With a 50x optical zoom that delivers an amazing 24-1200mm-equivalent range, the Canon SX50 HS brings distant subjects up close and personal -- and it does so with intelligence and grace.

Whopping 50x optical zoom range from a generous 24mm equivalent wide angle to powerful 1200mm equivalent telephoto; Improved Intelligent IS allows for sharp hand-held shots; even at full zoom; Ergonomic design and build with a good grip and excellent control placement; Zoom Framing Assist helps you

Autofocus frequently struggles to lock in on subjects in low light; Slow lens also not ideal for low-light photography; Center frame details are a hint soft at some zoom settings; Blurring is noticeable in the corners in some shots; Uncorrected RAW files have lots of chromatic aberration and

In that mid-price range of around $500, though, the market is seeing a convergence of cameras. You'll find beginner-level DSLRs and other interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) here, as well as advanced fixed-lens cameras with large image sensors.

50x optical zoom is a great feature; Zoom motor works fast; going from wide angle to full telephoto; Popup flash provides good low light results; Hot shoe also allows you to add an external flash if needed; SX50 works well in fully automatic mode; Camera is also a strong performer in manual and...

SX50 has smaller image sensor than what's expected in this price range; SX50's response times are a bit choppy; depending on scene; You'll see "busy" on the screen more than you should between shots; LCD screen is a little small; Sharpness and image quality in EVF could be better; SX50 doesn't...

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS is a brand new super-zoom camera sporting a 50x zoom lens which is equivalent to a focal length of 24-1200mm. Replacing the previous SX40 HS model, the SX50 HS features a 12 megapixel back-illuminated sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, 4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer with...

The SX50 HS is packed with features, but it is also exceptionally easy to pick up and start photographing with, not forgetting its massive 50x zoom, which makes it ideal for shooting wildlife or kids' sport. It has a RRP of R5 000.

You may forgive Canon for being a little camera-crazy over the past couple of months or so, with the launch of a variety of cameras ranging from ones for amateurs, pros and even videographers. This time around, we're looking at another of their point and shooters, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.

50x zoom; Great outdoor images; Robust features and scenes

Poor low-light images; Pictures get blurry easily at tail end of zoom

The robust and relatively heavy body of the Canon SX50 HS has a metal-based chassis and is designed like a small SLR system. A large handle on the right-hand side of the body gives a stable grip and allows for comfortable handling when shooting.

Despite the obvious drawbacks of a small sensor digicam, I found the Powershot SX50 HS a very useful camera indeed. While I didn't expect the lens to perform like a 1200mm lens on a full frame DSLR , it did exceed my expectations.