Canon 5D Mark III vs SX50
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2012 and September 2012. The 5D Mark III is a DSLR, while the SX50 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (5D Mark III) and a 1/2.3-inch (SX50) sensor. The 5D Mark III has a resolution of 22.1 megapixels, whereas the SX50 provides 12 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon SX50 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX50 is considerably smaller (39 percent) than the Canon 5D Mark III. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5D Mark III is splash and dust resistant, while the SX50 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX50 has a lens built in, whereas the 5D Mark III is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 5D Mark III and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the 5D Mark III gets 950 shots out of its Canon LP-E6 battery, while the SX50 can take 315 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-10L power pack.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 950 g | 950 | Y | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon SX50 | 123 mm | 87 mm | 106 mm | 595 g | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 151 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 890 g | 900 | Y | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX60 | 128 mm | 93 mm | 114 mm | 650 g | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 6D | 145 mm | 111 mm | 71 mm | 770 g | 1090 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon G15 | 107 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 352 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX40 | 123 mm | 92 mm | 108 mm | 600 g | 380 | n | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 5D Mark II | 152 mm | 114 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 850 | Y | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon 5D | 152 mm | 113 mm | 75 mm | 895 g | 400 | Y | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D610 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D800 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D800E | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic FZ150 | 124 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 528 g | 410 | n | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The SX50 was launched at a lower price than the 5D Mark III, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 5D Mark III features a full frame sensor and the Canon SX50 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the SX50 is 97 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 5.6. The sensor in the 5D Mark III has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the SX50 offers a 4:3 aspect.
In terms of chip-set technology, the 5D Mark III uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 5+) than the SX50 (DIGIC 5), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.
With 22.1MP, the 5D Mark III offers a higher resolution than the SX50 (12MP), but the 5D Mark III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.25μm versus 1.53μm for the SX50) due to its larger sensor. However, the SX50 is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the 5D Mark III, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.
The resolution advantage of the Canon 5D Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 19.2 x 12.8 inches or 48.8 x 32.5 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX50 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS are ISO 80 to ISO 6400 (no boost).
In terms of underlying technology, the 5D Mark III is build around a CMOS sensor, while the SX50 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the 5D Mark III provides substantially higher image quality than the SX50, with an overall score that is 34 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.7 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | Full Frame | 22.1 | 5760 | 3840 | 1080/30p | 24.0 | 11.7 | 2293 | 81 | |
2. | Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Full Frame | 30.1 | 6720 | 4480 | 4K/30p | 24.8 | 13.6 | 2995 | 91 | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | |
6. | Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
7. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
8. | Canon 6D | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 12.1 | 2340 | 82 | |
9. | Canon G15 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.9 | 11.5 | 165 | 46 | |
10. | Canon SX40 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.6 | 10.9 | 409 | 41 | |
11. | Canon 5D Mark II | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 11.9 | 1815 | 79 | |
12. | Canon 5D | Full Frame | 12.7 | 4368 | 2912 | none | 22.9 | 11.1 | 1368 | 71 | |
13. | Nikon D610 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.4 | 2925 | 94 | |
14. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
15. | Nikon D800 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | |
16. | Nikon D800E | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | |
17. | Panasonic FZ150 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.4 | 10.9 | 132 | 40 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the 5D Mark III provides a higher frame rate than the SX50. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the SX50 is limited to 1080/24p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the SX50 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the 5D Mark III has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark III and Canon SX50 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 5DS | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Canon 6D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
9. | Canon G15 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.1/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Canon SX40 | 202 | n | 2.7 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 10.3/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Canon 5D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.9/s | n | n | |
12. | Canon 5D | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
13. | Nikon D610 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon D600 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
15. | Nikon D800 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
16. | Nikon D800E | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Panasonic FZ150 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the 5D Mark III, but is missing on the SX50 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The SX50 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 5D Mark III does not have a selfie-screen.The 5D Mark III writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the SX50 uses SDXC cards. The 5D Mark III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the SX50 only has one slot.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Canon SX50 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
7. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Canon 6D | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Canon G15 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Canon SX40 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Canon 5D Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Canon 5D | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D610 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D600 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Nikon D800 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Nikon D800E | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Panasonic FZ150 | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the 5D Mark III has a microphone port, which is missing on the SX50. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark III (unlike the SX50) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the 5D Mark III and the SX50 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 5D Mark III was replaced by the Canon 5D Mark IV, while the SX50 was followed by the Canon SX60. Further information on the features and operation of the 5D Mark III and SX50 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 5D Mark III Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SX50 Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 5D Mark III or the Canon SX50 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (22.1 vs 12MP) with a 38% higher linear resolution.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (34 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.7 bits more color depth).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (3.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 5+ vs DIGIC 5).
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/30p versus 1080/24p).
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 461k dots).
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 2.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (950 versus 315) on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2012).
Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS:
- More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 5D Mark III requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (123x87mm vs 152x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 5D Mark III).
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 5D Mark III is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon SX50 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 5D Mark III and the SX50 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | .. | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon SX50 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 4.5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 5/5 | + | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX60 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 6D | 5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon G15 | 4/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX40 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 5D Mark II | 4/5 | 91/100 | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon 5D | .. | 88/100 | .. | + + | o | .. | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D610 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D800 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D800E | .. | .. | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic FZ150 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon M
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Fujifilm X-A1
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Fujifilm X100F
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Olympus E-5
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Panasonic LX7
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Sony RX100
- Canon SX430 vs Canon SX50
- Canon SX50 vs Canon SX500
- Canon SX50 vs Nikon 1 V3
- Canon SX50 vs Nikon D850
- Canon SX50 vs Panasonic ZS200
- Canon SX50 vs Pentax MX-1
Specifications: Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon SX50
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 |
Launch Date | March 2012 | September 2012 |
Launch Price | USD 3,499 | USD 429 |
Sensor Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | 1/2.3" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | 28.0735 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | 7.7 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 5.6x |
Sensor Resolution | 22.1 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 5760 x 3840 pixels | 4000 x 3000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 6.25 μm | 1.53 μm |
Pixel Density | 2.56 MP/cm2 | 42.74 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 1080/24p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 25,600 ISO | 80 - 6,400 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 102,400 ISO | no Enhancement |
Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ | DIGIC 5 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 81 | 47 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.0 | 20.3 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.7 | 11.2 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2293 | 179 |
Screen Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 202k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 1040k dots | 461k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Swivel screen |
Shooting Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 6 shutter flaps/s | 2.2 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | no | no |
Connectivity Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon SX50 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Canon LP-E6 | Canon NB-10L |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 950 shots per charge | 315 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
152 x 116 x 76 mm (6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in) |
123 x 87 x 106 mm (4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in) |
Camera Weight | 950 g (33.5 oz) | 595 g (21.0 oz) |
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