Sony H50 vs Sony A33: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Eras of Photography

If you’re on the lookout for a camera that balances function, features, and affordability, understanding how mid-range Sony cameras from different technological generations compare can give you valuable insight. We have here two very different cameras: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50, a 2009 compact superzoom, and the Sony SLT-A33, a 2010 entry-level digital SLR with a translucent mirror. Both share the Sony lineage but cater to fundamentally different users and shooting styles.

We’ll walk you through every key aspect of these cameras - from sensor tech through real-world performance across diverse photography disciplines - to help you grasp which one fits your creative ambitions and how their technologies stack up a decade-plus apart. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the photography world or an enthusiast considering a worthy digital used purchase, this comparison provides detailed, hands-on insights that demystify their differences.

Familiarizing with the Cameras: Design, Build, and Handling

Sony H50: Compact Power Zoom for Casual Zoom Lovers

The Sony H50 is a compact bridge camera featuring a lightweight, pocketable form factor. Its 116x81x86mm body and 547g weight make it portable enough for strolls in the park or casual travel snapshots. The fixed superzoom lens (31-465mm equivalent) provides a versatile 15x zoom range, covering everything from modest wide-angle landscapes to distant telephoto shots.

This camera embraces simplicity - a fixed lens, manual focus option, optical image stabilization, and limited continuous shooting speed (2fps). Its plastic build feels modest, not ruggedized, with no weather sealing. The 3-inch fixed LCD screen offers a basic 230K-dot resolution, suitable for framing but not ideal for critical image review.

Sony A33: Compact DSLR with Professional Ambitions

In comparison, the Sony A33 represents a leap into the SLR ecosystem, packed in a 124x92x85mm body weighing just 500g. Its compact SLR design is both stylish and functional, boasting a fully articulated 3-inch 921K-dot LCD that dramatically improves live view and video framing versatility.

As a translucent mirror camera, the A33 brings DSLR-like handling and lens interchangeability, featuring the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount compatible with a wide variety of lenses - 143 available options at launch, ranging from primes to professional telephoto zooms.

The build quality is noticeably more refined with a magnesium alloy and polycarbonate composite body. Despite no formal weather sealing, it feels more durable and substantial in hand compared to the plastic H50. Ergonomics with grip contours and control dials offer quick manual adjustments common in enthusiast-level DSLRs.

Handling Takeaways:

• H50: Ideal if you want a grab-and-go superzoom all-in-one with minimal fuss and no lens changes.
• A33: Suits photographers who crave manual control, better ergonomics, and the flexibility of lenses, plus bigger image sensors.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

To evaluate image quality, sensor size and technology are paramount. Here's a concise specs table:

What This Means for You

• Sensor Size Difference: The A33’s APS-C sensor is about 13x larger in surface area than the H50’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor. This jump dramatically improves light-gathering capability, dynamic range, and noise performance.
• Sensor Type: CCD sensors, like in the H50, were typical for compact cameras a decade ago, offering decent color but generating more noise at high ISO. CMOS sensors, like in the A33, are more advanced and efficient, delivering superior image quality, especially in low light.
• Resolution: The higher pixel count in the A33 combined with a larger sensor supports more detail retention with less noise.
• ISO Range: The A33’s ability to shoot at high ISO (up to 12800 natively, 25600 boosted) gives it a clear edge for dim environments compared to the H50’s max 3200 ISO.

Together, these factors mean the Sony A33 consistently produces higher image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, while the H50 works best in bright light or well-controlled scenes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Focusing Systems

• Sony H50: Utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with 9 selectable focus points but no face or eye detection. It supports single AF only, no continuous autofocus. This system is relatively slow and less precise, understandable given the compact superzoom design.
• Sony A33: Employs a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection (15 points, 3 cross-type) with contrast detection. It includes face detection and supports continuous autofocus, delivering faster and more accurate focus tracking on moving subjects, making it more suitable for sports and wildlife.

Continuous Shooting

• H50: Limited to 2 frames per second, quite modest for action photography.
• A33: Capable of 7 frames per second burst mode, allowing you to capture fast sequences, essential for sports and wildlife.

Real-World Impact

If your photography partakes in action, sports, or wildlife, the A33’s rapid and precise autofocus coupled with high burst speeds outshine the H50’s slow and basic system. The H50’s autofocus suffices for landscapes, casual portraits, or static subjects.

Features for Different Photography Genres

Let’s examine how these cameras fit various photographic needs in practical terms.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Sony H50

  • Limited by small sensor size, portrait images tend to have deeper depth of field, making background blur (bokeh) less creamy.
  • Skin tone rendition is typical for compact cameras but does not rival DSLR quality.
  • No eye-detection autofocus to keep focus locked on subjects’ eyes.

• Sony A33

  • Larger APS-C sensor allows for shallow depth of field, producing pleasant bokeh that isolates portraits beautifully.
  • Accurate skin tones thanks to improved sensor and color depth (DXO rated 22.8 bits color depth).
  • Face detection autofocus assists in pin-sharp focus on faces.

Conclusion: The A33 is the preferred choice for portrait photography, offering beautiful background separation and reliable skin tone rendering.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Range

• Sony H50

  • 9MP is modest but workable for sharing and moderate prints.
  • The small sensor limits dynamic range - shadows and highlights recover less well.
  • Fixed lens limits framing flexibility but superzoom lets you include telephoto landscape details.
  • No weather sealing to protect against outdoor elements.

• Sony A33

  • 14MP APS-C sensor captures rich detail and extended dynamic range (12.6 EV) for nuanced landscape scenes.
  • Interchangeable lens system allows wide-angle primes ideally suited for sweeping vistas.
  • No dust or moisture sealing but better build quality withstands light abuse.

Landscape tip: If you shoot outdoors often, an APS-C camera with wide-angle lenses delivers superior image quality. The H50’s portability and zoom might work if you need a travel-friendly all-in-one.

Wildlife: Telephoto Reach and Tracking

• H50 Superzoom: 465 mm equivalent telephoto lens offers reach without additional lenses. However, AF is slow, and 2fps burst is too weak for fast action.
• A33: Requires dedicated telephoto lenses but supports faster, more accurate phase detection AF and 7fps burst. Better for capturing animals in motion.

Wildlife photographers need fast continuous AF and high frame rates, making the A33 the better tool, provided you invest in telephoto lenses.

Sports: Tracking and Low-Light Performance

• H50’s slow AF and burst limit this camera’s sports capability. Preferable for non-fast sports or posed shots due to limited manual control.
• A33 enables continuous autofocus and 7fps shooting for fast athletes and offers a high ISO ceiling for indoor sports lighting conditions.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

The H50’s compact form and quiet operation favor street photographers seeking to stay unobtrusive. The superzoom adds framing versatility without lens swaps.

The A33 is larger and louder, but the fully articulated screen gives flexibility in shooting angles. Its rapid AF helps capture fleeting street moments but at the cost of more visual presence.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Control

• H50 supports extremely close focusing down to 1cm, making it capable of detailed macro shots without extra lenses.
• A33’s macro performance depends on lens choice; with the right macro lens, it delivers superior sharpness and control but requires additional investment.

If you want versatile macro in one body, H50 shines. For dedicated macro work, the A33 with a dedicated lens excels.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure

An APS-C sensor like that in the A33 provides better high ISO performance and dynamic range to preserve star details and reduce noise. The H50’s limited ISO 3200 and small sensor restrict long-exposure clarity.

Video Capabilities

The A33 is far superior for video: Full HD up to 60fps, advanced video codecs, external microphone support, and image sensor stabilization deliver professional-quality footage. The H50's video is limited to VGA resolution, making it a less attractive choice if video matters to you.

Travel Photography

• H50's compact superzoom design favors traveling light with an all-in-one solution, despite the limited image quality.
• A33’s versatility and better print quality make it your choice for travel memories where image quality matters, but overall system size increases with additional lenses.

Both cameras have decent battery life for their classes, with the A33 rated around 340 shots per charge.

Professional Work and Workflow

• The Sony A33 offers RAW shooting - essential for professional editing workflows - plus higher-resolution files and exposure bracketing.
• The H50 lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• A33’s compatibility with Sony/Minolta professional lenses unlocks creative potential.
• HDMI output on the A33 facilitates tethered shooting or external monitors for studio applications.

For professionals, the A33 is the clear winner.

User Interface, Controls, and Connectivity

• H50: Features basic LCD with no touchscreen or articulation and limited manual controls, focusing on point-and-shoot ease.
• A33: Includes a fully articulating 3-inch screen with much higher resolution, physical dials for quick exposure compensation, and customizable buttons.
• Connectivity wise, neither has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but the A33 supports Eye-Fi compatible cards and an HDMI port for modern workflows.

Memory, Storage, and Battery

The A33’s ability to use SD cards alongside Memory Stick offers more versatility and larger capacities.

Pricing and Value

At their release or resale market pricing:

• Sony H50: Around $80, an affordable entry point for casual users who want zoom versatility in a simple package.
• Sony A33: Around $230, appealing to budget-conscious photographers who desire DSLR features, better image quality, and video.

For photography enthusiasts wanting growth potential and professional features, the Sony A33 offers a better price-to-performance ratio despite the higher upfront investment.

Sample Images Showcase

Sony H50 front Sony H50 screen back Sony A33 screen back

In these sample images, note the sharper details and cleaner backgrounds captured by the A33. The H50’s images appear softer, especially when zoomed in, but are still suitable for casual use and sharing.

Overall Performance and Ratings

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Final Recommendations

• Choose the Sony H50 if:

  • You need a compact, ready-to-shoot superzoom camera with no lens swaps.
  • Your photography is casual, focused on travel snapshots, macro close-ups, or family events.
  • Budget constraints are a priority, and you’re content with average image quality.

• Choose the Sony A33 if:

  • You want to step into DSLR-style photography with access to high-quality interchangeable lenses.
  • Image quality, autofocus speed, and video performance are important for your creative work.
  • You plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports and desire manual control.
  • You need RAW shooting for post-processing flexibility and plan to develop your photography skills.

Final Thoughts: Understanding What Fits Your Vision

In our hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras, the jump from a fixed-lens compact like the Sony H50 to the versatile SLT A33 represents the jump from casual snapshotting to serious photography. Each camera shines in its intended environment.

The Sony H50 offers simplicity and reach but is restricted by its small sensor and dated tech. The Sony A33, although older, remains powerful for entry-level DSLR users wanting great image quality today, with excellent autofocus and video capabilities.

Whichever camera you pick, consider your genres, creative ambitions, and budget. If possible, try them out in person - ergonomics and user interface comfort profoundly affect your shooting experience.

To dive deeper, check out compatible lenses for the A33 or superzoom alternatives if portability is your priority. Whatever your choice, both cameras have stories to tell and images to capture. It’s time to get started!

Thanks for exploring this detailed comparison with us. For more expert reviews, sample galleries, and photography tips, stay tuned.