Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 vs DSC-H90: A Hands-On Superzoom Compact Showdown

Over the years, Sony’s Cyber-shot H-series superzoom compacts carved out a niche for photographers craving a versatile all-in-one travel camera without shelling out for an interchangeable-lens system. Two models that often come up in conversations about budget superzooms are the Sony H50, announced in 2009, and its later cousin, the Sony H90 from 2012. While they share some DNA as compact superzoom cameras with 1/2.3" sensors, their design priorities and feature sets highlight notable evolutionary shifts in mid-range point-and-shoots.

Having put both these cameras through their paces - not just room tests but practical walks, zoom tests, and daylight-to-gloom shooting sessions - this article delivers an in-depth, side-by-side comparison based on solid first-hand usage and technical scrutiny. Whether you're a hobbyist pondering a budget-friendly option, or a seasoned shooter searching for a reliable compact zoom for casual or travel use, I’ll break down what each Sony Cyber-shot brings to the table - strengths, weaknesses, and who they’re really for.

Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty.

Feel in Your Hands: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

First impressions count, and in photography, how a camera feels can make or break your enjoyment during shoots. These two models take drastically different ergonomic approaches.

The Sony H50 is a chunky beast - at 116 x 81 x 86 mm and 547 grams, it’s almost in bridge camera territory regarding heft and girth. It fits reasonably well for those who like to cradle a camera that feels substantial, giving you a certain confidence. The grip is decent, but the wider body can complicate pocket carry.

Contrast that with the Sony H90, which is designed to be much more pocketable - 105 x 60 x 34 mm and just 222 grams. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. This size reduction is welcome for street shooters or travelers who prioritize discretion and lightness.

However, the smaller body means smaller buttons and controls, which makes the H90 less ideal if you prefer physical dials or buttons that your fingers can find without looking. The H50 offers more dedicated controls and a better grip for enthusiasts who enjoy tactile feedback.

Most photographers who want a compact companion for daily strolls or travel will appreciate the slender H90's portability, but those who lean into long zooms or extended sessions at fixed positions might prefer the H50's more substantial ergonomics.

Up Top: Handling Controls and User Interface

Controls can make a huge difference when you want to adjust settings on the fly. Here’s a peek at the top layouts:

The H50 sports physical dials and dedicated buttons enabling shutter speed, aperture priority, and manual exposure mode right from the body. This supports enthusiast-level control tweaking. You can change exposure compensation quickly, toggle drive modes, and handle the zoom with a traditional rocker switch - all intuitive for those who like full circle control clubs for thumbs and fingers.

The H90, while cleaner and more minimalist, sacrifices some tactile controls. Manual exposure mode exists but requires menu diving since there’s no dial for shutter or aperture priority - more ’point and shoot’ in spirit. Exposure compensation is still accessible but less instantaneous.

If you’re coming from a DSLR or enthusiast mirrorless and crave physical wheels and buttons, the H50 delivers better. On the flip side, the H90 suits shooters who want simplicity and aren’t fussed about quick manual adjustments.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of Any Camera

Both cameras feature the same 1/2.3" CCD sensor size (measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), but their processing and resolution differ significantly.

• Sony H50: 9MP resolution, max image size 3456x2592, ISO up to 3200, with an anti-aliasing filter.
• Sony H90: 16MP resolution, max image size 4608x3456, same sensor size, ISO range up to 3200, also with anti-aliasing.

At first glance, 16 megapixels on the H90 might suggest superior image quality. Higher resolution can deliver more detail, assuming the lens and image processor support it adequately. The H90 includes Sony’s BIONZ processor, promising better noise control and sharper JPEG output.

Testing reveals: The H90’s images are crisper and more detailed in good light, as you’d expect from the higher pixel count and improved processing. However, at higher ISO settings (above 800), both cameras struggle with noise - a limitation inherent to small 1/2.3" sensors and older technology. The CCD sensor in both units tends to produce limited dynamic range and color depth, especially compared to contemporary CMOS sensors.

For landscape and daylight shooting, the H90’s extra resolution translates into better crops and bigger prints. The H50’s lower resolution and older processor mean images come out softer with somewhat muted colors. But the older CCD sensor also imparts a bit of a nostalgic rendering style with less digital sharpness - sometimes preferred for casual snapshots.

If image quality is your priority within this category, the H90 is the clear winner, giving you more pixels and improved processing without compromising low-light shooting unnecessarily.

Looking at the Back: Screen and Viewfinder

Display technology shapes your interaction experience during composition and image review.

The H50 comes with a 3" fixed non-touch LCD with 230k dots - a low resolution by modern standards. It does have an electronic viewfinder (albeit with unspecified resolution stats), which is a huge advantage in bright sunlight. The EVF lets you compose without glare, a bonus for outdoor use.

Meanwhile, the H90 upgrades the rear screen to a 3" ClearPhoto TFT LCD boasting 461k dots, nearly doubling sharpness and vibrancy. This results in easier framing, better menu visibility, and more reliable focus checking. However, the H90 forgoes any viewfinder, forcing you to rely solely on the LCD even under daylight.

In direct sun, the H50’s EVF is a lifesaver, but the dim, low-res display can be finicky. The H90’s larger and clearer LCD offers markedly better framing, but the lack of a viewfinder affects usability in very bright conditions.

Lens and Zoom: The Versatility Factor

These cameras’ zoom capabilities are crucial for their versatility in the superzoom niche.

The H50’s 15× zoom starts at 31mm, giving a solid wide-to-telephoto range and faster aperture (f/2.7 at wide) for a small sensor superzoom. The impressively close 1 cm macro focus distance means you can shoot tiny subjects with dramatic background blur.

The H90’s 16× zoom is longer (24-384mm), beginning with a wider 24mm, which better suits landscapes and interior shots in cramped spaces, though the telephoto reach isn’t quite as extreme as the H50’s top end. Aperture is slower, though, reaching f/5.9 at the telephoto end, which limits low-light tele shooting.

In practice, the H50’s longer telephoto reach comes at the cost of a bulkier body and slower focusing. The H90’s wider field of view and decent zoom range balances portability and framing flexibility better for travel or street shooting.

For those who crave extreme zoom to shoot wildlife or distant subjects at budget price, the H50 remains attractive. For generalist everyday zoom with a preference for wide-angle landscapes and street scenes, the H90 is more well-rounded.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision under Pressure

Neither camera is built to wow fast-action shooters, but how do their autofocus and burst shooting hold up?

• Sony H50 employs a 9-point contrast-detection AF system, no face or eye detection, and offers single AF only. Continuous shooting maxes out at 2 fps.
• Sony H90 also uses contrast-detection but adds face detection and AF tracking (still contrast-based), single AF only. Burst rate drops to 1 fps.

Neither has phase-detection AF or advanced predictive tracking, limiting responsiveness for wildlife or sports. Focus speed is notably sluggish on the H50, especially at full zoom and low light. The H90 improves autofocus speed marginally thanks to improved processing and face detection but doesn’t transform these cameras into action beasts.

Shooting bursts for sports or fast wildlife? Prepare for a stiff challenge - these superzooms are not made for that. For casual portraits, street scenes, and landscapes, the autofocus will suffice, especially with decent lighting.

Video Capabilities: What’s Your Movie Game?

Video is a common requirement today, even on budget compacts.

• Sony H50 records 640x480 VGA video at 30fps; pretty poor resolution by any standard, lacks external mic input, and has no HD video.
• Sony H90 steps up to 1280x720 HD video at 30fps, MPEG-4 format (also VGA). Still no microphone jack, but better resolution and sound quality.

Both cameras have optical image stabilization to smooth handheld video, but with the H50’s lower resolution and dated codec, video is really more of a novelty feature. The H90’s HD video complements its improved sensor and processor, making it a serviceable basic camcorder for casual use.

If you’re a budding content creator, the H90’s HD video is worth the price bump. The H50 is best left as a stills camera.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power on the Move

Battery longevity can make or break a day’s shooting.

The H90’s rating of 290 shots per charge (using the same NP-BG1 battery) surpasses the undocumented but known lower endurance of the H50, partly due to smaller screen power draw on the H90.

The H90 supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick formats, giving more flexible and modern storage options, while the H50 relies solely on Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, less common and more expensive nowadays.

Longer battery life plus more accessible and affordable storage cards make the H90 more travel-ready, especially for longer sessions.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

Neither camera has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. HDMI output isn’t present on either - both use USB 2.0 for data transfer, which is slow but functional.

Given their era and category, connectivity options are understandably basic. For photographers needing instant sharing, these won’t fit the bill.

Environmental and Durability Considerations

Both are compact consumer-grade cameras without any weather sealing or ruggedization. Neither is dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof.

They’re best handled with care and are ill-suited for tough outdoor conditions without additional protective gear.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget Telling You?

Currently, the Sony H50 can be found for around $80 used or low-price offerings, making it a true budget beater if you want a trusty 15× zoom, manual controls, and a viewfinder at a bargain.

The Sony H90 usually costs around $230, still budget-friendly but nearly triple the price. You pay for a modern sensor, better image quality, HD video, improved screen, and compact design.

The question boils down to what you prioritize: If you’re a die-hard zoom fan wanting the longest reach and full manual control without spending much, the H50’s your pal. For small size, better resolution, HD video, and modern conveniences, the H90 is worth the extra investment.

Photo Quality in Action: Comparing Real-World Shots

Sony H50 front Sony H50 screen back Sony H90 front Sony H90 screen back

Examining sample images side-by-side:

• Portraits: The H90’s higher resolution and face detection yield better rendered skin tones and sharper eyes. The H50’s larger aperture at wide slightly improves background blur but lacks face detect AF to lock focus well.
• Landscapes: The H90’s wider 24mm and higher detail excel here. The H50’s longer zoom is less relevant.
• Macro: The H50’s 1 cm macro focus allows quirky, close-up shots others can’t match.
• Low Light: Neither camera is a night champion, but the H90’s better processor helps slightly.
• Video: H90 HD video looks clearer and smoother.

Built to Shoot: Overall Scores

This summary shows the H90 taking the lead in image quality, video, portability, and battery life. The H50 edges the H90 only on zoom range and manual control.

Specialty Genres: Which Camera Fits Which Photography Style?

• Portraits: H90 wins with face detection and better resolution.
• Landscape: H90 with wider lens and resolution.
• Wildlife: H50’s longer zoom helps but slow AF is a drag.
• Sports: Neither recommended, but H50 slightly better for control.
• Street: H90’s compactness shines.
• Macro: H50’s close focusing distance wins.
• Night/Astro: Neither great; both limited high-ISO.
• Video: H90 by a wide margin.
• Travel: H90’s size, battery, and lens favored.
• Professional Work: Neither designed for pro-grade output or workflows; H90 offers more control.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Over more than a decade in testing thousands of cameras, I can confidently say these Sony Cyber-shot superzooms appeal to different players in the budget compact club.

Pick the Sony H50 if:

• You want maximum zoom reach (up to 465mm equiv) for wildlife or telephoto shots.
• You appreciate physical manual controls and an EVF.
• You’re on a tight budget and can handle slower AF and lesser resolution.
• Macro photography with very close focus interests you.
• You’re okay with VGA video and somewhat chunkier handling.

Pick the Sony H90 if:

• You seek a pocketable, lightweight travel compact with solid all-around performance.
• High-resolution stills and decent HD video matter.
• You want face-detection AF and improved battery life.
• Simplicity over full manual control is acceptable.
• You need modern storage options and a crisp rear LCD.

Both cameras have clear limitations inherent to their 1/2.3" CCD sensors and era, but they offer surprisingly delightful photographic experiences within their slots. If spending a little extra doesn’t hurt your wallet, the H90 yields better futureproofing and image quality. The H50 remains a cheapskate’s superzoom friend, big on optical reach and control, but dated in other ways.

Regardless of your pick, these models show that sometimes staying compact with a long lens still delivers genuine photo fun without breaking the bank.

Hope this comparison helps your decision slide firmly into focus! Have questions or want shooting tips? I’m always happy to share insights from the trenches.