Samsung HZ50W
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 3200 (Bump to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 426g - 116 x 83 x 91mm
- Released May 2010
- Additionally referred to as WB5500
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
70 Imaging
37 Features
44 Overall
39
Samsung HZ50W overview
Samsung HZ50W is Samsung's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first announced on May of 2010. It comes with a 14 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4320 x 3240. The camera is referred to as "WB5500" in some markets.
The HZ50W is rated #149 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all-around #746 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to test our Advanced camera finder to get camera results based on your custom factors.
Here is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.
Samsung HZ50W family
The Samsung HZ50W is part of a family of products. You can see the detailed range underneath.
F2.8-5.014MP1/2.3"2010
Samsung HZ50W Gallery
You can see the HZ50W from several angles in the gallery below.
Samsung HZ50W Pros and Cons
Below is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Samsung HZ50W based on factors which are usually viewed as crucial in a camera.
Samsung HZ50W Sensor specifications
The size of the sensor in the Samsung HZ50W is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4320 x 3240 pixels at aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter can easily produce cropping.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe CCD sensor boasts 14 megapixels and gives a native ISO range of 64 - 3200. This ISO can also be expanded electronically to a high of 6400. RAW files are supported so the user has wider room to maneuver in post.
The image underneath shows the HZ50W's sensor dimensions in comparison to other common sizes. The HZ50W sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is presented in green.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideTo get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Samsung HZ50W dimensions
Samsung HZ50W is 0.94 pounds (426g / 15.03 oz) and features outside measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387g so the Samsung HZ50W is more heavy when compared with various rivals.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsHere is a image of the Samsung HZ50W next to a soft drink so you can have a sense of its scale.
The top view underneath will highlight the button design on the HZ50W.
Samsung HZ50W Lens specifications
The HZ50W includes a built-in lens providing a focal range of 26-676mm making it a 26.0 x zoom which is significant and would make it easier to zoom all the way in.
At the widest 26mm, the lens will have an aperture of f2.8 which will be very slow and not very good in low light occasions and you will likely find it difficult to capture good bokeh. You might also have to boost the ISO setting producing noisy files. At the tele end, 676mm is phenomenal zoom and comes to f5.0 which is very slow and you may need to apply slow shutter speeds.
Samsung HZ50W Connectivity
The HZ50W has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras that come with NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can send photos and usually adjust camera settings without connecting straight to the camera.
Some applications even give a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't near the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. Almost all cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB socket.
Samsung HZ50W Video specifications
The maximum video resolution in the Samsung HZ50W is 1280 x 720 and it can capture in H.264 format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should really go for a minimum 1080p resolution for video recording. The camera doesn't feature a mic and / or headphone socket so you have got no control over your audio. It is perhaps a better idea to consider a different model should you require decent audio in your video clips.
Samsung HZ50W Weather Sealing
Samsung HZ50W doesn't include weather sealing so rainy conditions could affect the camera.
Samsung HZ50W Display and Viewfinder
The Samsung HZ50W comes with a 3 inch fixed display screen boasting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.
Sadly the display screen is not a touch screen.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe View Finder details regarding Samsung HZ50W are as follows:
- ViewFinder Electronic
Viewfinders are very useful during sunny outdoor situations which can easily make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.
Samsung HZ50W Shutter specifications
The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.
Samsung HZ50W Flash and Hot shoe specifications
Samsung HZ50W boasts only integrated flash without external flash ability.
Samsung HZ50W Autofocusing specifications
Samsung HZ50W boasts just Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more quicker & exact when compared with Contrast Detect focusing.
Samsung HZ50W boasts manual focus in case it is required during low light or you need to have more accurate focus control.
Samsung HZ50W Battery life
The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest possible (600) battery life within this category of cameras.
Below is a number of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the highest battery life:
Samsung HZ50W for various categories of photography
The following graph presents a analysis of the Samsung HZ50W for various categories of photography. To check out more, scroll to the specific paragraph underneath.
Samsung HZ50W Portrait photography highlights
The Samsung HZ50W receives a points tally of 46 which is average, and means the camera is relatively adequate to use for portrait photography. Photographing portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimension, support for RAW photos plus the potential to work with off-camera lighting.
Samsung HZ50W Street photography factors
Getting a moderate points tally of 56, the Samsung HZ50W is fairly suitable to use in street photography. A good street photography camera offers a good balance of picture quality plus portability.
Samsung HZ50W Sports photography highlights
A reasonable sports photography rating of 48 indicates the Samsung HZ50W is reasonably adequate for shooting sports. A camera really should have great autofocus plus continuous shooting for sports photography.
Samsung HZ50W Travel photography details
Portability is pretty critical when picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Samsung HZ50W gets a modest 58 as a travel camera which is fairly suitable for your trips.
Samsung HZ50W Landscape photography factors
In case you're looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most critical factor is going to be image quality. The Samsung HZ50W at it's reasonable rating of 51 for a landscape camera is somewhat suitable compared to it's competition.
Samsung HZ50W Vlogging information
A vlogging camera should have a articulating display, mic port and ideally IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Samsung HZ50W is not really appropriate as a vlog camera as it receives a horrible score of 24.
Samsung HZ50W Alternatives
If you are trying to find replacements to the HZ50W, here is a range of the highest placed cameras that fall into the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.
The diagram followed below will give you a summary of the HZ50W compared to it's highest ranked competitors suggested previously.
There are a bunch of cameras you may regard as alternative options. To browse through a full comparison, just click on the "compare" link.