Sunday, February 8, 2009

Canon EOS 50D - New and Improved Canon EOS 40D

By Matt Ryan

Canon is known for their quality products, vibrant images, and timely release of new products. They have surprised consumers; however, with the early release of the EOS 50D. This new release is a huge improvement on the EOS 40D, which was only released 12 months ago. Even though that model worked nicely, and produced high quality, a few improvements needed to be made.

This type of camera is typically used by intermediate to advanced photographers. While beginners can take advantage of the features and quality of the 50D, it is just a bit too much camera for casual users.

One of the most impressive improvements, on the 50D, is the 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor, alone, greatly increases resolution on all images produced. It also increases the ISO range that can be used. Standard ISO range, on the 50D is 100 to 3,200 but can be expanded all the way up to 12,800.

Some features present in the 50D that were nonexistent in the 40D, are vignette correction, Automatic Lighting Optimizer with three levels, adjustable noise reduction, a Creative Auto mode, a lens micro adjustment function, and face detection autofocus in Live View mode.

The combination of DIGIC 4 processor, 6.3fps continuous shooting, DIGIC 4 processor, and 9-point wide area AF provide consumers with extreme fine details in all of their images. Additionally, overall performance is outstanding on the 50D. Other features include EOS Integrated Cleaning System, HDMI connectivity, and full compatibility with EF, EF-S, and EX-series Speedlites lenses.

The implementation of Canons 3.0" Clear View VGA LCD with Live View mode & Face Detection Live AF provide consumers with realistic experiences. The combination of the LCD features, along with 920,000-dot display, creates an amazingly vibrant view-back. The LCD screen is also protected from scratches, dirt, and fingerprints with clear protective coating.

With measurements of 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9-inches, and weighing in just under two pounds, the EOS 50D fits comfortably in your hands. Buttons, menus, and different functions are easily accessible with its ergonomic design. (The weight will vary based on the lens that you have attached to the camera; weight shown here is with no lens attached.)

The Canon EOS 50D can be purchased for around $1,399. If you are a smart shopper, and good at finding deals, you can easily purchase this model for a couple hundred less than what is shown here. Kits, which include different lenses, are sold for much higher prices. These kits are usually sold to professional photographers, as they need advanced lenses.

Consumers who are familiar with Canon products, especially the 40D, will have no problem adjusting to this new model. The 50D is nearly the same model as the 40D, with a few technological advancements and functionality improvements. The 50D is a great addition to a photographer's collection of cameras. Whether you are taking portfolio or family pictures, you will be impressed with the high quality images this camera produces. - 17943

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