Comparing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 and RX100 II: The Compact Digital Camera Showdown

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how different compact models target wildly different shooters, even within the same brand lineup. Today, I’m diving deep into a pair of Sony compacts - the 2009 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 and the 2013 Sony RX100 II - to help photographers (and yes, even cheapskates) decide where to put their hard-earned money.

One hails from an era when megapixels were still climbing and superzooms ruled the day, the other a bridge to the modern age of large sensors squeezed into pocket-sized bodies. They share the “compact” label but could not be more different in design philosophy, technology, and ultimately, use cases.

By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly which camera fits your style - whether you’re chasing wildlife, shooting portraits, indulging in macro, or capturing video content for your vlog.

Size, Ergonomics, and Physical Design: How They Feel in Your Hands

Let’s start by talking size and handling, because no matter how capable a camera is on paper, if it feels lousy to operate, it won’t stay in your kit for long.

The Sony H50 is a chunky superzoom compact, weighing in at 547g with dimensions 116 x 81 x 86mm. It’s built like a small brick - quite bulky for a point-and-shoot. The grip offers some heft, but it’s honestly not the most pocketable camera and might become cumbersome on long outings or street shoots that demand discretion.

The RX100 II, by contrast, is a true pocket-friendly powerhouse. At 281g and 102 x 58 x 38mm, it’s more than half the weight and less than half the bulk. The sleek metal body feels solid in hand but won’t blitz your jacket pocket.

Both cameras have fixed lenses, but the ergonomics favor the RX100 II in almost every way. Its controls are placed for quick access without fumbling, whereas the H50's older design feels a bit dated - more “clubs for thumbs” than an intuitive photographer’s tool.

A Closer Look From Above: Controls and Top-Plate Layout

Handling is one thing, but if your fingers don’t land on the right dials or buttons during a split-second moment, that size advantage goes to waste.

Looking at their top plates:

• The H50 has a mode dial, a zoom toggle, and a shutter release that’s okay but not exceptional. Its rear interface and lack of customizable buttons hinder quick manual control, especially for advanced users.

• The RX100 II benefits from innovations in design, placing a control ring around the lens barrel (great for manual focus or aperture adjustments), a well-placed mode dial, and two control dials enabling swift tweaks. Though it lacks touchscreen, its physical controls work intuitively, offering a more satisfying shoot-and-adjust experience.

For manual shooters who enjoy playing with exposure settings, the RX100 II simply feels more alive to root around in.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size and Image Quality Potential

Now, this is where things get interesting. The sensor lies at the heart of any camera’s image-making prowess.

The H50 employs a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring about 6.17 x 4.55mm, with a 9MP resolution cap. For its time, it delivered decent images but today is very limited in terms of detail, dynamic range, and noise control.

The RX100 II houses a large 1” CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm) with 20MP resolution, more than quadrupling the sensor area of the H50. This jump translates into richer imagery with better low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and improved color depth.

I’ve tested both cameras under identical conditions and consistently found the RX100 II produces images with finer details, natural skin tones, and cleaner shadows - especially when increasing ISO.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

How well can you frame your shot on these?

The H50 offers a modest fixed 3.0” LCD panel with an anemic 230k-dot resolution - dull, grainy, and difficult to judge sharpness off of. Worse, it lacks touch capability and does not tilt, limiting your composition choices at awkward angles.

The RX100 II upgraded these shortcomings with a 3.0” 1229k-dot Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD that tilts up 90° and down 45°. This flexibility makes shooting from low or high perspectives much easier - a huge bonus for street photography or macro work.

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, though the RX100 II had an optional electronic viewfinder add-on. For me personally, in bright outdoor sunlight, the RX100 II’s tilting screen plus optional EVF can really turn the tide on composing challenging scenes.

Real-World Image Quality: Sample Gallery from Both Cameras

Enough tech talk - let’s look at actual photos both can produce.

Sony H50 front Sony H50 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

In a series of captures ranging from portraits to landscapes, it’s clear that:

• The RX100 II excels at subtle skin tones and smooth bokeh, thanks to its fast F1.8 aperture and large sensor.
• Dynamic range is notably better on the RX100 II, preserving details in highlights and shadows on the landscape shots without aggressive tone-mapping.
• The H50’s photos look more “digital compact-like,” with harsher noise and softer textures at anything above ISO 400.

For wildlife and sports, the H50’s long zoom reaches farther (up to 465mm equivalent) but compromises on image quality, while the RX100 II gives you cleaner images but a more limited zoom range (100mm max) - a crucial tradeoff to consider.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Who’s the Speed Demon?

Autofocus performance really defines usability in fast-paced genres like sports or wildlife.

The H50 relies on 9 contrast-detection AF points and single-shot autofocus only. It’s slow and often hunts in low light or fast-moving scenarios. The burst rate drags at an anemic 2 frames per second. This camera is not designed for action photographers who need split-second precision.

The RX100 II makes a quantum leap: 25 contrast detection AF points with center-weighted spot metering, face detection, and continuous AF. Burst shooting clocks in at a healthy 10fps for a compact, excellent for capturing fleeting moments.

In my testing, the RX100 II kept focus locked on moving subjects far more reliably, making it the clear choice for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Versatility Across Photography Types

Let’s break down how each camera stacks up for specific genres:

Portraits

• RX100 II: The fast F1.8 lens creates a shallow depth of field for flattering bokeh. Accurate face detection helps nail focus on eyes. The large sensor offers color depth that makes skin look natural.
• H50: The 1/2.3” sensor and slower lens deliver flatter images with less creamy background blur. Autofocus is limited in precision.

Landscape

• RX100 II: Superior sensor dynamic range records more detail from shadows to highlights, excellent for challenging lighting. The moderate zoom is a downside if you crave ultra-wide angles.
• H50: Wider zoom from 31mm extends field of view for landscape shots, but image quality and dynamic range suffer.

Wildlife / Sports

• H50: Longer zoom range (465mm equivalent) is tempting but compromised by slower AF and noisy images.
• RX100 II: Faster AF and high frame rate make for a better overall shooting experience, but limited to 100mm max zoom.

Street Photography

• RX100 II: Its compact size, quick responsiveness, and tilt screen make it perfect for candid captures on the go.
• H50: Bulky form and slower AF make it less ideal for discrete shooting.

Macro Photography

• H50: Closer macro focusing distance at 1cm helps shooting tiny objects.
• RX100 II: Minimum macro focus is 5cm, but sharper sensor detail compensates somewhat.

Night & Astro

• RX100 II: Thanks to CMOS sensor and ISO up to 12800, it pulls off low-light and astrophotography shots much better.
• H50: Limited ISO 3200 and CCD sensor mean noisier night images.

Video

• RX100 II: True HD video at 1920x1080p/60fps with optical stabilization offers satisfying video capture despite no mic input.
• H50: Max video resolution is just standard definition 640x480, outdated for modern content creators.

Travel

• RX100 II: Combines small footprint with excellent image quality and shooting versatility.
• H50: Bulkier and heavier; better suited for those craving superzoom reach.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Reliability

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedization, typical of their categories and eras. Both are vulnerable to dust or moisture ingress, so careful handling outdoors is advised.

The RX100 II feels more modern and solidly constructed with a metal chassis. The H50’s plastic build and dated design feel less durable.

Battery life favors the RX100 II, rated at approximately 350 shots per charge compared to the H50’s unknown but generally lower stamina with the NP-BG1 battery.

Connectivity and Storage

The RX100 II features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for effortless image transfer to smartphones - a boon for the social media age. The H50 offers none of these wireless options.

Storage media shows another difference:

• H50 uses memory stick formats that are legacy today - limiting card choices and speed.
• RX100 II supports SD cards and the same Memory Stick Pro Duo, offering modern speeds and greater compatibility.

USB 2.0 ports on both are fine for tethered transfers, but the RX100 II supports HDMI output, broadening its video use cases.

Price and Value: What Does Your Wallet Say?

At launch, the H50 was around $80 new - now obsolete and cheap on resale, making it attractive for beginners on a shoestring but severely limited technically.

The RX100 II carried a $600 price tag when new, reflecting its advanced sensor and features. It still holds value well in the used market and remains competitive for enthusiasts wanting pro-quality images in small packages.

In terms of price-to-performance today, the RX100 II simply demolishes the H50, delivering class-leading image quality in its segment.

Summary Scores Across Photography Disciplines

To crystallize the strengths:

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

If you just want an ultra-cheap camera that can squeeze some long-range photos out on vacation, the Sony H50 is a quaint relic that might make sense for starters or casual users. But keep expectations low - image quality and speed are firmly mid-2000s territory.

On the other hand, the Sony RX100 II remains a stellar choice for anyone who prioritizes image quality, responsiveness, and versatility in a pocket-friendly package. While pricier, it’s worth every penny for enthusiasts, semi-pros, and content creators demanding strong stills and HD video without hauling around larger gear.

My personal pick: The RX100 II. It effortlessly straddles all major disciplines while accommodating on-the-go shooting style - especially during street, travel, and portrait work where sensor quality and handling shine brightest.

Honing Your Choice: Practical Tips

• If your shoot demands ultra-long zooms (e.g., birding on a budget) and you won’t prioritize image quality much, the H50’s 31-465mm equivalent focal length is tempting.
• For manual exposure, faster AF, RAW shooting, and HD video, the RX100 II is a better investment.
• Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the RX100 II’s compactness and built-in Wi-Fi.
• Beginners looking to learn controls and exposure might find the RX100 II’s interface more intuitive and rewarding.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing; consider protective housing if shooting outdoors extensively.

I hope this comparison helps steer your next compact camera purchase with confidence. If low-light performance, fast autofocus, and excellent image quality are high on your checklist - aim for the RX100 II. But if your budget is brutally tight and you need focal length for wildlife snaps, the H50 still has a nostalgic charm (and a bargain bin price).

Whichever you pick, always remember: it’s not just the gear, but how you shoot that makes great photos. Happy clicking!