Samsung HZ50W Review

Name: Samsung HZ50W
Brand: Samsung

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Main Features

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 64 - 3200( expands to 6400)

26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3 Fixed Type Screen

Electronic viewfinder

continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video

426g. 116 x 83 x 91 mm

Also known as WB5500

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Samsung HZ50W Overview

First introduced in May 2010 , Samsung HZ50W is a 14.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 26.0x zoom 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 lens. HZ50W is also sold as WB5500 in some countries.

Samsung HZ50W Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Samsung HZ50W is a member of Samsung's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

Samsung Small Sensor Superzoom Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Samsung WB350F Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	114 x 65 x 25mm	276g
Samsung WB2200F Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	8.0 fps	119 x 122 x 99mm	708g
Samsung WB1100F Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	1.0 fps	125 x 87 x 96mm	512g
Samsung WB50F Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	101 x 68 x 27mm	207g
Samsung WB35F Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	101 x 61 x 28mm	194g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Samsung WB350F vs WB2200F vs WB1100F vs WB50F vs WB35F

Samsung HZ50W PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Samsung HZ50W 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

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

26mm Wide Angle Lens

676mm Good Tele Lens

26.0X Optical Zoom

Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide

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Buy Samsung HZ50W from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Full HD Video

No Touch Screen

No Face Detection Focusing

Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP

Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200

Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )

Heavy Body: 426

No Environmental Sealing

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.00

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Samsung HZ50W Physical Specs

Samsung HZ50W weighs 426 g (0.94 lb / 15.03 oz) and has external dimensions of 116 x 83 x 91 mm (4.57 x 3.27 x 3.58″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, Samsung HZ50W is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 91mm, it has an average thickness for its class.

Weight Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Samsung HZ50W

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Samsung HZ50W

Min

Average

Max

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Samsung HZ50W, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Samsung HZ50W Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Samsung HZ50W with its main competitors:

Samsung HZ50W Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs HZ50W	Thickness	vs HZ50W
Nikon Z6 II Compare	705g	279g heavier	70mm	21mm thinner
Olympus E-410 Compare	435g	9g heavier	53mm	38mm thinner
Sony HX1 Compare	544g	118g heavier	92mm	1mm thicker
Ricoh WG-30 Compare	192g	234g lighter	30mm	61mm thinner
Sony A99 II Compare	849g	423g heavier	76mm	15mm thinner
Panasonic ZS7 Compare	218g	208g lighter	33mm	58mm thinner
Ricoh GR III Compare	257g	169g lighter	33mm	58mm thinner
Nikon D3200 Compare	505g	79g heavier	77mm	14mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Samsung HZ50W 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.

Samsung HZ50W Sensor and Photography Features

Samsung HZ50W has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4320 x 3240 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. HZ50W has a native ISO range of 64 - 3200 which can be boosted to 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Samsung HZ50W 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 Samsung HZ50W vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Samsung HZ50W's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Samsung HZ50W Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Samsung HZ50W Lens

Samsung HZ50W features a 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 26× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 26mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 676mm.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

HZ50W

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

HZ50W

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f5.00.

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

HZ50W

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

HZ50W

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

HZ50W is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Samsung HZ50W's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Samsung HZ50W LCD and Viewfinder

Samsung HZ50W has a Fixed Type 3.00" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

Unfortunately Samsung HZ50W doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Bridge Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

HZ50W 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.

Samsung HZ50W Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect HZ50W to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Samsung HZ50W Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Nikon Z6 II Compare	3840 x 2160	410shots	Yes	Yes	No
Olympus E-410 Compare	None	shots	No	No	No
Sony HX1 Compare	1440 x 1080	shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-30 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Sony A99 II Compare	3840 x 2160	490shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Panasonic ZS7 Compare	1280 x 720	shots	No	No	No
Ricoh GR III Compare	1920 x 1080	shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D3200 Compare	1920 x 1080	540shots	No	No	No

Samsung HZ50W Video Features

With Samsung HZ50W, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30,15 fps and save in and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

HZ50W has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Samsung HZ50W doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

Samsung HZ50W Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Samsung HZ50W can shoot continuously at max speed of and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately HZ50W doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Samsung HZ50W features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

What type of Photography is Samsung HZ50W Good for?

In this section, we review and score Samsung HZ50W in 5 different photography areas.

Samsung HZ50W for Portrait Photography

Samsung HZ50W has a score of 42 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No External Flash Shoe

Read the details of how we scored Samsung HZ50W for Portrait Photography

Samsung HZ50W for Street Photography

Samsung HZ50W has a score of 69 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
Image Stabilization
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80

26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33 sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung HZ50W for Street Photography

Samsung HZ50W for Sports Photography

Samsung HZ50W has a score of 47 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
Image Stabilization
676 mm Tele Lens
RAW shooting capability

Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
No External Flash Shoe

Read the details of how we scored Samsung HZ50W for Sports Photography

Samsung HZ50W for Daily Photography

Samsung HZ50W has a score of 62 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.

26.0X Optical Zoom
RAW shooting capability
Medium size Body

426g
Body Thickness 91mm
Small 1/2.33 sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung HZ50W for Daily Photography

Samsung HZ50W for Landscape Photography

Samsung HZ50W has a score of 35 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 theHZ50W.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Samsung HZ50W for Landscape Photography

Samsung HZ50W Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Samsung HZ50W compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Samsung HZ50W alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Samsung HZ50W

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Samsung HZ50W amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Samsung HZ50W Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Samsung HZ50W with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Samsung HZ50W's price range.

Samsung HZ50W Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Samsung HZ50W has an Overall Score of 46/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Samsung HZ50W is ranked #53 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 20 Bridge), and ranked #590 out of 1229 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#590 out of 1229 in All Cameras
#53 out of 113 in Bridge Cameras
#75 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras.
#145 out of 738 in Small Sensor Sensor Cameras.

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung HZ50W

Does the Samsung HZ50W have Image Stabilization?
Does the Samsung HZ50W have RAW support?
Does the Samsung HZ50W have Weather Sealing?
Does the Samsung HZ50W have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Samsung HZ50W?
What is the Sensor Size of Samsung HZ50W?
is the Samsung HZ50W a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Samsung HZ50W have Touch Screen?
Does the Samsung HZ50W have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Samsung HZ50W?
What is the Weight of Samsung HZ50W?
What are the Dimensions of Samsung HZ50W?

Samsung HZ50W Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Samsung
Model	Samsung HZ50W
Also known as	WB5500
Announced	2010-05-03
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	26-676 mm (26×)
Max Aperture	F2.8-5.0
Macro Focus Range	10cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3
Screen Resolution	230k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	n/a
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	16s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Continuous Shooting	n/a
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.60 m
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CCD
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Sensor Area	27.72mm²
Sensor Resolution	14 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4320 x 3240
Max Native ISO	3,200
Max Boosted ISO	6400
Min Native ISO	64
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
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720
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	426g
Physical Dimensions	116 x 83 x 91mm
Battery Model	SLB-11A
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SC/SDHC, Internal
Storage Slots	1

Most Popular Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Canon SX540 HS
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 24-1200 mm

Panasonic FZ300
12 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 25-600 mm

Canon SX620 HS
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 25-625 mm

Nikon B500
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 23-900 mm

Panasonic ZS70
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 24-720 mm

Nikon P1000
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 24-3000 mm

Panasonic FZ80
18 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 20-1200 mm

Sony H300
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 25-875 mm

Latest Bridge Cameras

Leica V-Lux 5
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 25-400 mm

Nikon P950
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-2000 mm

Panasonic FZ1000 II
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 25-400 mm

Nikon B600
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-1440 mm

Canon SX70 HS
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 21-1365 mm

Nikon P1000
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-3000 mm

Sony RX10 IV
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-600 mm

Panasonic FZ80
18 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 20-1200 mm