Canon SX50 vs Nikon Coolpix A
The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and the Nikon Coolpix A are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2012 and March 2013. Both the SX50 and the Coolpix A are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX50) and an APS-C (Coolpix A) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 16.1 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 PowerShot SX50 HS and the Nikon Coolpix A? 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
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX50 and the Nikon Coolpix A 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The Coolpix A can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the SX50 is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Coolpix A is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Canon SX50. Moreover, the Coolpix A is substantially lighter (50 percent) than the SX50. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX50 nor the Coolpix A are weather-sealed.
Concerning battery life, the SX50 gets 315 shots out of its Canon NB-10L battery, while the Coolpix A can take 230 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL20 power pack.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
# | 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 | 429 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon Coolpix A | 111 mm | 64 mm | 40 mm | 299 g | 230 | n | Mar 2013 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 128 mm | 93 mm | 114 mm | 650 g | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G1 X | 117 mm | 81 mm | 65 mm | 534 g | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon G15 | 107 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 352 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX40 | 123 mm | 92 mm | 108 mm | 600 g | 380 | n | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX30 | 123 mm | 92 mm | 108 mm | 601 g | 370 | n | Sep 2010 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX20 | 123 mm | 88 mm | 87 mm | 600 g | .. | n | Aug 2009 | 399 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon SX10 | 123 mm | 88 mm | 87 mm | 600 g | .. | n | Sep 2008 | 399 | ebay.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X100T | 127 mm | 74 mm | 52 mm | 440 g | 330 | n | Sep 2014 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Fujifilm X100S | 127 mm | 74 mm | 54 mm | 445 g | 330 | n | Jan 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 129 mm | 75 mm | 37 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic FZ150 | 124 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 528 g | 410 | n | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 117 mm | 61 mm | 35 mm | 245 g | 290 | n | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony NEX-6 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 43 mm | 345 g | 360 | n | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 markedly lower price (by 61 percent) than the Coolpix A, which puts it into a different market segment. 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. 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 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 Nikon Coolpix A an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the Coolpix A is 1214 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX50 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the Coolpix A offers a 3:2 aspect.
With 16.1MP, the Coolpix A offers a higher resolution than the SX50 (12MP), but the Coolpix A nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.78μm versus 1.53μm for the SX50) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Coolpix A is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 months) than the SX50, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Coolpix A has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon Coolpix A implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Coolpix A for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 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 PowerShot SX50 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Coolpix A are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.
In terms of underlying technology, the SX50 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Coolpix A 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.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 Coolpix A offers substantially better image quality than the SX50 (overall score 33 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.1 bits higher color depth, 2.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
# | 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 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
2. | Nikon Coolpix A | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 13.8 | 1164 | 80 | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
4. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
5. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
6. | Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
7. | Canon G15 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.9 | 11.5 | 165 | 46 | |
8. | Canon SX40 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.6 | 10.9 | 409 | 41 | |
9. | Canon SX30 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 720/30p | 19.4 | 10.7 | 320 | 39 | |
10. | Canon SX20 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 19.2 | 10.5 | 225 | 37 | |
11. | Canon SX10 | 1/2.3 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 480/30p | 19.0 | 10.3 | 144 | 35 | |
12. | Fujifilm X100T | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1483 | 78 | |
13. | Fujifilm X100S | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.3 | 12.5 | 1329 | 75 | |
14. | Fujifilm X-E2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1400 | 77 | |
15. | Panasonic FZ150 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.4 | 10.9 | 132 | 40 | |
16. | Ricoh GR | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 13.5 | 972 | 78 | |
17. | Sony NEX-6 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.1 | 1018 | 78 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Coolpix A provides a faster frame rate than the SX50. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/24p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the SX50 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the Coolpix A relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the Coolpix A can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DF-CP1. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX50, the Nikon Coolpix A, and comparable 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 SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Nikon Coolpix A | optional | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon G15 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.1/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Canon SX40 | 202 | n | 2.7 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 10.3/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Canon SX30 | 202 | n | 2.7 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.6/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Canon SX20 | 202 | n | 2.5 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.7/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Canon SX10 | 202 | n | 2.5 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.7/s | Y | Y | |
12. | Fujifilm X100T | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Fujifilm X100S | 2360 | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic FZ150 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Ricoh GR | optional | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Sony NEX-6 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
The Nikon Coolpix A has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The SX50 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the Coolpix A comes with a built-in prime. The SX50 has a 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 optic and the Coolpix A offers a 28mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Nikon. The Coolpix A offers the faster maximum aperture.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX50 and the Coolpix A write their files to SDXC cards.
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 Nikon Coolpix A 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 SX50 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon Coolpix A | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Canon G1 X | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Canon G15 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon SX40 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Canon SX30 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Canon SX20 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Canon SX10 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Fujifilm X100T | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
13. | Fujifilm X100S | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Fujifilm X-E2 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic FZ150 | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Ricoh GR | Y | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Sony NEX-6 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
Both the SX50 and the Coolpix A have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX50 was replaced by the Canon SX60, while the Coolpix A does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the SX50 and Coolpix A can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX50 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Coolpix A Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Canon SX50 better than the Nikon Coolpix A or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- 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.
- Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (315 versus 230) on a single battery charge.
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (61 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2012).
Arguments in favor of the Nikon Coolpix A:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (16.1 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 18%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (33 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.1 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.6 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/30p versus 1080/24p).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 461k dots).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 2.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.4).
- More compact: Is smaller (111x64mm vs 123x87mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 296g or 50 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat (5 months) more recently.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Coolpix A is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. 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 SX50 and the Nikon Coolpix A place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX50 or the Coolpix A perform in practice. 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 hands-on reviews by experts 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 SX50 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon Coolpix A | 4/5 | + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2013 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX60 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G1 X | 5/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon G15 | 4/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX40 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX30 | 3/5 | + + | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2010 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon SX20 | .. | + + | .. | 73/100 | .. | 4/5 | Aug 2009 | 399 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon SX10 | .. | + + | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | Sep 2008 | 399 | ebay.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X100T | 5/5 | + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2014 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Fujifilm X100S | 5/5 | + + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic FZ150 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony NEX-6 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
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- Canon SX50 vs Leica V-LUX 2
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- Canon SX50 vs Sony A77 II
- Canon SX50 vs Sony HX90V
- Fujifilm GFX 100 vs Nikon Coolpix A
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Specifications: Canon SX50 vs Nikon Coolpix A
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 SX50 | Nikon Coolpix A |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 | 28mm f/2.8 |
Launch Date | September 2012 | March 2013 |
Launch Price | USD 429 | USD 1,099 |
Sensor Specs | Canon SX50 | Nikon Coolpix A |
Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | 1/2.3" Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 23.6 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 28.0735 mm2 | 368.16 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 7.7 mm | 28.3 mm |
Crop Factor | 5.6x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | 16.1 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels | 4928 x 3264 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 1.53 μm | 4.78 μm |
Pixel Density | 42.74 MP/cm2 | 4.37 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/24p Video | 1080/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 80 - 6,400 ISO | 100 - 6,400 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 100 - 25,600 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 47 | 80 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 20.3 | 23.4 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.2 | 13.8 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 179 | 1164 |
Screen Specs | Canon SX50 | Nikon Coolpix A |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Viewfinder optional |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 202k dots | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 461k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Canon SX50 | Nikon Coolpix A |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 2.2 shutter flaps/s | 4 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
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 | Nikon Coolpix A |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | no HDMI |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Canon SX50 | Nikon Coolpix A |
Battery Type | Canon NB-10L | Nikon EN-EL20 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 315 shots per charge | 230 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
123 x 87 x 106 mm (4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in) |
111 x 64 x 40 mm (4.4 x 2.5 x 1.6 in) |
Camera Weight | 595 g (21.0 oz) | 299 g (10.5 oz) |
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