Congratulations on purchasing the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS! This manual provides a comprehensive guide to unlocking your camera’s full potential. Discover its 50x zoom, 12.1MP sensor, and RAW support, designed for advanced photography. Learn to master its features and elevate your imaging experience.
Congratulations on Your Purchase
Congratulations on acquiring the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, a camera that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional versatility. With its 50x optical zoom, 12.1MP sensor, and RAW image support, this device offers unparalleled creative control. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, it bridges the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. This manual will guide you through mastering its advanced features, ensuring you unlock its full potential and capture stunning imagery with ease and precision.
Overview of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is a high-performance bridge camera offering a unique blend of advanced features and portability. Designed for photography enthusiasts and professionals, it boasts a 50x optical zoom, a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, and RAW image capture. Its ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it easy to handle, while its robust feature set, including manual controls and image stabilization, ensures versatility for various shooting scenarios. This camera is ideal for capturing detailed images, from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects, with precision and clarity.
Key Features of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS boasts a 50x optical zoom, 12.1MP CMOS sensor, and RAW image capture. It offers advanced manual controls, ensuring creative flexibility for photographers.
50x Optical Zoom Lens
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS boasts an impressive 50x optical zoom lens, offering a focal range of 24mm to 1200mm. This unmatched zoom capability allows users to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, and astronomy photography. The lens features a UA element for superior image quality and Super Spectra Coatings to minimize glare and ghosting. This extraordinary zoom range sets the SX50 HS apart as a leader in super-zoom compact cameras.
12.1 Megapixel Sensor
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, delivering crisp and detailed images. This high-resolution sensor captures vivid colors and textures, ensuring excellent image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. Paired with the advanced DIGIC 5 image processor, it enhances noise reduction and improves overall performance. The sensor’s capabilities are further complemented by the camera’s 50x zoom lens, allowing for stunning close-up shots and wide-angle photography. This combination makes the SX50 HS ideal for enthusiasts seeking professional-grade results in a compact design.
RAW Image Capture Support
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS supports RAW image capture, enabling photographers to retain maximum image detail and flexibility during post-processing. This feature is ideal for advanced users who want to refine their shots without losing quality. RAW files preserve uncompressed data, allowing for precise adjustments in exposure, color balance, and noise reduction. This capability makes the SX50 HS a versatile tool for professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-quality imagery. It ensures that your creative vision is maintained with minimal loss of data.
Advanced Manual Control Capabilities
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers robust manual controls, catering to enthusiasts seeking creative freedom. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and full Manual modes enable precise adjustments. ISO sensitivity can be manually set, and RAW image capture ensures maximum post-processing flexibility. These features, rare in compact cameras, make the SX50 HS a versatile tool for photographers demanding control over their craft, blending ease of use with professional-grade functionality.
Design and Ergonomics
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a sturdy build with ergonomic design, ensuring comfort during extended use. Its weight and balanced grip provide stability, while intuitive controls enhance usability.
Build Quality and Comfort
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS boasts a solid, ergonomic design with a comfortable grip, ensuring ease of use during extended shooting sessions. Its lightweight yet durable construction makes it portable while maintaining a professional feel. The camera’s balanced weight distribution and intuitive control layout enhance handling, allowing for smooth operation. The rubberized grip provides a secure hold, reducing fatigue and improving stability, making it ideal for both casual and advanced photographers seeking comfort without compromising on performance.
Weight and Portability
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS strikes a balance between power and portability, weighing approximately 595 grams (21.0 ounces), making it lightweight enough for easy handling. Its compact design ensures it fits comfortably in a bag or hand, allowing for extended shooting sessions without strain. Despite its advanced features, including the 50x zoom lens, the camera remains portable, ideal for travel or everyday use. This ergonomic design prioritizes comfort, enabling photographers to capture moments effortlessly, even during prolonged outings.
Layout of Controls
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features an ergonomic design with intuitive control placement. The mode dial on top allows quick access to shooting modes, while the zoom lever provides seamless zoom control. Rear buttons offer easy navigation through menus, and the multi-function front and rear dials enable precise manual adjustments. The LCD screen serves as a central hub for previewing images and adjusting settings. This well-organized layout ensures comfortable handling and efficient operation, catering to both beginners and advanced photographers.
Understanding the Mode Dial
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a mode dial offering Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes; Each mode provides varying levels of control, catering to different photography needs and skill levels.
Auto Mode
Auto Mode simplifies photography by automatically adjusting settings like focus, exposure, ISO, and white balance. Ideal for beginners, it ensures sharp, well-lit images with minimal effort. The camera optimizes color balance and contrast, making it perfect for casual shooting. While it limits manual control, Auto Mode delivers consistent results, allowing users to focus solely on composition. This feature is particularly useful for capturing spontaneous moments or when experimenting with the 50x zoom lens for the first time.
Program Mode
In Program Mode, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a balance between simplicity and control. It automatically sets aperture and shutter speed but allows adjustments to ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. This mode is ideal for photographers who want more flexibility than Auto Mode without the complexity of manual settings. It’s perfect for everyday shooting, offering quick access to essential controls while ensuring optimal results in various lighting conditions. Program Mode bridges the gap between automatic and manual photography, making it a versatile choice for creative expression.
Aperture Priority Mode
Aperture Priority Mode on the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS allows you to set the aperture value manually, giving you creative control over depth of field. The camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to ensure proper exposure. This mode is ideal for portrait photography, where you want a blurred background, or for landscape shots requiring a sharp focus across the entire image. Use the aperture ring or control dial to adjust settings and achieve your desired visual effects effortlessly.
Shutter Priority Mode
In Shutter Priority Mode, you control the shutter speed while the camera automatically adjusts the aperture. This mode is ideal for capturing motion effects, such as freezing fast-moving subjects or creating artistic blur. Access it via the Mode Dial. Simply rotate the control dial to set your desired shutter speed, and the camera will optimize the aperture for proper exposure. This mode is particularly useful for sports, wildlife, and creative photography, giving you flexibility while maintaining ease of use.
Manual Mode
Manual Mode on the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers full control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus, enabling photographers to customize settings for precise creative control. This mode is ideal for experienced users seeking flexibility. Adjustments can be made using the control dial and rear dial, allowing for quick changes. The camera also supports RAW image capture, preserving maximum image detail for post-processing. Manual Mode empowers photographers to tailor their shots exactly as envisioned, making it a powerful tool for artistic expression and technical photography.
Image Quality and Settings
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS delivers high-quality images with its 12.1MP sensor, offering multiple resolution and aspect ratio options. White balance presets and adjustable ISO sensitivity enhance customization for optimal results.
Resolution and Aspect Ratio
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers multiple resolution settings, with a maximum of 4000×3000 pixels for high-quality images. It supports various aspect ratios, including 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9, allowing flexibility for different shooting needs. The camera also provides options for lower resolutions, making it suitable for web use or sharing. Users can easily adjust these settings via the menu to match their creative vision or practical requirements, ensuring optimal results for both printing and digital display.
White Balance and Color Options
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a range of white balance settings, including Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and Custom, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the camera provides color modes like Vivid, Neutral, and Faithful, allowing users to tailor the look of their images. A Monochrome option is also available for black-and-white photography, with adjustable filter effects to enhance creativity. These features enable users to capture images with precise color accuracy and artistic expression, making the SX50 HS versatile for diverse photographic needs.
ISO Sensitivity Range
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features an ISO sensitivity range of 80 to 6400, allowing flexibility in various lighting conditions. The camera automatically adjusts ISO for optimal results, but manual control is also available for creative adjustments. Low ISO settings are ideal for bright environments, while higher values are suited for low-light situations. However, high ISO settings may introduce noise, so it’s best to use them sparingly. This range ensures versatility for capturing sharp, detailed images across diverse scenarios.
50x Optical Zoom and Lens Performance
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a remarkable 50x optical zoom, covering 24-1200mm focal lengths. Its advanced lens system ensures sharp images, even at maximum zoom, supported by image stabilization for reduced blur.
24mm Wide-Angle Lens
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a versatile 24mm wide-angle lens, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, and indoor photography. With a maximum aperture range of f/3.4, it ensures excellent light capture, even in low-light conditions. The lens delivers sharp, detailed images across its focal range, from wide-angle to telephoto, making it perfect for versatile photography needs. Its portability and wide-angle capability make it a standout feature, enabling users to frame shots with ease and precision, whether shooting close-up or far away.
Maximum Focal Length of 1200mm
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS boasts an impressive maximum focal length of 1200mm, enabling extraordinary telephoto capabilities. This 50x optical zoom lens captures distant subjects with remarkable clarity, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, or astronomy photography. The lens maintains sharpness even at maximum extension, thanks to advanced optical design and image stabilization. While the aperture narrows to f/6.5 at 1200mm, the camera compensates with ISO flexibility and built-in stabilization, ensuring usable results in various lighting conditions. This feature truly sets the SX50 HS apart in its class.
Image Stabilization System
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features an advanced Image Stabilization System, which minimizes camera shake and blur caused by hand movement or low light conditions. This lens-based technology ensures sharper images and smoother video recording, especially when utilizing the extreme 50x zoom. The system automatically detects movement and compensates by shifting the lens elements, delivering stable results. This feature is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting and capturing distant subjects with clarity, making it indispensable for both still photography and video recording.
Movie Mode and Video Recording
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a point-and-shoot movie mode experience with limited manual controls. Optical zoom can be adjusted during recording, enhancing video flexibility and creativity effortlessly.
Video Resolution Options
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers versatile video recording capabilities with multiple resolution options. Users can choose from 1080p (1920×1080) at 24p, 720p (1280×720) at 30p, and lower resolutions like 640×480 at 30p. These settings allow for high-quality video capture, suitable for various creative needs. The camera also supports iFrame recording at 720p for easier editing. Videos are saved in MOV format with H.264 compression, ensuring efficient file sizes without compromising quality. This flexibility makes the SX50 HS a practical choice for both casual and serious videographers.
Limitations of Manual Controls in Movie Mode
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers limited manual controls during video recording, restricting creative flexibility. While it supports 1080p resolution, manual focus, exposure compensation, and audio level adjustments are unavailable in movie mode. This makes it less suitable for advanced videographers seeking precise control over their footage. However, the camera still delivers decent video quality, though it caters more to casual users than professionals.
Advanced Shooting Modes
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers Custom Modes and Scene Modes, allowing users to tailor settings for specific photography needs, enhancing creativity and precision in various shooting scenarios.
Custom Modes
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers Custom Modes, allowing users to save preferred settings for quick access. This feature enhances shooting efficiency by enabling rapid adjustments to ISO, white balance, and focus modes. Custom Modes are ideal for frequently encountered shooting scenarios, ensuring consistent results without recalibrating settings. They simplify workflow, making it easier to capture moments in varying lighting conditions or unique compositions. This flexibility caters to both amateur and professional photographers, providing a tailored approach to image capture.
Scene Modes
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a variety of Scene Modes tailored for specific shooting situations, such as Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Low Light. These modes automatically adjust camera settings to optimize image quality. Portrait mode softens backgrounds for sharp subject focus, while Sports mode captures fast-moving subjects with reduced blur. Night Scene mode minimizes noise in low-light conditions, ensuring vibrant and clear images. The manual provides guidance on selecting the right mode for your scene, helping you achieve professional results effortlessly. Explore these modes to enhance your photography experience.
Playback and Review Options
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers robust playback features, including image review with magnification, slide shows, and histogram display for analyzing exposures, enhancing your post-capture experience effectively.
Image Review and Magnification
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a detailed image review system with magnification capabilities, allowing users to examine their photos closely. Use the zoom button to enlarge images up to 10x for precise detail inspection. The erase button doubles as a zoom out option for quick navigation. Additionally, the histogram display provides a graphical representation of exposure, helping users assess image quality. These features ensure efficient photo review and editing, enabling photographers to perfect their shots with ease.
Slide Show and Histogram Display
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS offers a built-in slide show feature, allowing you to enjoy your photos on the camera’s LCD screen. You can customize the slide show with various transition effects and intervals; Additionally, the histogram display provides a graphical representation of image brightness, helping you assess exposure levels. This feature is particularly useful for adjusting settings to achieve optimal image quality. Both functions enhance your post-capture experience, making it easier to review and refine your photography.
Menu System and Customization
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features an intuitive menu system, allowing easy navigation and customization. Users can assign functions to buttons like the Shortcut button for personalized control.
Navigating the Menu
Navigating the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS menu is straightforward, with a user-friendly interface designed for quick access to settings. The menu is divided into clear categories, such as shooting, playback, and setup options. Use the directional buttons to scroll through options and the SET button to select. The menu also allows customization, enabling you to assign frequently used functions to specific buttons. This intuitive design ensures easy operation, catering to both beginners and advanced photographers. Explore the menu to unlock the camera’s full potential and tailor settings to your preferences.
Customizing Buttons and Functions
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS allows users to customize buttons and functions to suit their preferences. You can assign frequently used settings to specific buttons, enhancing shooting efficiency. The camera also supports saving custom configurations, ensuring quick access to personalized controls. This feature is particularly useful for photographers who prioritize convenience and speed. By tailoring the camera’s functions, you can optimize its performance for your unique shooting style, making it an extension of your creative process.
Battery and Memory Considerations
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS uses an NB-10L battery, offering decent performance. Use high-speed memory cards (SD, SDHC, or SDXC) for optimal shooting and video recording experiences.
Battery Life and Charging
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS uses an NB-10L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, offering approximately 315 shots per charge under normal conditions. Charging is done via the provided charger, requiring about 2 hours for a full charge. To maximize battery life, enable power-saving features like auto LCD off and use the electronic viewfinder instead of the LCD when possible. Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can drain the battery faster. For extended shooting sessions, consider purchasing a spare battery.
Memory Card Compatibility
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS supports various memory cards, including SD, SDHC, SDXC, and UHS-I cards, ensuring ample storage for high-resolution images and video. For optimal performance, use high-speed cards, especially when capturing RAW files or recording video. The camera also supports exFAT formatting for memory cards with capacities exceeding 32GB. Always ensure compatibility with your device for seamless functionality and to maximize storage efficiency while shooting.
Additional Features and Accessories
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS includes a built-in flash and supports external flash units for enhanced lighting. Optional lens filters and adapters expand creative possibilities.
Built-in Flash and External Flash Support
Built-in Flash and External Flash Support
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS features a built-in flash for added illumination in low-light conditions. The flash automatically pops up when needed and can be manually adjusted for optimal exposure. Additionally, the camera supports external flash units via its hot shoe mount, allowing for enhanced lighting control and creativity. This compatibility with external flashes expands the camera’s versatility, making it suitable for more advanced photography applications and ensuring better results in challenging lighting environments.
Optional Lens Filters and Adapters
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS supports various optional lens filters and adapters to enhance versatility. Filters like UV, polarizing, and neutral density can improve image quality in challenging lighting. The camera uses a 67mm filter thread size, making it easy to find compatible accessories. While lens adapters for other systems aren’t natively supported, third-party solutions may offer additional flexibility for specialized shooting needs, ensuring you can tailor your setup to match your creative vision.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Address common issues like the rubber viewfinder recall and operational problems. Follow guidelines to resolve camera malfunctions and ensure optimal performance.
Recall Notice for Rubber Viewfinder Eye Piece
Canon issued a recall for certain PowerShot SX50 HS models due to improper construction of the rubber viewfinder eye piece; If your camera is affected, visit Canon’s official website to check your serial number. Follow provided instructions for free repair or replacement. Ensure your device is serviced to maintain optimal performance and safety. This recall ensures adherence to Canon’s quality standards and customer satisfaction.
Resolving Common Operational Issues
Addressing common issues with your Canon PowerShot SX50 HS ensures optimal performance. Check the rubber viewfinder eye piece for proper construction, as some units may require replacement. For lens errors or autofocus malfunctions, restart the camera or clean the lens gently. If the camera freezes, remove the battery and memory card, then restart. Ensure memory cards are compatible and formatted correctly. Regularly update firmware and avoid using damaged cards to prevent operational disruptions. Always maintain the camera’s cleanliness for smooth functionality.
Congratulations on mastering the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS! With its 50x zoom, 12.1MP sensor, and RAW support, this camera offers exceptional imaging capabilities. Enjoy capturing life’s moments with precision and creativity!
Final Thoughts on the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS stands out as a powerful bridge camera, offering a 50x zoom and advanced manual controls. While its high price may deter some, it delivers exceptional versatility for enthusiasts. The RAW support and 12.1MP sensor ensure high-quality images. Despite its bulk, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable for extended use. A minor recall for the rubber viewfinder highlights attention to detail. Overall, it’s a robust choice for those seeking DSLR-like performance in a compact form, though not for casual users seeking budget options.
Maximizing Your Camera’s Potential
To fully utilize your Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, explore its advanced features like manual controls, 50x zoom, and RAW image capture. Experiment with different shooting modes and settings to enhance your photography skills. Regularly update firmware and maintain the camera for optimal performance. By mastering these elements, you can unlock the camera’s capabilities and achieve professional-grade results in various shooting scenarios. This approach ensures you make the most of your investment and enjoy a rewarding photography experience.
