A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon SX50 vs 1100D

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and the Canon EOS 1100D (labelled Canon T3 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2012 and February 2011. The SX50 is a fixed lens compact, while the 1100D is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX50) and an APS-C (1100D) sensor. The SX50 has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the 1100D provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX50
versus
Canon 1100D
Canon SX50   Canon 1100D
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 Canon EF mount lenses
12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/24p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 80-6,400 ISO 100-6,400
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 461k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.2 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
315 shots per battery charge700 shots per battery charge
123 x 87 x 106 mm, 595 g 130 x 100 x 78 mm, 495 g
logo
Check SX50 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1100D offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and the Canon EOS 1100D? 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.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX50 and the Canon 1100D is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon SX50 vs Canon 1100D
Compare SX50 versus 1100D top
Comparison SX50 or 1100D rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 1100D is notably larger (21 percent) than the Canon SX50. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX50 nor the 1100D are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX50 has a lens built in, whereas the 1100D 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 1100D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the SX50 gets 315 shots out of its Canon NB-10L battery, while the 1100D can take 700 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E10 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1100D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1200D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX40 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 600 g 380 n Sep 2011 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 600D 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Canon SX30 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 601 g 370 n Sep 2010 429ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SX20 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Aug 2009 399ebay.com
14.
 
Canon SX10 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Sep 2008 399ebay.com
15.
 
Canon 1000D 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 n Jun 2008 449ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX50 was launched at a lower price than the 1100D, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX50 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Canon 1100D an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the 1100D is 1054 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.6. The sensor in the SX50 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the 1100D offers a 3:2 aspect.

In terms of chip-set technology, the SX50 uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 5) than the 1100D (DIGIC 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Canon SX50 and Canon 1100D sensor measures

With 12.2MP, the 1100D offers a higher resolution than the SX50 (12MP), but the 1100D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.15μm versus 1.53μm for the SX50) due to its larger sensor. However, the SX50 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 7 months) than the 1100D, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 1100D are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX50 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the 1100D uses a 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.

SX50 versus 1100D MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 1100D offers substantially better image quality than the SX50 (overall score 15 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV of lower dynamic range, and 2.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
2.
 
Canon 1100D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
3.
 
Canon 1200D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
4.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
5.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
6.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
7.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
8.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
9.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
10.
 
Canon SX40 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.610.940941
11.
 
Canon 600D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
12.
 
Canon SX30 1/2.3 14.0 4320 3240720/30p19.410.732039
13.
 
Canon SX20 1/2.3 12.0 4000 3000720/30p19.210.522537
14.
 
Canon SX10 1/2.3 10.0 3648 2736480/30p19.010.314435
15.
 
Canon 1000D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.010.971962
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the SX50 provides a higher video resolution than the 1100D. It can shoot video footage at 1080/24p, while the 1100D is limited to 720/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the SX50 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the 1100D 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX50, the Canon 1100D, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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 SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon 1100Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1200Doptical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX40202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 10.3/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon 600Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
12.
 
Canon SX30202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.6/s Y Y
13.
 
Canon SX20202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
14.
 
Canon SX10202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
15.
 
Canon 1000Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 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.
padding
The SX50 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the 1100D does not have a selfie-screen.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX50 and the 1100D write their files to SDXC cards.

ad

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 PowerShot SX50 HS and Canon EOS 1100D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon 1100DYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1200DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon SX40Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
11.
 
Canon 600DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Canon SX30Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
13.
 
Canon SX20Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
14.
 
Canon SX10Ystereo / mono---2.0---
15.
 
Canon 1000DY- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
padding

Both the SX50 and the 1100D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1100D was replaced by the Canon 1200D, while the SX50 was followed by the Canon SX60. Further information on the features and operation of the SX50 and 1100D can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX50 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1100D Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SX50 or the Canon 1100D – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS:

  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 5 vs DIGIC 4).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/24p vs 720/30p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (461k vs 230k dots).
  • 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 a built-in lens, while the 1100D requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (123x87mm vs 130x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 7 months after the 1100D).


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 1100D:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (15 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (700 versus 315) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2011).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the SX50 emerges as the winner of the contest (12 : 9 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.

SX50 12:09 1100D

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX50 and the Canon 1100D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX50 or the 1100D perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1100D..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1200D3/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX40..+....4.5/54/5 Sep 2011 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 600D3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Canon SX303/5+ +....3.5/54/5 Sep 2010 429ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SX20..+ +..73/100..4/5 Aug 2009 399ebay.com
14.
 
Canon SX10..+ +......4/5 Sep 2008 399ebay.com
15.
 
Canon 1000D..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 449ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check SX50 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1100D offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon SX50 vs Canon 1100D

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2012 February 2011
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 449
    Sensor Specs Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 22.0 x 14.7 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 323.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 26.5 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4272 x 2848 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm 5.15 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2 3.76 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 5 DIGIC 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 47 62
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.3 21.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.2 11.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 179 755
    Screen Specs Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 461k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 2.2 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon SX50 Canon 1100D
    Battery Type Canon NB-10L Canon LP-E10
    Battery Life (CIPA)315 shots per charge700 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 123 x 87 x 106 mm
    (4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in)
    130 x 100 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 595 g (21.0 oz) 495 g (17.5 oz)
    logo
    Check SX50 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check 1100D offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon SX50 vs Canon 1100D