Go To Latest Video ReviewsCanon Announces EOS 50D, New Compacts
| Author | Cliff Smith |
| Published | 26th Aug 2008 |
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TrustedReviews NewslettersAs the run-up to next month’s Photokina camera show continues, Canon has announced some of the new additions to its camera range.
EOS 50D
The big news is the announcement of the EOS 50D, which takes over from the EOS 40D as Canon's top "pro-sumer" model.
The 50D is an impressive-looking camera with a specification to match. The body is magnesium alloy, and like Canon's other high-end models it is environmentally sealed for protection against rain and dust. It features a newly-designed 15.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with redesigned photo diodes and microlenses, which extend the light gathering capabilities of the sensor and allow more pixels to be fitted on the CMOS sensor without compromising image quality. These changes should improve high ISO performance and low noise. Maximum sensitivity is ISO 3200, expandable to an ultra-sensitive 12800.
The camera is equipped with the high speed DIGIC 4 processor, which makes it extremely fast. It can shoot continuously at 6.3 frames per second, with a maximum burst of 90 frames in JPEG mode.
Other features include a 3.0-inch VGA monitor (307,200 dots) with a wide angle of view, and optional Live View. Judging from the press release, it sounds like the 50D still has contrast detection AF in Live View mode, like the 450D, but does include face detection AF. In normal shooting mode the 50D has a wide-area AF system with nine cross-type sensors for increased speed, accuracy and low-light performance. The camera also has an HDMI socket for connection to a HD TV. Like other EOS models the 50D has a self-cleaning sensor with a new fluorine coating for increased dust repulsion.
The EOS 50D will be available from the end of September at a body-only price of £1199.99, or for £1499.99 in a kit with an EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. I bet Riyad has already ordered one.
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Cliff Smith said on 26th August 2008
Lumerist said on 26th August 2008
Looks as if the A720 replacement has lost its optical viewfinder. Shame!
Also, I had not realised that this was also an English Language SATS! Stick with it, Cliff! We can t... more
ralph said on 27th August 2008
The A2000 got rid of the 2 features that made the A720 such an appealing camera: the manual controls and the optical view finder.
It does not even include wide angle lens! ... more
Dave Deacon said on 5th September 2008
This is just basically a copy of the Pentax K20D/Samsung GX20 but at twice the price... However, the 50D lacks the internal IS and proper weather seals (ie K20D/GX20 can actually b... more
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Put it down to old age and decrepitude. I think I need to format my brain and re-install the OS.