• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Canon SX40 HS
SX40 HS vs SX50
Panasonic GH3
GH3 vs GH4
Successor: Canon SX60
SX50 vs SX60
Panasonic GH5
GH4 vs GH5
General
Model Number: SX50 GH4
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: EVF Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $449.99 $1500.00
Street Price: $459.00 $969.25
Date Available: 2012-10-15 2014-04-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 21.3 oz (603 g)
includes batteries
20.1 oz (569 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in.
(123 x 87 x 106 mm)
5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3 in.
(133 x 93 x 84 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 16.1
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 4/3
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.54 microns 3.75 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:   Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 47 74
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 20.3 23.2
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 11.2 12.8
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 179 791
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 13.0 12.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30/​120)
320x240 (30/​240)
4096x2160 (24p)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (96p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Canon Zoom Lens; Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 24 - 1,200mm  
Focal Length (actual): 4.3 - 215mm  
Zoom Ratio: 50.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.4 (W) / f/6.5 (T) - f/8.0  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range: 0 - 50 cm
0.0 - 19.7 in
 
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: 67mm (with optional adatper) n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect AF with Face Detection; Contrast Detection: Face/Eye detection, AF Tracking, 49-area-focusing, Custom Multi, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: EVF type; 202K-dot LCD with diopter adjustment of -4 to +1 EVF: 2,359K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, adjustable eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution:   2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.34x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 2.8 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 460,800 dots (153,600 px) 1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 80 200
ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 80 - 6400 Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200-25600; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 100
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom. Multi-area WB correction available in Smart Auto Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2/3/4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/2000 - 15 sec 1/8000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame) 1728-zone Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Custom (2), Sports, SCN (Portrait, Smooth Skin, Smart Shutter, High-Speed Burst HQ, Handheld NightScene, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist), Creative Filters (High Dynamic Range, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap), Movie Digest No scene modes. Creative Control (Stills): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine; Creative Control (Movies): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Fantasy, One Point Color
Self Timer: 2, 10, Custom seconds 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction and Correction available Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups)
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Auto ISO: 1.6 ft. - 18 ft. (W), 4.6 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.5m (W), (1.4m - 3.0m (T)) Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200)
Max Flash Sync: 1/2000 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot-Shoe (E-TTL) Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
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 Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
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 Wired (RS-60E3) Optional wired DMW-RSL1
Connections (extended): Combined USB/AV, Mini (Type-C) HDMI, Remote Terminal Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, DMW-YAGH IU Connections
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 1.85 0.35
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 2.51 0.40
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.35
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 13.0 12.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 10 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.8
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   21
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   21
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.48 seconds 0.19 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.41 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.341 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.55 seconds 0.35 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.067 seconds 0.050 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full AF, wide-area AF mode = 0.186s
Startup Time: 2.0 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.4 seconds 0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 4.5 seconds 4.2 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 315 shots 530 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   500 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NB-10L Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NB-10L Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary 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 Camera Solution CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.5 PE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8); SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.1 SE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8, Mac OS X v10.5-10.8); LoiLoScope (trial version) (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8)
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 / 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3; Mac OS X v10.5+ Windows, Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Intelligent Image Stabilization, DIGIC 5 processor, improved AF speed, 1080p24 Full HD movies, 13 fps High-Speed Burst HQ mode, Zoom Framing Assist, 58 scene Smart Auto, 12-bit RAW+JPEG capture. Up to 4Kp30 Ultra HD video, higher-res EVF and OLED monitor, 12fps full-res burst mode, 1/8000s top shutter speed, 1/250 x-sync, 200K shutter, optional DMW-YAGH Interface Unit.