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Canon EOS 50D Official: 15-Megapixel Prosumer DSLR Is First With Digic 4 Processor
Posted by Matt Buchanan at 2:01 PM on August 26, 2008
Canon's EOS 50D probably isn't the DSLR you were praying they would unveil at Photokina, but it does fill a gaping hole in their lineup between the low-end prosumer 40D and semi-pro 5D. The 15-megapixel shooter is their first DSLR with the Digic 4 processor, which has a few new light-oriented tricks up its sleeve, like lens peripheral illumination correction--it corrects for light fall-off at the edges of the lens--and it can more automagically brighten things, like pretty faces (and ugly ones, if you really want it to). Since you can crank the ISO speed up to 12,800--Canon's highest yet--presumably its noise-reduction capabilities are formidable, especially since Nikon has succeeded in making noise the new battleground in prosumer and higher level DSLRs.
Other basic specs:
•14-bit conversion rate
•6.3FPS bursts (up to 90 JPEG with UDMA CF card or 60 w/ a standard one, 16 RAW)
•three-inch, 920,000 dot screen w/ 160-degree viewing angle
•nine cross-type focus points like 40D
•HDMI
•same cleaning system as 40D but with fluoride coating for better dust resistance
•100,000 cycle shutter
New features:
•Live View gets a dedicated button, not buried in 700 menus deep anymore
•auto-focus micro-adjustment, which saves focus optimisations for lenses--a trickle down from pro cameras
•creative auto mode, a pretty consumer-y feature that dumbs down picture style settings and exposure compensation into plain English using a sliding scale (i.e., a wider aperture with a shallower depth-of-field with would be called "blurrier background," you get the idea)
Body only will go for US$1399. And yes, they've got a new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (as rumoured), which will be $699. They both drop in October. [Canon]
CANON U.S.A. STIMULATES THE CREATIVITY OF EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EOS 50D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
Canon's New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 - With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon's professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.
Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model - which will remain in Canon's line - with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.
"Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Improved Image Quality
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera's DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings - H1 and H2 - of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and colour. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings- Standard/Weak/Strong/None - to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.
As part of the camera's internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.
Helping to ensure each picture's subject is clearly visible, Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimise images while they are being taken, but can also optimise images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.
A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera's screen, for better clarity and colour. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognises the needs of today's photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.
The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal centre cross-type AF point that's effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.
Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new "CA" Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera's drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera's LCD screen.Better Live View
For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera's 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include "Quick Mode AF," "Live Mode AF," and "Face Detection Live Mode AF" that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera's Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera's CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.Two Small RAW Formats
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera's flexibility.EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon's DPP software.Pricing and Availability
The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon's built in Optical Image Stabilisation system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn't an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
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shorty6049
Posted 2:11 PM 26/8/08
eh... doesnt really seem all that impressive to me i guess..
shorty6049
rudeadly
Posted 3:05 PM 26/8/08
5d mark2. Just wait for it.
:D
rudeadly
LordieLordie
Posted 3:03 PM 26/8/08
it is already on the Canon website, no price tho..
it is positioned between the 5D and the 40D (??)
Specifications
Type
Type
Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash
Recording Media
CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, via external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A)
Image Sensor Size
22.3mm x 14.9mm
Compatible Lenses
Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses) (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length)
Lens Mount
Canon EF mount
Image Sensor
Type
High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels
Effective pixels: Approx. 15.10 megapixels
Total Pixels
Total pixels: Approx. 15.50 megapixels
Aspect Ratio
3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
Color Filter System
RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter
Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Dust Deletion feature
(1) Automatic sensor cleaning
(2) Manual cleaning of sensor
(3) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image
Recording System
Recording Format
Design rule for Camera File System 2.0
Image Type
JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW, RAW+JPEG
File Size
(1) Large/Fine: Approx. 5.0MB (4752 x 3168 pixels)
(2) Large/Nomal: Approx. 2.5MB (4752 x 3168 pixels)
(3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.0MB (3456 x 2304 pixels)
(4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.6MB (3456 x 2304 pixels)
(5) Small/Fine: Approx. 1.7MB (2352 x 1568 pixels)
(6) Small/Normal: Approx. 0.9MB (2352 x 1568 pixels)
(7) RAW: Approx. 20.2MB (4752 x 3168 pixels)
(8) RAW+Large/Fine: Approx. 20.2+5.0MB (4752 x 3168 pixels)
(9) sRAW 1: Approx. 12.6MB (3267 x 2178 pixels)
(10) sRAW 1+Large/Fine: Approx. 12.6+5.0MB (3267 x 2178 pixels)
(11) sRAW 2: Approx. 9.2MB (2376 x 1584 pixels)
(12) sRAW 2+Large/Fine: Approx. 9.2+5.0MB (2376 x 1584 pixels)
Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc.
Recording Functions
With the WFT-E3A attached, image recording to the CF card and to the USB external media connected to the WFT-E3A will be possible as follows:
(1) Standard
(2) Automatic switching of recording media
(3) Separate recordings according to image-recording quality
(4) Recording images having the same size
Backup Recording
Enabled with WFT-E3A attached
File Numbering
Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset. Possible to create new folders and select folders in the CF card
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording
Provided (sRAW+JPEG also possible)
Color Space
sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style
Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
Image Processing
Type
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
Auto White Balance
Auto white balance with the image sensor
Color Temperature Compensation
White balance correction: ±9 stops in full-stop increments
White balance bracketing: ±3 stops in full-stop increments
Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible
Color Temperature Information Transmission
Provided
Viewfinder
Type
Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage
Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%
Magnification
Approx. 0.95x (-1m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint
Approx. 22mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Built-in Dioptric Adjustment
-3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Focusing Screen
Interchangeable (Ef-D: Grid lines, Ef-S {point of Focus), Ef-A standard focusing screen provided
Mirror
Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses)
Viewfinder Information
AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock, Red-eye reduction light), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information)
Depth-of-Field Preview
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Autofocus
Type
TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points
9 (Cross-type)
Metering Range
EV 0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)
Focusing Modes
Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
AF Point Selection
Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF Point Display
Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
AF-assist Beam
Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash
Effective range: Approx. 13.1 ft./4.0m at center, approx. 11.5 ft./3.5m at periphery
Exposure Control
Metering Modes
35-zone TTL full-aperture metering
Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point)
Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center)
Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder at center)
Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range
EV 1-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control
Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Depth-of-field AE, Creative Auto, Full auto, Programmed image control modes (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, night portrait, flash off), Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed (Recommended Exposure Index)
Automatically set, ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments)
Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically
Extension settable (with C.Fn.I-3-1): ISO 12800
High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200-1600
Exposure Compensation
Manual: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AE Lock
Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual: By AE lock button
Shutter
Type
Vertical-travel, mechanical, Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speeds
1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec.
1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range.
Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release
Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer
10-sec. or 2-sec. delay
Remote Control
Remote control with N3-type terminal
Built-in Flash
Type
Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Flash Metering
E-TTL II autoflash
Guide Number
13/43 (ISO 100, in meters/feet)
Recycling Time
Approx. 3 sec.
Flash-ready Indicator
Flash-ready icon lights in viewfinder
Flash Coverage
17mm lens angle of view
FE Lock
Provided
Flash Exposure Compensation
Up to ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
External Speedlite
Zooming to Match Focal Length
Provided
Compatible Flash
EX-series Speedlites
Flash Metering
E-TTL II autoflash
Flash Exposure Compensation
±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
FE Lock
Provided
External Flash Settings
Flash function settings, Flash C.Fn settings
Drive System
Drive Modes
Single, High-speed continuous, Low-speed continuous, and Self-timer (10 sec. or 2 sec. delay)
Continuous Shooting Speed
High-speed: Max. 6.3 shots/sec.
Low-speed: Max. 3 shots/sec.
Maximum Burst
JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 60 (CF)/approx. 90 (UDMA CF)
RAW: approx. 16
RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 11
Based on Canon's testing standards with a 2GB CF card, high-speed continuous shooting, ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style
Varies depending on the subject, CF card brand, image-recording quality, ISO speed, drive mode, Picture Style, etc.
Live View Functions
Shooting Modes
(1) Live View shooting
(2) Remote Live View shooting (with a personal computer installed with EOS Utility)
Focusing
Manual focus
Autofocus (Live View image interrupted for AF): Quick mode, Live mode, Live Face Detection mode
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering with the image sensor
Metering Range
EV 0-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Magnified View
By 5x or 10x at AF point
Grid Display
Provided
Exposure Simulation
Provided
Silent Shooting
Provided (Mode 1 and 2)
LCD Monitor
Type
TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor Size
3.0 in.
Dots
Approx. 920,000 (VGA)
Coverage
Approx. 100% (viewing angle: approx. 160°)
Brightness Adjustment
7 levels provided
Interface Languages
25
Image Playback
Display Format
Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality/shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image (auto/manual), image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen, by shooting date, by folder), slide show (all images/selected by date/folder)
Highlight Warning
Provided (Overexposed highlights blink)
Image Protection and Erase
Protect
Single images can be erase-protected or not
Erase
Single image, check-marked images or all images in the CF card can be erased (except protected images)
Direct Printing
Compatible Printers
PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images
JPEG images compliant to Design rule for Camera File System (DPOF printing possible) and RAW/sRAW images captured with the EOS 50D
Easy Print feature
Provided
DPOF: Digital Print Order Format
DPOF
Version 1.1 compatible
Direct Image Transfer
Compatible Images
JPEG and RAW images
Only JPEG images can be transferred as wallpaper on the personal computer screen
Customization
Custom Functions
Total 25
Camera User Settings
Register under Mode Dial's C1 and C2 positions
My Menu Registration
Provided
Interface
USB Terminal
For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Video Out Terminal
(1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable
(2) HDMI mini OUT terminal
Extension System Terminal
For connection to WFT-E3A
Power Source
Battery
One Battery Pack BP-511A
AC power can be supplied via optional AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2 (with optional Battery Grip BG-E2N or BG-E2 attached, AA-size batteries can be used)
Number of Shots
Number of shots (approx.)
Temperature Shooting Conditions
No Flash 50% Flash Use
Normal Shooting 73°F/23°C 800 640
32°F/0°C 640 540
Live View Shooting 73°F/23°C 180 170
32°F/0°C 140 130
Battery Check
Auto
Power Saving
Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 min.
Date/Time Battery
One CR2016 lithium-ion battery
Start-up Time
Approx. 0.1 sec. (Based on CIPA testing standards)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Approx. 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in./145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm
Weight
Approx. 25.7 oz./730g (body only)
Operating Environment
Working Temperature Range
32-104°F/0-40°C
Working Humidity Range
85% or less
Note: All the specifications above are based on Canon's testing standards.
The camera's specifications and exterior are subject to change without notice
LordieLordie
Mammoth
Posted 2:57 PM 26/8/08
@monkichi: Lighting too.
Toast to my brand new Elinchrom D-Lite 4 kit.
Mammoth
monkichi
Posted 2:47 PM 26/8/08
As always, bodies come and go (every 18 months), but an L lens is (almost) forever...
Toast to my 10D and L glass.
monkichi
Mammoth
Posted 2:46 PM 26/8/08
I hope the 18-200 is better than my Sigma equivalent.
Mammoth
endless
Posted 3:57 PM 26/8/08
iso 12,800 on a 1.6 crop body with 15 mega pixels?
either the sensor has had some serious optimizing. or digic 4 has had some seriously interesting tweaks.... or its going to make all your photos look like water colors with NR.
a salute to nikon for stopping at 12! death to false MP wars!
endless
Scaramanga
Posted 3:36 PM 26/8/08
Damn, so still has crappy 9-point autofocus. They still have the spot meter only linked to the center point instead of to any of the focusing points.
Scaramanga
Mammoth
Posted 4:19 PM 26/8/08
@endless: At least with higher MP you can crop back down to lower MP and get similar IQ. :P
Mammoth
Weihovah
Posted 4:29 PM 26/8/08
so is the 40D at the end of its life cycle? i was thinking of getting one but i'll hold off and see if the price drops now that the 50D is coming out
Weihovah
LittleJon
Posted 5:01 PM 26/8/08
Interesting, although I'll have to wait to see what the IQ is really like with such a high-res sensor.
DPreview say they should have a full hands-on preview later today.
LittleJon
Scaramanga
Posted 5:56 PM 26/8/08
>>iso 12,800 on a 1.6 crop body with 15 mega pixels?
The 50D uses a 100-3200 ISO sensor, it does 12,800 with High2 extended boost. It'll be close to unusable, which is why the auto-ISO can only be set up beyond 6400. Its more for marketing gimmick then anything else.
Scaramanga
macmovieman
Posted 6:21 PM 26/8/08
I would like to see the picture quality. I owned a 30D and a 40D and to be honest they were night and day for me. The 40D was a far better tool with the same L glass.
macmovieman
bjarnia
Posted 6:06 PM 26/8/08
@endless: Stopping at 12? Riiiight...
bjarnia
Nickbee
Posted 9:03 PM 26/8/08
@macmovieman: Agreed. My 40D takes some solid photos in low light with a decent lens. I currently tend to stick to my Sigma 30mm 1.4 for gigs (as I'm a music photographer), and with the 1.6 crop it's almost perfect at ISO 1600 and not too shabby at 3200
Nickbee
Vivara
Posted 10:04 PM 26/8/08
Canon* grr
Vivara
Vivara
Posted 10:02 PM 26/8/08
@Weihovah: No, the 40D is staying in Canon's line. So the 50D, is considered a one-up (by cannon anyway).
As I see it:
Amateur Line:
1000D
400D
Advanced Amateur Line:
450D
40D
Quarter-Pro:
50D
Semi-Pro:
5D
Pro:
1d MKIII
1ds MKIII
I could be a bit off, anyone else see it like this? Canon, from the sounds of their press release, want it to be 'really' bridging the gap between enthusiast and professional.
Vivara
meropealcyone
Posted 10:18 PM 26/8/08
"Quarter-Pro"
Riiiight.
meropealcyone
thetickler
Posted 10:57 PM 26/8/08
The 5D is the Will Farrell of the bunch. Please release an update for 5D Canon.
I know the specs seem light in comparison to Nikons newest members, but wait till the testing and pics are out.
thetickler
Spoondizzle
Posted 11:23 PM 26/8/08
@Vivara: The XT stayed in Canon's line after the XTi was released as well. if you check the website, they still have the 30D listed. It's typical of Canon, they release a new camera and push the old one slightly down market, if there was a model before that they fire sale it until the stock is gone. Watch for the 40D to be ~$1000 for the kit soon.
Spoondizzle
davekaybsc
Posted 11:08 PM 26/8/08
I'm very curious to see how the IQ stacks up to the D300's.
davekaybsc
Weihovah
Posted 11:59 PM 26/8/08
@Vivara: cool. hopefully the average joe will think more MP in the 50D is better and eat into sales for the 40D
Weihovah
elvindeath
Posted 12:38 AM 27/8/08
This isn't a full-frame sensor is it ?
I really don't see any compelling reason to dump my 5D for this. It's still pretty much the most marvelous landscape and portrait DSLR camera I've ever used; especially when matched with my 24-105 L, 17-40 L and 70-200 L.
elvindeath
jimothy
Posted 12:28 AM 27/8/08
@Weihovah: In this case, Average Joe might actually be right. If Canon's information is to be believed, they've eliminated the gap between microlenses, so even with the increased pixel density, the pixel site size has remained the same.
Though you could argue that they could have eliminated the gap, keep the pixel count the same, and increase the site size, to increase light sensitivity. But, we can expect that noise has at least gotten no worse. Let's wait for the reviews to come out.
I'm holding on to my 40D regardless, but this sounds like a worthy upgrade from what's been told so far.
jimothy
ripfire
Posted 12:56 AM 27/8/08
@elvindeath: This isn't a full-frame sensor is it?
Nope. Doing that will cut into the sales of 5D.
ripfire
gloveofpower
Posted 12:56 AM 27/8/08
Damn you Canon, damn you to hell! When are you going to release the 5D mkII?!?!??!?!! We don't need any more EF-S mount cameras. In fact, you're hereby NOT ALLOWED to even work on more of them until you finish the 5D part deux. NO MORE CAMERAS UNTIL THE 5D mkII!!!! Are you listening?? Earth to Canon! I think everyone has made it abundantly clear what we want. HELLO.
gloveofpower
nikuser
Posted 12:44 AM 27/8/08
Well, that's Canon for you. No imagination, no creativity, no ability to think outside the box. Just copy,copy,copy and then push the numbers. Oh, they have a hi-res LCD? Ok so we'll get one too. They have 12MP, we'll do 15. They have phase-detect live view, we too! Can't they come up with something original?!
nikuser
sdsviet
Posted 3:29 AM 27/8/08
it looks like the live view button replace one of the buttons on the top left side on the back of the camera. is that the print server button?
sdsviet
sdsviet
Posted 3:14 AM 27/8/08
so whats the difference between this and the 40d? the sensor? i dont think this is even a step up for the 40d. the only thing i see that i want is the live view button and that's it.
sdsviet
hobobobo
Posted 3:47 AM 27/8/08
Essentially twice the pixels of a 20D, but the CMOS is smaller. I don't care what noise reduction and microgap optomizations have been done, this is a recipe for a decrease in image quality. When will camera manufacturers get it in their head that "BIG PIXELS, LESS NOISE" could be an industry changing advertising campaign. Look at the Sigma DP1... it's selling like hotcakes despite the fact that it costs more than an entry-level DSLR and it's so slow it's nearly unuseable. I already decided not to buy a new compact until the DP1 sucessor arrives (assuming it's a bit faster). As far as a new DSLR goes, I'll hold on to the ones I've got until I can either pay out for the big dogs (1d mkIII / 1Ds mkIII / 5D), or they get it right and MAKE BIGGER PHOTOSITES, for crying out loud. I remember the happy time when more megapixels meant a bigger sensor. Recent digital photography advances have been extremely disappointing (like "smile detection.") Ugh.
hobobobo
quen
Posted 7:46 AM 27/8/08
Looking at the sample shots, noise appears similar to 40D (maybe slightly worse? or maybe I'm imagining it). However given the resolution increase, that might mean they have technically improved performance in terms of noise per image area. I'm a bit concerned about the in-camera noise reduction; as well as being a worthless gimmick (most people who actually care about quality will shoot raw, so who cares what it can do in-camera) that might indicate noise problems... (I don't know if those samples used the in-camera noise reduction.)
Overall the features that look good to me are the better screen - not a big deal but nice - and the ability to apply AF correction for lenses. Extra megapixels are also fine as long as they've improved the sensor so that the noise is similar (see above). Not enough for me to bother to upgrade though.
Features cameras actually need:
1) Better exposure for highlights - I think Nikon has better exposure metering these days - and accurate display for raw-mode photographers of where you really blew the highlights, not where their shitty JPEG did, on the camera screen.
2) Larger dynamic range. If it could actually use the 14-bit signal to measure more too-bright light then I wouldn't have to worry so much about the above... (40D is already good compared to competition but better, lots better, would be good.)
3) Better noise performance. Again it's already good compared to competition but more is better. Not sure if we're approaching physical limits what with the silly megapixels...
4) Genuine RGB sensors would be nice instead of monochrome sensors with filters (on the other hand, er, rather that than Foveon image 'quality').
Extra megapixels are fine and I wouldn't say no, but what with lens quality at wide aperture, focus accuracy, camerashake, etc. it makes progressively less difference as they keep improving it. Still for those pictures taken in bright sunlight etc it's nice. (Never mind that something significant enough you'd really notice, like a doubling in resolution of the 40D, would require a 40MP sensor...)
quen
TristanMalinkoo
Posted 3:29 PM 26/8/08
This is just messed up , people are already having a hard time selling their 5D body lol Canon really needs to just come out with a medium format 50 megapixel camera to really widen the gap for real Pros, even a 20 megapixel medium format canon would be better than the 1DsMk3 NyxProjects.com
TristanMalinkoo
jimothy
Posted 12:10 AM 28/8/08
@hobobobo: So you don't care what improvements they make, it must necessarily be worse? While we shouldn't take Canon at their word, we also shouldn't deny that technology can and does improve.
As for the Sigma DP1: Never before have I heard that this camera is "selling like hotcakes." I don't have sales figures for it, but using Amazon as a reference, it ranks #5,270 in electronics. The Canon 1Ds Mark III, for comparison, ranks #3,406. The latter is a $7,800 camera, that while very popular among its target market, is an expensive niche camera far from hotcake territory.
jimothy