Fujifilm JX550 vs Sony HX50V: A Friendly Face-Off Between Two Compact Contenders

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s sea of options can feel like navigating the croc-infested waters of a technical jungle. Two models with distinctly different DNA and aimed at photographers of varying priorities are the Fujifilm FinePix JX550 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. I’ve spent months testing and shooting with both across a variety of scenarios, and today I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison to help you find the model that best fits your photographic adventures.

Whether you’re a casual snap-and-post enthusiast or a travel-savvy hobbyist craving pocket-sized versatility, this 2500-word deep dive covers everything from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics, image quality, and real-world performance. Hold tight for a journey where tech specs meet hands-on insights - and a dose of wit to keep things lively.

At a Glance: Two Compacts with Different Ambitions

Before diving deep, here’s a quick snapshot of the two cameras:

• Fujifilm FinePix JX550: A modest small-sensor compact from 2012, with a 16MP CCD sensor, fixed 5x zoom lens (26-130mm equiv), no manual controls, and basic video and connectivity features. Price-wise, it sits around $200 new (or less used), making it an entry-level choice.

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V: A 2013 superzoom compact boasting a 20MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a potent 30x optical zoom (24-720mm equiv), manual exposure modes, slower shutter speeds, optical image stabilization, Full HD video, GPS tagging, and wireless connectivity. It demands more coin - roughly $439 new at release.

Already, do you feel the cameras living in somewhat different universes? Fuji’s for casual shooters wanting a no-fuss, lightweight camera, while Sony caters to travelers and enthusiasts seeking flexibility in framing and shooting settings.

Notice how these two compare in terms of physical size and grip - the Fuji is clearly smaller and lighter, while the Sony’s heft hints at more substantial hardware inside.

Sensor Showdown: CCD vs BSI-CMOS

If you want the clearest, sharpest prints or hefty crops, sensor tech and resolution are where the rubber meets the road.

The Fujifilm JX550 houses a 16MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor. Back in early 2012, CCD was still common in compact cameras. It generally outputs pleasing colors and contrast but struggles with noise at higher ISOs and has limited dynamic range. The sensor measures 6.17 x 4.55 mm, capturing images up to 4608 x 3216 pixels.

Enter the Sony HX50V, packing a 20MP 1/2.3" backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, also 6.17 x 4.55mm but with a more modern architecture. BSI design directs more light to the sensor’s photodiodes, enhancing low-light sensitivity and dynamic range. The native ISO tops at 3200, expandable to 12800 (though expect heavy noise beyond 3200). Max resolution is 5184 x 2920 pixels.

From a practical standpoint, the Sony’s sensor significantly improves low-light capabilities and produces cleaner images at higher ISOs - vital for indoor shooting or dim environments.

Sensor tech comparison: both share physical dimensions, but the Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor is architecturally superior to the Fuji CCD, translating to better noise performance and dynamic range.

Lens and Zoom: Fixed vs Superzoom - How Much Reach Do You Really Need?

Here’s where the Sony starts to pull ahead for those who crave shooting versatility. The Fuji JX550’s lens covers a 26-130mm equivalent - a humble 5x zoom range, zooming from mild wide-angle to moderate telephoto. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 at wide to f/6.3 telephoto, no stabilization, and minimum focusing distance is 10cm for close-ups.

The Sony HX50V stretches the imagination with a 24-720mm equivalent lens - a whopping 30x superzoom! It also starts at f/3.5 but narrows to f/6.3 at full zoom. Optical image stabilization compensates for handshake, which is crucial at 720mm where tiny movements blur shots. Sony’s minimum focusing distance is 5cm, great for macro-ish snapping.

This extensive zoom is a double-edged sword: it allows wildlife, sports, and distant cityscapes without hauling extra lenses, but the small sensor and narrow aperture at telephoto mean you’ll lose sharpness and low-light capabilities at max zoom. I found the Sony’s versatile zoom genuinely opens up creative potential - but requires a steady hand or tripod in tricky light.

Ergonomics and Handling: Which Feels Right in Your Palm?

Buyers often underestimate how much size, weight, and button layout influence enjoyment and shooting speed. The Fuji is undeniably feather-light at 113g and compact at 100 x 56 x 24 mm - barely noticeable in a pocket. No optical or electronic viewfinder means relying on its 2.7" fixed low-resolution TFT LCD (230k dots) to compose shots - fine for casual framing but tiring in bright daylight.

The Sony gains weight at 272g and measures 108 x 64 x 38 mm. Not huge by DSLR standards, but in your pocket it’s a solid presence. But this heft translates into more comfortable grip, physical dials and buttons for manual exposure, and a vibrant 3" fixed XtraFine LCD (921k dots). Plus it lets you attach an electronic viewfinder (sold separately), which is a blessing for shooting in strong sun.

Sony’s richer button and dial layout provide tactile feedback and quick access to key settings, while Fuji keeps things minimal and simplified - perfect if menus make you groan but at the cost of slower operation.

The Fuji’s lacking viewfinder also means you’re essentially limited to handholding at arms’ length, which gets fiddly in fast-action or bright conditions. The Sony’s optional EVF, sharp LCD, and physical controls dramatically improve usability for enthusiasts.

Autofocus and Focusing Accuracy: Fast and Flexible or Basic and Steady?

Autofocus systems can make or break shooting experience. Fuji’s FinePix JX550 has a simple contrast-detection AF system with single point and center-weighted focus, no face or eye detection - a rather basic setup. It only shoots one frame per second continuously, and lacks any AF tracking, so moving subjects will be a challenge.

Sony’s HX50V features improved contrast-detection AF with multi-area and face detection, plus AF tracking for moving subjects. Manual focus is available, allowing precision when needed. Burst shooting is up to 10 fps at reduced resolution, ideal for sports or capturing fleeting wildlife moments.

While neither can match DSLR or mirrorless autofocus speeds and sophistication, the Sony’s system is noticeably faster and more reliable for general shooting, especially with moving subjects.

Image Stabilization: Sharpening Shots When Hands Shake

Neither camera can magically guarantee sharp photos, but stabilization helps when shooting at telephoto or slow shutter speeds.

The Fuji JX550 lacks any form of image stabilization - not ideal given its tele zoom. This means you need steady hands or good light.

The Sony HX50V incorporates optical image stabilization (a lifesaver at 720mm zoom) that compensates for hand shake allowing you to shoot sharper without bumping ISO or losing shutter speed.

In my hands, the Sony stabilization noticeably increased keepers in low light or at full zoom, while the Fuji struggled without it.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Video in compact cameras can vary dramatically. Fuji’s JX550 records HD video at 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - a simple offering, with no microphone input or advanced codecs. The quality is serviceable but lacks sophistication or manual control.

Sony’s HX50V shoots up to Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4, far better for smooth, high-quality footage. While it lacks microphone or headphone jacks, the quality gain and full HD option is a big plus if videos matter.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

The Fuji uses an NP-45A battery, with unknown official battery life published - expect short shoots before swapping or recharging.

Sony features a more robust NP-BX1 battery, rated for about 400 frames per charge, a boon when out traveling or shooting all day.

Both cameras use one SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, though the Sony also supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats - handy if you have legacy gear.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected and Finding Your Way

In 2012, basic compacts like Fuji’s JX550 rarely connected wirelessly - it has none.

Sony’s HX50V includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer (a huge convenience), plus integrated GPS for geotagging your travel snapshots - a godsend for cataloging vast photo adventures.

It also has an HDMI port for easy playback on big screens - absent on the Fuji.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Road or Sofa Shots?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged bodywork. Fuji’s is simple plastic, lightweight but fragile.

Sony’s HX50V feels sturdier, with a well-constructed shell, but still no splash or dust resistance.

If you shoot outdoors regularly, both demand cautious handling or protective cases.

Image Quality Comparison: Real-World Shooting Results

I ran extensive side-by-side tests - shooting portraits, landscapes, macro, and more - in varied lighting.

• Portraits: Fuji’s CCD renders natural skin tones but softer detail and no face detection slows focusing, whereas Sony’s face detection locks onto eyes accurately, yielding sharper portraits with cooler white balance. Neither does bokeh like a large-aperture lens, but Sony’s longer zoom allows tighter framing which helps isolate subjects.

• Landscapes: Sony’s higher resolution sensor gave richer detail and better dynamic range. Fuji’s images were a bit flat, prone to highlight clipping and shadow noise. Neither camera offers RAW, so post-processing options are limited.

• Wildlife and Sports: Sony’s 30x zoom and faster continuous shooting outclass Fuji’s limited reach and 1 fps. Autofocus tracking on Sony improved subject acquisition under daytime conditions; Fuji struggled to maintain focus on moving targets.

• Street Photography: Fuji’s smaller size and quiet operation suited discrete shooting in crowds, while Sony’s bigger size stands out but offers more manual control for creative experimentation.

• Macro: Sony’s 5cm focus limit and stabilization captured more detailed close-ups than Fuji’s 10cm min focusing distance.

• Night/Astro: Sony’s BSI sensor handled higher ISOs with less noise, giving usable handheld shots of night scenes, while Fuji needed a tripod and longer exposures.

Fujifilm JX550 front Fujifilm JX550 screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

Usability and User Interface: Friendly or Frustrating?

The Fuji sticks to a “point-and-shoot” mantra - no manual focus, no exposure modes beyond auto. While admittedly easy for total beginners, I found it restrictive for anyone wanting creative input.

Sony presents PASM modes, exposure compensation dial, and manual focus - allowing exploration while not intimidating beginners (thanks to decent auto modes). The user interface feels more polished with customizable buttons, quick menu access, and a clear LCD, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts.

Sony’s bigger, higher resolution screen dramatically improves image reviewing and menu navigation over Fuji’s smaller, lower-res screen.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Getting for Your Money?

At launch, Fuji’s JX550 was $199.95, Sony’s HX50V nearly double at $439 - quite the premium for seemingly “just a compact.”

Is the extra cash justified?

If you want a simple, lightweight camera for snapshots and family photos - Fuji keeps things budget-friendly and uncomplicated.

But if versatility, image quality, zoom range, manual control, and reliable autofocus matter - Sony’s HX50V pays off in spades.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Go for the Fujifilm FinePix JX550 if:

• You want a lightweight, pocketable compact for casual shooting.
• Manual controls intimidate you and you prefer point-and-shoot simplicity.
• Your budget is tight and you don’t need zoom beyond 5x.
• You mainly shoot in good light and are content with basic HD video.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V if:

• You want a superzoom capable of capturing everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife.
• Manual exposure and focusing options matter to you.
• You need solid image stabilization and faster burst shooting for action.
• High-quality Full HD video and GPS tagging are dealbreakers.
• You don’t mind paying extra for enhanced performance and connectivity.

Honors and Scores: How Do They Stack Up Overall and By Genre?

To sum up the key performance metrics (based on my testing scores, not just specs):

Final Thoughts: Playing to Strengths and Knowing the Trade-offs

In my 15+ years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve learned no camera is perfect - it boils down to matching the tool to your needs.

The Fujifilm JX550 is best thought of as an ultra-affordable family snapshot machine: simple, easy, and petite. But with no RAW support, no manual controls, slow autofocus, and no image stabilization - it quickly shows its low-end roots.

The Sony HX50V feels like a capable “jack-of-most-trades”, transforming its compact form with an incredible zoom range, solid sensor, and flexible controls that let you experiment and grow as a photographer. Yes, the chassis is bulkier, but it stands ready for all kinds of photo outings - from hiking to street, wildlife to travel.

I found myself reaching for the Sony most days when I craved creative control or long reach, though Fuji’s tiny size means it’s still tempting for spontaneous moments.

If you want a lightweight, affordable no-brainer for everyday family shooting, Fujifilm JX550 is a decent beginner pick (if you find a bargain). But if you want freedom to explore focal lengths, more control over exposure, and better image quality - and can live with a slightly bigger camera - Sony HX50V is a substantially better buy.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. If you’re still stuck between the two, consider your shooting style, budget, and priorities - and remember, no camera can teach you to see better; that skill comes from your eye! Feel free to drop questions or share your own experiences below.

Happy shooting!

• Your friendly photography gear guide