Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

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SX50 Overview
Design
Operation
Optics
Exposure
Performance
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Video

Basic Specifications
Resolution:	12.10 Megapixels
Lens:	50.00x zoom (24-1,200mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
LCD Size:	2.8 inch
ISO:	80-6400
Shutter:	15-1/2000
Max Aperture:	3.4
Dimensions:	4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in. (123 x 87 x 106 mm)
Weight:	21.0 oz (595 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$480
Availability:	10/2012

12.10 Megapixels	50.00x zoom	2.8 inch LCD

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Preview

by Roger Slavens
Posted 09/17/2012

In the ever-increasing battle for the biggest, baddest megazoom on the planet, Canon has fired its latest salvo with the PowerShot SX50 HS. This digital camera's 50x optical zoom delivers the equivalent of 24-1,200mm range from a 24mm wide-angle lens, and boasts several improvements over the PowerShot SX40 HS, an IR favorite and a popular Dave's Pick. But staggering range isn't all the SX50 HS offers. A refined 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with a DIGIC 5 processor provides enhanced low-light imaging quality, according to Canon, and a maximum ISO of 6,400.

Improved autofocus. Canon says the PowerShot SX50's upgraded AF system delivers a 50% reduction in autofocus time and a 44% reduction in shutter lag. Canon told us it has worked to increase the AF speed of its new PowerShot cameras by strengthening the AF motors, cutting AF processing and reading scan times, improving the algorithm for lens movement, and reducing lens weight. The Canon SX50 HS also captures up to 10 shots per second at 12.1-megapixels.

Increased stability. To support the megazoom performance of the PowerShot SX50 HS, the camera employs Canon's Intelligent IS optical image stabilization technology to add increased stability to super-long-zoom and low-light shots. Additionally, extreme telephoto lengths are bolstered by an improved Zoom Framing Assist function, which -- according to Canon -- allows you to locate, track and capture subjects at great distances. The Zoom Framing Assist Seek button saves your previous zoom position, then zooms out to find your subject, then returns to your saved position when you release it. And a second Zoom Framing Assist Lock button allows the camera to lock the image stabilization onto the center of the frame to compensate for camera movement, which Canon says makes it easier to keep your subject in the frame.

Design. The Canon SX50 HS looks similar to its predecessor, though its lines are no longer as curvy. The grip appears to be more pronounced, and the Shutter button rests at a forward-sloping angle. Upgrades to the monitor include a slightly larger 2.8-inch, 460,000-dot vari-angle LCD. Canon also changed the button layout on the back, removing one button and making way for a larger navigational wheel. Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is just a fraction smaller and lighter than its predecessor, measuring 4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 inches and weighing 21 ounces.

Video and other features. The Canon SX50 HS records in full 1080p HD at 24 frames per second, and 720p at 30 fps. The camera allows for zooming while recording, and delivers stereo sound. Other upgrades to the PowerShot SX50 HS include an improved Smart Auto mode that can detect 58 scenes (compared to just 32 for the SX40 HS), and the ability to capture 12-bit RAW+JPEG files, something previous models in the SX-line couldn't do.

One disappointing, but ultimately understandable spec about the SX50 HS is the lens brightness. Going from a 40x to a 50x zoom means the maximum apertures increased to f/3.4 at its widest and f/6.5 at its longest focal length, compared to f/2.7-5.8 for the SX40 HS. Guess you can't have everything.

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS will set you back an estimated US$480 at launch, $50 more than the SX40 HS cost upon introduction last year, and will be available in October 2012.

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