Canon EOS 50D reviews – 15 megapixel digital SLR camera

Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 7:09
Digital Camera
216 views
View Comments

The Canon EOS 50D is very similar to its sibling Canon EOS 40D. There isn’t much difference between the except the price difference of $300. The EOS 50D is priced at $1200 as body only and $1600 along with EF 18mm-200mm, f/3.5-to-5.6 IS USM lens. For a price difference of $300, you get 5-megapixel extra, improved image processor and less feature tweaks.

The 50D is a 15.1-megapixel camera that places it among the highest megapixel digital SLR camera. However, its predecessor 40D is a 10.1-megapixel camera. Both the cameras have the sensors of same size.

In spite of the difference of 5-megapixels, the 50D provides performance similar to the 40D. Both the cameras capture images with limited noise up to ISO 1600 setting. However, both the camera shows significant noise at ISO 3200. The 50D is capable of ISO ranging from 100 to 12800 whereas the 40D tops out at ISO 3200. Higher ISO capability of 50D means that you can take images in dim light environment, but the images will definitely show noticeable color noise.

When it comes to design, the 50D looks exactly similar 40D with few design tweaks. The 50D is the first digital SLR camera to support face-detection mode in Live View shooting as well as viewfinder. It also provides the auto focus feature. The 3-inch VGA LCD screen of 50D offers a higher resolution than the LCD of 40D. The increase in the resolution allows you to have better preview of your images. Moreover, the 50D uses the nine-point cross-type sensor for autofocus, which was also featured on the 40D.

The Live View is easier to use on the 50D as it has a dedicated button for Live View which was not present in the 40D. Moreover, the Live View feature supports phase as well as contrast detection. This two way approach has made it easier to use the Live View.

The 50D user interface is similar to other models in the Canon’s lineup except few graphical changes. The menus look similar so that they remain similar to other Canon models. So, it is easier for those who have used the other Canon models.