Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Review

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Conclusion
There is a lot to love about the Sony Cybershot H50: the awesome zoom range; the compact size and weight; the rich, colorful pictures; the big, tilting LCD; and the incredibly helpful remote control. These are all strong selling points. But I don’t love the way this camera fits in my hand, its confusing menu interface or its near lack of an auto review. And as far as I’m concerned, the miniature optical viewfinder, Smile Shutter and Night Shot switch are just a waste of space.

Would I buy this camera? If the bottom line is getting great pictures on a modest budget, then yes, I’d probably buy it. Despite having no prior experience with the DSC-H50, I took it on a weeklong trip through the Southwest and came home with good photographs of every place I visited. I had a few minor challenges with the camera, but all things considered, it got the job done.

In a perfect world, though, the camera I’d really like to buy would combine the DSC-H50′s lens, LCD, remote control, image quality, size, weight and price tag with a more ergonomically comfortable body and a cleaner menu interface. But I’m not sure if that camera actually exists.

Who Should Buy The Sony Cybershot DSC-H50
This camera is a good fit for:

  • Photographers who shoot a lot of distant subjects, like travel landscapes or wildlife.
  • Intermediate photographers and beginners who want a camera they can grow with.
  • Families with photographers of different skill levels.
  • Anyone who does a lot of family photos or self-portraits.

This camera might not be the best choice for:

  • Advanced and professional photographers who require top-notch image quality.
  • Sports and action photographers who need a good optical viewfinder.
  • Those who are left-handed or lack hand dexterity.

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Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 with box

Contents of the Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Box

  • Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 digital camera
  • NP-BG1 rechargeable battery
  • BC-CSG battery charger
  • Flower Lens Hood
  • Lens Adaptor Ring
  • Lens cap with strap
  • A/V and USB multi-connector cables
  • Shoulder strap
  • Remote Commander
  • Software CD-ROM


More Sony Cybershot H50 Resources:
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Announcement >>
Compare Prices For Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 >>
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 User Reviews >>
Write a Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Review >>
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Camera Specs >>
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Sample Gallery >>
Sony Web site >>
Download Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 Camera Manual >>
All Digital Camera Pro Reviews >>
Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide >>
All Digital Camera Sample Images >>

All photos copyright Patia Stephens and/or PhotographyREVIEW.com.

Read Patia’s blog and see more of her photos at www.PatiaStephens.com

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  • Shaol says:

    I got this camera for chrismas and, while it was obviously manifested, I found it lacking in photographical essay.

  • kc_rellik says:

    I got this camera after reviewing many others including dslrs and i fell on this bad boy bc it has the options to be creative with your photography as well as just point n shoot either way ur getting good photos i love the infered night shot the video is great being able to upload ur own music to make personable slideshows so far i have no problem with this product its greeeat go get one if ur a beginner or a expert it will serve itzs purpus…

  • Some might think it’s a bit pricey, but I think it’s a decent price for the features you get. It’s not the most sophisticated of digitals, but provides more than enough for any beginner, and if it’s your first digital camera then this one is fine. Not too complex, but easy enough to learn the necessary bits and pieces to get some great shots. Remote control could be better, but you’re not going to be using that often anyway.

  • JR says:

    For me the remote is what has perked my interests, but am a bit concerned with the one posted comment… I have always hated the shutter button when using a Tri-pod, my hands are not steady on the best of days… This camera looks a bit small… Wondering except for the 15x Carl Zeiss lens could it have been packaged in a shirt pocket form?

    But the remote had my attention believing i would use it most of the time…

    JR

  • Patia says:

    Hi JR. I wrote the review. I’m not sure what the previous commenter meant by saying the remote control could be better. I’ve never used any other remotes, so I can’t really compare it to anything, but I thought it worked pretty well. It did need to be pointing at the camera fairly directly. I don’t think it worked well from behind the camera, if that’s what your intent is. Best of luck to you.

  • I would like to know from the reviewers if this would be an easy camera for a beginner. I like the easy to grip shape as opposed to the little square flat point and shoots .Also I have confidence in most of the reviews in general that I’ve read. I need something that takes good close up detailed macro shots of jewelry. I returned a Canon I recently bought as it was too complicated for my needs. So I don’t want to make another mistake. I’d be ever so thankful for any advice regarding this camera or any other in the $220.00 price range knowing my needs…simple to operate and good macro shots.. Thanks so much! ” )

  • Patia says:

    Hi Carol. I think this may be more camera than you need, but I do think it would work well for you, especially if you set it to “Easy” mode. It should take good macro shots of your jewelry, and the tilt LCD might also come in handy.

  • Alberto says:

    Hi,
    I would like to know the differences between this camera (H50) to the Nikon D40.
    Thanks

  • Dyanne says:

    Hi my husband is a musican and I take all the band pictures for them at the shows. I was wondering if this camera would be good for that kind of work. The sony DSC W170 is what I’m using now and it does not do a good job at all. My old DSC V1 took better pictures.

  • karl says:

    my dad is about to buy me this camera and im so excited about it. i was wondering if my excitement would pay off. i am more of a landscape, macro and sports shooting photographs person and not so into portraits. would this camera fill my needs?

  • Nima says:

    Its perfect, 15x optical zoom get too little noise and super HAD CCD makes live color and sharp details, I’m glad about it.

  • Photo-John says:

    Thanks for commenting, Nima. Please write a review for your camera on the Sony H50 user review page.

    Sony Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 User Reviews >>

    Thanks in advance for your review!

  • Jan-1987 says:

    I own this DSC-H50 almost a year now. I have a question, when I first bought it, I can download music into it just fine. But today, I formatted the music tool because I wanted to download the new songs but it didn’t work, I can’t download music into my camera. Is there something wrong with it? Pls help! [My English is so poor, sorry!]

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