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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 50x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,516 ratings

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Base
Compatible Mountings Canon
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 4:5
Photo Sensor Technology CMOS
Supported File Format RAW, JPEG
Image Stabilization Optical
Maximum Focal Length 1200 Millimeters
Optical Zoom 50 x
Maximum Aperture 6.5 f
Expanded ISO Minimum 100
Metering Description Multi, Center-weighted, Spot

About this item

  • World's first 50x Optical Zoom 24mm Wide-Angle Image Stabilized Lens
  • 12.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • 1080p Full HD Video With a Dedicated Movie Button
  • High-speed AF, High-speed Burst HQ for a maximum of 10 frames
  • Built-in Shoe Allows Compatibility with Optional Speedlites

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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 50x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 50x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black
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PriceCurrently unavailable.$333.75-10% $179.99
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List:$179.99
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List:$249.99
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Customer Ratings
Zoom
4.6
4.5
4.0
4.2
4.5
4.4
Image stabilization
4.6
4.0
3.7
4.5
Picture quality
3.9
4.0
4.1
4.0
Easy to use
4.0
4.3
3.9
Value for money
4.0
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4.1
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Willoughby's Established 1898
display type
LCD
4K UHD
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
display size
2.8 inches
2.3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
lens type
Zoom
zoom
Telephoto
Wide Angle
Telephoto
Wide Angle
zoom type
Optical
Optical Zoom, Digital Zoom
Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom
shooting modes
Portrait, smooth skin, smart shutter, high-speed burst HQ, handheld night scene, snow and fireworks
Automatic
Panorama, Automatic, Easy
Automatic, Movie, Panorama, Portrait, Macro
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
connectivity tech
HDMI, USB
Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, NFC
wired, wireless
USB
Wi-Fi, USB
HDMI, Bluetooth, USB

What's in the box

  • Lens Cap
  • Battery
  • Neck Strap
  • Battery Charger
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    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 50x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black

    Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 50x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black


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    Product Description

    Product Description

    PowerShot SX50 HS is world's first 50x Optical Zoom lens in a compact digital camera, which goes all the way from a wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) to capture any shot you choose. The PowerShot SX50 HS features the Canon HS SYSTEM, a combination of a 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, achieves beautiful images up to ISO 6400. Video recording is available at 1080p Full HD and High Speed AF ensures you'll capture all the action with faster focusing speed and reduced shooting lag time.

    From the Manufacturer

    Untitled Document

    The World's Within Your Reach

    Imagine getting right down on the field to capture sports action, zeroing in on your child's expression on a crowded stage, and recording elusive wildlife shots. All this and more is possible with the PowerShot SX50 HS offering the world's first 50x Optical Zoom lens* in a compact digital camera, which goes all the way from a wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) to capture any shot you choose. The PowerShot SX50 HS doesn't just get you up close to the action, it delivers spectacular image quality to every shot. The Canon HS SYSTEM, a combination of a 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, achieves beautiful images up to ISO 6400. Record your memorable moments in incredibly lifelike 1080p Full HD video with stereo sound and High Speed AF ensures you'll capture all the action with faster focusing speed and reduced shooting lag time. The PowerShot SX50 HS also features the additional benefit of Zoom Framing Assist Seek and Lock functions, for easy tracking of and keeping the subject centered in the frame until you capture the image. With powerful technologies that add convenience and advanced capabilities, PowerShot SX50 HS can help you capture more of life every day.

    * As of August 21, 2012.

    Every Shot Within Your Reach

    World's first 50x Optical Zoom (24–1200mm) and 24mm Wide-Angle lens* with Optical Image Stabilizer delivers magnificent images whether you are up close or far away.

    Experience the difference that the ultra-zooming power of the PowerShot SX50 HS's 24mm Wide-Angle 50x Optical Zoom lens can make on your everyday shooting. The extraordinary focal length of 4.3–215.0mm (35mm film equivalent: 24–1200mm) lets you capture everything from wide-angle shots to super-telephoto shots from wherever you are, while every shot exhibits the unique quality inherent to Canon optics. You'll easily reach into sporting events from up in the bleachers, catch beautiful candid shots of your children without disrupting the scene, and achieve wildlife and landscape photography you never thought possible. Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer ensures that whether up close or far away, every shot is clear and steady.

    * As of August 21, 2012.

    Zoom Framing Assist

    It's easy to track and capture subjects while using the extreme telephoto on the PowerShot SX50 HS. Use the Zoom Framing Assist Seek function to locate and track your subjects even a long distance away; by simply pressing a button, this function remembers your previous zoom position, zooms out to let you locate your subject, and zooms right back into the saved position when you release the button. And with the Zoom Framing Assist Lock, the camera will lock onto and automatically track a subject, intelligently keeping them in the center of the frame until you're ready to capture the perfect close-up shot.

    Beautiful Images and Fast Performance Start Here

    12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor

    The PowerShot SX50 HS employs a Canon 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers state-of-the-art imaging performance and is optimized for use in compact cameras. Utilizing a sophisticated light-capturing design, it provides high sensitivity for improved high ISO capture with reduced noise. It is also a high-speed design, capable of rapidly capturing and moving image data to the processor, enabling faster continuous shooting and faster autofocus.

    Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor

    The latest-generation Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor works with the PowerShot SX50 HS's image sensor to bring phenomenal increases in processing speed and power, delivering incredible detail in more situations, without the need for artificial light sources. Improved noise reduction produces clearer images when shooting in low light at high ISO speeds. The faster processing speed results in faster continuous shooting capability while maintaining full image quality. With the power of the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, the PowerShot SX50 HS can achieve higher ISO sensitivity and even perform advanced functions like lens correction, special scene modes and much more.


    Canon HS SYSTEM for exceptional low-light performance up to ISO 6400

    The PowerShot SX50 HS gives you the power to create images with spectacular depth, detail and emotional resonance. The 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor works in concert with Canon's latest-generation DIGIC 5 Image Processor to create the renowned Canon HS SYSTEM. With the Canon HS SYSTEM, you'll experience excellent tracking performance even in low light, and achieve gorgeous still image quality even at high ISO speeds all the way up to ISO 6400; beautiful low-light shots are possible with minimal noise and maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas. The Canon HS SYSTEM lets you use higher shutter speeds to capture clearer images with reduced noise and blur in a variety of situations for incredible photos and even when shooting video.

    Get the Complete HD Experience

    Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video in stereo sound with a dedicated movie button; zoom while shooting and play back videos on an HDTV via the HDMI output.

    Simply touch the dedicated movie button, now conveniently embedded in the PowerShot SX50 HS's thumb pad, to start recording video in 1080p Full HD that is breathtakingly vivid and realistic. You're free to use the full range of the zoom in movie mode, and sound is recorded in stereo. HDMI output allows you to view and share your video on an HDTV immediately, simply by connecting the camera to the TV with an optional HDMI cable.

    Faster Focus and High-speed Shooting

    High Speed AF greatly improves focus speed and High-Speed Burst HQ allows for continuous capture at a maximum of 10 frames* while maintaining superb image quality.

    The PowerShot SX50 HS is equipped with Canon's latest advancement in AF technology: High Speed AF. The result of several improved technologies, High Speed AF delivers significantly faster focus speed of 0.19 seconds and a dramatically reduced shooting lag time of only 0.25 seconds, for a super-responsive shooting experience that lets you capture every great shot as it happens. The technology also powers the camera's new High-Speed Burst HQ, with continuous capture at a maximum speed of approximately 13 fps. Moreover, images captured in High-Speed Burst HQ maintain the camera's superb image quality.

    *The continuous shooting speed is approximately 13.0 fps.

    Optimal Image Stabilization in Any Situation

    Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes to optimize image stabilization for the shooting condition.

    It's easy to capture clear, steady images with the PowerShot SX50 HS, even in low light without using a tripod. That's because the camera is equipped with Canon's innovative Intelligent IS. The system analyzes camera movement and applies the best shake correction method for the shooting situation – allowing you to focus on framing and capturing your shot. For stills, the system automatically selects among Normal, Panning, Macro (Hybrid) and Tripod IS modes. When shooting video, the system automatically selects among Dynamic, Powered, Macro and Tripod IS modes. Dynamic IS has been enhanced to provide better performance than ever before, now compensating for rotational movement centered on the optical axis in addition to horizontal tilt and vertical pitch, for beautifully clear and steady video.

    Normal Corrects for a wide range of camera movement when shooting stills. Panning Panning motion is detected so that IS does not interfere with desired camera movement. Macro (Hybrid) Corrects for shift-type camera shake, which typically occurs in macro (close-up) shooting. Dynamic Effective for video shooting at wide-angle focal lengths, eliminating the unwanted shaking that typically occurs while walking. Powered Compensates for hand movement when shooting video at the telephoto end of the zoom range, where camera shake is magnified. Tripod When tripod use is detected, the Image Stabilizer is stopped because it is not needed.

    Convenient Shooting Flexibility

    Bright 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots for shooting at a variety of angles, plus an Electronic Viewfinder.

    The PowerShot SX50 HS gives you lots of ways to frame a great shot. The bright 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD has excellent resolution (approximately 461,000 dots), and flips out and swivels/rotates for shooting at unusual angles, even letting you capture perfectly framed self-portraits. The camera also has an Electronic Viewfinder to give you the classic photographic experience.

    Automatically Optimize Virtually Any Shot

    Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on 58 predefined shooting situations and the Face ID function adjusts focus and exposure priority based on pre-registered faces.

    In Smart AUTO, the PowerShot SX50 HS analyzes various factors in the scene's background and subject, then selects optimal camera settings based on predefined shooting situations to achieve the best possible image quality. The Smart AUTO function on PowerShot SX50 HS includes an astonishing 58 predefined shooting situations, giving you spectacular image quality in virtually any photographic conditions you'll encounter.

    Canon's futuristic Face ID feature allows you to register up to 12 faces on your camera, then gives those faces priority over others with regard to focus and exposure. As a result, even in group scenes, you'll always get great shots of your children, family and friends.

    Shooting Modes

    PowerShot cameras offer shooting modes that make it easy to take perfect photos in a wide range of shooting situations by providing intelligent presets with optimized settings.

    Shooting Modes/Special Scene Modes
    Custom Define and store your own settings to achieve the effects you prefer. Manual You have complete control of exposure, selecting both aperture and shutter speed manually. Aperture-Priority You set the aperture, controlling depth-of-field. The camera automatically selects the shutter speed. Shutter-priority You select the shutter speed to stop or blur action, and the camera finds the appropriate aperture. With slow exposure times, Canon's noise reduction system activates to ensure low image noise. Program Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically. Smart AUTO The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity. Movie Digest Records a video clip before capturing a still image and then combines one day’s worth of clips into a video. Now easily playback and review clips, and delete unwanted scenes. Sports The camera uses high shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects. Portrait The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject “pop.” Smooth Skin Removes dullness, wrinkles, and harsh shadows for beautiful faces. Smart Shutter The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame. High-Speed Burst HQ Captures fast-action shots at full sensor resolution, by shooting continuously when the shutter button is held down. Handheld Night Scene Take clear and steady pictures at night without the use of a tripod. Snow Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint. Fireworks Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks. Stitch Assist Easy-to-use guidelines simplify the shooting of aligned multiple frames that can later be combined (using bundled software) to create panoramic photos. Creative Filters This setting provides easy access to special filter effects and scene modes, such as Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect, Monochrome and more. High Dynamic Range The camera combines three different exposures to get one evenly lit image. Nostalgic Create the look and feel of old photographs using sepia tones and black-and-white. Miniature Effect for Movies & Stills Emphasizes perspectives for a miniature effect by blurring upper and bottom portions of the image. Soft Focus Creates a hazy ambiance that’s perfect for portraits and wedding photos. Super Vivid Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors. Color Accent Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome. Color Swap Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects. Movie Record video in stereo sound. Unwanted scenes can be deleted in playback mode. iFrame Movie The Apple® movie format, iFrame, makes it easier and quicker to import and upload videos while retaining high image quality. Super Slow Motion Movie Record your clips in high speed (approx. 240 fps), and then watch your videos in slow motion.

    Set Your Creativity Free

    Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW+JPEG for the ultimate creative control.

    As with many EOS DSLR cameras, the PowerShot SX50 HS uses a 12-bit converter to process the output of the CMOS sensor, resulting in true color, smooth tonal transitions and natural gradations. The PowerShot SX50 HS lets you shoot in RAW mode, which records all the information captured by the sensor, giving you outstanding flexibility and complete creative control when editing your images with Canon's powerful bundled software, and the camera allows you to record in RAW and JPEG formats simultaneously. Now in RAW mode, you can even select among several aspect ratios, including 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, and 4:5.

    Ready to Expand Your Creative Options

    Built-in hot shoe allows compatibility with optional Speedlite flashes for additional lighting options.

    When you're ready to take your creativity further with the lighting and exposure possibilities of an optional Canon Speedlite, the PowerShot SX50 HS is ready too. The camera has a built-in hot shoe that makes it compatible with a variety of Speedlite flashes.

    Additional Features

    Direct Connect to Your Printer

    It's quick and easy to make beautiful prints from your PowerShot camera with Canon's Direct Print system. Directly connect your PowerShot camera to a Canon PIXMA or SELPHY photo printer with a USB cable (Sold separately) and simply press the button to print; turn every favorite moment into an amazing photo.

    Available in 30 Languages

    There are now a total of 30 display languages from which you can choose: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Romanian, Ukrainian, Farsi, Hindi, Malay, Indonesian and Vietnamese.


    Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras

    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5 out of 5
    1,516 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, performance, and zoom of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it does everything well, the quality is surprisingly solid, and the zoom is amazing. Customers are also impressed with the features and capabilities.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    628 customers mention569 positive59 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the digital camera. They mention that it produces good quality photos and allows them to take incredible photos. They also appreciate the clear image for video and photo, and the ability to take fairly good telephoto shots. Customers also like the screen and the way it can be folded back to protect it.

    "...at the photograph on a computer or through the screen, the image looks quite good despite the sometimes unclear quality displayed in the viewfinder...." Read more

    "...The zoom is amazing. And the IS is so good that I can take fairly good telephoto shots, even when hand-held.-..." Read more

    "...Some inside flash pictures were excellent, surprisingly so, but the flash didn't seem to carry as far as my smaller PowerShot camera when the same..." Read more

    "...So I got out the SX50 and got some terrific photos...." Read more

    380 customers mention368 positive12 negative

    Customers are impressed with the 50x optical zoom of the camera. They say it provides great shots at maximum zoom when used with a tripod and remote. Customers also appreciate the simplicity of zooming in on things without needing to carry all sorts of lenses. They also mention that it's fun to zoom across the lake.

    "...Surprises:Although the zoom certainly seemed nice when I bought the camera, I had not realized how useful its 50x zoom would be...." Read more

    "...The Good:- The zoom is amazing. And the IS is so good that I can take fairly good telephoto shots, even when hand-held.-..." Read more

    "...The zoom is really good and there are assists to help you keep your target in frame and focus on it...." Read more

    "...However, because the Canon SX50 has such an amazingly long zoom, it can produce some decent background blur...." Read more

    223 customers mention180 positive43 negative

    Customers find the camera extremely easy to use in the field. They say the functions are straight forward and intuitive. They also say the manual mode is fun and easy to learn as you go.

    "...The scroll wheel in combination with the menu screens is fairly intuitive to use...." Read more

    "...Bottom line, this camera is a keeper. It's simple enough for this Point & Shoot photographer while also offering extras that will broaden my..." Read more

    "...Adjusting the exposure, which is easy to do quickly, allowed me to get terrific closeup shots of many birds..." Read more

    "...I was speechless when I saw my 1st pics. Total ease of use is incredible. The zoom is just plain miraculous...." Read more

    212 customers mention179 positive33 negative

    Customers like the performance of the digital camera. They say it does everything well, is impressed with the results, and is very pleased with the features and performance. Some mention that it performs wonderfully in an outdoor environment and produces acceptable results for the entire range.

    "...As to teaching me more about photography, it really is a fun camera to use because it has a serious side that treats me like an adult...." Read more

    "...The Good:- The zoom is amazing. And the IS is so good that I can take fairly good telephoto shots, even when hand-held.-..." Read more

    "...This one is right on. I'm really impressed with the results, with no lenses to change out!..." Read more

    "...The images were bright, vivid and great. One of our fellow members asked if my camera supported lens changes and I answered NO...." Read more

    134 customers mention129 positive5 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the value of the digital camera. They mention that it has a great features/price ratio, and is scary powerful for the money. Some appreciate the stunning video and the size and price.

    "...It is a good value for the price and takes awesome pictures." Read more

    "...So - all in all - I am very pleased with this camera which is very reasonably priced. It is well worth the price it sells for...." Read more

    "...Ultimately, I'd say that this camera is great for the price. It's a good option if you want something better than a point and shoot camera...." Read more

    "...I purchased this camera because it's versatile, has lots of bang for moderate bucks, with a good-enough lens for short and long shots in most..." Read more

    133 customers mention95 positive38 negative

    Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They say it's surprisingly solid, reliable, and sturdy. They also say the quality at the low range is exceptional and at the long range acceptable. The camera is rugged enough to survive international travel and is high quality for the sensor size. Customers also say it is convenient to shoot general events.

    "...As long as the images are with the optical zoom, they are good enough quality to be used in a newsletter or on Facebook...." Read more

    "...My camera has to be fast, smart, easy and reliable...." Read more

    "...cameras is that the physics of everything makes it difficult to produce ANY decent bokeh...." Read more

    "...Auto focus: It really is much faster and more reliable than the SX40's. This is a big deal, particularly for taking pictures of birds...." Read more

    127 customers mention118 positive9 negative

    Customers find the camera easy to carry and use. They say it has a nice grip and is relatively light weight. Customers also mention that the camera is professional and has able to take great pictures with a small package.

    "...Light weight, but doesn't feel "cheap"- Articulating LCD is a must!..." Read more

    "...Since the SX50 is so small, I will be carrying this camera with me at all times. No more miss shots for me!..." Read more

    "...Here are our observations:General impression: the camera is light, has a nice grip, and takes amazing bird pictures even with free hands...." Read more

    "...But if you want photos that are tack-sharp with a camera that's easy to use AND carry, and you're willing to learn the basics beyond Auto, this is..." Read more

    93 customers mention88 positive5 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the features of the digital camera. They mention that it has a huge assortment of settings and features, a rotating screen, and a big list of functions. Some appreciate the macro capabilities and HD video. Overall, most are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.

    "...I really like how the camera has hands-on features that let me bypass those preprogrammed settings...." Read more

    "...My camera has to be fast, smart, easy and reliable...." Read more

    "...The macro is also terrific. I always had a hard time getting good closeup shots of flowers with any of my other cameras. This one is right on...." Read more

    "...This zoom is INCREDIBLE, the camera is sturdy, the functions are MANY but almost idiot-proof....I hate having to "study" a manual on anything..." Read more

    Much improved over the SX40 and here's why... (SEE PHOTOS)
    5 Stars
    Much improved over the SX40 and here's why... (SEE PHOTOS)
    I'm an experienced nature photographer, having been at it for over 50 years. I have been using Canon's PowerShot cameras going back to the S3. My relationship with these cameras has been a love-hate one, but the SX40 was a "Like" and this is "Really-Like-but-Love-is-too strong-a-word."See uploaded photos (click on "most recent") many of which have been published in birding magazines as well as with Audubon societies. But remember, I know this camera...This should NOT be your first-time-digital point and shoot camera! The learning curve is way too sharp because this camera is quite complex, and has unnecessary bells and whistles that you should avoid (at least until you learn the basics).What did I think about this camera? Well, after doing an awful lot of research, *I bought two* even after there had been a "recall" which I still don't understand! (One of these was for my wife.) I am a pro turned amateur nature photographer, and have been for many years. As for digital, I have had the Canons S3, S5, SX10, SX20, SX30 (returned immediately), SX40, and now the SX50.After you've played with the SX50 for a couple of days, I'd be happy to send my standard settings if you just email me. Here are the improvements over the SX40 and all SX models that preceded this (you can see the progression on my web site (see my profile).The good:1. Shutter lag is minimal! You can shoot in burst mode of 7-9 frames per second depending with the mode you're in, but shutter lag has been cut by 70%. Canon says that you can shoot up to 13 frames per second. Not with this camera, but 7 should be sufficient.2. Fast focus with center metering. The SX40 (and other like cameras) want to focus "on an average" of all the elements in a shot. Unfortunately, anything that uses the term average is like the guy with his head in the refrigerator and his feet in the oven, and on average, he's comfortable. It just doesn't work that way ... which is why you should also steer clear of "Auto." (More later) So, basically, if there's a bird on a branch in the center of a bunch of branches and twigs, the SX50 WILL focus on the bird and usually on the first try.3. Super Fine Mode. The SX40 goes to Fine resolution, but still left noise (the "snow" you'll see when cropped a distant shot of a bird etc.). For lack of a better way of putting this, Super Fine Resolution gives you many more pixels making the shot "tighter" and easier to crop without losing definition.4. Burst (continuous) Mode: This will hit a top speed of 9 frames per second. That's maximum, but if you can find a bird in flight, you stand a pretty good chance to get at least one frame in focus. It could be the bird's butt as it's leaving, but it will be in focus. There IS a locking device called High Speed AF (two buttons to the left of the lens). I am still trying to master this, and it will come to me ... I hope. So far, it feels like I'm trying to play an accordion with both hands doing something. I am pretty good at panning, but finding a bird in flight in the fully extended zoom is difficult. High Speed AF should correct that problem.NOTE: In order to get the most from burst mode, reducing shutter lag, etc., be certain to get a SDHC card! You need a fast card to maximize some of the aspects of the camera. Also, because the files will be much larger than what some are used to, I use a 16GB CLASS 10 card,* but 32GB CLASS 10 when on vacation in Yellowstone, Rainier, Bryce, Yosemite, in other words, anywhere where I'll be taking as many as 1,000 shots a day. And yes, especially with burst mode, you can easily take 1,000 pix on a vacation day. A Class 10 card will transfer 10 MG per second. If you want to - and you will - take pictures in burst mode, you need that speed between card and camera processor.5. Low light: Well, it isn't a disappointment because I expected this. You're buying a camera with a one chip sensor as opposed to 6-9 with a DSLR. The lens does allow more light than the SX40, but it still isn't a DSLR. Indoors, I recommend a flash.6. I have 9 settings that I use very often, but not all the time. One of the most critical difference is the white balance so that I don't blow out the whites of birds, goats, even recently bathed dogs. You can store ALL of your favorite settings in two modes C1 and C2. I store my settings for bright, sunny days in C1, and for low light or cloudy days in C2.7. IMAGE STABILIZATION: There's IS and then there's IS. The SX50, for a one-bit processor, has marvelous IS. I took shots of my TV's "What's playing" menu at 1/5 of a second (that's SLOWWWW!), hand held, and it was so sharp that my optometrist could actually see what I was complaining about, ghosting of letters and numbers on a white background. There are several photos I posted here that were taken hand-held at 1200mm (full zoom), and they're tack-sharp. Note that I haven't used a tripod or monopod since my 35mm SLR film days.8. Weight: 21 ounces and a 1200mm zoom! Those who carry a 6 pound camera around on a hiking day, often wish for the SX50. (I have a friend who carried a 34 pound camera and tripod who recently underwent back surgery, no kidding! Of course, neither of us is a young, fit 45.)The disappointments:1. RAW. All I've heard from my brother - a photographer for 65 years (but he takes pix of people and buildings, not of birds, bugs, bees, badgers, or bison) - has been touting the value of RAW. Well, the SX50 gives you a choice of shooting in RAW or RAW AND jpeg. Because the size of these files is 4 times more than a jpeg alone, continuous/burst mode just doesn't work. The processor can't process that much without a delay. And it increases shutter lag like waiting for a dialup connection!2. Auto. I don't like Auto. As I said Auto is "average," and that's the results you'll get. I suggest you learn TV, AV, and then Manual to get the most of this camera. (Again, I'll be glad to send my settings and save you trouble. 99% of the time, I shoot in shutter priority, Tv = "Time value" whatever that means.)3. MINOR disappointment: battery life. Look, this camera is doing so much more and processing so much information that it uses more battery power. I change the battery at least once every time I go out. At least it uses the same battery as the SX40. I carry two extra batteries - reasonably priced on Amazon - whenever I hike.4. Related to battery life, the SX50 doesn't give you a choice to leave the camera in an "always on" mode. The camera will turn off in 2 minutes which can be problematic when you see something you want to shoot at the last second. Turning the camera on can take 2 seconds. Birds, dogs, and kids under the age of 10 don't sit still for more than 1.5 seconds.5. The Viewfinder: I will not buy or even use a camera without an Electronic Viewfinder. The one on the SX50 is still small, no bigger than on the SX40. It does the job, but not until you get your photos on a 23 inch monitor will you be absolutely sure that they're in focus. I use the LCD for a preview of what I just took, but remember that a 3" LCD will make your pix look sharp whereas a HD monitor will tell the truth. The LCD is perhaps a good way to take a macro (though I usually zoom and crop).6. The ISO "Button:" For some stupid reason, Canon went and switched the ISO setting button from the right side to the bottom of the wheel in the back, and they went and put the Self-Timer on the right. That exactly where you're most likely to hit the button with your right thumb. It's a terrible idea because the getting out of the Self-timer is a two step button pushing process, and that takes a couple of seconds or more while you're trying to get a shot of something that won't wait for you.Of interest, but not to me: I won't take videos with this camera (I did once with the SX40), but I really think that if you're looking for a camera for movies of your kid's soccer, little league, or gymnastics, start with some step up from a smart phone and, if you have the money, a camcorder with image stabilization. If you do want to shoot wildlife videos, you definitely will want a tripod.Also, don't ask me about the Clear Face, Fireworks, parties, Color Accept, Swap Colors, or the other whistles (I'm a bell man) that I find gimmicky. I mean, you'd think that "Clear Face" would also get rid of acne! I understand the marketing value, but fooling around with these should wait until you can take a sharp photo of your dog or weasel or kid before you decide that they'd look nicer with a green complexion and yellow fur.If you're willing to take some time (2 to 4 weeks) to nail the basics, then this may well be THE camera for you. It is NOT for rank amateurs, and it probably won't satisfy most pros who are already into DSLRs. But if you want photos that are tack-sharp with a camera that's easy to use AND carry, and you're willing to learn the basics beyond Auto, this is the camera for you.
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    Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2013
    I'm an amateur who has long been curious to learn more about photography. I bought this particular camera for two reasons: (1) to help promote organizations of which I'm a member by taking photos of our events, often in low-light conditions and (2) to teach myself more advanced photography through its manual controls, such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

    Surprises:

    Although the zoom certainly seemed nice when I bought the camera, I had not realized how useful its 50x zoom would be. (With digital enhancement, the zoom can reach 200x, but with heavy digital zoom, the image quality suffers.) I can sit in the rafters of a sporting or singing event and easily photograph the faces of the performers across a crowded gym or auditorium from me. As long as the images are with the optical zoom, they are good enough quality to be used in a newsletter or on Facebook. The zoom has also been useful to photograph wildlife. For example, I went to a lake, and while there, I was able to isolate ducks as they swam and even when they reached land. I also was able to be closer to the ducks without causing them to alter their routine. I've since learned through research that obtaining equivalent zoom functionality with a DSLR would require lenses that could cost 3-4 times as much as this camera.

    Various reviews, particularly on professional websites, had commented that a tripod was necessary to capture the benefits of the SX50's zoom, and I now agree. At 50x zoom, very small movements of the camera can cause you to go from watching a bird in a tree to staring a random, out-of-focus leaf on another tree. A tripod usefully reduces such opportunities for human error.

    I was also pleasantly surprised by the self-timer. It's not a reason to buy this particular camera, but I had not realized how useful self-timing 3 shots in a row would be, especially when I'm gathering the family for a photo on the sofa.

    Pros:

    So many of these reviews have "Pros" and "Cons," and my thoughts won't differ from those to any great extent. The biggest pro is that this is essentially a very advanced point-and-shoot camera that gives you customization options akin to a true DSLR. In this way, it is a "bridge" between the two camera categories, but you may alternatively encounter "superzoom" as describing its category in professional reviews. The photo quality is solid and the auto focus is adequate. Unlike other point-and-shoot controls that I've encountered, the on-screen controls treat you like an adult, In fact, the scroll wheel and function button are quite easy to manipulate while staring at the image through the viewfinder.

    Cons:

    The biggest con is that this is not a DSLR camera -- though it's still a very good camera. The auto focus and shutter speed can be slower than ideal when I'm trying to photograph a speaker using Auto mode, but when I switch to the Sports mode and take bursts of photos, I'm often able to capture the images that I strive for. When I read reviews, a line like that will sometimes cause me to pause and over zealously think "Oh no, I need a camera that has a faster or better X feature!" Still, provided that you aren't trying to be a professional photographer at a college football game, it's pretty good functionality.

    Various reviews state that the viewfinder is inadequate, and I agree that the viewfinder is subpar, especially when compared to the SX50's beautiful optical screen. Nonetheless, as a practical matter, the weak viewfinder does not cause me to take bad photographs. That is, when I photograph an object by viewing it through the viewfinder, I tend to believe that the image has some flaw in it, but often, when I look at the photograph on a computer or through the screen, the image looks quite good despite the sometimes unclear quality displayed in the viewfinder. I credit the auto focus with making me come across as a better photographer than I actually am.

    Fulfilling My Motivations to Purchase:

    Earlier, I mentioned my two primary motivations to purchase. As to photographing events, the camera does so well. I've even discovered that the zoom, particularly at a setting like 75mm-100mm equivalent, has a nice effect of flattening the image and improving the appearance of the subjects (though that's not a phenomenon unique to this camera). In low light, the camera distinguishes itself from a typical point-and-shoot camera. Again, it's not going to create miracles and I've seen DSLRs do better, but for an amateur photographer like me using it for promotion of my organizations and family photos, I'm satisfied with the results.

    As to teaching me more about photography, it really is a fun camera to use because it has a serious side that treats me like an adult. I've gone the EasyShare route with two cameras that used icons to suggest particular functionality, and the Canon SX50 has similar icons for preprogrammed functionality without being limited to those. I really like how the camera has hands-on features that let me bypass those preprogrammed settings. In particular, I have experimented with ISO and shutter speed settings. The scroll wheel in combination with the menu screens is fairly intuitive to use. As a result, I have a much better understanding of digital photography than before I bought the camera.

    Conclusion:

    In reviewing, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between my own ineffectiveness with photography and true limitations with the camera. Nonetheless, it's clear that this is a good camera that satisfies my needs, and I'm able to take better photographs than friends who have DSLRs but don't know how to use them. When I some day buy a new camera, it must, at a minimum, have the functionality present in this camera. More likely, I will purchase a DSLR and will research that purchase based on what I have learned from using the SX 50 during my ownership of it.
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    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014
    Full disclosure - I am not a professional. I am a serious armature who love learning about photography and improving my skills. I currently own a Canon 7D DSLR with the kit lens and also the Canon 70-200 L F4. I love that camera and use it when I am out on an event or outing where I really want to try to get some great pictures. However, I decided I wanted a good light, small, bridge camera that I could use as a "grab and go" camera to use at events like Birthday parties, social gatherings, etc., where I'd like to get "good" pictures, but not out for great photography. Just something I could keep in a small tot to have handy when I didn't feel like carrying the 7D with all it's lenses and associated trappings.
    I did a lot of research and it came down to this camera and Panasonic FZ200. Which camera takes the "best" pictures depends on which review you read, but in the end, after looking at may comparisons, the SX50 seemed to fit what I wanted.

    The Good:
    - The zoom is amazing. And the IS is so good that I can take fairly good telephoto shots, even when hand-held.
    - Very fast multi-shot capability with the right SD card.
    - Lots of nice "Picture Type" settings that help you get a good shot under a variety of conditions, when you don't what to take the time (or don't have the time) to mess with manual settings.
    - Light weight, but doesn't feel "cheap"
    - Articulating LCD is a must!
    - Hot shoe for better flash
    - Shoots RAW! This was a must for me! I am starting to dabble with Photoshop and Lightroom and the ability to import RAW images was a must. There are not many bridge cameras I found at this price point with RAW capability.
    - Excellent image quality, even at Telephoto distances. It's "Only" 12MP but unless your printing huge posters, 12MP is plenty for most applications.

    The Bad:
    - Image noise when you get much above 400 - more noticeable than my 7D for sure so this Camera may not be a great choice for low light situations with no flash - a trade off I was willing to make to get the 50x zoom.
    - Flash does not automatically pop up. You must lift it up manually to take a picture with flash.
    - The F-stop is not constant across the Zoom range. The one thing the Panasonic I mentioned had in it's favor was a F2.8 across its full (30x) zoom. Sine most of my shooting would be with decent light, or in situations where I could use flash, this was not a huge concern. I can always fall back to the 7D if low light is an issue.
    - No USB cord. Not going to ding it a star for this, but come on Canon, really?
    - The AVF (View Finder) is not the best. Not as bad as I thought it would be based on some of the reviews I've read, but still not nearly as good as it could be. Serve's it's purpose - just.

    Bottom line - I love this camera and feel it will do just what O need it to do
    One person found this helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

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    Yves Marchand
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camera
    Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2024
    Excellent camera, excellent service, fast shipping, all is perfect
    のんちゃん
    5.0 out of 5 stars あの価格で十分すぎるほどの商品状態、大満足です。
    Reviewed in Japan on February 24, 2023
    レンズ交換するのに煩わしい時もあるので、ネオ一眼レフカメラが欲しくなり購入しました。商品の状態は中古品とは思えないほど綺麗に仕上がっていました。まだあまり使用していないので若干手振れに関して不安はありますが、今後の課題として捉えています。大変良い取引をさせていただきましたありがとうございました。また機会がありましたらよろしくお願いいたします。
    2 people found this helpful
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    Denisse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent customer service
    Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 2023
    I really recommend this store. It was a mistake with my order and the return with the refund was perfect. They included a beautiful picture of the Fuji Mount and a note. Thanks for everything.
    yojou
    4.0 out of 5 stars 初心者の最初の一台にいい。
    Reviewed in Japan on August 17, 2023
    野鳥が好きで識別と撮影などの勉強目的も兼ねて初めてのズームタイプのデジカメを買いました。
    小さくてリュックに入るサイズなのに、ズームも早めで使いやすく、ボタンも押しやすいです。
    本体は持ちやすく、液晶で撮影するだけでなく、ファインダーを覗いて撮影する事も出来ます。お手軽に一眼レフ体験もできます。
    デジタルズームの画質は酷い事も多いですが、かなり距離が遠めでも識別できる画像にはなります。ただ倍率が上がると手ブレも酷いです。

    私の撮影技術がもっと上がって設定を野鳥撮影に特化させればもっといい写真が撮れるでしょう。
    撮影の楽しさにも目覚め、一眼レフにも興味が湧く。私のような何もわからない初心者にとって、最初の一台として選んでよかったカメラです。
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    yojou
    4.0 out of 5 stars 初心者の最初の一台にいい。
    Reviewed in Japan on August 17, 2023
    野鳥が好きで識別と撮影などの勉強目的も兼ねて初めてのズームタイプのデジカメを買いました。
    小さくてリュックに入るサイズなのに、ズームも早めで使いやすく、ボタンも押しやすいです。
    本体は持ちやすく、液晶で撮影するだけでなく、ファインダーを覗いて撮影する事も出来ます。お手軽に一眼レフ体験もできます。
    デジタルズームの画質は酷い事も多いですが、かなり距離が遠めでも識別できる画像にはなります。ただ倍率が上がると手ブレも酷いです。

    私の撮影技術がもっと上がって設定を野鳥撮影に特化させればもっといい写真が撮れるでしょう。
    撮影の楽しさにも目覚め、一眼レフにも興味が湧く。私のような何もわからない初心者にとって、最初の一台として選んでよかったカメラです。
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    2 people found this helpful
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    Michael F Hammond
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent value for money
    Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2022
    As new - pity no manual