Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
I’ve seen/heard several reports of people receiving their pre-ordered Canon 50D from a variety of vendors – both brick & mortar and online. Word is that Best Buy will also be selling them in stores this weekend.
Here’s the rundown of trusted online retailers for the 50D (note – some are still showing “pre-order” but expect this to change in the next day or three for all kits):
Canon 50D (w/ 28-135mm kit lens)
Canon 50D (w/ 28-135mm kit lens)
PhotographyBLOG has posted a review of the new Canon 50D.
Considered on its own terms, the EOS 50D is a more than worthy addition to Canon’s semi-pro DSLR line-up. It boasts a significant number of refinements to a proven design that current EOS users will welcome, whilst adding enough features to catch-up with and in some ways surpass the Nikon D300.
For the latest news and reviews, check out Photography Bay’s Canon 50D Reviews and Resources.
Digital Camera Info has posted their first impressions of the new Canon 50D.
Our initial impressions of the 50D are positive; it looks to be a solid upgrade to a good camera, adding extra resolution.
For the latest news and reviews, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 50D Reviews and Resources.
An industrious forum poster over at DVX User dreamed up a little DIY project that will make you go “hmm”.
Depending on the capabilities of the Canon 50D HDMI output, this may or may not be possible; however, here’s his thoughts on the above mockup:
I imagine a Zeiss Planar glass (cause I know it locks at infinite focus)
mounted on a railsystem
with followfocus attached to the lens
a little mount adapter screws it to the
50d
the short hdmi cable goes to the portable hdmi recorder (haven’t looked into those products yet) also attached to rails
This guy thinks we might be able to use the increased resolution of the Canon 50D along with the HDMI output to do some fancy HD video. (Sample video after the jump.) [Read more…]
Acclaimed wildlife photographer Brutus Östling shoots on location with the Canon EOS 50D.
Update: And another video showing off some of the menus and features – including face detection screenshots:
[Thanks Stuart]
As expected, Canon has announced the EOS 50D with all the specifications previously reported here on Photography Bay as leaked info. Again, the headline features are as follows:
You can pre-order the Canon 50D now from Amazon.com via the following links:
Read the full press release below. For more info, news and coming reviews of the Canon 50D, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 50D page. [Read more…]
UPDATE: The Canon 50D has been announced on August 26, 2008. Please see Photography Bay’s Canon 50D Reviews and Resources page and Canon 50D Official Announcement page for more.
You can pre-order the Canon 50D now from Amazon.com via the following links:
The Canon 50D has been revealed with an EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens option. The image to the left is an official image from Canon, which appeared on this page [Update: Now password protected] from Canon Japan a third party site.
[Update: As some readers have pointed out, the location of the Canon 50D page is not on an official Canon site, nor is it Japanese – the language is Chinese. It looks like it could be a developer for Canon. I am also of the opinion that this page is related to the leak on the official Canon.com.cn site a couple days ago. I think we will see an announcement on Aug. 25th or 26th to confirm the leaks/rumors.]
Below you will find more official images of the Canon 50D. And, for those of you concerned about excessive noise in a 15.1 megapixel sensor, there’s an ISO 1600 sample image below as well.
For more info regarding the specifications and announcement news (when it comes) stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 50D page.
UPDATE: The Canon 50D has been announced on August 26, 2008. Please see Photography Bay’s Canon 50D Reviews and Resources page and Canon 50D Official Announcement page for more.
You can pre-order the Canon 50D now from Amazon.com via the following links:
Canon’s China website has published specifications for the 50D in its public webspace. Although the info is not on the front page of the site yet, it is accessible to anyone. Here is the link (update: it’s down, but this one is still live for the moment 11:51p.m. ET).
We keep check for availability; however, there is no listing on Amazon.com search results or any other vendor yet.
I’ve set forth the relevant translated specs and info below. Please note that the original specs listed here listed in-body IS as a feature. The translation was wrong and the feature has been removed from the spec list below. The specs referenced the advantages and compatibility with lens-based IS instead.
Camera Type: Has a built-in flash AF / automatic exposure single-lens reflex digital cameras
Media Type: I or Type II CF card, UDMA compatible
Image Sensor Size: 22.3×14.9 mm
Compatible Lenses: Canon EF-series (including EF-S series lenses) (35 mm converted the focal length of the lens focal length is about 1.6 times)
Lens mount: Canon EF mount
Type: CMOS Image Sensor
Effective Pixels: Approx.15.1 million pixels
Aspect ratio: 3:2
Dust removal function: Auto, Manual, add the dust data
Recording format: Camera File System Design Rule 2.0
?Design rule for Camera File System 2.0? (Design rule for Camera File System 2.0)
Image types: JPEG, RAW (14 place Canon original); RAW + JPEG
Records of pixels: (4752 x 3168? Large: about 15.1 million pixels (4752 x 3168)
Medium: about 8 million pixels (3456 x 2304)
Small: about 3.7 million pixels (2352 x 1568)
RAW: about 15.1 million pixels (4752 x 3168)
sRAW1: about 7.1 million pixels (3267 x 2178)
sRAW2: about 3.8 million pixels (2376 x 1584)
Create / select: Folder Yes
Photo style: Standard, portrait, landscape, neutral, reliable setup, monochrome, User-defined 1-3
White Balance: Auto, the default (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Lamp, White fluorescent light, flash), user-defined, Color temperature settings (2500-10000 K)
Noise Reduction: Can be applied to long time exposure and high ISO sensitivity shooting
Automatic image brightness correction: Automatic brightness optimization
High-priority tone: Yes
The amount of light surrounding the lens correction: Yes
Type: Eye-level pentaprism
Rate outlook: Vertical / horizontal direction about 95 percent
Magnification: About 0.95 times (-1 m-1, using 50 mm lens on the infinite distance AF)
Focus: About 22 mm (eyepiece lens from the central -1 m-1)
Built-in diopter adjustment: -3.0 – +1.0 M-1 (dpt)
Focusing Screen: Ef-A equipped with the standard screen, and can replace the screen (2 sold separately)
Mirrors: Express back –
Depth of Field Preview: Yes
Type: TTL auxiliary video coincidence, the phase detection
Automatic focus points: 9 (all cross-)
Metering range: EV -0.5 – 18 (23 ° C/73 ° F, ISO 100)
Focus modes: Single AF, AI Servo AF, Artificial Intelligence AF, manual focus (MF)
AF-assist light: By the built-in flash for a short flash
AF fine-tuning: AF can be fine-tuning
Metering Mode: 35 Zone TTL full-aperture metering
Metering range: EV 1-20 (23 ° C/73 ° F, the use of EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control: Programmed auto exposure (automatic, portrait, landscape, Macro, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash off, creativity automatic, procedures), shutter priority automatic exposure, aperture priority auto exposure, depth of field priority auto exposure, manual exposure
ISO Sensitivity: (Recommended exposure index)
Exposure compensation: Manual and automatic exposure bracketing (with manual exposure compensation can be used in combination) – Can be set numerical: ± 2 Stage 1 / 3 or 1 / 2 units to adjust
Auto exposure lock Auto: evaluation of the use of metering single AF mode – Manual: auto exposure lock button
Type: Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1 / 8000 second to 1 / 60 seconds (automatic mode), flash synchronization speed of 1 / 250 second 1 / 8000 to 30 seconds, B Mun (the shutter speed range. With the availability of various shooting modes. )
Built-in flash: Recoverable, auto-flash
Flash: 13/43 (ISO 100, to m / ft unit) flash coverage: 17 mm camera angle. Recycle time of about three seconds
External flash: X series of flash (camera can set up some flash function)
Flash Metering: E-TTL II automatic flash
Flash Exposure Compensation: ± 2 Stage 1 / 3 or 1 / 2 units to adjust
Flash Exposure lock: Yes
PC terminal: Yes
Types: Single-shoot, high-speed shot, low shot funny (10 seconds or two seconds delay)
Continuous speed High-speed: Approx. 6.3 / sec. max
Low: the most about 3 / sec.
Continuous maximum number of (High-Speed Continuous):
* Based on these values to use 2 GB of memory cards, Canon testing standards (ISO 100 photos and standard style).
*Value in brackets apply to the testing standards based on Canon’s Ultra DMA (UDMA) 2GB memory card.
Focus: Fast mode (testing phase)
Real-time mode, real-time facial priority mode (contrast detection)
Manual focus (can be enlarged five times / 10 times)
Metering Mode: The use of image sensors to evaluate Spot
Metering range: EV 0 – 20 (23 ° C/73 ° F, the use of EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Mute shooting: Yes
Type: TFT color liquid crystal display (there are seven brightness adjustment)
Monitor size and resolution: 3 inches, about 920,000 points (VGA)
Coverage: About 100%
Language: Interface 25 (with English)
Image display format: Leaflets, pamphlets + information (image quality records, the shooting information, the histogram), four images index, nine image index, rotating images
Zoom: About 1.5 times – 10 times
View images method: Leaflets images, 10 or 100 images, screen, the date, Folder as a unit Jump
High-warning: Excessive exposure of the regional high-flicker
Compatible printer: PictBridge-compatible printers
Print Image: JPEG and RAW image
Print command: DPOF1.1 compatible version
25 Custom Functions
Camera user settings In the mode dial position of the C1 and C2 registered
Registration menu: Yes
Digital Video: For computer communications and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB)
Video output terminal: 3.5 mm mini-jack (optional NTSC / PAL)
HDMI mini OUT: terminal C –
Remote Terminal: And N3-compatible line of the shutter
Docking Systems terminal: WFT-E3 Used to connect wireless file transfer for WFT-E3
Battery: Battery BP-511A (1)
* AC adapter can be packaged using the AC ACK-E2
* Installation of the battery box and handle BG-E2N or BG-E2, you can use on the 5th (AA/LR6) battery
Battery capacity shooting (Based on CIPA testing standards): 50 percent of the normal use of flash photography: 23 ° C/73 ° F at about 640. 0 ° C/32 ° F at about 540. 50% of the use of flash photography of real-time display: 23 ° C/73 ° F at about 170. 0 ° C/32 ° F at about 130.
Size (Width x x high-thick): 145.5×107.8×73.5 mm / 5.7 x4.2×2.9 inches
Weight: About 730 grams / 25.7 ounces (body only)
Temperature range: 0 ° C-40 ° C/32 ° F-104 ° F
Working humidity range: 85 percent or less
Type: Rechargeable lithium batteries
Rated voltage: 7.4 V DC
Battery capacity: 1390 mA
Size (Width x x high-thick): 38x21x55 mm / 1.5 x0.8×2.2 inches
Weight: About 82 grams / 2.9 ounces
Battery Charger: CB-5L
With battery BP-511A, BP-514, BP-511 or BP-512
The length of the power cord: About 1.8 m / 5.9 ft.
Charging time: About 100 minutes
Input Voltage: 100-240 V AC
Output voltage: 8.4 V DC
Temperature range: 0 ° C-40 ° C/32 ° F-104 ° F
Working humidity range: 85 percent or less
Size (Width x x high-thick): 91x67x32.3 mm / 3.6 x2.6×1.3 inches
Weight About 105 grams / 3.7 ounces (not including the power cord)
More info is coming in and I’m still working on verifying the translations of the above specs, so stay tuned to PB’s home page and the Canon 50D page.
We are still very much in “rumor” mode with regard to the Canon 50D; however, another DPR forum member claims to have solid second-hand info. [Ed. – Name redacted by request], a photographer for the [Ed. – Organization redacted by request] and fervent Canon 1D Mark III user, says that his dealer has tipped him off to the existence and coming release of the Canon 50D.
[Ed. – Name redacted by request] stuck his name and reputation out on the line and defended his take on the info and his source in several follow up posts, which is why it carries a little more weight with me than the usual banter you see in some forum posts. Of course, we’ll just have to wait and see if the info turns out to be legit, but it seems to confirm a trend anyway.
On to the details…
The dealer was apparently at a Canon event in Hawaii, to which event I’ve been seeing many references lately. Purportedly, the Canon 50D will be released in the coming days prior to Photokina 2008.
This bit of info pegs the Canon 50D at 15 megapixels, instead of the previously rumored 12 megapixels. Additionally, the “dealer” confirmed the 50D would be weather sealed, which is quasi-consistent with prior rumors.
Finally, the dealer also said “he couldn’t remember if it was 5-6fps like 40D or maybe as high as 8fps.” While this seems like an odd fact to mix up, the prior rumors had stated the specs were 6-8fps, depending on the grip. I think this makes the spec a little easier to jumble up. So again, another point for consistency here. [via DPR]
While I remain quite skeptical over a 40D replacement coming along while it is just a year old, the rumors are mounting and, as they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire (either that or a steaming turd). Stay tuned.
For the latest news and rumors on the Canon 50D, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 50D page.
The Canon 50D was confirmed as of August 21, 2008 and was officially announced on August 26, 2008. Read the full Canon press release here. The Canon 50D carries a retail price of $1399.99 for body only and $1599.00 with the EF 28-135mm kit lens.
You can order the Canon 50D now from Amazon.com via the following links:
Canon 50D (w/ 28-135mm kit lens)
The Canon 50D is pictured top left with the simultaneously announced EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, which carries a retail price of $699.99 USD.
Read Photography Bay’s Canon 50D Review.
The camera offers a lot of functionality for photo enthusiasts and professionals, yet still has a small handful of scene modes and Creative Auto mode which appeal to users who want to enter and test the waters of the digital SLR world (if they’re daring enough to start out with this camera).
The Canon EOS 50D performs very well and deserves an excellent rating among DSLR cameras. Image quality is certainly good with low-noise, good color accuracy and reliable exposure.
Overall, the 50D is an excellent photographic tool that’s flexible and delivers very good image quality.
The Canon 50D is a great mid range camera. Not quite a professional level camera in that it’s not using a “full frame” sensor but by no means “entry level” This camera will produce great results for you.
The combination of speed and performance makes this the perfect camera for the enthusiast or anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level dSLR.
The ultimate test of a camera for me is whether I’d want to own it, and I’d want to own the EOS 50D.
If you are serious about your photography in general and can afford the higher price, the Canon EOS 50D is my recommendation over the XSi.
The 50D continues to prove that Canon has one of the fastest (if not the fastest) AF systems, extremely high-resolution CMOS sensors with very impressive high ISO performance, and now offers (for some users, at least) a functional live view system.
So while the 40D is great, and will remain in the market, the Canon 50D incorporates plenty of enhancements worth the couple-hundred extra bucks. The Canon 50D is an excellent digital SLR.
It is an all-round DSLR camera for the enhanced hobby photographer who can deal with any branch of photography with this camera.
Below ISO 1600 image output is clean with well balanced contrast and colors and as you would expect from a DSLR with a 15 megapixel sensor the 50D delivers a fair amount of detail.
The 50D is a solid performer, but didn’t outshine the alternatives. If you’re already a Canon user, possibly moving from entry- to mid-level SLRs, and with a lens or two already in your hands, then it could be a good choice for you.
The Canon EOS 50D is a worthy update to the already excellent EOS 40D, equipping it not just with the latest features, but also a significant boost in resolution without compromising noise levels.
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 color in the new LCD screen it will be very difficult to go back to the 40D and to other comparable models in its class.
Interestingly, low-light performance was generally outstanding, with no visible noise in shots right up to ISO 1600 and very little noise at ISO 3200. By ISO 6400, noise was visible – although not obvious.
The extra resolution, and the addition of three anti-reflective coatings makes a huge difference to clarity and visibility in both bright and poor light. Arguably, the EOS 50D is the first Canon DSLR that really shows sharp images as properly sharp on the LCD, which makes checking critical focus in playback much easier than it was in the past.
Considered on its own terms, the EOS 50D is a more than worthy addition to Canon’s semi-pro DSLR line-up. It boasts a significant number of refinements to a proven design that current EOS users will welcome, whilst adding enough features to catch-up with and in some ways surpass the Nikon D300.
It is overall a nice camera and I don’t think most poeple would be disappointed with getting the 50D. However, the only caveat is that, do not expect the 50D to show any real imrpovement in high ISO performance comapred to the 40D and the competition.
One of the most striking differences is the provision of a greatly improved LCD. The size remains unchanged at 3.0″ but the resolution rises from 230,000 dots to 920,000. This is effectively a change from 320 x 240 RGB pixels to 640 x 480 RGB pixels, putting it on a par with the latest high-end Nikons and Sony A700.