Canon SLR Digital Cameras : Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Cameras Review

Executive Summary about : Canon SLR Digital Cameras By Alexandra Savvides

Canon Slr Digital Cameras

The jump from the Canon 20D to 30D was similar to this transition from 40D to 50D, with most of the changes made internally. This time, though, those internal changes are more significant, helping the Canon 50D better compete against the current crop of 12 to 14-megapixel digital SLRs, including Canon’s own consumer model, the 12.1-megapixel Rebel XSi (450D).

Canon EOS 50D Basic Features

• 15.1-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor with gapless microlenses
• 6.3 frames per second
• 3.0-inch LCD with 920,000 pixels
• Top Status LCD
• ISO range from 100 to 12,800
• Shutter speeds 30 seconds to 1/8,000
• Compact Flash Type I and II UDMA slots
• Lithium-ion battery
• 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches (146 x 108 x 74mm)
• 1.81 pounds (822g) with battery and card, but no lens

Design

If you’re familiar with the layout and design of the 40D, as well as the rest of Canon’s EOS family, the 50D will come as no surprise. It’s also marginally lighter. Like an annoying younger sibling that insists on mimicking everything that its older brother does, it’s still a hefty unit, weighing in at 730 grams without lens or battery. The camera fits comfortably in your hand thanks to the streamlined grip on the right-hand side, and all buttons and switches are within easy reach. There’s now also a mini-HDMI output on the right side of the camera, as well as the standard USB connectors, covered with two tough plastic flaps.

Features

One of the most significant changes you’ll notice from the 40D, at least on first inspection, is the LCD screen. It’s a vast improvement on its predecessor, upped from 230,000 to 920,000 pixels. Creative Auto mode is a new addition to the 50D, and essentially acts as a slightly more advanced automatic mode. Automatic focusing is now much easier to use, and face detection is another notable inclusion, working effectively even in low light conditions.

Curiously, Live View is now only available in manual exposure modes, not in automatic or any of the preset function modes (portrait, macro etc) - something which seems odd given that it’s a feature that will appeal to those upgrading from a point and shoot, expecting a similar configuration in automatic modes on a new DSLR.

There’s now the added option to capture RAW images at lower resolutions, in sRAW1 and sRAW2 mode. We can see advantages and disadvantages on both sides here - it’s nice to have the option of shooting at a lower resolution for RAW, but unless you have limited space on your memory card and need to shoot smaller images, it’s just as easy to reduce the resolution in post-processing.

If you are expecting the latest and greatest in DSLR features on the 50D, there’s one whiz-bang option that is notably absent - video recording. The next camera in Canon’s line-up that will feature high-definition video recording is the 5D Mark II, a professional model with a price tag to match.

Performance and Image Quality

The Digic 4 processor definitely produces cleaner images than the Digic 3, and the 15.1-megapixel sensor is a considerable boost in resolution from the 40D’s 10.1 version.

Writing to standard, rather than faster-rated Compact Flash cards, is also quick enough for standard users. However, wildlife and sports photographers should consider investing in a faster card for maximum performance.

As usual with Canon, and just as in the 40D, colours are rendered beautifully - if a little oversaturated at times.

Conclusion

Though the 50D isn’t the successor to the 40D, it offers numerous improvements that may be worth the upgrade - or the outright new purchase - depending on your priorities. After having experienced the quality and depth of colour in the new LCD screen it will be very difficult to go back to the 40D and to other comparable models in its class. If you do a lot of on-camera reviewing and value an improved screen, consider the 50D.

• Good: Excellent picture quality | 15.1 megapixels | Gorgeous new LCD screen | HDMI output
• Bad: No Live View in Automatic modes | Creative Auto mode seems out of place

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