But first, here's some details on the camera; Imagine getting right down on the field to capture sports action, zeroing in on your child's expression on a crowded stage, and recording elusive wildlife shots. All this and more is possible with the PowerShot SX50 HS, offering the world's first 50x Optical Zoom lens in a compact digital camera, which goes all the way from a wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) to capture any shot you choose. The PowerShot SX50 HS doesn't just get you up close to the action, it delivers spectacular image quality to every shot. The Canon HS SYSTEM, a combination of a 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, achieves beautiful images up to ISO 6400. Record your memorable moments in incredibly lifelike 1080p Full HD video with stereo sound and High Speed AF ensures you'll capture all the action with faster focusing speed and reduced shooting lag time. The PowerShot SX50 HS also features the additional benefit of Zoom Framing Assist Seek and Lock functions, for easy tracking of and keeping the subject centered in the frame until you capture the image. Designed to offer the familiar feel of a DSLR in a more compact form, the PowerShot SX50 HS features an angled design with a grip that feels secure in the hand and is ideal for ultra-zoom shooting. Outstandingly compact for the flexibility of the 50x optical zoom range, the PowerShot SX50 HS offers a control dial for easy access and navigation through system menus, as well as one-touch action buttons including a dedicated Movie Record button. An Electronic Viewfinder, combined with a 7.1cm (2.8’’) vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD screen, allows users to frame their shots in their preferred style, and shoot from a range of different angles.With powerful technologies that add convenience and advanced capabilities, The PowerShot SX50 HS can help you capture more of life every day.
And now, the test. Tim got his hands on the camera and took a shot at it's widest angle setting (24mm, which is it's default setting when the camera is turned on) and here's that shot...
Then, Tim stepped out a bit and zoomed it out to it's furthest zoom setting (50x or 1200mm in 35mm terms) and took a shot down High Ridge Road at the entrance sign for the Merritt Parkway about a quarter mile away. Check it out below...
WOW! The second shot was a hand held shot and the sharpness at the 50x zoom mode is pretty darn good! Here's some other specs on the SX50HS:
- 50x ultra wide-angle zoom
- 4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer. Intelligent IS
- 12.1 MP HS System with DIGIC 5
- Full HD, HDMI
- 7.1 cm (2.8") vari-angle LCD, EVF
- Manual modes, RAW
- Enhanced Zoom Framing Assist
- Smart Auto, Multi-area WB
- High-speed Burst HQ.