Canon 50D vs Canon SX540 HS Specifications

APS-C 369.7mm²
15.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Canon 50D Review.
See real-world photos taken with the 50D.

1/2.3 inch 28.1mm²
20.3 megapixels
24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Canon SX540 HS Review.

Detailed specifications
Canon EOS 50D
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS

Links
Prices:		Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL:	Manufacturer website	Manufacturer website
Predecessor:	Canon 40D 40D vs 50D	Canon SX530 HS SX530 HS vs SX540 HS
Successor:	Canon 60D 50D vs 60D
General
Model Number:	50D	SX540 HS
Alternate Model Number(s):
Camera Format:	Pro SLR	Mid-Sized
Currently Manufactured:	No	Yes
Retail Price:	$1399.00	$399.99
Street Price:	$999.95	$364.00
Date Available:	2008-10-15	2016-03-15
Tripod Mount:	Yes	Yes
Weight:	29.0 oz (822 g) includes batteries	15.6 oz (442 g) includes batteries
Size:	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in. (146 x 108 x 74 mm)	4.7 x 3.2 x 3.6 in. (120 x 82 x 92 mm)
Waterproof:	No	No
Waterproof Depth:	n/a	n/a

Image Sensor
Sensor Type:	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:	Canon
Effective Megapixels:	15.1	20.3
Sensor Format:	APS-C	1/2.3 inch
Sensor size:	369.72mm² (23.7mm x 15.6mm)	28.0735mm² (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch:	4.99 microns	1.19 microns
Focal Length Multiplier:	1.6x	n/a
Aspect Ratio:	3:2	4:3
Color Filter Type:	RGBG	RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:	Fixed	None
Self-Cleaning:	Yes	No
Sensor shift image stabilization:	No	No
On-Sensor Phase Detect:	No	No
DxO Sensor Score:	63
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):	21.8
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):	11.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):	696
Image Capture
Image Resolution:	4752 x 3168 (15.1 MP, 3:2), 3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 2352 x 1568 (3.7 MP, 3:2)	5184 x 3888 (20.2 MP, 4:3), 5184 x 3456 (17.9 MP, 3:2), 5184 x 2912 (15.1 MP, 16:9), 3888 x 3888 (15.1 MP, 1:1), 3648 x 2736 (10.0 MP, 4:3), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 3648 x 2048 (7.5 MP, 16:9), 2736 x 2736 (7.5 MP, 1:1), 2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3), 2048 x 1368 (2.8 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3), 640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other), 640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9), 480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format:	JPEG, 14-bit RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2	JPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Continuous-mode frames/second:	6.3	5.9
Video Capture
Can take movies:	No	Yes
Movie Resolution:		1920x1080 (60p/30p) 1280x720 (30p) 640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format:		MP4 (Image: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Stereo))
Composite Video Out:	Yes	Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video:	Yes	Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder:	Yes
HD Video Out:	Yes	Yes
HD Video Connection:	HDMI	HDMI

Lens & Optics
Lens Mount:	Canon EF/EF-S	n/a
Lens:	Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM	Canon Zoom Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):	45 - 216mm	24 - 1,200mm
Focal Length (actual):	28 - 135mm	4.3 - 215mm
Zoom Ratio:	4.82x	50.00x
Aperture Range:	f/3.5-22 (W), f/5.6-36 (T)	f/3.4 (W) / f/6.5 (T) - ??
Integrated ND Filter:	No	No
Normal Focus Range:	50 cm to Infinity 19.7 in to Infinity	5 cm to Infinity 2.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:		0 - 50 cm 0.0 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread:	72.0mm	n/a
Thread Type:	n/a	n/a
Optical Image Stabilization:	Yes	Yes
Digital Zoom:		Yes
Digital Zoom Values:		Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus:	Yes	Yes
Auto Focus Type:	AF-dedicated CMOS Sensor, 9 cross-type AF points, f/2.8 rotated cross center point	Contrast Detection; Face Detect AiAF, Single AF point (center or face select and track)
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes	Yes
Manual Focus:	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder:	Optical / LCD	No / LCD
Viewfinder Type:	SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 95% coverage, 0.95x mag., 22mm eyepoint. -3 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking:	No	No
EVF Resolution:	n/a	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):	0.59x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):	0.95x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder:	Yes	No
Rear Display:	Yes	Yes
Rear Display Size (inches):	3.0	3.0
Rear Display Resolution:	920,000 dots	461,000 dots (153,600 px)
Touchscreen:	No	No
Articulating Screen:	No	No
Tilt Swivel Screen:	No	No
Selfie Screen:	No	No
Max Playback Zoom:	10.0x	10.0x
Top Deck Display:	Yes	No

Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):	3200	3200
Minimum ISO (native):	100	80
ISO Settings:	Auto, 100 - 3200 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, H1=6400, H2=12800	Auto, ISO 80 - 3200
Auto ISO Mode:	Yes	Yes
White Balance Settings:	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin 2800K - 10,000K	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Shutter Speed Range:	1/8000 - 30 sec	1/2000 - 15 sec
Bulb Mode:	Yes	No
Exposure Compensation:	+/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps	+/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes:	35-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (9%), Spot (3.8%)	Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot; Facial brightness is evaluated in Face Detection AF
Program Auto Exposure:	Yes	Yes
Aperture Priority:	Yes	Yes
Shutter Priority:	Yes	Yes
Full Manual Exposure:	Yes	Yes
Creative Exposure Modes:	Creative Auto, Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off, User1, User2	Live View Control, Creative Shot (Auto, Retro, Monochrome, Special and Natural effects), Portrait, Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer), Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Fireworks
Self Timer:	10 or 2 seconds	2, 10, Custom seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):
High Resolution Composite:	No	No
Flash
Built-in Flash:	Yes	Yes
Flash Modes:	E-TTL II	Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow Synchro; Red-Eye Reduction available
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100):	13.0 m / 42.7 ft.	n/a
Flash Range Description:	Lens aperture dependent	Auto ISO: 1.6 ft. - 18 ft. (W), 4.3 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.5m (W), (1.3 - 3.0m (T))
Max Flash Sync:	1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation:	+/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps	+/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection:	Hot Shoe, PC Sync	n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:		No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types:	CF1 / CF2	SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:		UHS-I
Other Memory:
Dual Card Slots:	No	No
RAW Capture Support:	Yes	No
Uncompressed Format:	14-bit RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2
Movie File Format:		MP4 (Image: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC (Stereo))
Included Memory:	No memory included	No memory included
Included Memory Type:
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi:	No	Yes
NFC:	No	Yes
Bluetooth:	No	No
Built-In GPS:	No	No
Microphone Jack:	No	No
Headphone Jack:	No	No
External Connections:	USB 2.0 High Speed	USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant:	Yes	Yes
DPOF Compliant:	Yes	Yes
Remote Control:	Yes	Yes
Remote Control Type:	Optional	Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended):	N3-type push-in terminal, HDMI mini out	Mini HDMI (Type-C), Mini-B USB

Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):	<0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):	<0.3
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):	Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):
Camera penalizes early shutter press?	No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution):	6.3	5.9
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution):	43
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):	0.13 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):
Shutter Lag (manual focus):	0.120 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):	0.24 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused):	0.063 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):	Live View: Full AF, Quick Mode: 0.85s Prefocus, Quick Mode: 0.108s Full AF, Face Detect: 1.97s Full AF, Live Mode: 2.06s
Startup Time:	0.3 seconds
Play -> Record Time:	0.5 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:	1.9 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):		205 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):	640 shots
Battery Life, Video:		45 minutes
Battery Form Factor:	Proprietary BP-511/A, BP-512; BG-E2N Battery Grip	Proprietary NB-6LH
Usable Battery Types:	Lithium-ion rechargeble	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included:	1 x Proprietary BP-511A Lithium-ion rechargeble	1 x Proprietary NB-6LH Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter):	Yes	Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:		Yes
Internal Charging Supported:		No
Software
Included Software:	Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser
OS Compatibility:	Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X.
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features:	15.1-megapixel upgrade to 40D: APS-C, DIGIC IV, 920K LCD, HDMI Out, Vignetting Correction, AF Microadjustment for up to 20 lenses, new Creative Auto exposure mode, 4-step adjustable high-ISO NR, 4-step adjustable ALO, 6.3 fps, Face Detection in LV mode. Native ISO range, 1/3 stop adjustable up to 3,200. H1 is 6,400, H2 is 12,800. Variable RAW (15.1MP (L), 7.1MP(M), 3.8MP(S) in RAW).