Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera, Black {12.1MP}

Canon SX50 HS: the first compact with 50x optical zoom.

When Canon released the SX50 HS, no compact camera had previously offered 50x optical zoom, and the 24-1200mm equivalent focal range reflects that milestone. That range sits in a bridge-style body with a fully articulated 2.8" LCD, an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, and RAW shooting support via the DIGIC 5 processor. Optical image stabilization keeps frames steady at the long end, where camera shake is the default enemy.

The 12.1MP BSI-CMOS sensor shoots to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in RAW or JPEG, and the camera includes a hot shoe for external flash when the built-in unit's 5.5-meter range isn't enough. Full HD 1080p video records with stereo sound in H.264. Manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority give shooters real control, while the 9-point AF system and manual focus option cover both fast acquisition and precise framing. At 595g with battery, this is a carry-anywhere telephoto solution that doesn't ask you to pack a second bag for lenses.

Who It's For

Wildlife and nature photographers who want to shoot distant subjects without hauling interchangeable telephoto glass will find the 1200mm equivalent reach genuinely useful in the field. Travelers who need one camera to cover wide cityscapes at 24mm and compressed distant architecture at 1200mm get both extremes in a single body. Birders benefit from the optical stabilization at full zoom, where handheld shooting at long focal lengths demands it. Documentary and event photographers who occasionally need external flash control can use the hot shoe with Canon's 270EX II, 320EX, or 430EX II units for off-camera or bounced lighting.

Key Features

• 50x optical zoom with 24-1200mm equivalent focal length
• 12.1MP BSI-CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 processor
• RAW and JPEG shooting to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards
• Fully articulated 2.8" LCD with 461,000 pixels
• Electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Optical image stabilization for telephoto steadiness
• Full HD 1080p video at 24fps with stereo sound
• Hot shoe for external flash

FAQ

What makes the 50x zoom range practical at 1200mm?

Optical image stabilization keeps frames steady at the long end, where camera shake becomes critical. The electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage lets you frame precisely before you shoot, and manual focus is available when AF hunts.

Can you shoot RAW on this camera?

Yes. The DIGIC 5 processor handles RAW capture to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards alongside JPEG. You'll need Digital Photography Professional (included) or Camera Raw plug-in 7.3 RC or newer to edit them.

What's the battery life rated for?

315 shots per charge under CIPA standard (LCD on). That's with the NB-10L lithium-ion battery included in the box.

Does the articulated screen flip all the way around?

It's fully articulated, so it rotates and tilts for shooting from awkward angles. Useful for low-angle or overhead framing without contorting yourself.

What video formats and resolutions does it record?

Full HD 1080p at 24fps in H.264 with stereo sound, plus 1280x720 at 30fps and 640x480 at 30fps. Video records to the same SD cards as stills.

Is the built-in flash strong enough for telephoto work?

The built-in flash reaches 5.5 meters, which is limiting at 1200mm. The hot shoe accepts external flashes like the 270EX II, 320EX, or 430EX II for fill light at distance.

How many autofocus points does it have?

Nine AF points, with manual focus available for precise focus-stacking or when autofocus hunts in low contrast.