The Sony DSC-H50 Cybershot camera has generated significant interest in the photographic community for a number of reasons. First, there is the ever-present hope that this new model may move us closer to that "gold standard" camera of our imagination, the point-and-shoot camera that rivals DSLR performance in terms of picture quality, containing a single lens that spans all the way from a true wide-angle to high telephoto range, with good overall performance, customizable features, and low weight. Then, there is the large, bright, and articulated screen that so many photographers desire, yet is strikingly absent from most recent models. And, of course, there is the interest always garnered in the technology upgrades that new models typically possess, such as support for ever-larger memory cards, more sophisticated processor algorithms, and improved photographic features that help make everyday photo-taking easier and more successful.
After owning this camera for a few days, I can report that from the usability standpoint, the DSC-H50 is a gem. The camera is lightweight, easy to hold, and has a comfortable grip. Sony’s implementation of a bright, clear, articulating 3-inch LCD screen makes the camera particularly easy to use, and only a short time using the camera is required to find that the camera’s shape "works." Controls are laid out in clear, easy to understand manner, and users of previous Cybershot models will recognize the trademark Sony approach to controls on point and shoot cameras. A new, self-explanatory menu system explains each menu option, and the system is mastered in short time. The camera feels solid and well-built in spite of its light 15-oz. weight. Beyond the normal rotary knob that places the camera in its various modes, a number of dedicated buttons control image playback, burst mode, slideshow mode, and "night shot" mode.
Picture quality also appears to be generally good. The DSC-H50 may be of interest to more demanding photographers who are looking for a secondary camera when not wishing to lug around a full set of lenses and a DSLR, albeit with a necessary amount of post processing to remove sensor noise and the chromatic aberration that appears in some shots. Macro performance is excellent, and the "Steady Shot" technology appears to work well. It is important to remember that this camera, though having a full 15x telephoto lens, is not a "true" wide-angle lens, with the wide end only reaching 31mm. Nevertheless, this is wider than most point and shoot cameras, with only a very few select models reaching the 28mm width so usefulfor landscape and close-up group shots. The DSC-H50 is a coated Zeiss Vario-Tessar, and seems well suited to take high-quality shots, as long as one understands the limitations of the unit.
The camera is designed to make general point and shoot photography very easy, and the camera certainly meets those goals. There is automatic scene detection, face detection, ISO detection, and many other features that will appeal to the typical home user. When shooting in automatic mode, the camera produces good quality images that will satisfy the average user. From my preliminary results, it looks as though the DSC-H50 will make happy a large number of users who are looking for this type of a camera.
There are also a few other unusual "plusses" for this camera. First, the camera comes standard with a wireless remote control, which is almost unheard of. And the remote control is not a simple shutter release control: you can do almost anything you can do by holding the camera, including using the menus, with this remote. Next, the camera comes standard with a lens adapter, which in the past has been a$30 or$40 accessory necessary if you wish to use add-on lenses. Further, both a wide-angle and an additional telephoto lens are available for the camera. And last, but certainly not least, Sony has finally adopted a small and lightweight battery charger that does not use the cable-and-brick approach, but rather, plugs directly into a wall socket. All of these are welcome additions to the camera.
PROS
Very good optical lens range, from somewhat-wide(31mm) to 15x zoom(465mm)
Generally good image quality
Excellent macro performance
Effective image stabilization
Outstanding, pivoting 3" LCD screen
Feels solid and well-built
Lightweight
Good ergonomics
Full set of customizable photographic settings
Extrememly bright flash(strongest I’ve seen on a point-and-shoot)
Intuitive, redesigned user interface/menu system with descriptions
Can use up to 16Gb Memory Stick Duo
Very easy to use, even for novice users
Comes with remote control and other accessories
Both super zoom lens and wide-angle lens are available accessories
CONS
Not quite wide-enough short end(only 31mm, not 28mm)
Small sensor makes noise both inevitable and present, even at low ISO levels(noise reduction can be adjusted in-camera)
Chromatic aberration/purple fringing under certain conditions
No true HD video(compare Panasonic DMC-TZ5)
No RAW mode(but commonly missing now in "bridge" cameras)
Camera carrying case not included
Can turn camera on with lens cap in place, allowing lens to push into lens cap; lens cap also pops off occasioanlly
Main issue:
What really bothers me about this camera is that Sony made the accompanying ring/hood in a non-standard size(74mm). The newer flared end design of the filter ring is an improvement over the old ring, since it means no lens vignetting at wider angles, but it seriously irritates me that Sony couldn’t have made the opening to fit a standard 72mm filter. This means that the reasonably priced Hoya or Tiffen filters will not fit, and that you must buy the costly Sony brand if you want a filter on your camera. I tried the inferior quality 74mm Opteka filters(apparently hastily made just for Sony), and the polarizer came apart while I was cleaning it to put on the camera. Faced with the prospect of buying pricey, odd-sized Sony filters for a point and shoot camera, especially when indications are they may not fit future models, I managed to find a off-brand 74-72mm step down ring(made by Bower for Sony products), which is supposed to fit the Hoya filters I just ordered . The$120(6000 INR) Sony telephoto extension I bought for my DSC-H2 camera a year and a half ago is completely useless for the DSC-H50, which is a further irritation.
In spie of some minor issues this lightweight camera with loads of features, generally good picture quality, and aggressive pricing makes the DSC-H50 appear to have hit all the major marks quite well, particularly for the average user who wants to shoot decent pictures with little effort.