Yeah. I have one of each I think (small, medium, large, etc.). I also have some knockoffs; the Joby brand is the best (but you pay for it) because they're pretty heavy-duty. I use them more for film projects though...I can strap lights (and strobes, got some Yongnuo's not too long ago), mics, secondary cameras, etc. on them. They're great!
Just make sure you fit within the weight limits. The SLR Zoom supports like 6.5 pounds max...keep that in mind if you have the camera, battery grip, lens, strobe, etc. all mounted up, especially if you're using a long zoom lens that would affect the weight distribution. Your SX50 HS weighs less than 1.4 pounds stock, so it would be rock-solid for you.
I definitely recommend getting a ballhead (or bowl mount) for it to help with adjustments; their Ballhead X is an extra $70, but you can find cheap ones online like this model from Oben: ($13)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687361-REG/Oben_BD_0_BD_0_TABLE_TOP_BALL.html
Joby has an SLR Zoom with ballhead on sale on Amazon for $47:
http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GorillaPod-SLR-Zoom-Flexible-Tripod/dp/B002FGTWOC/
Price goes up depending on what features you want. I would also definitely pick out a quick-release system to begin with. I standardized on heavy-duty Manfrotto quick-releases (I use them with heavy tripods, glidetracks, steadicams, gorillapods, etc.), but for a smaller camera like the SX50, you can get away with a less-expensive unit for sure. Quick releases make it super fast to swap between stabilization hardware, so you can pop it from the Gorillapod to handheld to tripod in seconds instead of having to sit there & unscrew it for ages. Oben seems to be the new budget manufacturer of hardware; they have one here for about half the price of my Manfrotto: ($33 with a quick-release lever & bubble levels, pretty good deal)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822445-REG/Oben_QRA_R2_QRA_R2_Quick_Release_Assembly.html
Manfrotto makes some 3D heads, which makes positioning a lot easier after you've locked the Gorillapod down securely; I have an older version of this model, which works great: (weighs about a pound, which still leaves you with 5.5 pounds on the SLR Zoom flexipod)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...KPAutCEhcUCFWMF7AodHzQAjg&Q=&is=REG&A=details
My system is completely modular - everything has a quick release plate on it. That way, I can strap my camera on top of my 3D head on top of my sliding track on top of my tripod. This is an older picture using an iPhone as the camera (before I upgraded to a standardized quick-release system), but it gives you the idea:
So right now, it's setup like this: (QR = quick release)
1. Tripod + QR
2. 3D head + QR
3. Glidetrack + QR
4. Fluid head + QR
5. iPhone camera mount + QR
So everything is interchangable...I have the QR's on my steadicam, Gorillapods, and other gear as well, so if I want to strap a fluid head or 3D head onto say the SLR zoom, it's just a button-push away. Only thing you have to be aware of is the weight limit of the mounts for whatever you want to do in the future.
Also, make sure you get a sandbag for your tripod. If you have a fully-extended tripod out in the wind, it'll turn into a kite. They sell a 4-pack of cheap sandbags for under $20 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/StudioFX-SANDBAG-SADDLEBAG-DESIGN-WEIGHT/dp/B00CXUT5ZG/
Stabilization tools can add up in price, but once you have the right tools for the job, it goes so much smooth when you're out taking shots. This would be a pretty good starter kit:
1. SLR Zoom + Joby ballhead ($47)
2. Pair of Oben quick-release systems ($33 x 2 = $66, one for the Gorillapod & one for the tripod)
3. 4-pack of sandbags ($17) (might need
some carabiners too, if your tripod doesn't have support arms)
4. Tripod of choice
So $130 plus a decent tripod if you want to make it really easy on yourself with quick releases & whatnot.
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