    608g 13g heavier 117mm 11mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    442g 153g lighter 92mm 14mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    600g 5g heavier 108mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    442g 153g lighter 92mm 14mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Nikon P900
    Compare
    899g 304g heavier 137mm 31mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 21g heavier 119mm 13mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Sony HX300
    Compare
    623g 28g heavier 103mm 3mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Canon SX50 HS doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SX50 HS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SX50 HS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. SX50 HS has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon SX50 HS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SX50 HS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Canon SX50 HS DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon SX50 HS sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 47 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon SX50 HS here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SX50 HS's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SX50 HS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon SX50 HS Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon SX50 HS Lens

    Canon SX50 HS features a 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5 50x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 1200mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX50 HS
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX50 HS
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.40 at 24mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX50 HS
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX50 HS
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    SX50 HS is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon SX50 HS's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Canon SX50 HS LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon SX50 HS has a Fully Articulated 2.8" LCD screen with a resolution of 461k dots. At only 2.8", the screen is on the smaller side and 461kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Canon SX50 HS back view and LCD

    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Canon SX50 HS will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of SX50 HS's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    SX50 HS has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 202kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Canon SX50 HS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect SX50 HS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon SX50 HS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 315 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Canon SX50 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Canon SX50 HS vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

    Canon SX50 HS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 325shots Yes Yes No
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 205shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 380shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Nikon P900
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera Sony HX300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No

    Canon SX50 HS Video Features

    With Canon SX50 HS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 24 fps and save in and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon SX50 HS will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    SX50 HS also a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240 fps for ultra slow motion videos. SX50 HS has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Canon SX50 HS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 or Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR in a similar price range.

    Canon SX50 HS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon SX50 HS can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    SX50 HS has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Canon SX50 HS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon SX50 HS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Canon SX50 HS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon SX50 HS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    461k dots LCD Resolution
    Long Battery Life (315 shots)
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    1200mm Good Tele Lens
    50.0X Optical Zoom
    240 fps High Speed Video
    AE Bracketing
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon SX50 HS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Touch Screen
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.8")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 461kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Heavy Body: 595
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.40
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Poor Low Light image quality
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon SX50 HS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SX50 HS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon SX50 HS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX50 HS has a score of 53 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    External Flash Shoe
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX50 HS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX50 HS for Street Photography

    Canon SX50 HS has a score of 80 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium sized Body
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX50 HS for Street Photography

    Canon SX50 HS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX50 HS has a score of 56 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    Image Stabilization
    1200 mm Tele Lens
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX50 HS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX50 HS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX50 HS has a score of 66 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    50.0X Optical Zoom
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium size Body
    595g
    Body Thickness 106mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX50 HS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX50 HS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SX50 HS has a score of 37 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSX50 HS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX50 HS for Landscape Photography
    Canon SX50 HS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SX50 HS compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SX50 HS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon SX50 HS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SX50 HS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon SX60 HS
    Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX70 HS
    Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX540 HS
    Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX40 HS
    Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX530 HS
    Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    Nikon P900
    Nikon P900
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Sony HX300
    Sony HX300
    Compare

    Canon SX50 HS Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SX50 HS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon SX50 HS's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SX50 HS
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SX50 HS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SX50 HS?
    is the Canon SX50 HS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SX50 HS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SX50 HS?
    What is the Weight of Canon SX50 HS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon SX50 HS?
    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
    Announced 2013-01-15
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-1200 mm (50x)
    Max Aperture F3.4-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 0cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 2.8"
    Screen Resolution 461k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.50 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/2000s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 47
    DxO Color Depth 20.3
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.2
    DxO Low Light ISO 179
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 595g
    Physical Dimensions 123 x 87 x 106mm
    Battery Life 315 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-10L
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


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